●BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS): by China •China has formally launched full global services of its BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS). •The name BeiDou comes from Chinese word for the Big Dipper or Plough constellation. •China's BeiDou navigation project was launched in the early 1990s •The navigation satellite system was completed in three steps: BDS-1 which provided services to China, BDS- 2 to provide services to the Asia-Pacific region and BDS-3 which provides services worldwide. •It will be the fourth global satellite navigation system after the USA GPS, Russia’s GLONASS and European Union’s Galileo. •It is said to be much more accurate than the USA’s GPS.
Extra Learning •A hybrid constellation consisting of around 30 satellites in three kinds of orbits: Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Inclined Geo-Synchronous Orbit (IGSO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO). •Provides navigation signals of multiple frequencies, and is able to improve service accuracy by using combined multi-frequency signals. •Offers accurate positioning, navigation and timing, as well as short messaging communication, international search and rescue, satellite-based augmentation, ground augmentation and precise point positioning, etc. •The services are used in various fields by China including defence, transportation, agriculture, fishing, and disaster relief. •While China says it seeks cooperation with other satellite navigation systems, Beidou is being seen as a rival to America’s GPS, Russia’s GLONASS and the European Union’s Galileo networks. •The development of its own secure and independent navigation system will boost China’s military strength, especially amidst rising US-China tensions. • The better accuracy and experience of BDS, as claimed by China will lure companies to sign-up for it. As the global market is being increasingly dominated by an information-based economy, China is expected to reap huge economic benefit from BDS. •China’s Hold on Other Nations: China is promoting its use in the countries signed-up for its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Pakistan has already started using BDS. This will certainly give China economic and political leverage over nations adopting this system. •Edge over India: This has also given China a competitive edge over India, whose IRNSS-NavIC is still a regional navigation system. •Importance in Covid Times: The world is becoming heavily dependent on space infrastructure due to the impact of COVID-19 limitations on in-person physical meetings and travel restrictions. Thus, information and space-based services will gain importance in present times. •China’s Authority in Space: The space program of China has seen rapid advancements in past few years with the launch of Tianwen-1 rover mission to Mars. •China has also constructed an experimental space station and sent a pair of rovers to the surface of the moon (Chang’e-4). BDS is another step in marking China’s presence in Space.
●The Tripartite Agreement,1947 on Gurkha soldiers •In 1947, when India became independent, it was decided to split Gurkha regiments between the British and Indian armies •East India Company first recruited Gurkhas after suffering heavy casualties during the Anglo-Nepalese War also known as the Gurkha War. (The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816.) •Recently, the Nepal’s Foreign Minister has said that the 1947 Tripartite Agreement between India, Nepal and the United Kingdom (that deals with the military service of Gurkha soldiers from Nepal) has become redundant •The issue became a talking point after Indian Army Chief remarked that Nepal’s strong protest against Indian road construction in the Limpiadora-Kalapani-Lipulekh area was at the behest of a third party (China). •The Napelese people believe that Indian Army Chief, who is granted the honorary post of a General in the Nepal Army has hurt the sentiments of the Nepali Gurkha Army personnel who lay down their lives to protect India.
Extra Learning •After the 1947 Tripartite Agreement, the British Army amalgamated the Gurkha regiment into combined Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR). Currently, the Gurkhas comprise up to 3% of the British Army. In 2015 they completed 200 years of service in British Army. •Queen Elizabeth II of Britain is guarded by two personal Gurkha officers. •The Gurkhas are recruited every year at the British Gurkha camp at Pokhara in Nepal. • The camp enlists fresh recruits not only for the British Army, but also for the counter-terror arm of the Singapore Police Force. •Their signature weapon of Gurkhas, Khukri, forms part of the Gurkha regimental insignia in Britain as well as in India.
●Operation Breathing Space: India-Israel •Recently, an Israeli team arrived in India with a multi-pronged mission, codenamed Operation Breathing Space to work with Indian authorities on the Covid-19 response •India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel’s defence ministry research and development team are working together to develop four different kinds of rapid testing kit for Covid-19 which can give the result within 30 seconds. •The tests include an audio test, a breath test, thermal testing, and a polyamino test •The kits will be jointly developed after trials on Indian Covid-19 patients. The tests have already been tried on a small sample of Israeli patients.
