Month: September 2024

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EU, India to further ties on sustainable water management

Both sides committed to advance cooperation in river basin management, foster innovation and technology transfer, while promoting sustainable investments….reports Asian Lite News

India and the European Union (EU) have agreed to enhance cooperation in sustainable water management at the 6th EU-India Water Forum held on the sidelines of the 8th India Water Week, in the national capital on Wednesday.

Both sides committed to advance cooperation in river basin management, foster innovation and technology transfer, while promoting sustainable investments.

The forum explored trilateral collaboration between East Africa, India and the EU, to address challenges in East Africa’s water bodies such as Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika, leveraging the combined strength of India and the EU.

The India-EU Water Partnership (IEWP), established in 2016, aims to enhance technological, scientific, and policy frameworks in water management. IEWP, currently in Phase III, focuses on creating impactful and sustainable solutions in key areas such as river basin management, climate resilience, urban flooding, and water governance.

Under IEWP, the EU and India are collaborating on river management on Tapi and Ramganga River Basins.

Under Phase III, the partnership will extend its efforts to other key basins like the Brahmaputra. Both regions have co-jointly funded 7 research and innovation water projects with EUR37.4 million (EU EUR23.4 M + India EUR14 M), bringing together 743 participants from the EU and India.

These projects focus on drinking water purification, wastewater treatment, and real-time monitoring and control systems, and the IEWP will further provide support for market uptake of these cutting-edge water technologies in India.

This high-impact forum bought together government representatives, policymakers, experts, and businesses from India and the EU to tackle critical water challenges and forge innovative technological solutions.

Minister of State for Jal Shakti Raj Bhushan Choudhary, Secretary (Jal Shakti), Debashree Mukherjee, Chairman, Central Water Commission, Kushvinder Vohra and Herve Delphin, EU Ambassador to India, reaffirmed their shared commitment to water cooperation during the plenary session.

Minster Choudhary lauded the partnership’s accomplishments and emphasized that the India-EU Water Partnership has contributed significantly to India’s water sector by supporting the strategies devised by the Ministry of Jal Shakti towards holistic management of water resources in India.

Herve Delphin said, “the EU and Team-Europe are glad to join the 8th India Water Week and are hosting the 6th EU-India Water Forum today. Eight years of collaboration have shown us that when we share expertise, we can tackle even the most pressing water challenges. Team-Europe is eager to further deepen its partnership with India under the existing water cooperation framework. Today’s forum is a testimony to the growing ties”.

Delphin added, “While we have developed a successful Partnership for solutions in India, we are keen to work together with Africa to bring our respective expertise and develop innovative water management and foster regional water security.”

The 6th EU-India Water Forum serves as a key platform for discussing water sector challenges, sharing best practices, and enhancing business and research opportunities. As India and the EU continue to advance their cooperation in water management, this forum reaffirms their commitment to achieving sustainable water resource management for future generations.

IEWP highlights the shared commitment between the EU and India to address global water issues through technological collaboration, policy exchange, and sustainable investment strategies.

The current phase (Phase III) prioritises government and business partnerships, aligning with India’s National 2030 Agenda and the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy, which promotes sustainable investments, connectivity, and infrastructure development focused on green, digital, and inclusive growth.

The India-EU Water Partnership is closely aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

In addition to contributing to SDG 6 and SDG 13, the partnership also supports SDG 15 (life on land) and SDG 11 (sustainable cities and communities) by promoting sustainable, green, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Through joint efforts, the partnership is committed to addressing global water challenges, while advancing the broader goals of environmental sustainability and resilience. (ANI)

ALSO READ: India boosts water resource management ties with Tanzania, Zimbabwe

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Columns Motoring UAE News

Lotus UAE Unveils 2025 Emeya Electric Hyper-GT

One of the fastest electric grand tourers in the world with 0-100km/h in 2.8 seconds, 610 km range, and fast-charging capability. Prices start at AED 439,000….reports Asian Lite News

Adamas Motor Group, the official dealer of Lotus Cars in the United Arab Emirates, has officially introduced the 2025 Lotus Emeya hyper-GT during a private VIP event held in the futuristic city of Dubai.

