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Indian Navigation Satellite with Indigenous Atomic Clock

Navigation with Indian Constellation or “NavIC”, an independent Indian Satellite based positioning system for critical National applications, with the objective to provide Reliable Position, Navigation and Timing services over India and its neighbourhood – a region extending 1500 km around it, and to provide fairly good accuracy to the user, is a Constellation of Seven Satellites that was dedicated to the Nation by Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on April 28, 2016 on the occasion of successful launch of IRNSS-1G, the seventh and the last satellite of NavIC. Navic – a word in Sanskrit, Hindi and many other Indian languages, means Sailor or Navigator.

IRNSS-1I launched by PSLV-C41 on April 12, 2018 is the eighth satellite to join the NavIC navigation satellite constellation for providing intended navigation services.

NavIC, the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), provides basically two types of services:

  • Standard Positioning Service (SPS)
  • Restricted Service (RS)

IRNSS was expected to provide India a satellite-based navigation system independent of the U.S.-controlled GPS (Global Positioning System); but 9 of the 21 Atomic Clocks in the seven satellites, manufactured by SpectraTime, Switzerland, have failed, affecting NavIC project. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is concerned that if more clocks fail, it may render the ₹1,400-crore fleet a dud in space. As such ISRO is in the process of adding four more IRNSS satellites with an indigenous Atomic Clock in each of them, to add buffers to the NavIC. NavIC, which will be controlled solely by India, unlike the American GPS or Russian Glonass navigation systems, will be useful as navigation aids for the armed forces. NavIC is also meant to give Indian civil users reliable location and time information.  According to ISRO Chairman K. Sivan, the indigenous Atomic Clock is being developed by the Space Applications Centre, Ahmedabad, once it passes qualification tests, “We will first demonstrate the indigenous clock in an upcoming navigation satellite, along with the imported ones. Work on them is going on in full steam.”  “They will have some advanced technology, apart from the Atomic Clocks developed by ISRO.”

Space Segment consists of Seven Satellites, three satellites in GEO Stationary Orbit (GEO) and four satellites in Geo Synchronous Orbit (GSO) with inclination of 29° to the equatorial plane. These Seven Satellites of NavIC, namely, IRNSS-1A, 1B, 1C, ID,1E, 1F and 1G were successfully launched on July 02, 2013, April 04, 2014, October 16, 2014, March 28, 2015, January 20, 2016, March 10, 2016 and April 28, 2016 respectively and all are functioning satisfactorily from their designated orbital positions. All the satellites are visible at all times in the Indian region. However, IRNSS-1H / PSLV-C39 Mission launched on August 31, 2017, was not successful.

Rubidium Atomic Clock from Europe had become non-functional around 2016, on the first navigation satellite IRNSS-1A launched on July 02, 2013, and the satellite is being used for providing messaging services like disaster alerts, potential fishing zones information dissemination to fishermen, etc. ISRO had put the seventh satellite in orbit soon after the above failure. Subsequently, three more satellites were said to have suffered “one or two dysfunctional clocks” each, while two satellites did not have any problematic clocks. Each satellite carries three Atomic Clocks, including a standby.

Satellite Navigation Service is an emerging satellite based system with commercial and strategic applications. ISRO is committed to provide the satellite based Navigation services to meet the emerging demands of the Civil Aviation requirements and to meet the user requirements of the positioning, navigation and timing based on the independent satellite navigation system. To meet the Civil Aviation requirements, ISRO is working jointly with Airport Authority of India (AAI) in establishing the GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system. To meet the user requirements of the positioning, navigation and timing services based on the indigenous system, ISRO is establishing IRNSS.

GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) is a Satellite Based Augmentation System (SBAS) implemented jointly with Airport Authority of India (AAI). The main objectives of GAGAN are to provide Satellite-based Navigation services with accuracy and integrity required for civil aviation applications and to provide better Air Traffic Management over Indian Airspace. The system will be interoperable with other international SBAS systems and provide seamless navigation across regional boundaries. The GAGAN Signal-In-Space (SIS) is available through GSAT-8 and GSAT-10.