Extra Learning •The Israeli team has brought robotic equipment, and wrist monitors that will help doctors and nurses monitor a patient without increasing risks of infection to themselves. •The team has also brought 83 advanced respirators to help patients with severe symptoms. •The success of rapid tests will help India’s overworked health-care professionals, who are experiencing fatigue. It will also help to address the public impatience over the Covid-19 test. •The quicker test will help authorities to take quicker prevention measures, which will reduce the spread of the virus among people. •As a vaccine or a cure is not yet visible and the country is gradually moving towards unlocking, it is time the testing should be made available on demand as close to home as possible. •With most cases turning out to be asymptomatic, wider and cheaper availability of testing must be a thrust area for the government now. Easy, early diagnosis of infections, even when asymptomatic, will go a long way in containment. • The concerns regarding increased dependence on rapid antigen tests in some places must also be addressed.
●Manufacturing of Agarbatti under Gramodyog Vikas Yojana •Gramodyog Vikas Yojana is one of the two components of Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana which aims to promote and develop the village industries through common facilities, technological modernization, training etc. •Recently, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has approved a programme for the benefit of artisans involved in manufacturing of Agarbatti under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana. •The programme will initially include four pilot projects, including one in the north eastern part of the country. •Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) will provide training and assistance as well as work and raw material to artisans working in this area, in tie-up with Agarbatti manufacturing machines.
Extra Learning •KVIC is a statutory body established by Khadi And Village Industries Commission Act, 1956. It is an apex organisation under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises charged with the planning, promotion, organisation and implementation of programs for the development of Khadi and other village industries in the rural areas •R&D support would be given to the institutions that intend to carry product development, new innovations, design development, product diversification processes etc. •Activities of existing dedicated verticals of Village Industries: This includes Agro Based & Food Processing Industry, Mineral Based Industry, Handmade Paper, Leather & Plastic Industry among others. •Capacity Building: Under the Human Resource Development and Skill Training components, exclusive capacity building of staff as well as the artisans.
●Muslim Women Rights Day: 1st August •Recently, 1st August has been recorded as “Muslim Women Rights Day” in the country’s history to mark first anniversary of the passage of Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 [The law made triple talaq a criminal offence] •The Act makes all declaration of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal. •It also makes a declaration of talaq a cognizable offence ◆Triple talaq bill;-(New amendments) 1)allow the magistrate to grant bail ‘after hearing the wife’(offence remains non-bailable) 2)police would lodge FIR only if approached by the victim (wife),her blood relations or relatives by virtue of her marriage 3)Now, a magistrate can use his powers to settle the dispute b/w a husband & his wife •There are three forms of talaq (divorce) in Islam •Ahsan,Hasan : revocable •Talaq-e-Biddat(triple or instant talaq) : irrevocable
●Aerial seeding technique in Haryana •It is a technique of plantation wherein seed balls – seeds covered with a mixture of clay, compost, char and other components – are sprayed on the ground using aerial devices, including planes, helicopters or drones. •The process of the seed’s germination and growth is such that it requires no attention after it is dispersed – the reason why seed pellets are known as the “fire and forget” way of plantation. •They eliminate the need for ploughing and digging holes in the soil and the seeds do not need to be planted, since they are already surrounded by soil, nutrients, and microorganisms. 【The Haryana Forest Department has started aerial seeding across the state on a pilot basis】
Extra Learning •In this technique Seeds balls or seed pellets are dispersed in a targeted area by the low-flying drones. •They fall to the ground with the help of the coating of clay, compost, char and other material, that provides the required weight for seeds to drop on a predetermined location rather than disperse in the wind. •These pellets will then sprout when there is enough rain, with the nutrients present within them helping in the initial growth. •Areas that are inaccessible, have steep slopes, are fragmented or disconnected with no forest routes, making conventional plantation difficult, can be targeted with aerial seeding.
●BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS): by China
•China has formally launched full global services of its BeiDou-3 Navigation Satellite System (BDS).
•The name BeiDou comes from Chinese word for the Big Dipper or Plough constellation.
