July 2023 - Page 26 of 49 - Lokmarg

ISRO Counts Down To Launch Of Chandrayaan-3 Mission Today

By LokMarg 14th July 2023

With only hours left for the lift-off, anticipation is building around the launch India’s third lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-3, by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), on Friday.

The GSLV Mark 3 (LVM 3) heavy-lift launch vehicle, which will release the moon lander and rover into space, will lift off from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Andhra Pradesh’s Sriharikota at 2.35 pm.
The countdown for the launch began on Thursday at 14:35:17 IST, ahead of the lift-off on Friday.

Chandrayaan-3 will be ISRO’s follow-up attempt after the Chandrayaan-2 mission faced challenges during its soft landing on the lunar surface in 2019 and was eventually deemed to have failed its mission objectives.

The ‘Launch Rehearsal’ simulating the entire launch preparation and process was concluded earlier by the ISRO.

Chandrayaan-3 is equipped with a lander, a rover and a propulsion module. It weighs around 3,900 kilograms.

The ISRO’s third lunar exploration mission is equipped with eight payloads. The experiments to be carried out by Chandrayan 3 include the Vikram lander (named after Space scientist Vikram Sarabhai) which will carry 4 instruments, Pragyan (Saanskrit for Wisdom) rover will carry two instruments and Propulsion Module or the Orbiter will carry one experiment.

Vikram lander’s experiments include Chandra’s Surface Thermophysical Experiment (ChaSTE) to measure surface thermal properties, Instrument for Lunar Seismic Activity (ILSA) to measure seismicity around the landing site, Radio Anatomy of Moon Bound Hypersensitive ionosphere and Atmosphere (RAMBHA) to study the gas and plasma environment, and Passive laser retroreflector array provided by NASA for lunar ranging studies.

While the Pragyan (Saanskrit for Wisdom) rover will carry two instruments to study the surface elemental composition — Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS) that will help determine the elemental composition of the lunar soil and rocks around the landing site and Laser Induced Breakdown Spectroscope (LIBS) which will conduct qualitative and quantitative elemental analysis in order to infer the chemical and mineralogical composition of the lunar surface.

The Propulsion Module or the Orbiter will carry Spectropolarimetry of Habitable Planet Earth (SHAPE) to study Earth’s spectral and polarimetric measurements from lunar orbit. This helps scientists analyse the reflected light from exoplanets and determine whether they would qualify for habitability.

The journey from Earth to the moon for the spacecraft is estimated to take about a month and the landing is expected on August 23.

Upon landing, it will operate for one lunar day, which is approximately 14 Earth days. One day on the Moon is equal to 14 days on Earth.

K Sivan, former director of ISRO, told ANI that the success of mission Chandrayan-3 will give a morale boost to programmes like Gaganyan, India’s first manned space mission.

Chandrayaan-3’s development phase commenced in January 2020 with the launch planned sometime in 2021, but the Covid-19 pandemic brought an unforeseen delay to the mission’s progress.

The major discovery of the Chandrayaan-1 mission, launched in 2008, was the detection of water (H2O) and hydroxyl (OH) on the lunar surface. Data mined by the rover then also revealed their enhanced abundance towards the polar region.

The primary science objective of the mission was to prepare a three-dimensional atlas of both the near and far sides of the Moon and to conduct chemical and mineralogical mapping of the entire lunar surface with high spatial resolution, Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre under ISRO had said.

Moon serves as a repository of the Earth’s past and a successful lunar mission by India will help enhance life on Earth while also enabling it explore the rest of the solar system and beyond.

Director of Indian Space and Research Organisation (ISRO), S Somanath, said earlier that if everything goes well, the spacecraft will land on the moon on August 23.

The date has been decided based on the sunrise on the moon, he said, adding that if it gets delayed, the landing may take place next month. (ANI)

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Freshly Procured Tomatoes Arrive In Delhi, To Be Sold At Rs 90/kg Starting Today

By LokMarg 14th July 2023

Freshly procured tomatoes, which arrived in the national capital overnight, are to be sold in the retail markets here by the government agency National Cooperative Consumers’ Federation of India (NCCF), starting today.

The kitchen staple will be sold at Rs 90 per kg, the consumer affairs department said.

Amid a sharp spurt in tomato prices across the country, the Central government on Wednesday directed its agricultural marketing agencies — NAFED and NCCF — to immediately procure the staple vegetable from mandis in key growing states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra.