 

India Celebrates 20th Anniversary of Nuclear Tests

Pokhran-I code named Smiling Buddha was India’s first nuclear successful nuclear test on May 18, 1974 in the deserts of Pokhran, located in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan for which a team of 75 scientists and engineers, led by Raja Ramanna, PK Iyengar, Rajagopala Chidambaram and others had worked from 1967 to 1974, although India had started its own nuclear program in 1944 under guidance of Nuclear Physicist Homi Bhabha

Pokhran-II under ‘Operation Shakti’, the second Indian nuclear test, was the series of underground nuclear tests conducted by India at the Indian Army’s Pokhran Test Range, which consisted of five detonations, of which the first a fusion bomb and two fission bombs were detonated on May 11, 1998 followed by detonation of two additional fission devices on May 13, 1998. Shortly thereafter India’s Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee convened a press conference to declare India a full-fledged nuclear state.

  • India became the sixth country to join the nuclear club.
  • Utmost secrecy tests shocked the world and the India-U.S. ties hit rock bottom.
  • Dr Abdul Kalam, Chief Scientific Adviser and Director of DRDO, and Dr. R. Chindambaram, Chairman Atomic Energy Commission and Department of Atomic Energy, were the chief coordinators of this test planning.
  • Operation Shakti was timely and inevitable as China had conducted its second nuclear test and Pakistan’s clandestine atomic bomb programme was discovered by the world.
  • India accomplished many of the objectives of Pokhran II.
  • Indian diplomacy triumphed in turning a grave crisis into an opportunity by securing legitimacy for its nuclear arsenal and removing obstacles in generating nuclear power.
  • The 1998 tests and the subsequent nuclear deal have brought India to the nuclear mainstream and opened up the global nuclear market for development of nuclear power without signing the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) or the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test Ban Treaty (CTBT).

On May 11, 2018, the 20th anniversary of Pokhran-II, when India took a leap into the world of nuclear weapon powers, India has kicked off the process to induct its first intercontinental ballistic missile Agni-V into the tri-service Strategic Forces Command (SFC). The 1st pre-induction trial of Agni-V took place on January 18, 2018, after four developmental trials since April 2012. After 2nd pre-induction trial of Agni-V that is slated to take place soon, the Agni-V unit with its missiles can be shifted to a strategic base. Several systems and subsystems, associated with the over 5000-km-range missile, which brings the whole of China as well as parts of Europe and Africa under its strike range, are being handed over to the new Agni-V unit raised under the SFC.

SFC already has Prithvi-II (350-km), Agni-I (700-km), Agni-II (2,000-km) and Agni-III (3,000-km) missile units. While some Sukhoi-30MKI, Mirage-2000 and Jaguar fighters have also been jury-rigged to make them capable of delivering nuclear bombs, the third leg of the nuclear triad is represented by the solitary nuclear ballistic missile submarine (SSBN) INS Arihant. SSBNs are considered the most secure and effective platforms for retaliatory nuclear strikes, especially for a country like India that has a declared No First-Use policy.

India has an extensive civil and military nuclear program, which includes at least 10 Nuclear Reactors, Uranium mining and milling sites, Heavy water  production facilities, a  Uranium enrichment plant, fuel fabrication facilities, and extensive nuclear research capabilities.

Though India has not made any official statements about the size of its nuclear arsenal, different country estimates indicate that India has anywhere between 150 and 300 nuclear weapons

Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) of India, responsible for command, control and operational decisions regarding India’s Nuclear Weapons Programme, was constituted on January 4, 2003 by the Cabinet Committee on Security. NCA’s Executive Council headed by National Security Advisor (NSA) gives its opinion to its gives to the Political Council Chaired by the Prime Minister, which authorises a nuclear attack when deemed necessary. The mechanism was implemented to ensure that Indian Nukes remain firmly in civilian control and that there exists a sophisticated Command and Control (C2) mechanism to prevent their accidental or unauthorised use.

India & Russia in Special Privileged Strategic Partnership

India and Russia First Informal Summit in Russia’s Black Sea coastal city of Sochi on May 21, 2018 provided an occasion for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Vladimir Putin to deepen their friendship and exchange views on Global and Regional issues, in keeping with the tradition of high level political exchanges between the two countries. Modi recalled his first visit to Russia with the then Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2001 and said Putin was the first World leader whom he met after becoming Chief Minister of Gujarat and added that the seeds of strategic partnership, sown by the then Prime Minister Vajpayee and President Putin have now grown into a Special Privileged Strategic Partnership, which is a very big achievement in itself and is an important factor for Global Peace and Stability. The two leaders:

