Indian Space Policy 2023: Union govt approves Indian Space Policy 2023 to enhance role of Department of Space
Indian Space Policy 2023: Union govt approves Indian Space
Policy 2023 to enhance role of Department of Space
Why
In News
·
The Union
Government of India has recently approved the Indian Space Policy 2023, which
aims to enhance the role of the Department of Space and boost the activities of
the ISRO.
Key
Points
·
The Union
Government of India has recently approved the Indian Space Policy 2023, which
aims to enhance the role of the Department of Space and boost the activities of
the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
·
This policy is a
significant step towards strengthening India’s space sector and achieving
self-reliance in space technology.
Indian
Space Policy 2023: Aim
·
The Indian Space
Policy 2023 aims to establish a conducive environment for the private sector to
participate in space activities, thereby boosting innovation and
entrepreneurship in the space sector. It also aims to promote international
cooperation in space research and exploration.
·
The policy
recognizes the importance of space technology in various sectors such as
communication, navigation, disaster management, weather forecasting,
agriculture, and defense. The policy also emphasizes the development of indigenous
technologies and capacity-building in the space sector.
Indian
Space Policy 2023: Significance:
·
The Indian Space
Policy 2023 is expected to boost the activities of ISRO and enable it to
achieve its goals in a more effective and efficient manner.
·
The policy will
also provide a framework for the development of a robust space industry in
India, which will generate employment opportunities and contribute to the
country’s economic growth.
·
In conclusion,
the Indian Space Policy 2023 is a significant step towards enhancing India’s
capabilities in the space sector and achieving self-reliance in space
technology.
·
The policy will
provide a conducive environment for the private sector to participate in space
activities, boost innovation and entrepreneurship, and promote international
cooperation in space research and exploration.
Govt approves Kirit Parikh panel recommendations on natural gas pricing
Govt approves Kirit Parikh panel recommendations on natural
gas pricing
Why
In News
·
The government
implemented changes to the pricing model of domestic natural gas in accordance
with the Kirit Parikh committee's recommendations on gas pricing.
Key
Points
·
The government
implemented changes to the pricing model of domestic natural gas in accordance
with the Kirit Parikh committee’s recommendations on gas pricing.
·
The new pricing
system will announce prices monthly and link them to 10% of the international
price of the Indian crude basket. As a result, prices for piped natural gas
(PNG) and compressed natural gas (CNG) used by households, auto fuel, and
various industries are expected to decrease by 10%.
Key
recommendations of Kirit Parikh panel on natural gas pricing:
·
The government
has accepted all the significant recommendations of the Parikh panel and has
established a floor price of $4 per MMBtu for the next two years to cover the
cost of gas production by state-run companies ONGC and Oil India Ltd.
Additionally, a ceiling price of $6.5 per MMBtu has been set.
·
The Union Cabinet
approved significant changes in the pricing regime for domestic natural gas
under the ambit of the Administered price mechanism (APM).
·
Under the APM,
the Indian government sets the price of natural gas produced by oil
and gas companies.
·
The price of APM
gas, which accounts for about two-thirds of India’s natural gas production, has
been determined as per the ‘modified’ Rangarajan formula since November 1,
2014.
·
These changes
will mainly apply to gas produced by legacy fields, or nomination
fields, of national oil companies Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Ltd and Oil India Ltd (OIL).
·
Nomination fields
are acreages that the government awarded to ONGC and OIL before 1999, after
which auctions became the basis of awarding oil and gas blocks.
Significance
of this development:
·
APM gas price prices linked to crude oil prices
o
The new regime
will have the APM gas price prices linked to crude oil prices.
o
This has now
become the prevalent practice in most natural gas contracts internationally.
o
It is more
relevant to India’s consumption basket, and has deeper liquidity in global
trading markets on a real-time basis.
·
Addressed the issue of time lag
o
With the changes
in the pricing formula, data of the Indian crude basket price from the previous
month would form the basis for APM gas price determination.
·
Attempt to balance demands of consumers as
well as producers
o
Over the past few
years, ONGC and OIL had been petitioning the government for a floor price as
they were forced to sell gas at a loss for a prolonged period when prices
sustained below their cost of production.
o
On the other
hand, gas consuming industries had been urging the government to ensure
affordability of domestic natural gas.
o
Hence, by
bringing ceiling and floor price, it attempts to bring a balance.
·
Significant decrease in prices of PNG and
CNG
o
The reforms will
lead to a significant decrease in prices of Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for
households and Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transport.
o
The reduced
prices shall also lower the fertilizer subsidy burden and help the domestic
power sector.