The new Emeya follows in the footsteps of the Eletre and joins the range as a next-generation all-electric lifestyle vehicle to support Lotus’ vision of becoming an all-electric global luxury brand. This revolutionary four-door vehicle seamlessly blends the excellent dynamic performance that Lotus is renowned for, with world-class refinement, comfort, usability and connectivity – bringing drivers the ultimate grand tourer package.

Emeya is competitively priced in the luxury GT segment. It is available in Emeya, Emeya S, and Emeya R trim levels, with prices starting from AED 439,000 and with the first local deliveries scheduled by year-end. The Lotus Emeya retains the core Lotus sports car DNA while redefining the hyper-GT segment with a fusion of cutting-edge technology, exhilarating performance, and sophisticated design.

Combining classic Lotus aesthetics with modern luxury, the Emeya is available in six striking colours and features bold wheel arches and aerodynamic elements that honour Lotus’s racing heritage. Its opulent interior is crafted with sustainable materials, including real metal touch points for added sophistication. A 55-inch head-up display ensures vital information remains in the driver’s line of sight, while KEF’s Uni-Q™ speakers and Dolby Atmos surround sound offer an immersive audio experience.

Delivering an unparalleled driving experience, the Emeya offers up to 905 bhp, accelerating from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in under 2.8 seconds and 0-200 km/h (0-124 mph) in just 9 seconds. Advanced active aerodynamics, including a pioneering front grille, rear diffuser, and rear spoiler, contribute to a class-leading drag coefficient and generate over 150kg of downforce.

Equipped with a high-performance twin-layer battery and enhanced cooling, the Emeya boasts a range of up to 610 km (379 miles) and ultra-fast charging capabilities. The car can charge from 10 to 80 per cent in just 14 minutes using a 400-kW DC fast charger, which supports up to 600 amps, making it one of the fastest-charging EVs available today. This advanced technology allows the Emeya to gain up to 310 km of range in just 10 minutes, providing drivers with unparalleled convenience and reducing time spent at charging stations. The new Emery also features the latest in-car technology and safety systems, including a 15.1-inch HD OLED Lotus Hyper OS infotainment system powered by Unreal Engine, delivering a responsive, interactive 3D display and highest quality visuals.

Karl Hamer, Chairman and CEO of Adamas Motor Group, commented: “We are thrilled to introduce the all-new Lotus Emeya Electric Hyper-GT to our valued customers and partners here in the UAE. The launch of this amazing lifestyle vehicle marks an important milestone in our journey over recent years to establish Lotus Cars at the forefront of the market here in the UAE. With its exceptional performance, luxurious design, and advanced technology, we are confident that the new Emeya will make a strong impact on the market and join the Lotus Emira and Eletre Hyper SUV, which entered the UAE market successfully in June 2024.”

Dan Balmer, President and CEO of Lotus Cars Asia Pacific and Middle East commented: The new Emeya plays a vital role for Lotus Cars as we expand our Electric vehicle lineup. The UAE’s enthusiastic response towards our cars is a testament that our technology and designs – especially with our newest Hyper-GT – will continue to meet our customer’s expectations and solidify our presence in the Emirates.  

The new Lotus Emeya is available for test drives with order book open via Lotus Cars UAE, operated by Adamas Motor Group. For further information on the Lotus Emeya in the UAE, please visit: https://www.lotuscars.com/en-AE.

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-Top News Africa News India News

India boosts water resource management ties with Tanzania, Zimbabwe

Paatil stressed the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in fostering international partnerships for sustainable water resource management…reports Asian Lite News

India held high-level meetings with Tanzania and Zimbabwe to boost collaboration in water resource management, as shared by Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil during National Water Week-2024.