  • Shared the view that India and Russia have an important role to play in contributing to an open and equitable world order.
  • Recognized each other’s respective roles as major powers with common responsibilities for maintaining global peace and stability.
  • Held in depth discussions on major international issues.
  • Agreed on the importance of building a multipolar world order.
  • Decided to intensify consultation and coordination with each other, including on the Indo-Pacific Region.
  • Agreed to continue working together through multilateral organisations such as the United Nations, SCO, BRICS and G-20.
  • Expressed their concern over terrorism and radicalization and their determination to combat terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.
  • Endorsed the importance of restoring peace and stability in Afghanistan in an atmosphere free from the threat of terrorism and agreed to work together towards achieving this objective.
  • Held detailed exchange of views on the national development plans and priorities.
  • Expressed satisfaction over the deep trust, mutual respect and goodwill that characterise relations between India and Russia.
  • Agreed to institute a Strategic Economic Dialogue between NITI Aayog of India and Ministry of Economic Development of Russian Federation to identify greater synergy in trade and investment.
  • Noted with satisfaction the expanding cooperation in the energy sector and in this regard welcomed arrival of first consignment of LNG under a long-term agreement between Gazprom and GAIL next month.
  • Reiterated significance of longstanding partnership in military, security and nuclear energy fields and welcomed ongoing cooperation in these areas.
  • Welcomed the idea of holding informal Summits as an additional engagement at leadership level besides Annual Summits between the two leaders.
  • Prime Minister Modi has invited President Putin for the 19th Annual Summit in India later in the year.

In Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath Modi Interacts with Global Audience

Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath was a globally telecast live event from the Central Hall Westminster in London in which Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with participants across the World in the evening of April 18, 2018 during his recent visit to UK. According to Europe India Forum, the organisers of Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath Indian Prime Minister addressed people of all nationalities and backgrounds as questions poured in on social media from far and wide from the North Pole to New Zealand and Saudi Arabia to San Francisco.

Narendra Modi on his first visit as India’s Prime Minister to United Kingdom (UK) had hailed India’s “Special Relationship” with the UK as he addressed a Wembley Stadium rally on 13 November 2015 late in the evening as per IST, at an event marking Indian diaspora’s contribution to the UK, where he had received a rapturous welcome from the 60000-strong crowd as he arrived on stage with the then UK Prime Minister David Cameron.

At Bharat Ki Baat, Sabke Saath Modi said, “रेलवे स्टेशन मेरे जीवन का स्वर्णिम पृष्ठ जिसने मुझे जीना और जूझना सिखाया” (My life at the Railway Station was like a golden page that taught me to go through the struggles). The person in the Royal Palace in London is the Sevak (Servant) of 125 crore Indians. He also took questions from the participants. Following are the highlights from his interaction with the participants:

  • India is getting increasingly aspirational: ‘Besabri’ is not a bad thing. If a person has a cycle, person aspires for a scooter. If a person has a scooter, person aspires for a car. It is nature to aspire.
  • जिस पल संतोष का भाव पैदा हो जाता है, जीवन फिर आगे नहीं बढ़ता। हर आयु, हर युग में कुछ न कुछ नया पाने को गति देता है|
  • जज्बा होना सबसे ज़रूरी है… मुझे ख़ुशी है कि आज सवा सौ करोड़ लोगों के मन में एक उमंग, आशा और संकल्प का भाव है और लोग मुझसे अपेक्षा कर रहे हैं|
  • Yes, people have more expectations from us because they know that we can deliver. People know that when they say something, the Government will listen and do it.
  • लोगों की मुझसे अपेक्षा इसलिए है कि उन्हें विश्वास है कि हम करके जरूर दिखाएंगे|
  • बेसब्री मेरे लिए ऊर्जा है और जब आप‘सर्वजन हिताय, सर्वजन सुखाय’ के संकल्प को लेकर चलते हैं तो निराशा की बात ही नहीं उठती|
  • ‘तब और अब’ में जमीन आसमान का अंतर क्योंकि जब नीति स्पष्ट हो, नीयत साफ़ हो, और इरादे नेक हों तो उसी व्यवस्था के साथ आप इच्छित परिणाम ले सकते हैं|
  • During the freedom struggle Mahatma Gandhi did something very different. He turned the freedom struggle into a mass movement. He told every person that whatever you are doing will contribute to India’s freedom.
  • Today the need of the hour is to make development a mass movement
  • Participative democracy makes good governance possible
  • लोकतंत्र कोई कॉन्ट्रैक्ट एग्रीमेंट नहीं, ये भागीदारी का काम; जनता-जनार्दन की ताकत बहुत होती है और उन पर जितना भरोसा होगा, उसके परिणाम देखने को मिलेंगे|
  • Look back at India’s history. India has never desired anyone else’s territory. During World War 1 and 2 we had no stake but our soldiers took part in the Wars. These were big sacrifices. Look at our role in UN Peacekeeping Forces
  • We believe in peace. But we will not tolerate those who like to export terror. We will give back strong answers and in the language they understand. Terrorism will never be accepted
  • Those who like exporting terror, I want to tell them that India has changed and their antics will not be tolerated
  • I do not need to read books to understand poverty. I have lived in poverty, I know what it is to be poor and belong to the backward sections of society. I want to work for the poor, the marginalised and the downtrodden.
  • 18,000 villages did not have electricity. So many women do not have access to toilets. These realities of our nation did not let me sleep. I was determined to bring about a positive change in the lives of India’s poor
  • I am like any common citizen. And, I also have drawbacks like normal people do
  • मेरी पूँजी है– कठोर परिश्रम, प्रमाणिकता और सवा सौ करोड़ लोगों का प्यार|
  • मैंने देशवासियों को भरोसा दिलाया था कि मैं गलतियाँ कर सकता हूँ लेकिन गलत इरादे से कोई काम नहीं करूँगा|
  • We have a million problems but we have a billion people who can solve them
  • देश में वेलनेस सेंटर हो या प्रिवेंटिव हेल्थकेयर हो, हम हर भारतीय के स्वास्थ्य के लिए काम कर रहे हैं|
  • हम एक ऐसा इको-सिस्टम बना रहे हैं जहाँ सभी के लिए अवसर हो|
  • आज हम किसान कल्याण के लिए काम कर रहे हैं चाहे वो2022 तक कृषि से होने वाली आय को दोगुनी करनी हो, यूरिया की आसान उपलब्धता हो या यूरिया की नीम-कोटिंग हो, हम एक निश्चित लक्ष्य के साथ आगे बढ़ रहे हैं|
  • चाहे कोई पैरामीटर हो, देश के लिए अच्छा करने में हमने कोई कमी नहीं रखी है|
  • आज हम आर्टिफिसियल इंटेलिजेंस के युग में जी रहे हैं और हम टेक्नोलॉजी से अलग नहीं रह सकते|
  • What prevented Indian Prime Ministers from going to Israel? Yes, I will go to Israel and I will even go to Palestine. I will further cooperation with Saudi Arabia and for the energy needs of India I will also engage with Iran
  • भारत आँख झुकाकर या आँख उठाकर नहीं बल्कि आँख मिला कर बात करने में विश्वास करता है|
  • Surgical strike was a reply to Pakistan in its own language, an answer to the exporters of terrorism, which sent a message (to Pakistan) that India has changed and their antics will never be tolerated. “I am proud of my soldiers. The soldiers executed the surgical strike without making a single mistake and with 100% perfection. And they returned before sunrise.”
  • Democracy cannot succeed without constructive criticism. I want this Government to be criticised. Criticism makes democracy strong. My problem is not against criticism. To criticise, one has to research and find proper facts. Sadly, it does not happen now. What happens instead is allegations
  • इतिहास में नाम अंकित करना मेरा लक्ष्य नहीं, मैं उसी तरह जैसे मेरे सवा सौ करोड़ देशवासी|
    I was not born with an aim to be in history books. I am just like you all, a common citizen of India.
  • I request you all- remember our country and not Modi.

Improved Security Situation makes way for Removal of AFSPA

Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 has been completely removed in Meghalaya from April 01, 2018 as per communiqué dated April 23, 2018 of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), while in Arunachal Pradesh, areas under AFSPA reduced to eight Police Stations bordering Assam, besides Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts neighbouring Myanmar, attributing this to the improved security situation in the north-eastern states over the last four years. As per MHA officials, “The year 2017 recorded the lowest number of incidents of insurgency and casualties among civilians and security forces since 1997.” “There was 30% reduction in casualties among security forces and 23% reduction in the number of civilian deaths. Since 2014, there has been a 63% fall in the number of incidents, 83% fall in the number of civilian deaths, and 40% fall in the number of casualties among security forces.”

AFSPA was withdrawn in Tripura in 2015.

AFSPA, 1958, will continue in Nagaland as it is a “special case” and the “peace agreement” hasn’t been finalised there yet, Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju said on May 01, 2018.