The sharp rise in tomato prices has been reported across the country, and is not just limited to a particular region or geography. In key cities, it rose to as high as Rs 150-160 per kg.

Once procured, these freshly procured tomatoes are to be despatched for simultaneous distribution in major consumption centres where retail prices have recorded maximum increase in the past one month.

The periods during July-August and October-November are generally the lean production months for tomato.

The stocks of tomato will be distributed through retail outlets at “discounted prices” to the consumers in Delhi NCR region by Friday, this week, an official release said Wednesday.

Tomato is produced almost in all the states in India, though in varying quantities. The southern and western regions of India accounts for 56-58 per cent of total tomato production in the country.

“Southern and Western regions being surplus states, feed to other markets depending on production seasons. The production seasons are also different across regions. The peak harvesting season occurs from December to February,” the food ministry had said.

“The cycle of planting and harvesting seasons and variation across regions are primarily responsible for price seasonality in Tomato. Apart from the normal price seasonality, temporary supply chain disruptions and crop damage due to adverse weather conditions etc. often lead to sudden spikes in prices,” it added.

The government attributed the rise in prices to the monsoon season, saying that it added to further challenges related to distribution and increased transit losses.

Tomatoes have a relatively lower shelf life.

Currently, the supplies coming to markets in Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and some other states are mostly from Maharashtra especially Satara, Narayangaon, and Nashik, which is expected to last till this month end.

Madanapalle (Chittoor) in Andhra Pradesh also has seen continued arrivals in reasonable quantities. The arrivals in Delhi NCR are mainly from Himachal Pradesh and some quantity comes from Kolar in Karnataka.

New crop arrivals are expected soon from Nashik district.

Further, in August, additional supply is expected to come from Narayangaon and Aurangabad belt. Madhya Pradesh arrivals are also expected to start, the government said.

According to the database maintained by the Price Monitoring Division under the Department of Consumer Affairs, per kilogram tomato on average rose by Rs 60-100 this month of what they were in retail markets in early June.

Data showed prices of tomatoes in Delhi going up exponentially from Rs 20 per kg in early June to Rs 110 last week. Similarly, in Chennai, Ahmedabad, and Kolkata, three key consuming regions, the prices per kilogram rose to Rs 117, Rs 100, and Rs 148.

Data showed the rates of the staple vegetable tomato were in tune with the rise in their prices in wholesale markets, which jumped substantially on average in June.

The rise in tomato and other vegetable prices was reflected in the June retail inflation data.

Bucking the trend, retail inflation in India rose considerably in June to 4.81 per cent, largely due to a sharp spurt in vegetable prices. Vegetables, meat and fish; eggs; pulses and products; spices indices saw an uptick.

Back in May, the retail inflation (final) was at 4.31 per cent, hitting a two-year low. It was at 4.7 per cent in April and 5.7 per cent the previous month. (ANI)

Modi Holds Delegation-Level Talks With French PM Borne

By LokMarg 13th July 2023

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday held delegation-level talks with French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne in Paris.

The Prime Minister, who arrived in Paris earlier in the day on a two-day official visit, was accorded a ceremonial welcome at the airport.
He was welcomed by French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne at the airport.

PM Modi was also given a rousing welcome by members of the Indian diaspora in Paris.

He also met President of the French Senate Gerard Larcher at the Senate building.

PM Modi will join French President Emmanuel Macron for the French National Day in Paris as the Guest of Honour on April 14.

An Indian tri-services contingent will be part of the Bastille Day Parade, while Indian Air Force aircraft will perform a fly-past on the occasion.

PM Modi’s France visit coincides with the 25th anniversary of the “strategic partnership” between the two countries. (ANI)

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Iran Aims To Expand Its Automobile Sale Internationally, Indian Market On Cards

By LokMarg 13th July 2023

Iran Khodro Industrial Group (IKCO), Iran’s largest automobile manufacturer, is aiming for expansion of its automotive business to additional nations despite the US sanctions, following its successful car exports to Russia and has now set its sights on India.
After having captured the markets of Venezuela and Russia the company, Iranian automaker Khodro, is determined to increase its car production to meet the demands of its partner countries.

Leila Yusufi, the logistics manager at Khodro, expressed confidence in expanding the market to India when questioned about the company’s plans for the Indian market. She stated, “Certainly, if India permits, we will enter the Indian market.”

Yusufi said, “Sure. If India will allow. We will come to India.”

According to Khodro, they have the capacity to produce more than 40 cars per hour.