•China's BeiDou navigation project was launched in the early 1990s
•The navigation satellite system was completed in three steps: BDS-1 which provided services to China, BDS- 2 to provide services to the Asia-Pacific region and BDS-3 which provides services worldwide.
•It will be the fourth global satellite navigation system after the USA GPS, Russia’s GLONASS and European Union’s Galileo.
•It is said to be much more accurate than the USA’s GPS.
Extra Learning
•A hybrid constellation consisting of around 30 satellites in three kinds of orbits: Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Inclined Geo-Synchronous Orbit (IGSO) and Medium Earth Orbit (MEO).
•Provides navigation signals of multiple frequencies, and is able to improve service accuracy by using combined multi-frequency signals.
•Offers accurate positioning, navigation and timing, as well as short messaging communication, international search and rescue, satellite-based augmentation, ground augmentation and precise point positioning, etc.
•The services are used in various fields by China including defence, transportation, agriculture, fishing, and disaster relief.
•While China says it seeks cooperation with other satellite navigation systems, Beidou is being seen as a rival to America’s GPS, Russia’s GLONASS and the European Union’s Galileo networks.
•The development of its own secure and independent navigation system will boost China’s military strength, especially amidst rising US-China tensions.
• The better accuracy and experience of BDS, as claimed by China will lure companies to sign-up for it. As the global market is being increasingly dominated by an information-based economy, China is expected to reap huge economic benefit from BDS.
•China’s Hold on Other Nations: China is promoting its use in the countries signed-up for its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Pakistan has already started using BDS. This will certainly give China economic and political leverage over nations adopting this system.
•Edge over India: This has also given China a competitive edge over India, whose IRNSS-NavIC is still a regional navigation system.
•Importance in Covid Times: The world is becoming heavily dependent on space infrastructure due to the impact of COVID-19 limitations on in-person physical meetings and travel restrictions. Thus, information and space-based services will gain importance in present times.
•China’s Authority in Space: The space program of China has seen rapid advancements in past few years with the launch of Tianwen-1 rover mission to Mars.
•China has also constructed an experimental space station and sent a pair of rovers to the surface of the moon (Chang’e-4). BDS is another step in marking China’s presence in Space.
●The Tripartite Agreement,1947 on Gurkha soldiers
•In 1947, when India became independent, it was decided to split Gurkha regiments between the British and Indian armies
•East India Company first recruited Gurkhas after suffering heavy casualties during the Anglo-Nepalese War also known as the Gurkha War. (The war ended with the signing of the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816.)
•Recently, the Nepal’s Foreign Minister has said that the 1947 Tripartite Agreement between India, Nepal and the United Kingdom (that deals with the military service of Gurkha soldiers from Nepal) has become redundant
•The issue became a talking point after Indian Army Chief remarked that Nepal’s strong protest against Indian road construction in the Limpiadora-Kalapani-Lipulekh area was at the behest of a third party (China).
•The Napelese people believe that Indian Army Chief, who is granted the honorary post of a General in the Nepal Army has hurt the sentiments of the Nepali Gurkha Army personnel who lay down their lives to protect India.
Extra Learning
•After the 1947 Tripartite Agreement, the British Army amalgamated the Gurkha regiment into combined Royal Gurkha Rifles (RGR). Currently, the Gurkhas comprise up to 3% of the British Army. In 2015 they completed 200 years of service in British Army.
•Queen Elizabeth II of Britain is guarded by two personal Gurkha officers.
•The Gurkhas are recruited every year at the British Gurkha camp at Pokhara in Nepal.
• The camp enlists fresh recruits not only for the British Army, but also for the counter-terror arm of the Singapore Police Force.
•Their signature weapon of Gurkhas, Khukri, forms part of the Gurkha regimental insignia in Britain as well as in India.
●Operation Breathing Space: India-Israel
•Recently, an Israeli team arrived in India with a multi-pronged mission, codenamed Operation Breathing Space to work with Indian authorities on the Covid-19 response
•India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Israel’s defence ministry research and development team are working together to develop four different kinds of rapid testing kit for Covid-19 which can give the result within 30 seconds.