“There is no proposal under consideration of Government of India to withdraw the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990 from Jammu and Kashmir.” Minister of State for Home Affairs, Hansraj Gangaram Ahir, however, had stated in the Lok Sabha on March 20, 2018.

Modelled on the lines of Armed Forces Special Powers Ordinance of 1942, which was promulgated by the British on 15 August 1942 to suppress the Quit India Movement; four ordinances were invoked by the central government to deal with the internal security situation in the country in 1947 which aroused out of the Partition of India.

The Armed Forces Special Powers (Assam and Manipur) Ordinance 1958 promulgated by the then President Dr.Rajendra Prasad on 22 May 1958 was replaced by the Armed Forces (Assam and Manipur) Special Powers Act, 1958 on 11 September 1958. As stated above this has been extended in April, 2018 by another 6 months in above three districts Tirap, Changlang and Longding of Arunachal Pradesh, where Naga underground factions including National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) and NSCN (Khaplang) are involved in extortion, recruitment of locals, and rivalry.

AFSPA gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas”. They have the authority to prohibit a gathering of five or more persons in an area, can use force or even open fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of the law. If reasonable suspicion exists, the army can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or search any premises without a warrant; and ban the possession of firearms. Any person arrested or taken into custody may be handed over to the officer in charge of the nearest police station along with a report detailing the circumstances that led to the arrest.

Disturbed area, an area disturbed due to differences or disputes between members of different religious, racial, language or regional groups or castes or communities, declared by notification under Section 3 of the AFSPA that can be invoked in places where “the use of armed forces in aid of the civil power is necessary”. The Central Government or the Governor of the State or administrator of the Union Territory can declare the whole or part of the State or Union Territory as a disturbed area. A suitable notification would have to be made in the Official Gazette.

Importance of Self-Study for Students – Explained

As a student, one’s primary duty is acquisition of knowledge irrespective of the method used to acquire it. From a very young age, we attend schools and colleges with the sole purpose of becoming good learners to mature into knowledgeable individuals. In schools and colleges, our learning is mostly supervised by a teacher or a trainer. But as we grow as a student, we come to realise that self-study is an important aspect of effective learning.

Self-study becomes vital when we start preparing for some important exam in our life like the competitive exams. In order to be successful in any prestigious exam, we need to dedicate several hours of self-study because it helps us acquire the practical approach of theoretical information.

We can also say that self-study is an effective way to complement formal learning that brings about a drastic improvement in a student’s grades, understanding and confidence. In higher education, self-study and self-directed learning develops a certain level of intellectual independence and help students to explore subject-matter they personally find interesting.

When we are in a classroom, there are many reasons that restrict the outcome of good learning. In majority of cases, the teacher is overburdened with the responsibility of completing the syllabus in restricted time frame that compels him to go at a faster pace. Often a single lecture is stretched for a longer duration which saturates the students. They feel tired and become less receptive as it is not possible to take a break in middle of the session.

Here self-study outperforms classroom teaching as we play both the roles, of the teacher and the learner. Concepts get cleared as we work it out ourselves. We can take a break as and when required and refresh our minds and body. This helps our brain become more receptive again and get ready to start studying effectively.

In self-study, the number of hours is not the key player. With undivided attention, a 2-hour long self-study session is as effective as 4 hours of class room study. You can study either through books, competitive exam magazines, or watch online tutorials to learn particular topics.

How to create conducive environment for self-study?

  • Create a study area – A dedicated study area is crucial for effective self-studying. It can be a simple desk and chair in the corner of your bedroom. No matter where it is, it should be a neat workplace, free of clutter and distractions with good lighting.
  • Get a computer – With so many online tutorials and Internet-based study material, it’s imperative to have a computer for studies.
  • Note taking tools – Things like notepads, rough notebooks, colored pen, and sticky notes are useful tools for self-study. When studying topics like current affairs, preparing notes while learning will enable you to retain the information longer.

Self-study, when done correctly, is a very effective learning tool, and can be helpful when used to prepare for a test or learn an entirely new subject matter on your own. All you need is, to draft a schedule and start working towards your goal in a systematic method.

How to Ace the UGC-NET

National Eligibility Test (NET) is a national level exam conducted by University Grants Commission (UGC) to determine eligibility for lectureship and for award of Junior Research Fellowship (JRF). This exam also serves the purpose of ensuring minimum standards for entrants in teaching profession and research.

