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The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Observatory is a next-generation radio astronomy facility that has recently entered into the construction phase, after successful completion of the design and prototyping phases during 2013–2021. Planned to be operational by the end of this decade, the SKA is expected to revolutionise astronomy by allowing cutting edge explorations in an extremely wide range of science areas, while driving the growth of many important new state-of-the-art technologies. There are more than 10 countries currently participating in the international consortium to build this facility, which will be co-located in Australia and South Africa with the global headquarters in the United Kingdom. Indian scientists and engineers have played a significant role since the beginning: from the definition of the SKA concept and its science case, to some important aspects of the design of the instrument and the prototyping activities. India is now getting ready to join the construction phase of the SKA with a well defined proposal for technical activities spanning a few different areas of work. Along with this, Indian astronomers are busy refining their science case for the SKA and preparing in different ways to be ready for front line science with the facility as and when it is commissioned. All these activities are coordinated by the SKA India consortium, which currently has a membership of more than 20 institutions across the country. In this paper, we describe the current status of the SKA project, and focus on India's role—past contributions, ongoing activities and future plans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a report on the activities and the proposed action plan of the Education and Public Outreach Working Group (EPO WG) of Square Kilometre Array–India Consortium (SKAIC). Details of a set of flagship programs as well as supporting activities are presented, in consonance with the scale of India's involvement in Square Kilometre Array Observatory (SKAO), as well as the educational and science literacy contexts in the country. Ongoing independent EPO activities by some of the member institutions are also included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) observatory is a next-generation radio astronomy facility, which is just started its construction, after successful completion of the design and early prototyping phases. With more than 12 countries currently participating in the international consortium to build this facility, the SKA is expected to revolutionize radio astronomy, while driving the growth of many important new state of the art technologies. Once completed and fully operational by the turn of this decade, the SKA observatory will offer cutting edge science capabilities in an extremely broad range of topics in astrophysics. Indian scientists and engineers have played a significant role in the definition of the SKA concept and its science case as well as in the design of the instrument. India is now getting ready to join the construction phase of the SKA, and Indian astronomers are preparing to engage in front line science with the facility as and when it is ready. This paper describes the current status of this global project with a focus on India’s role in the collaboration. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]