The New Space India Limited (NSIL) is the second commercial branch of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), officially inaugurated in Bengaluru. NSIL was formed on March 6, 2019, and is aimed at commercially utilizing research and development activities carried out by ISRO in the area of space.
New Space India Limited: A Closer Look
The NSIL has been authorized with a share capital of Rs 100 crore and an initially paid-up capital of Rs 10 crore. NSIL’s objective is to enhance industry participation in Indian space programs, and it aims to serve as an aggregator for all space-related activities in the industry. It seeks to foster private entrepreneurship in space-related technologies.
NSIL’s Role and Responsibilities
NSIL is responsible for the manufacturing and production of Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) through technology transfer mechanisms. Part of its role is also to cater to the growing global commercial SSLV market demand, provide satellite building and satellite-based services, and supply sub-systems required for various domestic and international applications. It also aims to facilitate space technology spin-offs through Indian industry interfaces.
Man Booker International Prize 2019
Author Jokha Alharthi became the first Arabic author to win the Man Booker International prize for her novel ‘Celestial Bodies’. The novel uncovers post-colonial transformation in her Omani homeland. The prestigious 50,000-pound prize is divided equally between the author and translator, with US academic Marilyn Booth, a professor of Arabic literature at Oxford University, being the translator.
About the Man Booker Prize
The Man Booker International Prize was established in 2005 and since 2016 has been awarded annually for a single work translated into English and published in the UK or Ireland. The Man Booker Prize itself was launched in 1969 to promote the best novel of the year written in English and published in the United Kingdom.
Khyal: A Form of Classical Hindustani Music
‘Khyal’, derived from Persian, means “idea or imagination”. This form of music is believed to have been promoted by Amir Khusrou in the 13th century. Its maturity is credited to Niyamat Khan Sadarang and Adarang of the 18th century. Having two varieties, the slow or Vilambit and fast or Drut, Khyal music is primarily romantic in nature. Major schools or ‘Gharanas’ under this form include the Gwalior Gharana, Agra Gharana, Jaipur Atroli Gharana, Rampur Saheswan Gharana.
Thumri: A Semi-Classical Indian Music Genre
Thumri, based on mixed ragas, is known for its romantic or devotional themes. It is often sung in Hindi or Awadhi dialect or the Braj Bhasha dialect, with the text closely coordinated with the musical rendition.
Overview of Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY)
The National Health Authority (NHA) and National Cancer Grid (NCG) have signed an MoU under AB-PMJAY. The MOU will jointly review existing cancer treatment packages, pricing of services, and standard treatment workflows covered under the AB-PMJAY, and ensure enhanced quality of cancer care.
National Cancer Grid (NCG) and its Objectives
Formed in August 2012, the NCG is a network of major cancer centers, research institutes, patient groups, and charitable institutions across India. Its objectives include establishing uniform standards of patient care for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, providing specialized training in oncology, and facilitating collaborative basic, translational and clinical research in cancer.
Role of National Health Authority (NHA)
The NHA, an attached office to the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare serves to lead the development of strategic partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders to further the objectives of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY).
PRAAPTI: A New Era in Power Sector
PRAAPTI (Payment Ratification And Analysis in Power procurement for bringing Transparency in Invoicing of generators), a web portal and an app by the Ministry of Power was launched in May 2018. PRAAPTI aims to bring transparency in financial transactions in the power sector by capturing invoicing and payment data for various long term Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) from the Generators.
| Name | Launched in | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| NSIL | 2019 | Commercially utilizing research and development activities carried out by ISRO in the space area |
| Man Booker International Prize | 2005 | Rewards best individual work translated into English and published in UK or Ireland |
| Khyal | 13th Century | Form of classical Hindustani Music |
| AB-PMJAY | 2018 | Enhance quality of cancer care |
| NCG | 2012 | Set up uniform standards for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer |
| PRAAPTI | 2018 | To bring transparency in a financial transaction in the power sector |
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE’s) Proposed Web Portal
Just as PRAAPTI is bringing transparency to financial transactions in the power sector, the MNRE is contemplating setting up a similar web portal. This new portal would publicly disclose payment delays to renewable energy players from power distribution companies, further enhancing transparency in the energy sector.