Tripura becomes best performer in northeast in e-procurement, receives award
Tripura becomes best performer in northeast in e-procurement,
receives award
Why
In News
·
Tripura's recent
award as the best-performing state in the North Eastern region for
e-Procurement is a significant achievement for the state.
Key
Points
·
Tripura’s recent
award as the best-performing state in the North Eastern region for
e-Procurement is a significant achievement for the state.
·
The award was
presented at a National Workshop on e-Procurement organized by the Union
Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Electronic and Information Technology
in March 2023, held at the India Habitat Center in New Delhi.
Significance
of this Award:
·
The award is a
recognition of the state’s continuous efforts to promote e-Procurement, which
has led to a significant transformation in the way procurement activities are
conducted. E-Procurement has brought greater efficiency, transparency, and
cost-effectiveness in the procurement process.
·
The use of
technology has simplified the procurement process, making it easier for vendors
to participate and for government agencies to manage the procurement process.
·
The
implementation of e-Procurement has also reduced the potential for fraudulent
activities and provided a level playing field for all vendors to participate in
the procurement process.
·
The award
received by Tripura is a testament to the state’s commitment to promoting
transparency and efficiency in governance.
·
The state’s
efforts in this area have not only improved the procurement process but have
also helped to build trust between the government and the private sector.
·
The award is also
a significant achievement for the North Eastern region, as it highlights the
region’s potential for growth and development. Other states in the region can
learn from Tripura’s success and adopt similar practices to improve governance
and promote economic growth.
Tripura’s
e-Procurement practices:
·
Tripura’s success
in e-Procurement has been possible due to the state’s proactive approach in
adopting and implementing e-Procurement practices.
·
The state has
implemented an e-Procurement portal, which provides real-time information on
procurement activities, and allows vendors to submit bids electronically.
·
The portal has
been recognized for its user-friendly interface and its ability to reduce the
time and cost involved in the procurement process.
·
The portal has
also been credited with improving transparency in the procurement process, as
all procurement activities are recorded and can be accessed by interested
parties.
President of India Inaugurates GAJ UTSAV-2023
President of India Inaugurates GAJ UTSAV-2023
Why
In News
·
On April 7, 2023,
The Gaj Utsav-2023 was inaugurated at the Kaziranga National Park by the
President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu.
Key
Points
·
On April 7, 2023,
The Gaj Utsav-2023 was inaugurated at the Kaziranga National Park by the
President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu. During her speech, she highlighted the
significant bond between nature and humanity, which is regarded as sacred.
·
India has always
identified itself with a culture of respecting nature. Our country has a unique
connection between nature and culture, where both have been intertwined and
nourishing each other.
·
Elephants have
been held in high esteem in our tradition, and are considered a symbol of
prosperity. As the National Heritage Animal of India, safeguarding elephants is
an essential element of our national duty to conserve our national heritage.
More
about GAJ UTSAV 2023:
·
The Gaj Utsav
2023 is a significant event in India that commemorates the 30th anniversary of
Project Elephant, a flagship conservation initiative launched by the Indian
government in 1992.
·
The event aims to
promote awareness about the conservation of elephants and their habitats,
reduce human-elephant conflicts, and ensure the welfare of captive elephants.
·
The event is
being celebrated at the Kaziranga National Park, which is known for its high
population of Asian elephants.
·
The two-day event
includes various activities such as cultural programs, elephant processions,
exhibitions, and seminars.
·
These activities
are designed to engage the public and raise awareness about the importance of
elephant conservation.
·
The event also
highlights the challenges faced by elephants in India due to habitat loss,
fragmentation, poaching, and human-elephant conflicts.
·
Through the Gaj
Utsav 2023, the Indian government aims to work towards mitigating these
challenges and ensuring a better future for elephants in India.
About
Kaziranga National Park:
·
Kaziranga
National Park was established in 1905 and is one of the oldest national parks
in India.
·
The park covers
an area of approximately 430 square kilometers and is home to the world’s
largest population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses.
·
Kaziranga is also
home to other rare and endangered species such as the Bengal tiger, Asiatic
elephant, wild water buffalo, and swamp deer.
·
The park is
situated in the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River and has a unique ecosystem
that includes grasslands, swamps, and forests.
·
Kaziranga is
recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is also a Tiger Reserve and an
Important Bird Area.
·
The park is a
popular tourist destination and offers activities such as wildlife safaris,
elephant rides, and birdwatching.
·
Kaziranga
National Park faces various challenges such as habitat loss, poaching, and
human-elephant conflicts, which require constant attention and conservation
efforts.