The Department of Space (DoS) intervened to halt a recent wave of resignations from flagship ISRO programs. A new internal memorandum was issued on July 14, tightening rules regarding voluntary retirement and departures of scientists working on Gaganyaan and other critical projects.
Although the Department of Space did not disclose the exact number of departing specialists, sources within ISRO told TOI that the number was significant enough to warrant intervention—between 100 and 120 people. One source specified that about 80 people left only from URSC, and at least 20 from VSSC, potentially totaling around 120, excluding those still under evaluation.
Among those who left are key personnel, such as Viktor Joseph, the project director of LVM-3 from VSSC. A source also reported the departure of the SpaDeX project director from URSC and the exit of a very talented young specialist involved in the Chandrayaan-3 mission.
ISRO Chairman V Narayanan acknowledged the departures, stating that the organization is prepared to handle the situation. He noted that staff turnover is part of any structure's life cycle, but the new directive aims not only to retain personnel but also to prevent sudden damage to important projects. He emphasized that if someone leaves, another will take over responsibility, and they are addressing this matter.
Despite the recent departures constituting a small fraction of ISRO's total staff of over 14,600, they occurred in strategically vital centers. URSC had 1,339 employees, while VSSC, ISRO's largest center, had 4,577 people at the end of the last fiscal year. The main concern relates to the loss of personnel from key missions.
An example of such a loss is scientist Aditya Rallapalli of Chandrayaan-3, the mission (simulation) project manager. He led a specialized group that generated nearly 25 terabytes of data from over 100,000 tests, which proved critical for verifying the lunar landing sequence.
The memo reflects this concern by noting a recent surge in requests for voluntary retirement and resignation among scientific and technical personnel of Group 'A', including those associated with prestigious Gaganyaan missions and other important projects, which seriously impacts the implementation of national projects.
The directive also states that requests for resignation and voluntary retirement from scientists linked to Gaganyaan and other vital missions 'may not be accepted as routine matters.' Center directors have been instructed to refrain from accepting such requests until the relevant projects are completed. Instead, all such cases must be forwarded to the DoS along with the director's recommendations for a final decision.
This procedure cancels a key administrative change introduced in 2020. According to the November 25, 2020, memorandum, center directors and ISRO division heads had the authority to accept requests for voluntary retirement and resignation from Group A scientific and technical personnel up to the level of Scientist/Engineer-SG. This power is now effectively revoked for scientists attached to Gaganyaan and other major missions.
Staff attrition is not a new phenomenon for ISRO, nor can it be explained solely by the capabilities of the private space sector. Previously, TOI reported that between 2004 and 2007, almost half of the agency's new employees resigned. Official data also shows that approximately 700 employees resigned between 2012 and 2024. ISRO's annual report for 2025–26 indicates an advanced stage of recruitment for about 1,050 scientific, technical, and administrative positions, while last year's personnel review legalized 466 project positions and created about 460 higher-grade positions. Nevertheless, the latest DoS directive shows that replacing experienced scientists working on national missions is not as simple as filling vacancies.
For those planning to modernize a computer or laptop, DDR5 RAM modules represent one of the most effective upgrades available. Three options on sale on Amazon have been selected, suitable for various needs, to help in choosing the ideal option for the user's setup.
Crucial offers a DDR5 RAM module with 16GB capacity and a frequency of 4800MHz, serving as a robust alternative for laptops. This brand is recognized for its memory and ensures good compatibility with most current laptops, making complex tasks and multi-program usage smoother in daily life.
Regarding desktops, Adata provides an 8GB DDR5 module with a frequency of 5600MHz and CL46 latency. This performance, which is above average for entry-level memory, provides better results in games and applications. For those looking to enter the DDR5 standard while maintaining good performance in more compact builds, this is a good choice.
Another practical option for upgrading laptops is a Crucial SODIMM module that operates at 5600MHz. It has great compatibility, working with both 13th generation Intel Core processors and AMD Ryzen 6000, facilitating hassle-free installation.
It is important to note that RAM promotions on Amazon can change rapidly throughout the day, so it is advisable to secure the chosen item promptly before the stock or offer runs out. Users should click on the product link of their interest to complete the purchase.
If your computer still uses an old hard drive (HDD) or if you want to significantly improve your machine's performance, this is the ideal time to upgrade. Three options for NVMe SSDs available on sale on Amazon have been gathered, representing well-known brands and equipped with PCIe Gen4 and even Gen5 interfaces, capable of revolutionizing the experience in both desktops and laptops.
The Kingston NV3, with a 1TB capacity, uses the PCIe Gen4 interface in the M.2 2280 standard. This model provides a good read and write rate, making it a practical and reliable upgrade. With 1TB, it comfortably supports the operating system, games, and daily files, maintaining Kingston's reputation for durability in the storage sector.
Western Digital presented the WD Green SN3000, with 500GB of storage, using the PCIe Gen4 interface and achieving read speeds of up to 5,000 MB/s. This drive is seen as an advantageous alternative for those seeking performance above average without needing to opt for a top-tier model. Its M.2 2280 form factor ensures easy installation in most modern motherboards.
For users who demand maximum performance, the Crucial P510 operates with the PCIe 5.0 Gen5 interface, reaching read speeds of up to 11,000 MB/s, which is almost double the speed of common Gen4 models. This 1TB SSD is compatible with laptops and desktops and comes with Acronis software to assist with data transfer, making it a robust choice for workstations and high-performance setups.
It is important to note that SSD promotions on Amazon can change quickly, so it is advisable to check availability as soon as possible. Regardless of the model chosen, any of these options will provide a noticeable improvement compared to older storage solutions, benefiting work, gaming, or general daily use.
For those who follow the gaming universe, it is known that a quality mouse significantly impacts performance. Three options for wireless mice aimed at gamers are currently on sale on Amazon, allowing readers to check their specifications and decide which one best suits their equipment.
The Cobra Pro model represents Redragon's proposal for users who want mobility without compromising accuracy. This wireless mouse features stable connectivity, an ergonomic shape designed to support long gaming sessions, and includes RGB lighting, making it a robust option for those seeking good performance at a reasonable price.
The G305 is recognized as one of the most acclaimed wireless mice in the gaming segment. It uses Logitech's LIGHTSPEED technology, ensuring low latency and up to 12,000 DPI precision, in addition to offering six programmable buttons. Its light and compact design appeals to both casual players and those more dedicated to competition.
For those who prioritize maximum adaptability, the Havit MS966SE allows connection through three different methods: via USB cable, Bluetooth, or 2.4GHz wireless. This device has seven buttons, RGB lighting, and an adjustable DPI between 800 and 10,000, making it useful from office tasks to more intense gaming sessions.
It is important to note that promotional stocks on Amazon can change quickly, so it is advisable to check the offers immediately before the prices are changed. Readers are advised to click on the button for each product to confirm updated availability and make the purchase.
