<h4>India's Full Membership in SKAO</h4><p><strong>India</strong> is set to become a <strong>full member</strong> of the <strong>Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)</strong>, marking a significant step in its participation in global cutting-edge radio astronomy.</p><p>This move will integrate <strong>India</strong> into the world's <strong>largest radio telescope project</strong>.</p><h4>Formalizing Membership</h4><p>Becoming a formal member of <strong>SKAO</strong> requires countries to <strong>sign and ratify</strong> the <strong>SKAO convention</strong>.</p><div class='info-box'><p>The <strong>Government of India's approval</strong>, accompanied by a <strong>financial sanction of Rs 1,250 crore</strong>, is the initial step towards this ratification process.</p></div><h4>What is the SKAO?</h4><div class='info-box'><p>The <strong>Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO)</strong> is an <strong>intergovernmental organization</strong>.</p></div><p>Its primary objective is to <strong>build and operate advanced radio telescopes</strong>, pushing the boundaries of astronomical research.</p><div class='info-box'><p>The <strong>global headquarters</strong> of <strong>SKAO</strong> is situated at the <strong>Jodrell Bank Observatory</strong> in the <strong>United Kingdom</strong>.</p></div><div class='exam-tip-box'><p>Understand <strong>SKAO</strong> as a collaborative international project. UPSC often asks about <strong>India's participation</strong> in such global scientific initiatives, linking them to <strong>science diplomacy</strong> and <strong>technological advancement</strong>.</p></div>