•The tests include an audio test, a breath test, thermal testing, and a polyamino test
•The kits will be jointly developed after trials on Indian Covid-19 patients. The tests have already been tried on a small sample of Israeli patients.
Extra Learning
•The Israeli team has brought robotic equipment, and wrist monitors that will help doctors and nurses monitor a patient without increasing risks of infection to themselves.
•The team has also brought 83 advanced respirators to help patients with severe symptoms.
•The success of rapid tests will help India’s overworked health-care professionals, who are experiencing fatigue. It will also help to address the public impatience over the Covid-19 test.
•The quicker test will help authorities to take quicker prevention measures, which will reduce the spread of the virus among people.
•As a vaccine or a cure is not yet visible and the country is gradually moving towards unlocking, it is time the testing should be made available on demand as close to home as possible.
•With most cases turning out to be asymptomatic, wider and cheaper availability of testing must be a thrust area for the government now. Easy, early diagnosis of infections, even when asymptomatic, will go a long way in containment.
• The concerns regarding increased dependence on rapid antigen tests in some places must also be addressed.
●Manufacturing of Agarbatti under Gramodyog Vikas Yojana
•Gramodyog Vikas Yojana is one of the two components of Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana which aims to promote and develop the village industries through common facilities, technological modernization, training etc.
•Recently, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has approved a programme for the benefit of artisans involved in manufacturing of Agarbatti under the Gramodyog Vikas Yojana.
•The programme will initially include four pilot projects, including one in the north eastern part of the country.
•Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) will provide training and assistance as well as work and raw material to artisans working in this area, in tie-up with Agarbatti manufacturing machines.
Extra Learning
•KVIC is a statutory body established by Khadi And Village Industries Commission Act, 1956. It is an apex organisation under the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises charged with the planning, promotion, organisation and implementation of programs for the development of Khadi and other village industries in the rural areas
•R&D support would be given to the institutions that intend to carry product development, new innovations, design development, product diversification processes etc.
•Activities of existing dedicated verticals of Village Industries: This includes Agro Based & Food Processing Industry, Mineral Based Industry, Handmade Paper, Leather & Plastic Industry among others.
•Capacity Building: Under the Human Resource Development and Skill Training components, exclusive capacity building of staff as well as the artisans.
●Muslim Women Rights Day: 1st August
•Recently, 1st August has been recorded as “Muslim Women Rights Day” in the country’s history to mark first anniversary of the passage of Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019
[The law made triple talaq a criminal offence]
•The Act makes all declaration of talaq, including in written or electronic form, to be void (i.e. not enforceable in law) and illegal.
•It also makes a declaration of talaq a cognizable offence
◆Triple talaq bill;-(New amendments)
1)allow the magistrate to grant bail ‘after hearing the wife’(offence remains non-bailable)
2)police would lodge FIR only if approached by the victim (wife),her blood relations or relatives by virtue of her marriage
3)Now, a magistrate can use his powers to settle the dispute b/w a husband & his wife
•There are three forms of talaq (divorce) in Islam
•Ahsan,Hasan : revocable
•Talaq-e-Biddat(triple or instant talaq) : irrevocable
●Aerial seeding technique in Haryana
•It is a technique of plantation wherein seed balls – seeds covered with a mixture of clay, compost, char and other components – are sprayed on the ground using aerial devices, including planes, helicopters or drones.
•The process of the seed’s germination and growth is such that it requires no attention after it is dispersed – the reason why seed pellets are known as the “fire and forget” way of plantation.
•They eliminate the need for ploughing and digging holes in the soil and the seeds do not need to be planted, since they are already surrounded by soil, nutrients, and microorganisms.
【The Haryana Forest Department has started aerial seeding across the state on a pilot basis】
Extra Learning
•In this technique Seeds balls or seed pellets are dispersed in a targeted area by the low-flying drones.
•They fall to the ground with the help of the coating of clay, compost, char and other material, that provides the required weight for seeds to drop on a predetermined location rather than disperse in the wind.
•These pellets will then sprout when there is enough rain, with the nutrients present within them helping in the initial growth.
•Areas that are inaccessible, have steep slopes, are fragmented or disconnected with no forest routes, making conventional plantation difficult, can be targeted with aerial seeding.