“We are currently able to producing 43 cars per hour and we are sending our cars to Venezuela and Russia,” Leila told ANI.

Iran is confident to produce more cars to meet the demand of their partner countries.

On being asked if Iran is facing challenges in automobile manufacturing due to US sanctions, logistics manager of IKCO said “We have defeated that. There were many problems but we have been able to overcome the sanction, fortunately.”

“But it was very difficult,” she added.

The US has imposed restrictions on activities with Iran under various legal authorities since 1979, following the seizure of the US Embassy in Tehran.

The Department of State’s Office of Economic Sanctions Policy and Implementation is responsible for enforcing and implementing a number of US sanctions programmes that restrict access to the United States for companies that engage in certain commercial activities in Iran.

IKCO is also planning to take new technologies from other countries, said Leila, noting, “the development of the country is one of our most important plans and we are looking for new technologies from other countries.”

According to IKCO, Iran produces about 85 per cent of automobile parts in the country as Make in Iran products and the remaining 15 per cent in other countries. (ANI)

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Bihar: BJP Leader Dies After Police Lathicharge During Protest

By LokMarg 13th July 2023

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday alleged that a leader of the party died after sustaining injuires during police lathi-charge as party workers were marching to the Bihar Assembly during a massive protest against the Nitish Kumar-led government in the state today.

The Police allegedly fired tear gas shells, used water cannons to stop party workers from marching to the Bihar Assembly.BJP workers were holding protest on the various demands including amended teachers recruitment policy.
Taking to Twitter, BJP senior leader Sushil Kumar Modi who was part of the protest said, “Arrested by Bihar Police in Patna. Jehanabad dist GS Vijay Kumar Singh died in brutal police lathi charge.”

Further talking to ANI, Modi said the BJP will file a case against the police officials under the section for murder.

“It is so unfortunate that one of our party workers died due to a lathi charge by the police. He died on the way to the hospital. We will lodge murder charges against the police. Nitish Kumar is responsible for all this,” Bihar former Deputy CM Sushil Modi said.

Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas Paswan) chief Chirag Paswan, while condoling the death, lashed out at the Bihar government and CM Nitish Kumar holding him responsible for the incident.

“I condole the death of BJP worker Vijay Singh, on behalf of my party… I also want to ask Nitish Kumar and the Bihar government, who is responsible for his death. Somebody was beaten to death by a lathi…those who raise their voice against the state govt is silenced by lathi…CM must answer, he is accountable for this death”: Chirag Paswan said. (ANI)

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Unidentified Person Threatens Mumbai Police Of ’26/11-Like Attack’

By LokMarg 13th July 2023

An unidentified person called Mumbai Traffic Police Control Room on Thursday and threatened to conduct an attack similar to the 26/11 attack, police said.

According to Mumbai Police, “Mumbai police control room received a threat call yesterday in which the caller threatened the police to prepare for a 26/11 terrorist attack if Pakistani national Seema Haider does not return to Pakistan.”
Mumbai police and crime branch are probing the matter, they added.

More details are awaited.

Further investigation is underway.

Earlier this month the Noida police arrested Seema for entering India illegally and staying here in Greater Noida. Later she was granted bail by the Court after which she converted to Hinduism and dropped her surname.

Seema Haider is a Pakistani national who entered India illegally with her four children to be with her partner, whom she met through the game. (ANI)

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Tamannaah Joins John In ‘Vedaa’

By LokMarg 13th July 2023

Actor Tamannaah Bhatia is on a roll. She has come on board for Nikkhil Advani’s next directorial venture ‘Vedaa’.

The film already stars John Abraham and Sharvari Wagh.
Excited about the film, Tamannaah said, “I’ve always admired the way Nikkhil tells his stories. He has a knack and this ability of his is extremely endearing. John and I also get to work together for the first time ever. It definitely will be exciting to see what my character will bring in!”

Nikkhil also expressed excitement about having Tamannah on board.

“Tamannaah has always given sensational performances. When I approached her to play this special role, I was delighted that she immediately trusted my vision for this film. My team & I are thrilled to have her with us,” he said.

‘Vedaa’ is directed by Nikkhil Advani and written by Aseem Arora, and is produced by Zee Studios, Emmay Entertainment, and JA Entertainment.

In the movie, John will be seen playing a mentor to Sharvari and it promises some exciting action sequences.