In his discussions with Zimbabwe’s delegation, led by Deputy Minister V P Haritatos, Paatil emphasized enhancing water management and agricultural reforms in the country. Haritatos highlighted the importance of increasing Indian investments in Zimbabwe’s water sector, with a focus on Indian companies like WAPCOS. Paatil assured Zimbabwe of India’s commitment to providing technical assistance and cooperation to address water-related challenges, particularly in areas like irrigation system design, improved water supply, and irrigation efficiency.

Paatil also stressed the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership in fostering international partnerships for sustainable water resource management, ensuring food security, and supporting growth.

In a separate meeting with Tanzania’s Water Minister, discussions revolved around a potential Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance collaboration in areas like water conservation, rainwater harvesting, and groundwater management. Tanzania expressed gratitude for India’s contributions to water supply projects, especially through WAPCOS, and both sides pledged to bolster technical cooperation.

Paatil also met with World Water Council president Loïc Fauchon, who invited India to join the global platform, further solidifying India’s role in international water management efforts.

ALSO READ: UNGA debates call for end to Israeli occupation

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-Top News Asia News India News

Indus water treaty: India formally notifies Pakistan for amendments

India’s notification highlights fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of obligations under various Articles of the Treaty…reports Asian Lite News

India is seeking changes in a six-decade-old Indus water treaty and has formally notified Pakistan to amend the pact. The longstanding dispute concerning Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects has prompted India to seek a modification in the treaty.

According to the treaty, the Indus, Jhelum, and Chenab waters were allocated to Pakistan, while India has rights over the Eastern rivers (Ravi, Beas, Sutlej). India has the right to produce electricity from run-of-the-river projects.

However, Pakistan has time and again objected to these projects, thus affecting the water flow to India.

According to sources, “India has served a formal Notice to Pakistan on August 30, 2024, seeking review and modification of the Indus Water Treaty under Article XII(3) of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT). Under Article XII(3) of the IWT, its provision may from time to time be modified by a duly ratified Treaty concluded for that purpose between the two Governments.”

Pak to host India for next round of Indus Water Treaty talks

India’s notification highlights fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances that require a reassessment of obligations under various Articles of the Treaty. Among various concerns, important ones include changes in population demographics, environmental issues–the need to accelerate the development of clean energy to meet India’s emission targets–and the impact of persistent cross-border terrorism etc.

The notification was issued in the background of a separate prolonged controversy concerning Kishanganga and Ratle Hydro Projects.

In this regard, the World Bank has simultaneously activated both the Neutral Expert mechanism and the Court of Arbitration on the same set of issues. The Indian side has, therefore, also called for reconsideration of the dispute resolution mechanism under the treaty.

With this Notification, India has called Pakistan to begin government-to-government negotiations to review the Treaty under the provisions of Article XII(3). (ANI)

ALSO READ: UNGA debates call for end to Israeli occupation

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-Top News India News Politics

India abstains from UN vote to end Israel’s occupation

 The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has passed the non-binding resolution by an overwhelming margin….reports Asian Lite News

India on Wednesday abstained in the UN General Assembly on a resolution that demanded an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory within the next 12 months.

 The UN General Assembly (UNGA) has passed the non-binding resolution by an overwhelming margin.

The resolution was adopted on Wednesday with 124 votes in favour, 14 against and 43 abstentions, during the UNGA’s 10th emergency special session considering Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Xinhua news agency reported.

The resolution demanding that Israel comply with all its legal obligations under international law, including advisory opinions by the International Court of Justice, was introduced by the State of Palestine on Tuesday and was co-sponsored by more than two dozen nations.

By the newly adopted resolution, the UNGA “demands that Israel brings to an end without delay its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which constitutes a wrongful act of a continuing character entailing its international responsibility and do so no later than 12 months from the adoption of the present resolution”.

The UNGA also demands that Israel comply without delay with all its legal obligations under international law, including as stipulated by the International Court of Justice.

