TRIUMPH IAS ACADEMY MUMBAI

Launch of American Satellites The ISRO, in its recent PSLV-C30/ASTROSAT mission on 28th September 2015, has launched four identical nano satellites “Lemur” belonging to Spire Global Inc. of the United States. These nano satellites (together weighing 28 kg) carried instruments for vessel tracking and weather studies. ISRO, through its commercial arm - Antrix Corporation Limited, till date, has launched 51 satellites from 20 countries. In the process of launching these 51 satellites from 20 countries, revenue to the extent of 17.17 Million USD and 79.98 Million Euros was earned.

Satellite Navigation System Four of the seven satellites in IRNSS constellation (IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C, and 1D) are in orbit. Remaining three satellites (IRNSS-1E, 1F and 1G) are targeted for launch during January 2016 to March 2016. Self reliance in the strategically important area of position related information will be achieved with the use of indigenously built constellation of seven IRNSS satellites and a network of required ground segment. The IRNSS constellation is planned to be completed by March 31, 2016. By design, the service area of IRNSS constellation encompasses the SAARC countries. Like GPS, the Standard Positioning Services of IRNSS is made available to all the users. The SAARC member countries, therefore, can adopt the IRNSS system for the navigational services.

Memorandum of Understanding between India and Israel in the field of water resources management and development cooperation The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India and Israel in the field of water resources management and development cooperation. The bilateral cooperation will benefit both the countries in strengthening the techniques in efficient use of water, micro-irrigation, recycling/re-use of waste water, desalination, aquifer recharge and in-situ water conservation techniques. A Joint Working Group shall be formed to monitor the activities to be carried out in fulfilment of the MoU. India has already entered into agreements with Australia, Rwanda, Cambodia, Iran, Iraq, Fiji, China and Bahrain in the field of water resources management and development cooperation. Background: The Ministry of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation...

Cabinet approves changes in the Implementation Framework of National Rural Livelihood Mission The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has today given its approval for changes in the rural welfare programmes for a focussed and targeted intervention in poverty reduction, expanding the benefits of interest subvention under National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) to 100 more districts and flexibility in allocation to Himayat programme and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushal Yojana for skilling and placing more youth from poorer sections. The Cabinet has also approved relaxation in the existing criteria for the allocation of funds to NE States other than Assam to cover all vulnerable rural households by 2023-24. These include:- A. Changes in the implementation framework of NRLM i. Planning for targeted reduction of poverty using The Socio-Economic and Caste Census, SECC database and convergence with other social sector interventions - The use...

Introduction of “Regional Centre for Biotechnology Bill, 2015” in the Parliament The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for introduction of a Bill for establishment of a Regional Centre for Biotechnology in Faridabad. The objective of the Bill is to provide a legal status to the Centre so as to function independently as an autonomous body and also an Institution of National Importance for education, training and research in the areas of biotechnology. The Centre has already been established by an executive order of the Government of India in November, 2008 after the approval by the Union Cabinet. It is currently operational at the NCR Biotech Science Cluster, Faridabad and the enactment does not involve any financial implications at this stage. The Centre is a regional hub for interdisciplinary education, training and research in biotechnology with emphasis on novel education programmes relevant to industry, including...

MoU between India and Germany for Solar Energy The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which has been signed in October, 2015, between Indian and Germany, to expand bilateral development cooperation in the field of Solar Energy by increasing use of solar energy in India through technical as well as financial cooperation. The MoU will help in strengthening bilateral cooperation between the two countries. Under the agreement, Germany would provide concessional loans in the range of one billion Euros over the next five years through Kreditanstalt fur Wiederaufbau (KfW). The funds of KfW will also be utilized for providing soft loans to the end-users through partner banks. The MoU would lead to - i. Cooperation in the field of solar rooftops; ii. The development of solar parks or solar zones (if possible in close proximity to the Green Energy Corridors financed by KfW under Indo-German Financi...

MoU between India and Germany for Capital Goods Sector The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), which has been signed between Indian and Germany, for implementation of Make in India campaign for Capital Goods Sector and Fraunhofer Gesellschaft (Fraunhofer), Germany, a leading organisation of 65 institutes for applied industrial research in Europe. The objective of signing MoU between Department of Heavy Industries and Fraunhofer is to provide platform to various public sector undertakings and capital goods sector units to have easy access to capabilities and expertise of Fraunhofer for identifying and plugging technology gaps in line with 12th Five Year Plan. Fraunhofer will be a “Technology Resource Partner” for implementing of identified projects in manufacturing, working with various stakeholders in Government of India, Industries and academia for increased cooperation and collaboration i...