John mentioned, “I look forward to giving my all for this project. This riveting story will definitely leave an imprint in your mind as it did for me. I am honored to play the part and excited for kickstarting this journey.”

The actors were recently in Rajasthan for the shoot. The film is eyeing a theatrical window in 2024. (ANI)

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Samantha Wraps Up Shooting For ‘Citadel’

By LokMarg 13th July 2023

Actor Samantha Ruth Prabhu has finished shooting for the spy drama ‘Citadel’.

On Thursday, Samantha took to Instagram and shared a happy selfie from her car.

“13th of July..Will always be a special special day..And it’s a wrap on #CitadelIndia,” she captioned the post.

Created by Raj and DK, the action-packed series also stars Varun Dhawan.

It is an Indian adaptation of the Russo Brothers’ series of the same name. Priyanka Chopra and Richard Madden are headlining the international version. The release date of the Indian version of Citadel is awaited.

Varun’s ‘Citadel’ will premiere on the OTT platform Amazon Prime Video. Recently, Varun and Samantha met President Droupadi Murmu in Serbia.

On ‘Citadel’, Samantha earlier said, “When Prime Video and Raj and DK approached me with this project, I decided to take it up in a heartbeat! After working with this team on The Family Man, it is homecoming for me. The Citadel universe, the interconnected storylines between the productions across the globe, and most importantly, the script of the Indian installment really excited me. I am thrilled to be a part of this brilliant universe conceptualised by the Russo Brothers’ AGBO.”

Besides ‘Citadel’, Samantha will be seen sharing screen space with Vijay Deverakonda in ‘Kushi’. The film is anticipated to be an inter-faith love story. (ANI)

Children Cannot Be Called Illegitimate, Even If They Are Born Out Of Non-Marital R’ships: NCW Chairperson

By LokMarg 13th July 2023

Emphasising the importance of granting dignity and equality to the children of sex workers, the National Commission for Women (NCW) Chairperson Rekha Sharma has said that children born out of non-marital relationships “cannot not be called illegitimate”.

“Children cannot be called illegitimate, even if they are born out of non-marital relationships,” Sharma said on Wednesday while addressing a seminar, focusing on the various challenges, including legal, health, occupational, and educational, faced by sex workers and their children.
The seminar, organised by NCW, featured an informative discussion on existing laws, and access to legal services to bridge the gap in ensuring the right to equality.

Furthermore, the seminar provided a platform for heart-wrenching and thought-provoking stories from sex workers and their children, offering firsthand accounts of overcoming adversity to improve their lives.

A session on health concerns faced by the sex workers was also held.

The discussion was led by Deepak Pandey, IPS, IGP, Prevention of Crime against Women and Children, Maharashtra, along with Anup Kumar Yadav, Secretary, Women and Child Development (WCD).

Several NGOs, including PARI (People Against Rape in India), VAMP, Kranti, PRERNA, and Aastha Pariwar, actively participated in the seminar, shedding light on the challenges faced by HIV-positive sex workers, their children, and the future prospects that lie ahead for them.

The initiative taken by the NCW was appreciated by the Maharashtra Minister of Women and Child Development Mangal Prabhat Lodha.

The minister acknowledged the potential role of the tourism and skill development ministries in rescuing and rehabilitating these women, offering a glimpse of hope for their futures.

The seminar served as a platform for meaningful discussions and raised awareness about the critical issues affecting sex workers and their children. (ANI)

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Air Traffic In India Jumps 42.85% In Jan-June 2023: DGCA

By LokMarg 13th July 2023

Passengers carried by Indian domestic airlines during January-June 2023 were 760.93 lakhs, as against 572.49 lakhs during the corresponding period of 2022, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) said.

According to the DGCA, data domestic airlines registered an annual growth of 32.92 per cent and monthly growth of 18.78 per cent.
Earlier on June 15, DGCA data said that during January-May 2023, the passengers carried by Indian domestic airlines were 636.07 lakhs, as against 467.37 lakhs during the corresponding period of 2022.

In the month of May, 132.14 lakh passengers were carried by Indian domestic airlines. They registered an annual growth of 36.10 per cent and monthly growth of 15.24 per cent.

The overall cancellation rate of scheduled domestic airlines for the month of May 2023 was just 0.44 per cent. It is to note that Go First stopped operations on May 3.

During May 2023, a total of 556 passenger-related complaints were received by the scheduled domestic airlines. The number of complaints per 10,000 passengers carried for the month of May 2023 was 0.42. (ANI)