In remarks before the vote, Mohamed Issa Abushahab, the permanent representative of the United Arab Emirates to the United Nations, said the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza must be addressed through unimpeded access to those in need, a ceasefire deal and the full implementation of all related Security Council resolutions.

A credible peace process must be relaunched to work towards a two-State solution to diffuse this conflict, he said, expressing support for the State of Palestine’s full statehood and UN membership. “The time has come to end the suffering,” he noted.

Introducing the draft resolution on Tuesday, Riyad Mansour, the permanent observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations, called for the establishment of an independent and sovereign State of Palestine on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He said the Palestinian people have been steadfast in the pursuit of their inalienable rights, just like all other citizens worldwide who seek self-determination.

“The Palestinians want to live, not survive — they want to be safe in their homes, they want their children to go to school without fear. They want to be free in reality as they are in spirit,” said Mansour.

ALSO READ: UNGA debates call for end to Israeli occupation

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Business Economy India News

‘Investors Target Strong Deal Flow in India’

India’s favourable economic conditions position it well to attract a larger share of global capital, as funds reallocate their exposure from China to India…reports Asian Lite News

Deal activity in India rebounded in 2024 after a slowdown in 2023, with 643 deals worth $17.1 billion recorded in the first half of the year, said a new report, adding that investors are eyeing a robust deal pipeline over the next three years.

Despite global economic headwinds, 50 per cent of survey respondents in the report anticipate a moderate increase in global fundraising over the next 12 to 18 months, with 67 per cent of them believing the increase will be gradual.

India’s favourable economic conditions position it well to attract a larger share of global capital, as funds reallocate their exposure from China to India, according to the report by Grant Thornton Bharat.

Investors remain optimistic, with 48 per cent predicting an exceptional level of deal activity over the next three years, driven by high-value deals in key sectors such as consumer, retail, healthcare, and technology, the report noted.

The concept of private equity being the ‘Fourth Wheel’ in India’s business landscape reflects its critical role alongside state-owned enterprises, Indian family businesses and multinationals.

This sector has emerged as a key growth driver, providing essential capital for entrepreneurship and innovation.

According to the survey report, 86 per cent of investors expect an increased allocation to India, driven by its robust GDP growth and strong public market performance,” the report mentioned.

It said that India is fast emerging as a significant player in the global private equity landscape, accounting for 20 per cent of all PE-VC investments in the Asia-Pacific region in 2023, up from 15 per cent in 2018.

The country’s leap to the 5th spot in global GDP rankings highlights its growing appeal for both global and domestic private equity investors.

“The role of technology, particularly artificial intelligence (AI), is expected to be transformative for the private equity sector. AI is already being utilised to enhance due diligence, portfolio management, and investment decision-making, providing firms with a competitive edge in an increasingly tech-driven landscape,” the report mentioned.

ALSO READ: INDIA’S ‘CHIPLOMACY’

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Business Economy India News

Black Box Expands Indian Workforce

The Bangalore Center of Excellence, which has already doubled its workforce from 300 to 600, is now on track to grow further….reports Asian Lite News

Black Box, a global leader in digital infrastructure and a key Essar technology investment, is set to significantly enhance its presence in India. In an interview with IANS, Sanjeev Verma, Whole Time Director of Black Box Ltd, detailed the company’s ambitious expansion plans.

The Bangalore Center of Excellence, which has already doubled its workforce from 300 to 600, is now on track to grow further. Black Box aims to increase its workforce to between 800-1,000 employees in the near future. This expansion is driven by substantial investments in people, processes, and technology.

Verma explained that the company’s strategy involves comprehensive recruitment and training programmes, process optimisation, and the deployment of cutting-edge technology to advance data centre management.

“India is central to our operations. We see immense potential to support global clients and meet the country’s evolving infrastructure needs,” he added.

In line with its expansion strategy, Black Box is shifting to a vertical-led market approach, focusing on key sectors such as banking, finance, healthcare, technology, and industry. This strategic realignment supports the company’s goal of reaching $2 billion in revenue over the next four years and contributing to the Digital India initiative with locally relevant solutions.

