Who is serving as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) from 2018 onward, succeeding A. S. Kiran Kumar?

Introduction / Context:
The Indian Space Research Organisation, commonly known as ISRO, is Indias national space agency and is widely admired for successful missions such as Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan. The Chairman of ISRO is a high profile scientific leader whose appointment frequently appears in current affairs sections of exams. In 2018, a new Chairman took over from A. S. Kiran Kumar. This question asks you to identify that successor.

Given Data / Assumptions:

The position is Chairman of ISRO.
The time frame is from 2018 onward, after A. S. Kiran Kumar.

The options are Kailasavadivoo Sivan, G. Satheesh Reddy, A. S. Kiran Kumar, and K. Radhakrishnan.

Concept / Approach:
To answer this question, you need to connect the leadership timeline at ISRO. K. Radhakrishnan served earlier, followed by A. S. Kiran Kumar. In January 2018, Kailasavadivoo Sivan, often referred to as K. Sivan, was appointed as the new Chairman of ISRO. G. Satheesh Reddy is associated with defence research and missile programmes, not with the post of ISRO Chairman. Recognising this sequence allows you to correctly select Kailasavadivoo Sivan as the answer.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that K. Radhakrishnan was succeeded by A. S. Kiran Kumar as Chairman of ISRO. Step 2: Note that the question asks about the Chairman who took over after A. S. Kiran Kumar in 2018. Step 3: Remember that Kailasavadivoo Sivan, commonly known as K. Sivan, was appointed to this role in early 2018. Step 4: Review the options and identify Kailasavadivoo Sivan as the name that matches this information. Step 5: Select Kailasavadivoo Sivan as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by thinking of major ISRO missions and news events around 2018, including announcements where K. Sivan addressed the media as Chairman. Press conferences for launch vehicles, Chandrayaan missions, and other space projects often quoted him. A. S. Kiran Kumar is mentioned as the outgoing Chairman, while K. Radhakrishnan and earlier leaders belong to previous periods. G. Satheesh Reddy appears more in defence and missile programme contexts. These associations confirm Kailasavadivoo Sivan as the right choice.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
G. Satheesh Reddy: A prominent figure in defence research and missile development, but not appointed as Chairman of ISRO in 2018. A. S. Kiran Kumar: The predecessor who completed his term as Chairman of ISRO before the new appointment in 2018. K. Radhakrishnan: An earlier ISRO Chairman whose tenure ended before A. S. Kiran Kumar took over.

Common Pitfalls:
Exam candidates sometimes confuse leaders of different scientific organisations, such as ISRO, DRDO, and the space commission. Another common error is remembering the order of Chairmen incorrectly, mixing up K. Radhakrishnan, A. S. Kiran Kumar, and K. Sivan. To avoid this, keep a simple chronological list and connect each name with a major mission or news event, such as Chandrayaan missions for both K. Radhakrishnan and K. Sivan, but noting the different time periods in which they served.

Final Answer:
The Chairman of ISRO who took over in 2018 after A. S. Kiran Kumar is Kailasavadivoo Sivan.