Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) is a two tired defence shield which aims to destroy enemy ballistic missiles.
The BMD consists of two interceptor missiles, the Prithvi Defence Vehicle (PDV) and the Advanced Area Defence (AAD) missile.
PDV/Pradyumna Ballistic Missile Interceptor is capable of destroying missiles at exo-atmospheric (high) altitudes of 50–80 km.
PDV is a two stage supersonic missile fuelled by solid motor in 1st stage and liquid fuelled in 2nd stage.
AAD/Ashvin Advanced Defense interceptor is capable of destroying missiles at endo-atmosphere (low) altitudes of 15-30 kilometers.
AAD is a single-stage supersonic solid fuelled interceptor missile.
The Ballistic Missile Defence shield is expected to be achieved by 2022.
AAD was recently successfully test-fired from a test range in Odisha.
Clean Authority of Telangana
Telangana government is set to introduce “Clean Authority of Telangana” to deal with solid waste, waste water and polluted air in all the urban areas across the State.
It is an exclusive authority modeled on the lines of a similar body in Japan.
It will ensure enforcement of measures aimed at containing the harm caused through solid waste, waste water and polluted air to human health.
LDF -Mobile App
Union Ministry of Agriculture has launched Livestock Disease Forewarning –Mobile Application (LDF-Mobile App).
The app is developed by ICAR to provide early warning about diseases like Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), Brucellosis etc.
It will also provide information about clinical samples for the diagnosis in case of the epidemic.
It will be beneficial for the consumers and stakeholders engaged in disease control programmes.
The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill, 2017
Parliament has recently passed “The Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy Bill, 2017”.
The Bill establishes the Indian Institute of Petroleum and Energy, Vishakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
The Institute aims to provide high quality education and research focussing on the themes of petroleum, hydrocarbons and energy.
The Institute is required to maintain a fund which will be credited with the funds that it receives from the central government, fees and money received from any other sources (grants and gifts).
The accounts of the Institute shall be audited by the Comptroller and Auditor- General of India.
The bill declares the Institute as an Institution of National Importance (INI).
Home Ministry’s Directive to NGOs
The Home Ministry has recently directed all NGOs, business entities and individuals who receive funds from abroad to open accounts in any of the 32 designated banks.
The banks are integrated with Public Financial Management System (PFMS).
The directive is issued under the powers conferred upon the central government under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act 2010.
It is expected to provide a higher level of transparency and hassle-free reporting compliance.
Public Financial Management System (PFMS)
PFMS, earlier known as Central Plan Schemes Monitoring System (CPSMS), is a web-based online software application.
It is launched with the objective of tracking funds released under all Plan schemes of GoI, and real time reporting of expenditure at all levels of Programme implementation.
It is integrated with the Core banking system which helps to monitor the flow of funds.
It has been envisaged that digitization of accounts shall be achieved through PFMS.
It is developed and implemented by the Office of Controller General of Accounts.
FAME II
FAME India Scheme [Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India] was launched in 2015.
Its objective is to support hybrid/electric vehicles market development and Manufacturing eco-system.
The phase I of FAME expires on March 31, 2018.
In phase II, the government is targeting a fully (100%) electric fleet for public transport, including buses, taxis and auto-rickshaws.
The FAME India Scheme is aimed at incentivising all vehicle segments i.e. 2 Wheeler, 3 Wheeler Auto, Passenger 4 Wheeler Vehicle, Light Commercial Vehicles and Buses.
It has 4 focus areas i.e. Technology development, Demand Creation, Pilot Projects and Charging Infrastructure.