He added saying, “Our strategy is multifaceted. We are concentrating on expanding our workforce, investing in advanced technology and processes, and enhancing client solutions to drive superior performance and connectivity.”

Black Box is also focusing on its top 250 clients, who generate 90 per cent of its revenue, to deliver more targeted solutions and drive growth. Leveraging its extensive experience from Europe and North America, the company plans to boost its competitive edge in India and increase its contributions to the local market

Additionally, Black Box is exploring strategic partnerships in India to co-create infrastructure solutions that support data growth and enhance user experiences. As a pioneer in ICT across 35 countries, Black Box is poised to scale its operations and expand its global reach, with India playing a pivotal role in its future trajectory.

ALSO READ: INDIA’S ‘CHIPLOMACY’

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Business Economy India News

Growth in Niche Hiring, Business Confidence Up

Hiring volume for CAs and CFAs increased by 47 per cent in the fiscal year 2024, followed by interns at 46 per cent and lateral hiring at 40 per cent…reports Asian Lite News

Hiring for niche qualifications such as chartered accountant (CA) and chartered financial analyst (CFA) continues to see growth in India as companies take a cautious approach to campus hiring, a report showed on Wednesday.

Hiring volume for CAs and CFAs increased by 47 per cent in the fiscal year 2024, followed by interns at 46 per cent and lateral hiring at 40 per cent, while 38 per cent of MBA graduates and 30 per cent of diploma holders, including those who have completed vocational courses saw the least increase compared to the fiscal year 2023, according to the report by Aon, a leading global professional services firm.

Also, there has been an increase in hiring volumes of interns with more than 80 per cent of organisations offering pre-placement interviews or pre-placement offers to promising candidates upon successful completion of an internship, with the highest prevalence for graduates of master’s in technology.

“Business sentiment looks positive for India, with 69 per cent of organisations expecting a high to moderate growth. The sectors driving this growth are financial institutions, life sciences and consumer goods,” the report mentioned.

Campus hiring is a strategic opportunity for organisations to build a diverse, skilled and future-ready talent pipeline.

“However, the campus hiring market in India is undergoing a rapid transformation due to the changing expectations of the candidates, the evolving skill requirements of the organisations, and the impact of the global slowdown,” said Roopank Chaudhary, partner and Head of Reward Solutions in India for Aon.

Furthermore, there is a direct correlation between company culture and performance and organisations, therefore. must have policies and frameworks in place to align culture with employee expectations to ensure stickiness of the new hires, said Chaudhary.

According to the report, organisations are focusing on performance incentivisation through variable pay, which ranges between 11-13 percent. MBA graduates are typically seeing a combination of incentives with more than 90 percent of organizations offering a joining bonus plus variable pay.

Also, there has been an increase in hiring volumes of interns with more than 80 per cent of organisations offering pre-placement interviews or pre-placement offers to promising candidates upon successful completion of an internship, with the highest prevalence for graduates of master’s in technology.

However, the study revealed that early attrition is a cause of concern among MBA and bachelor’s in technology graduates, the top reason being competitive pay.

“While there is a clear focus on strategic hiring, companies must prioritize building a strong employee value proposition that aligns with the expectations of the new generation,” said Saachi Verma, senior consultant, Talent Solutions in India for Aon and the study’s lead.

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India News Sport Sports

Gambhir Praises Rohit’s Leadership

While Gambhir acknowledged that there will always be disagreements in strategy or decision-making, he firmly believes that the final call should rest with Rohit…reports Asian Lite News

With the India-Bangladesh two-match Test series set to commence on Thursday, Gautam Gambhir, the newly appointed Head Coach of Team India opened up about the bond with captain Rohit Sharma.

For Gambhir, the captain is central to a team’s success, and while the coach plays an important role, the ultimate responsibility lies with the leader on the field.

