Space Awareness/GSIII
ISRO successfully puts three satellites into orbit on board the PSLV C-52

What's the NEWS

• ISRO's first launch of 2022 and under the new Chairman S. Somanath went off without a glitch, placing all the three satellites into their intended orbit with precision
• The PSLV C-52 was the 54th flight of the PSLV and the 23rd mission using the PSLV-XL configuration.

• The PSLV C-52 carrying the Earth Observation Satellite, EOS - 04, the INS-2TD, a technology demonstrator from ISRO and the INSPIREsat-1, a student satellite

• With a mission life of 10 years, the EOS-4, a radar imaging satellite is designed to provide high quality images in all weather conditions for applications such as agriculture, forestry, plantation, flood mapping, soil moisture and hydrology.
• The satellite will collect earth observation data in C-band and will complement and supplement the data from Resourcesat, Cartosat series and RISAT-2B series

• The INS-2TD is a precursor to the India-Bhutan joint satellite [INS 2-B] and will assess land and water surface temperatures, delineation of crops and forest and thermal inertia.

• The INSPIREsat-1 is a student satellite from the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology in association with the University of Colorado, USA and is aimed at improving the understanding of ionosphere dynamics and the Sun's coronal heating processes.

What's the NEWS

• The Government has approved continuation of umbrella scheme of Modernisation of Police Forces (MPF).
• The approval for the period 2021-22 to 2025-26, moves forward the initiative of the Union Home Minister, to modernise and improve the functioning of Police Forces of States and Union Territories.
• This scheme comprises all relevant sub-schemes that contribute to modernization and improvement with a total Central financial outlay of Rs.26,275 crore.

• Provision has been made under the Scheme for internal security, law and order, adoption of modern technology by Police, assisting States for narcotics control and strengthening the criminal justice system by developing a robust forensic set-up in the country.
• The Scheme for modernization of State police forces has a Central outlay of Rs.4,846 crore.
• To develop operationally independent high-quality forensic sciences facilities in States/Union Territories for aiding scientific and timely investigation through modernization of resources.
• A central Scheme for Modernisation of Forensic Capacities with outlay of Rs.2,080.50 crore has been approved.
• Central outlay of Rs.18,839 crore has been earmarked for security related expenditure for the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir, insurgency affected North Eastern States and Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected areas.
• With the implementation of ‘National Policy and Action Plan' for combating LWE, the LWE violence incidents have come down drastically.
• For raising of India Reserve Battalions/Specialised India Reserve Battalions, Central outlay of Rs.350 crore has been approved.
• Central sector scheme of ‘Assistance to States & Union Territories for Narcotics Control with outlay of Rs.50 crore has been continued.

• The historic River Devika project, built at the cost of over Rs 190 crore, will be complete by June this year.
• North India's first river rejuvenation project will offer a unique destination both for pilgrim tourists as well as recreation tourists, in addition to being a state-of-the-art cremation centre
• The country's first Highway Village being constructed by NHAI is coming up on fast track on Udhampur National Highway and the Centrally funded Medical College will start its classes next year through NEET selection.

• Launched by the Prime Minister during his visit to Jammu in early 2019 under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).
• Under the project, bathing "ghats" (places) on the banks of the Devika River will be developed, encroachments will be removed, natural water bodies will be restored and catchment areas will be developed along with cremation ground.
• The project includes the construction of three sewage treatment plants, sewerage network of 129.27 km, development of two cremation ghats, protection fencing and landscaping, small hydropower plants and three solar power plants.

• Devika river originates from the hilly Suddha Mahadev temple in Udhampur district of Jammu and Kashmir and flows down towards western Punjab (Pakistan) where it merges with the Ravi river.
• The river holds religious significance as it is revered by Hindus as the sister of river Ganga.

• It is a centrally funded scheme launched in 1995 aimed at preventing the pollution of rivers.
• Programs for river conservation are being implemented under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) and NGRBA (National Ganga River Basin Authority).

What's the NEWS

• To mark the successful completion of training of 127 Air Force Special Forces Operatives of Garud Force, Maroon Beret Ceremonial Parade was held on 12 February 2022 at Garud Regimental Training Centre (GRTC), Air Force Station Chandinagar.
• Chief Guest congratulated the Garuds on their successful passing out from the Garud Regimental Training Centre.
• He presented Maroon Beret, Garud Proficiency Badge and Special Forces Tabs to the successful Garud trainees and gave away trophies to the meritorious passing out trainees.
• Maroon Beret Ceremonial Parade is a moment of pride and achievement for the Garuds, marking the culmination of their training and transformation of ‘Young Special Forces Operators' joining the elite force.

• A 44 member contingent of Indian Air Force reached Changi International Airport in Singapore to participate in the ‘Singapore Air Show-2022'.
• The Air Show will be held from 15th to 18th February 2022.
• Singapore Air Show is a biennial event which provides a platform for the Global Aviation Industry to showcase their products.
• IAF will be pitching the indigenous Tejas MK-I ac alongside participants from across the world.
• The participation of Indian Air Force in the Air Show provides India with the opportunity to showcase the Tejas aircraft and to interact with counterparts from RSAF (Royal Singapore Air Force) & other participating contingents.
• In the past, Indian Air Force had participated in similar Air Shows like LIMA-2019 in Malaysia and Dubai Air Show-2021 to exhibit indigenous aircraft and formation aerobatic teams.

What's the NEWS

• Union Minister for Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Virendra Kumar launched the Central Sector scheme "SMILE: Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise"
• This umbrella scheme, designed by Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, is set to provide welfare and rehabilitation to the Transgender community and the people engaged in the act of begging.

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