India signs cooperation agreement with Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO).

Why in news?

• India recently inked an interim agreement confirming its commitment to work on the mega science project —  Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO) — proposed to be the world’s largest radio telescope.
• The agreement will be valid for one year.
• The signing of the Cooperation Agreement between India, represented by TIFR – National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA), and SKA, was held virtually.
• This move will facilitate India to make its first monetary contribution towards the construction phase of the SKA, which got underway last year. Though India is a participating country in the setting up of the world’s largest radio telescope, it is yet to get the central government’s approval to become a Member Country.

About SKAO

• SKAO is working towards the establishment of the world’s largest radio telescope.
• SKAO is a new intergovernmental organisation dedicated to radio astronomy and is headquartered in the UK.
• SKA will be built in Australia and South Africa.
• Along with the three host countries, Italy, France, China, Switzerland and Canada are among the countries building SKAO, which is expected to be operational by the end of this decade.