Rohit’s leadership qualities, Gambhir believes, have earned him immense respect in the dressing room—an essential trait for any successful leader.

“The team ultimately belongs to the captain because he leads on the field,” Gambhir told JioCinema. “Rohit’s leadership and respect in the dressing room are crucial. So, he’s a great guy and has got a lot of respect in that dressing room and that is the first and foremost quality of a leader. I think my relationship with him when we were playing together was fabulous. Even then he was a great human being and hopefully, I think it continues that way as well.”

While Gambhir acknowledged that there will always be disagreements in strategy or decision-making, he firmly believes that the final call should rest with Rohit. For Gambhir, respect and support for the captain are non-negotiable. “There will be disagreements, but the final decision rests with the captain,” he emphasised.

Gambhir also opened up about his coaching philosophy, his close relationships with senior players, and how his transition from player to mentor and now head coach has shaped his approach. Having shared the field with many of the team’s current senior players, Gambhir’s familiarity with their personalities and careers has, in his own words, made his role slightly easier.

“Yes, it does help to an extent,” he acknowledged. Gambhir reflected on his past playing days with key figures like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, Ravichandran Ashwin, and Jasprit Bumrah, each of whom he watched grow into pillars of Indian cricket.

For Gambhir, this history fosters a sense of ease and understanding. “Rohit was backed despite not having a stellar start, and now he’s a key player. Virat has transformed Indian cricket, along with his fitness culture. Ashwin remains dedicated to being the best spinner in the world, and Bumrah has risen to the top of world bowling. Their experiences will be very useful for the younger generation,” Gambhir noted.

Gambhir is well aware of the challenges that come with selecting a playing eleven from a pool of immense talent. With India’s deep bench strength, it’s never easy to leave players out of the squad. However, Gambhir believes that the focus should be on selecting the right combination to meet the team’s needs rather than framing it as dropping players.

“Selecting just eleven players means others have to wait for their opportunity,” he explained. But for Gambhir, the solution lies in clear and straightforward communication with the players. “It’s about selecting those who can best serve the team’s needs,” he said, stressing the importance of the coach, captain, and selectors being on the same page to avoid confusion or mixed messages.

This communication becomes even more critical when players are left out or dropped from the squad, a situation that Gambhir understands can be challenging for any player. “Understanding the vulnerability of players who are left out or dropped, we aim to provide the right support and communication to help them through the process,” he added.

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Asia News India News Politics

ISRO planning to launch space station by 2028

The ISRO chairman further said that they have broadened the scope of the Gaganyaan Mission….reports Asian Lite News

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) chairman S Somanath said on Wednesday that they are planning to launch the first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) by 2028.

Addressing reporters in the National Capital, S Somnath said, “Chandrayaaan 4 mission is primarily targeted to demonstrate the technology to go to the moon and then come back. The coming back is a highlight of it, landing there has already been demonstrated by Chandrayaan-3. If you have to send a man to space later in 2040, a vision by our PM, we need to have confidence in technology…”

He added, “For the Indian Space Station, yes, there is a timeline for that – the goal given by the Prime Minister is 2035. Our plan here is to launch the first module of Bharatiya Antariksh Station called BAS-1 by 2028…”

The ISRO chairman further said that they have broadened the scope of the Gaganyaan Mission.

“The Gaganyaan programme is underway, we have also given the schedule of our first mission with astronauts. Now, we have added the goal regarding Bharatiya Antariksh Station to this mission. Initially, this mission (Ganganyaan) had only one target, but now, it has five missions, so we have broadened the scope of it.”

Nod for Chandrayaan-4 mission

The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday approved the mission to the moon, named Chandrayaan-4 to develop and demonstrate the technologies to return to Earth after successfully landing on the Moon and also collect moon samples and analyse them on Earth.

Addressing reporters in the natonal capital today, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “Chandrayaan-4 mission has been expanded to add more elements. The next step is to get the manned mission to the Moon. All preparatory steps towards this have been approved. Venus Orbiter Mission, Gaganyaan follow-on and Bharatiya Antariksh Station and Next Generation Launch Vehicle development also given approval.”

