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- The Union Ministry of Defence (MoD) has recently finalized a ₹2,906 crore deal with Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Ghaziabad, for the acquisition of Low-level Transportable Radar (LLTR), also known as Ashwini.
- About Ashwini Radar:
- The LLTR (Ashwini) is a cutting-edge, active electronically scanned phased array radar built on advanced solid-state technology. It is designed to track a wide range of aerial targets, from high-speed fighter jets to slower-moving objects such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and helicopters. Developed through a collaborative effort between the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and BEL, the Ashwini radars are entirely indigenous. Equipped with integrated Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems, these radars use electronic scanning for both azimuth and elevation, allowing for 4D surveillance capabilities. Optimized for mobility, the radars come with state-of-the-art Electronic Counter-Countermeasures (ECCM) and are capable of functioning across diverse terrains. These radars automatically detect and track aerial targets, including both fast-moving fighter aircraft and slower objects.
- Indian Railways will participate in the Union government’s Mission Amrit Sarovar initiative by digging ponds to help tackle the growing issue of water scarcity in the country.
- About Mission Amrit Sarovar:
- Launched in April 2022, Mission Amrit Sarovar aims to create or rejuvenate 75 Amrit Sarovars (ponds) in each district, totaling 50,000 ponds across India. The initiative is designed to alleviate the water crisis, particularly in rural regions of the country. Each Amrit Sarovar will cover at least 1 acre of land and have a water storage capacity of approximately 10,000 cubic meters. The location of the Amrit Sarovars will be approved by a special Gram Sabha, which will also appoint a Panchayat Partinidhi to oversee the development and management of each pond. The mission emphasizes water conservation, community involvement, and the effective use of soil excavated from the ponds to support infrastructure projects. Adopting a “Whole of Government” approach, the mission involves the participation of several ministries, including the Ministry of Rural Development, Ministry of Jal Shakti, Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, and Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, along with technical organizations. Mission Amrit Sarovar does not have a separate financial allocation. The Bhaskar Acharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) has been appointed as the technical partner for the project. The progress and performance of the initiative in various districts are tracked using the Amrit Sarovar Portal and Mobile App, developed by BISAG-N.
- UNCTAD has issued a warning about economic fragmentation and emphasized the importance of global cooperation to prevent disruptions in trade and ensure long-term economic growth.
- About UNCTAD:
- The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) is based in Geneva, Switzerland. It is a permanent intergovernmental body established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1964. UNCTAD aims to help developing countries gain a fairer and more effective share of the benefits of the globalized economy. The organization provides economic and trade analysis, promotes consensus-building, and offers technical assistance to assist developing nations in using trade, investment, finance, and technology to foster inclusive and sustainable development. UNCTAD is part of the UN Secretariat and reports to the UN General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council. Despite being part of the UN system, it has its own membership, leadership, and budget. It is also a member of the United Nations Development Group.
- Key Developments: The first United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) took place in Geneva in 1964. In 1989, the Global System of Trade Preferences among Developing Countries (GSTP) Agreement came into force. This agreement allowed for tariff and non-tariff preferences among its members and has since been ratified by 44 countries. The completion of the Uruguay Round of trade negotiations under the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) in 1995 led to the formation of the World Trade Organization (WTO), which strengthened the legal framework for international trade. UNCTAD has consistently called for a differentiated approach to address the issues facing developing countries. In 2000, its tenth conference in Bangkok resulted in the adoption of the political declaration, "The Spirit of Bangkok," which set out strategies to tackle the development challenges in a globalizing world.
- Reports Published by UNCTAD:
- Trade and Development Report
- World Investment Report
- Least Developed Countries Report