Depending on performance of candidates in the three papers of NET, UGC awards them JRF and eligibility for Assistant Professor. Here we will look at some tips to help you perform better in the UGC-NET exam.

It’s generally believed that the exam is tough and difficult to clear. However, the truth is that UGC-NET is not difficult to achieve target if you have the right strategy in place and good UGC Exam books.

Let’s have a look at some tips for preparing for UGC-NET-

  • Prepare well in time – Once you have decided to appear for UGC-NET exam, it is a must for you to devote time in your preparation. Begin your preparation well in time, at least three to six months in advance. Come up with a study plan or timetable that not only focus on completing the syllabus but also provides you time to revise it.
  • Understand the syllabus – UGC-NET exam covers a vast syllabus and if you are planning to clear it, you must run through the syllabus thoroughly. In-depth understanding of the syllabus is important so that you can prepare for each topic accordingly. Understanding the syllabus will also help you start your preparation well ahead in time and there will be no need to skip a topic.
  • Prioritise the subjects – It’s natural for anyone to be good at some topics and bad at the others. It’s up to you to figure out which subjects need more effort and prepare a priority order to study them. Remember that if you do not clear the first paper, you won’t be able to clear the NET as well. So give equal importance to all the three papers.
  • Solve past Question Papers – The previous years’ question papers can be your key to crack this exam. They tell you what to expect in the exam and set the bar for level of preparation and hard work you need to put in and also provide you the clarity of concepts.
  • Speed is vital – solving more questions makes you aware of the time required to solve these questions in the exams. You need to have a strategy in place to complete maximum questions within the allotted time.
  • Be accurate – You may be fast in solving questions but if you are not accurate, it’s all in vain. Write answers that are crisp and to the point and do not miss out on anything you know.

Remember, if you have decided to clear the UGC-NET, you need to pull up your socks and start preparing. Be confident because at the end of the day your answers will reflect the confidence that you have. Get some good UGC Exam books and start preparing today.

Connectivity has Catalytic Role in Stimulating Economic Growth in Relation to India & Nepal

Connectivity and Tradewas focus of Prime Ministerof IndiaNarendra Modi’s latest State Visit to Nepal from 11 to 12 May 2018 at the invitation of Prime Ministerof Nepal K P Sharma Oli. Joint inauguration of the 900-MW Arun-III hydroelectric power projectwas highlight of the visit attended by both the Prime Ministers expressing hope that operationalisation of the project would help enhance cooperation in the generation and trade of power between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modiduring his visit said, “As Nepal enters a new era of consolidating gains of democracy and achieving rapid economic growth and development, India will continue to remain a steadfast partner of Nepal to implement its vision of ‘‘अखंडए समृधऔरसशक्तनेपालष्”,” and quoted, “सर्वेभवन्तुसुखिनरू सर्वेसन्तुनिरामयारू।सर्वेभद्राणिपश्यन्तुमाकश्चत्दिुःखभाग्भवेत्”।

India-Nepal issued a Joint Statement during Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Nepal:

  • The two Prime Ministers recalled their meeting in New Delhi during the State visit of Prime Minister Olifrom April 6-8, 2018and agreed to maintain the momentum generated by the visit by taking effective measures for the implementation of all the agreements and understandings reached in the past.
  • Agreed that effective implementation of the bilateral initiatives in Agriculture; Railway Linkages and Inland Waterways Developmentwould have transformational impact in these areas.
  • Underscored the importance of trade and economic ties between India and Nepal and to control unauthorised trade.
  • Agreed to address Nepal’s deficit and further facilitating Nepal’s access to the Indian market, enhancing overall bilateral trade, and facilitating Nepal’s transit trade
  • Underlined the catalytic role of connectivity in stimulating economic growth and agreed to intensify land, air and water connectivity and increase people-to-people contact.
  • Reiterated the importance of advancing cooperation in water resources for mutual benefit in areas such as river training works, inundation and flood management, irrigation, and to enhance pace of implementation of ongoing bilateral projects.
  • Expressed satisfactions over constitution of the joint team that will visit areas affected by inundation and floods and consider appropriate measures for sustainable solution.
  • The two Prime Ministers launched Nepal-India Ramayana Circuit connecting Janakpur, the birthplace of Sita, with Ayodhya, the birth place of Ram and other sites associated with the epic Ramayana, with a view to further strengthening the close religious and cultural ties between the two countries and peoples.
  • In Janakpur, the two Prime Ministers flagged off the inaugural direct bus service between Janakpur and Ayodhya.
  • The two Prime Ministers directed their respective officials to address outstanding matters by September 2018, with the objective of advancing cooperation in all areas.
  • Underscored importance of regional and sub-regional cooperation under BIMSTEC, SAARC, and BBIN frameworks for forging meaningful cooperation in identified sectors.