In a post on X, Modi said, “Great news for the space sector! The Union Cabinet has approved the first step towards the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), expanding the Gaganyaan programme! This landmark decision brings us closer to a self-sustained space station by 2035 and a crewed lunar mission by 2040!”

The Modi-led government has earmarked Rs 2,104 crore for the same. Further, a schedule of 36 months has been set for the mission completion.

The Chandrayaan-4 mission will achieve the foundational technologies and capabilities eventually for an Indian landing on the moon (planned by the year 2040) and return safely back to Earth. Major technologies that are required for docking/undocking, landing, safe return to earth and also accomplish lunar sample collection and analysis would be demonstrated.

The successful demonstration of the safe and soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 Lander on the Lunar Surface has established vital technologies and demonstrated capabilities that only a few other nations possess. A natural successor to the successful landing mission is the demonstration of the ability to collect Lunar Samples and return them safely back to Earth.

ISRO will be responsible for the development of spacecraft and launch. The Project will be effectively managed and monitored through the established practices prevailing at ISRO. The mission is expected to be completed within 36 months of approval with the participation of industry and academia.

All the critical technologies are envisaged to be indigenously developed. The realization of the mission is through various industries and it is envisaged that there would be high employment potential and technology spin-off to other sectors of the economy.

The total fund requirement for the technology demonstration mission “Chandrayaan-4” is Rs 2104.06 Crore. The cost includes spacecraft development and realization, two launch vehicle missions of LVM3, external deep space network support and conducting special tests for design validation, finally leading to the mission of landing on the moon’s surface and safe return to Earth along with the collected lunar sample.

The mission would enable India to be self-sufficient in critical foundational technologies for manned missions, lunar sample return and scientific analysis of Lunar samples. Towards realization, there would be a significant involvement of Indian Industry. A plan for associating the Indian academia through Chandrayaan-4 science meets workshops, is already in place. This mission will also ensure the establishment of facilities for the curation and analysis of the returned samples, which will be national assets. (ANI)

Cabinet nod for Rs 79 k cr tribal development plan

The Union Cabinet, in a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday, approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan with an outlay of Rs 79,156 crore to improve the socio-economic conditions of tribal communities.

This programme, aimed at 63,000 tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts, will benefit more than five crore tribal people across 549 districts and 2,740 blocks.

“India has an ST population of 10.45 crore as per the 2011 census and there are more than 705 tribal communities, spread across the country, living in remote and hard-to-reach areas,” the Cabinet stated.

The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan envisions saturation of critical gaps in social infrastructure, health, education, and livelihood, through different schemes of the government of India by convergence and outreach and ensuring holistic and sustainable development of tribal areas and communities based on the learnings and success of PMJANMAN (Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan).

The program aims to ensure holistic and sustainable development in these areas, based on learnings from the successful Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PMJANMAN).

The mission comprises of 25 interventions, which will be implemented by 17 line ministries.

The mission has a special focus on 22 lakh FRA patta holders residing in forest areas and in convergence with the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare (MoAFW), the Department of Animal Husbandry, the Department of Fisheries and Ministry of Panchayati Raj, the benefits of different schemes will be converged and provided.

Improving the infrastructure of government residential schools and hostels, the tribal residential schools and hostels target remote tribal areas and aim to develop local educational resources and promote enrolment and retention.

The Abhiyan aims to improve the infrastructure of Ashram schools/hostels/tribal schools/government residential schools for upgradation on the lines of PM-Shri Schools.

“The interventions are aimed to expedite the process of recognising and securing forest rights, empowering tribal communities to enable them for maintenance and conservation of forests, and also providing them sustainable livelihoods through the support of government schemes. The Abhiyan will also catalyse that the pending FRA claims are expedited and training of all stakeholders and officers at block, District and state level will be given by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and Ministry of Panchayati Raj,” it added.

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