The Ministry of Commerce and Industry said on Thursday that India and Australia are on track to finalise discussions for an interim free trade agreement (FTA) soon, with the goal of strengthening economic links between the two countries. The full agreement, technically known as the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2022, according to the report.
India is poised to receive an export order for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles from the Philippines soon, in what could be a big win for India’s defence export campaign.
India’s Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi is set to release more than Rs 20,000 crore (US$ 2.68 billion) to nearly 100 million beneficiary farmer families on January 1, 2022, the first day of the new year under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). This will be the 10th instalment of financial benefits under this scheme.
Defence Minister Mr Rajnath Singh unveiled 27 roads and bridges projects implemented by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO), which included one built at an altitude of more than 19,000 feet on the Umling-La pass in southern Ladakh. Mr Rajnath Singh highlighted that the road has become the world’s highest motorable road. He acknowledged that the BRO accomplished the “historic accomplishment” of constructing the road in southern Ladakh despite various hurdles, including extreme altitude and sub-zero temperatures.
According to media reports, telecom operator Bharti Airtel and IT major Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) have teamed together to develop a 5G-based remote working system based on robotics. Airtel’s 5G facility in Manesar, Haryana, is now hosting both firms’ testing.
The JSR rocket on the other hand is expected to have a range of 250 to 300km along with guided capacity, making it more precise on the target. The Smerch rocket has a range of around 100km. Deo says even with the advanced features there are plans to sell the rocket at a price lower than the current price of acquisition of other systems.
CESL is providing high quality 7-Watt and 12-Watt LED bulbs with 3 years guarantee at a cost of INR 10 per bulb in exchange of working incandescent bulbs. Every household can exchange a maximum of 5 bulbs. The distribution has resulted in energy savings of 71,99,68,373.28 units per year with cost savings of 250 crores per year in the rural areas of aforementioned states. The programme is active till March 31, 2022.
During the last 7.5 years, India has witnessed the fastest rate of growth in renewable energy capacity addition among all large economies, with renewable energy capacity (including large hydro) growing 1.97 times and solar energy expanding over 18 times.
Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh dedicated to the Nation 24 bridges and three roads, built by Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in four States and two Union Territories, through a virtual event from New Delhi on December 28, 2021. Of the 24 bridges, nine are in Jammu & Kashmir; five each in Ladakh & Himachal Pradesh; three in Uttarakhand and one each in Sikkim & Arunachal Pradesh.
The extreme ECWS is required by Indian Army for its sustained operations in glacier and Himalayan peaks. The Army, till recently has been importing extreme cold weather clothing and several Special Clothing and Mountaineering Equipment (SCME) items for the troops deployed in high altitude regions.
