What is the expected launch timeline for India's Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) unofficially referred to as "Shukrayaan"?

### Concept & Facts The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) schedules its interplanetary missions based on optimal launch windows, payload readiness, and government approvals. ### Step-by-Step Solution * **Identify the Mission:** The Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) is India's planned mission to study Venus, colloquially called "Shukrayaan-1". * **Track Approvals & Timeline:** Initially planned for earlier in the decade, the mission was delayed due to the pandemic and prioritizing other missions like Gaganyaan and Chandrayaan-3. * **Current Status:** The Government of India formally approved the Venus Orbiter Mission in September 2024, targeting a launch window in **March 2028**. This window is chosen because Earth and Venus align optimally, minimizing the fuel required for the transit. ### Exam Strategy & Shortcut For ISRO missions, always track the most recent Cabinet approvals. The 2028 window for Venus is a widely reported fact in recent current affairs due to the optimal planetary alignment that occurs every 19 months. ### Common Pitfall Students often confuse the original proposed timelines (2023-2025) with the newly approved and official target of 2028. ### Final Answer Therefore, the correct answer is **March 2028**.