The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is expected to launch a number strategic earth observation (EO) satellites in 2019-2020. The satellites which are expected to be launched are: a) RISAT-2B, b) Cartosat-3, c) RISAT-2BR1, d) GISAT-1(ne series), e) RISAT-2BR2, f) GISAT-2, g) RISAT-1A, and h) GSAT-32. RISAT-2B is a radar imaging satellite. It has all… Continue reading Starting May, ISRO to launch a string of ‘defence’ satellite
Author: ForumIAS
Manufacturing PMI at 6-month low
According to Nikkei India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data,manufacturing activity has slowed to a six-month low of 52.6 in March due to lower levels of new orders and production. PMI or a Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is an indicator of business activity — both in the manufacturing and services sectors.It is a survey-based measures… Continue reading Manufacturing PMI at 6-month low
Jaitley rules out rethink on special status
Union Finance Minister has said that it is not possible to give Special Category Status (SCS) to Andhra Pradesh as 14th Finance Commission had removed the granting of SCS to any State.Further,he said that special financial package given to Andhra Pradesh was similar to the Special Category Status (SCS). There is no provision of SCS… Continue reading Jaitley rules out rethink on special status
Pakistan airspace closure hits Afghan, Kazakh, Russian airlines
The closure of Pakistan’s airspace,since the Indian Air Force (IAF) strikes in Balakot has affected international flights to and from India.The worst affected are airlines from West and Central Asia as their proximity to India and Pakistan means that they have to now take a much longer route to comply with the ban. The Afghan… Continue reading Pakistan airspace closure hits Afghan, Kazakh, Russian airlines
Pakistan could be blacklisted by FATF due to ‘lobbying by India’, says Qureshi
Pakistan foreign minister has said that Pakistan could be blacklisted by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) due to lobbying by India.He estimated that Pakistan could suffer $10 billion loss annually if it remains on the FATF grey list. In June 2018,the Paris-based FATF had placed Pakistan on the grey list of countries.Pakistan was put… Continue reading Pakistan could be blacklisted by FATF due to ‘lobbying by India’, says Qureshi
AFSPA ‘disturbed area’ tag extended for 3 Arunachal districts, withdrawn from 3 others
The Union Government has extended the “disturbed area” tag under Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) for three districts of Arunachal Pradesh for another six months, while withdrawing it partly from three other districts bordering Assam. The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act was enacted in 1958 to bring under control what the government of India… Continue reading AFSPA ‘disturbed area’ tag extended for 3 Arunachal districts, withdrawn from 3 others
12 NCR districts, Agra switch to BS-VI fuel
According to Indian Oil Corporation (IOC),supply of ultra-clean BS-VI grade petrol and diesel has begun in cities adjoining Delhi. In April 2018,Delhi became the first city in the country to switch from BS-IV grade petrol and diesel to BS-VI fuels.Further,cities in the national capital region like Noida and Ghaziabad has switched over to the cleaner… Continue reading 12 NCR districts, Agra switch to BS-VI fuel
‘Early brain function affected in poor kids’
A new research from the University of East Anglia (UEA) has revealed that poverty significantly impacts brain development in children. The researchers had studied the brain function of children aged between four months and four years in rural Uttar Pradesh, India and compared them with children from families in Midwest America. The researchers examined the… Continue reading ‘Early brain function affected in poor kids’
On Foundation Day, Odisha receives GI tag for ‘Kandhamal Haldi’
Kandhamal Haldi,a variety of indigenous turmeric grown only in southern Odisha has received Geographical indication (GI) tag from Geographical Indication Registry of India. Kandhamal Haldi is a member of the Curcuma botanical group, which is a part of the ginger family whose botanical name is Curcuma Longa. It is known for its medicinal values. The… Continue reading On Foundation Day, Odisha receives GI tag for ‘Kandhamal Haldi’
India space debris may have doubled after Mission Shakti
The NASA has criticised India’s Mission Shakti, the anti-satellite missile test. The Mission was carried out by shooting down Microsat-R, an Indian imaging satellite. NASA stated that the anti-satellite missile test has endangered the International Space Station (ISS) and led to the creation of nearly 400 pieces of orbital debris. Orbital/ space debris/space junk… Continue reading India space debris may have doubled after Mission Shakti
