By admin: Jan. 17, 2025

Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran

Tags: Person in news

Why in the news?

• Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna administered theoath of office to Supreme Court’s new judge Justice Krishnan Vinod Chandran, on 16th, January , 2025

Important points:

• Justice Chandran wasformerly the Chief Justice of Patna High Court. His appointment has raised the judicial strength of the Supreme Court to 33, one short of the full sanctioned strength.

Cabinet approves the establishment of “Third Launch Pad”

Tags: Science and Technology

Why in the news?

• The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi todayapproved the establishment of the Third Launch Pad (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre of ISRO at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

Key points:

• The Third Launch Pad project envisages the establishment of the launch infrastructure at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh for the Next Generation Launch Vehicles of ISRO and also to support as standby launch pad for the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota.

• This will also enhance the launch capacity for future Indian human spaceflight missions.

• The TLP is designed to have configuration that is as universal and adaptable as possible that can support not only NGLV but also the LVM3  vehicles with Semicryogenic stage as well as scaled up configurations of NGLV. 

• It will be realized with maximum industry participation fully utilizing ISRO’s experience in establishing the earlier launch pads and maximally sharing the existing launch complex facilities.

• TLP is targeted to be established within a duration of 48 months or 4 years.

• The total fund requirement is Rs. 3984.86 Crore and includes the establishment of the Launch Pad and the associated facilities.

• The Project will boost the Indian Space ecosystem by enabling higher launch frequencies and the national capacity to undertake human spaceflight & space exploration missions.

Background:

• As on today, Indian Space Transportation Systems are completely reliant on two launch pads viz. First Launch Pad (FLP) & Second Launch Pad (SLP). FLP was realized 30 years ago for PSLV and continues to provide launch support for PSLV & SSLV. 

• SLP was established primarily for GSLV & LVM3 and also functions as standby for PSLV. SLP has been operational for almost 20 years and has enhanced the launch capacity towards enabling some commercial missions of PSLV/LVM3 along with the national missions including the Chandrayaan-3 mission. 

• SLP is also getting ready to launch the human rated LVM3 for the Gaganyaan missions.

Defence Ministry signs ₹2,960 crore contract for Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles

Tags: Defence

Why in the news?

• The Union Defence Ministry on January 16, 2024) inked a Rs. 2,960 crore contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited for Medium-Range Surface-to-Air Missiles (MR-SAM) for the Indian Navy.

Important points:

• MR-SAM contract has been signed with Bharat Dynamics Limited for the Indian Navy
• “The MRSAM system is a standard fit, onboard multiple Indian Naval Ships and is planned to be fitted on the majority of the future platforms planned for acquisition. 
• The contract marks a critical milestone in the ongoing efforts to bolster India’s defence capabilities and indigenise advanced military technology.

CELEBRATION OF 'YEAR OF NAVAL CIVILIANS'

Tags: Defence

Why in the news?

• The Indian Navy is proudly celebrating the ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ on 17 Jan 25 at Dr DS Kothari Auditorium, DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi. The event will be graced by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri as the Chief Guest.

Key points:

• The ceremony will showcase the remarkable achievements and contributions of Naval Civilians through an inspiring agenda including a curated exhibition featuring photographs and paintings highlighting the work, lives and stories of Naval Civilians. 

• This will offer a glimpse into their pivotal roles and achievements in various facets of Naval support operations.

• The Chief Guest will be introduced to recipients of the Prime Minister’s Shram Awards who have demonstrated exceptional skills, dedication and innovation in their respective fields. 

• This will be followed by address by the Chief of the Naval Staff highlighting the integral role of Naval Civilians in the Navy’s mission and celebrating their achievements throughout the year. 

• A commemorative short movie capturing the spirit, dedication and contributions of the Civilian workforce will be screened during the event. This movie would provide a deeper appreciation for the work and contribution of Naval Civilians.

•  An exclusive Naval Civilians Song ‘Jee Jaan Lagan Se’ has been composed. The beauty of this song lies in the fact that the lyricist, music composer and singers are all Naval Civilian employees. 

• The song would be performed live by all the Singers during the celebration of ‘Year of Naval Civilians’.

Three Indian nuclear entities no more on U.S. restrictions list

Tags: National News

Why in the news?

• In a significant move, the United States on Wednesday removed restrictions onthree Indian nuclear entities.

Key points:

• The three entities are Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC), Indira Gandhi Atomic Research Centre (IGCAR) and the Indian Rare Earths (IRE), according to the U.S. Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).