Prime Minister of India said Nepal must identify its needs and priorities to deliver results, “India will stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Nepal in its development journey. Your success is our success and your joy is our joy,” and added that his party’s slogan सबकासाथसबकाविकास, was as much about global well-being as it was about India’s growth

 

Nordic Countries as Global Innovation Leaders to Deepen Cooperation with India

‘India – Nordic Council Summit: Shared Values, Mutual Prosperity’ co-hosted by India and Sweden in Stockholm on April 17, 2018 was attended by Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of Denmark Lars Løkke Rasmussen, Prime Minister of Finland Juha Sipilä, Prime Minister of Iceland Katrín Jakobsdóttir, Prime Minister of Norway Erna Solberg and Prime Minister of Sweden Stefan Löfven. Modi also had separate bilateral meetings with Prime Ministers of Denmark, Finland, Iceland and Norway on the side lines of the India-Nordic Summit. India has substantial economic ties with Nordic countries.  Annual India-Nordic trade is about $5.3 billion.  The cumulative Nordic FDI into India has been $2.5 billion. At the end of the Summit, India and the Nordic countries issued a Joint Statement:

  • The Prime Ministers pledged to deepen cooperation between India and the Nordic countries and focused their discussions on key issues related to global security, economic growth, innovation and climate change.
  • They reaffirmed importance of free trade as a catalyst for achieving inclusive growth and realising Sustainable Development Goals.
  • They acknowledged that innovation and digital transformation drive growth in an interconnected world, which underpin a growing engagement between India and the Nordic countries.
  • Role of the Nordic countries as global innovation leaders was underlined.
  • Nordic approach to innovation systems, characterised by a strong collaboration between public sector, private sector and academia, was discussed, and synergies were identified with India’s rich pool of talent and skills.
  • Summit emphasised India’s strong commitment to innovation and digital initiatives as key to prosperity and sustainable development, with national flagship programmes such as Make in India, Start-up India, Digital India and Clean India.
  • Nordic solutions in clean technologies, maritime solutions, port modernisation, food processing, health and life-sciences and agriculture were mentioned.
  • Summit welcomed the Nordic Sustainable Cities Project aimed at supporting the Smart Cities Programme of the Government of India.
  • The Prime Ministers noted that the unique strengths of India and Nordic countries offer immense opportunities for trade and investment diversification and mutually beneficial collaboration.
  • During the talks, importance of rules-based multilateral trading system as well as open and inclusive international trade for prosperity and growth was underlined.
  • Ease of Doing Business practices were emphasised as a priority for both the Nordic countries and India.
  • The Prime Ministers acknowledged that terrorism and violent extremism are major challenges for the international community.
  • They discussed global security, including cyber security, based on their shared values of human rights, democracy and the rule of law, and their commitment to uphold rules-based international system.
  • They also discussed export control and non-proliferation.
  • Nordic countries welcomed India’s application for membership of Nuclear Suppliers’ Group and reaffirmed their commitment to work constructively within the Group with the aim of reaching a positive outcome at the earliest opportunity.
  • The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their support for United Nations and Secretary-General’s reform efforts to ensure a UN fit to support Member States to deliver on Agenda 2030 and took note of his proposals to strengthen the UN, including areas of development, peace operations, peace building and conflict prevention.
  • Nordic countries and India reaffirmed the need for reform of UN Security Council, including its expansion in both permanent and non-permanent seats to make it more representative, accountable, effective and responsive to the realities of the 21st century.
  • Nordic countries agree that India is a strong candidate for a permanent seat in a reformed Security Council expanded with both permanent and non-permanent members.
  • The Prime Ministers reaffirmed their full commitment to implementing the 2030 Agenda for sustainable development as well as the ambitious implementation of Paris Agreement.
  • They agreed to continue efforts to develop cleaner energy systems, renewable energy and fuels, increased energy efficiency and technologies for cleaner energy production.
  • The Prime Ministers noted that women’s full and meaningful participation in political, social and economic life is the key to inclusive development and agreed to promote empowerment of women.
  • They agreed that a strong partnership can help spur innovations, economic growth, sustainable solutions and mutually beneficial trade and investments.
  • The Summit emphasized importance of strong people-to-people contacts through education, culture, labour mobility and tourism – all areas where Nordic countries and India see a continuous increase in both interests and numbers.

