A fleet of 19 communication satellites are operational over India and these satellites support the telecommunications, broadband and broadcasting services as well as societal and strategic communications. The space sector reforms has enabled larger participation of non-governmental entities for building/leasing, owning and operating the satellite systems for providing satellite based services. More than 10 satellite operators have shown interest and applied for authorization for providing the satellite capacity over India. With more players in the market, the entire country would get enhanced satellite capacity and the competitive price advantage.
The ground infrastructure (antennas, terminals) for satellite broadband are part of the satellite communication services and the licensed satcom / telecom service providers would deploy them.
Government is encouraging and enabling Indian entities to establish the space assets for broadband services. While NSIL, a CPSE under Department of Space, having plans for deploying new satellites based on user demand, ISRO/DoS have also enabled one Indian private operator with requisite orbit spectrum support to deploy a new broadband satellite.
IN-SPACe has not received any application for establishment and operation of a NGSO satellite constellation similar to Starlink by an Indian operator.
Capacity from all foreign satellites can be provisioned for broadband satellite networks in India only after IN-SPACe authorization. The foreign entities owning and operating broadband satellite networks in the space covering India is governed by international regulations and coordinations. Use of such satellites for services over Indian territory is governed by Indian Space Policy, Telecommunications Act and other regulation & guidelines.
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
A new study has uncoded the mysteries of how the venom of Pope’s pit viper, a snake species native to northern and northeastern parts of India, works. The study can help establish the foundation for venom toxicity, pharmaceutical advancements, and enhanced antivenom compositions.
The “Big Four” venomous snakes—Russell’s Viper, Saw-Scaled Viper, Spectacled Cobra, and Common Krait—have undergone considerable research, but venom composition of Pope’s Pit Viper (Trimeresurus popeiorum), an arboreal, nocturnal serpent indigenous to the dense forests of Northeast India, remains unexamined.
Fig: Pope’s Pit Viper
Prof. Ashis K. Mukherjee, Director of the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology, an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) spearheaded a recent investigation along with Prof. B.G. Nair, Dr. M. Vanuopadath, Dr. Bhargab Kalita, and Dr. Aparup Patra from Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, as well as Dr. H.T. Lalremsanga from Mizoram University, to elucidate the venom composition of this elusive pit viper.
Contemporary label-free quantitative proteomics identified 106 proteins in the venom of Pope’s Pit Viper, categorized into 12 toxin families. Notably, 60% of its venom comprises enzymes that break down proteins and damage tissue, interfere with blood coagulation, and induce local haemorrhage.
This study explores the venom’s harmful components, which are mostly toxic enzymes and demonstrating their deleterious effects on the victim. For example, snake Venom metalloproteinases (SVMPs), a toxic enzyme of the Viperidae family of snakes including Pope’s Pit Viper, are demonstrated for causing bleeding, tissue breakdown, and blood clotting issues in victims.
The venom also contains enzymes called Serine Proteases (SVSPs), which hinder blood coagulation, a toxic enzyme phospholipases A2 which induce muscle injury and inflammation and, a non-enzymatic toxin Snaclecs (Snake C-type lectins) which affect blood platelet function and blood coagulation.
The absence of species-specific antivenoms complicates the treatment of snakebites in India. Commercial antivenoms counteract the venom of the “Big Four” species, hence leaving patients bitten by pit vipers vulnerable to repercussions. This study underscores the necessity for broad-spectrum or region-specific antivenoms to counteract T. popeiorum venom.
By comprehending the proteomic complexity of Pope’s Pit Viper venom, researchers have established a foundation for venom toxicity, pharmaceutical advancements, and enhanced antivenom compositions. As India endeavours to decrease snakebite mortality by 50% by 2030, such innovative research would facilitate transforming venom studies into life-saving medical treatments. This study was recently published in International Journal of Biological Macromolecules.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
​The third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) and the third session of the 14th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) (“two sessions”) were concluded successfully in March this year. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (April 3) held a seminar on learning the spirit of the “two sessions” at the Central Government Offices to enable participants to have a deeper understanding of the essence of the “two sessions” and its significance to the HKSAR.
The seminar was hosted by the Chief Executive, Mr John Lee. The Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, Mr Zheng Yanxiong, was invited to the seminar to share his views. The seminar was attended by more than 320 participants, including Principal Officials of the HKSAR Government, HKSAR deputies to the NPC, HKSAR members of the National Committee of the CPPCC, Members of the Executive Council and Legislative Council, Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Department.
Speaking at the seminar, Director Zheng said that the HKSAR has to grasp the spirit of the “two sessions” focusing on seven aspects. They are, namely, grasping deeply the spirit of the important speech of General Secretary Xi Jinping in the “two sessions”; the significant achievements of the country on all fronts over the past year; the bright prospects in national economic and social development; the overall requirements and major tasks for economic and social development this year; the key initiatives in the government work report; the significance of amending the Law on Deputies; and the key plans for Hong Kong as highlighted by the “two sessions”.
Director Zheng also said that the government work report has pointed out boost of capacity for innovation and radiating effect of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, striving for solid progress in pursuing high-quality Belt and Road co-operation, and speeding up the process of seeking to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. These plans are closely related to Hong Kong and deserve a high degree of attention. In particular, the emphasis on “deepening international exchanges and co-operation and better integration into the national development” highlighted the importance for Hong Kong to capitalise on its advantages as an international city and to integrate into the overall national development. It highlighted the dialectical relationship between Hong Kong’s connection to the Mainland and to the world.
Mr Lee expressed his gratitude to Director Zheng for his sharing, which deepened participants’ understanding of the spirit of the “two sessions”. Mr Lee said that the Central Government firmly supports Hong Kong’s development. The Government will fully implement the spirit of the “two sessions” in its governance to continuously unite society to further deepen reforms comprehensively, proactively identify, adapt to, and drive change, pursue economic development and improve people’s livelihood, fully leverage the institutional strengths of “one country, two systems” and proactively align with national development strategies, further deepen international collaboration and proactively capitalise on Hong Kong’s role as a bridge linking the Mainland and the world. Hong Kong will vigorously develop new quality productive forces, accelerate its development into an international innovation and technology centre, further consolidate and enhance the city’s status as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, actively build an international hub for high-calibre talent, and take forward the development of the Northern Metropolis and the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone. Apart from strengthening economic and trade ties with traditional markets, Hong Kong will also deepen its exchanges and co-operation with new markets such as the Middle East, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and Central Asia, contribute to the Belt and Road Initiative, and tell the good stories of China and Hong Kong.
Mr Lee encouraged government officials and various sectors of the community to continue to work hard in their respective positions and stay united to contribute to the stability and prosperity of Hong Kong and the well-being of its people, and meet the challenges ahead with greater confidence and determination to jointly build a better future for Hong Kong.
As per the Gazette Notification S.O. 1364(E) dated 21st March 2025, issued by Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) the eligibility criteria for classification of MSMES has been revised. This revision marks a significant step towards fostering industrial growth, encouraging higher investments, and strengthening India’s position as a global manufacturing hub. In line with this notification, Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has updated the eligibility criteria for issuance of Industrial Entrepreneur Memorandum (IEM) acknowledgment.
Revised Eligibility Criteria for IEM Acknowledgment As per the updated guidelines, enterprises meeting the following revised criteria shall be eligible for IEM acknowledgment:
Investment in plant & machinery/equipment exceeding 125 crore, or/and
Annual turnover exceeding *500 crore
The revised criteria shall be applicable w.e.f. 1st April, 2025.
This is a significant increase in threshold limits in investment in plant & machinery from existing 50 crore to 125 crore and annual turnover limit from existing 250 crore to 500 crore.
IEM acknowledgment is for:
Large-scale operating in requiring compulsory licensing under the Industries (Development & Regulation) Act, 1951.
Companies having investment in plant and machinery, or/and annual turnover beyond the limits set for MSMES.
It is, therefore, notified for information of all stakeholders that eligible enterprises can apply for IEM acknowledgment through the G2B Portal as per the revised eligibility criteria.
Union Government Disburses Over Rs. 1,440 Crores in XV-Finance Commission Grants to Boost Rural Development Across Five States Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Punjab, Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland Receive Substantial Untied Grants for Local Needs
Posted On: 03 APR 2025 4:54PM by PIB Delhi
The Union Government has disbursed the Fifteenth Finance Commission (XV-FC) grants to Rural Local Bodies (RLBs)/ Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in five States viz. Arunachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Nagaland and Punjab during the financial year 2024–25. These grants, allocated in two installments per financial year, are released by the Ministry of Finance based on recommendations from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Jal Shakti (Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation).
Funds designated for all eligible RLBs in the State.