MOUs and Agreements signed and exchanged during of the visit of Prime Minister to Stockholm on April 16-17, 2018 are:

India-Sweden

  • Joint Declaration on India-Sweden Innovation Partnership for a Sustainable Future between Ministry of Science and Technology of India and the Ministry of Enterprise and Innovation 

India and Denmark:

  • MOU on Cooperation in the field of Sustainable and Smart Urban Development between the Ministry for Housing and Urban Affairs of India and the Ministry of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs of Denmark.
  • MOU on Cooperation in the fields of Animal Husbandry and Dairying between Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare of India and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration, Ministry of Environment and Food of Denmark
  • MOU on Food Safety Cooperation between the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India and the Danish Veterinary and Food Administration
  • MOU on Cooperation in Agricultural Research and Education between the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the University of Copenhagen, Faculty of Science, Denmark

India and Iceland:

  • MOU on the Establishment of the ICCR Chair for Hindi Language between Indian Council for Cultural Relations and the University of Iceland

World Class Missile Technology under Make in India Initiative

World Class Guided Weapon Systems Technology for Indian Armed Forces under Make in India initiative has been offered by L&T MBDA Missile Systems Limited (L&T MBDA) with a clear objective of indigenously developing, manufacturing and supplying highly advanced missiles and missile systems. L&T MBDA, exhibiting at the Defexpo 2018 at Chennai, has responded to a request for information from the Government of India to make fifth generation anti-tank guided missiles, short range surface-to-air missiles and medium range anti-ship missile systems for India’s Armed Forces.

L&T MBDA, a joint venture between engineering giant Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and Europe’s MBDA which designs and produces missiles and missile systems, were amongst a gathering of defence industry representatives from private and public sector representing some 500 Indian companies and 150 international firms at the Defexpo 2018 from April 11 to 14, 2018 in Chennai at Tiruvidanthal, in Kancheepuram district; with tagline “India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub.”

L&T MBDA, the joint venture incorporated on April 05, 2017 as an Indian Company fully complying with India’s Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy norms for a Defence Manufacturing Company in which L&T holds 51% and MBDA holds 49% equity, within one year of its incorporation is preparing to participate in various Make in India category projects and is offering the following missile systems to address Indian Armed Forces’ operational requirements:

  • 5th Generation Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM 5) with substantially advanced features vis-à-vis other 3rd and 4thgeneration ATGM missiles. The missile is offered under the Buy: Indian-IDDM (Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured) procurement category for the Indian Armed Forces. ATGM 5 made its public debut at Defexpo 2018, where a model of the missile was displayed and its operational advantages demonstrated using a fully functional simulator.
  • Short Range Surface to Air Missile (SRSAM) the latest in surface to air missile technologies under the Buy and Make (Indian) Category for the Naval Surface Platforms’ requirements of the Indian Navy
  • Medium Range Anti-Ship Missile System the latest generation anti-ship missile system under the Buy and Make (Indian) Category for the Naval Surface Platforms requirements of the Indian Navy.

MBDA is the only European group capable of designing and producing missiles and missile systems that correspond to the full range of current and future operational needs of the three armed forces (land, sea and air). MBDA, with its Headquarters in Paris, France and parent organisations Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo, was formed by a merger of French Aérospatiale-Matra Missiles, Italian Alenia Marconi Systems and British Matra BAe Dynamics in December 2001. In total, the group offers a range of 45 missile systems and countermeasures products already in operational service and more than 15 others currently in development. With a significant presence in five European countries and within the USA, in 2017 MBDA achieved revenue of 3.1 billion euros with an order book of 16.8 billion euros. With more than 90 armed forces customers in the world, MBDA is a world leader in missiles and missile systems.

Loïc Piedevache, India Country Head, MBDA, said, “For over 50 successful years our strategy has been one of true partnership with the Indian Armed Forces and Indian industry. The JV offers the Indian Armed Forces the flexibility of choice regarding the timely acquisition of key operational capabilities, coupled with the optimized means of acquiring and mastering the very latest and most advanced guided weapon systems technology currently available anywhere in the world.”