Utilization of Grants:
Untied Grants: These grants empower RLBs/PRIs to address location-specific needs under the 29 Subjects listed in the Eleventh Schedule of the Constitution, excluding salaries and establishment costs.
Tied Grants: These funds must be utilized for:
(a) Sanitation and maintenance of ODF (Open Defecation Free) status, including household waste management, human excreta, and fecal sludge treatment.
(b) Drinking water supply, rainwater harvesting, and water recycling.
The timely release of XV-FC grants reaffirms the Union Government’s commitment to strengthening local governance and ensuring effective service delivery in rural areas.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and alternative smoking products Customs officers intercepted a 38-year-old incoming male passenger at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on February 6. About 34 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes and 12 000 alternative smoking products were seized from his personal baggage. He was subsequently arrested. Upon investigation, Customs officers also discovered that the passenger had arrived at HKIA on July 10, 2024, and had not yet claimed his personal baggage, which contained about 14 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes. As such, a total of about 48 000 duty-not-paid cigarettes and about 12 000 alternative smoking products, with a total estimated market value of about $239,000 and a duty potential of about $163,000, were seized in this case.
Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.
Under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.
Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.
Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:03
Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) has developed a support system towards export promotion by setting up 65 Export Facilitation Centres (EFCs) in its field offices namely, MSME Development and Facilitation Offices, MSME Technology Centres and MSME Testing Centres. These EFCs handhold the MSMEs by providing MSMEs with support in documentation, market access, financing, technology adoption and training. Ministry of MSME also implements the International Cooperation (IC) Scheme which provides assistance for Capacity Building of First Time Exporters (CBFTE). Under the CBFTE, reimbursement is provided to new Micro &Small Enterprises (MSE) exporters for costs incurred on Registration-cum-Membership Certification (RCMC) with EPCs, Export Insurance Premium and testing & quality certification for exports. (ii) The Market Development Assistance (MDA) component of IC Scheme provides assistance on reimbursement basis to the eligible Central / State Government organizations and Industry Associations to facilitate participation of MSMEs in international exhibitions and fairs held abroad; and for organizing international conference in India with the aim of technology upgradation, modernization, joint venture etc.
MSME Champions Scheme with three sub schemes, MSME-Sustainable (ZED) Certification Scheme, MSME-Competitive (LEAN) Scheme and MSME-Innovative Scheme (Incubation, Design& IPR) is a holistic approach to unify, synergize and converge with various Schemes and interventions to enable MSMEs to become globally competitive.
Other initiatives for helping MSMEs to grow their business globally include Ministry of Commerce and Industry’s Trade Infrastructure for Export Scheme (TIES) and Market Access Initiative (MAI) which facilitates participation of Indian Exporters in exhibitions, buyer seller meets, fairs etc. Initiatives like Districts as Export hubs identify export potential, address bottlenecks and supports local exporters / manufacturers. The Trade Connect e Platform is an information and intermediation platform on international trade, which provides comprehensive services for both new and existing exporters.
To support MSMEs in accessing global market, the Government has taken following measures:
(i) Ministry of MSME has set up a dedicated support system for export promotion by setting up 65 Export Facilitation Centres (EFCs). These EFCs support MSMEs by disseminating information on various Schemes and supports available for the MSMEs for enhancing their exports, in linking them with financial institutions such as NBFCs, new fintech start-ups etc, to avail credit at competitive rates etc.
(ii) Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme aims to provide support to Micro, Small and Medium enterprises through increased access to technological upgradation, market and credit by strengthening of Central and State agencies.
(iii) The Trade Connect e-Platform is an information and intermediation platform on international trade, which provides comprehensive services for both new and existing exporters.
This information was given by the Minister of State for Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Sushri Shobha Karandlaje in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Presently, concept design of the lead unit of Bharat Small Modular Reactor 200 MWe has been completed, which includes sizing of the nuclear reactor alongwith the primary heat transport system. Detailed engineering design of nuclear and non-nuclear systems has been taken-up by the Department.
The erection and start-up of the demonstration unit of BSMR200 is expected to be completed in 6 years’ time after financial approval. Plant commissioning followed by regular operation will be feasible at the end of 7th year. Expected cost of the lead unit is ₹5,700 Crores.
BSMR is being developed by BARC and NPCIL as all the required expertise is available in house for deployment of lead unit of BSMR. The Department will avail services of developed indigenous private nuclear vendors, who will deliver various equipment and components of BSMR 200 through competitive bidding. The construction, erection and commissioning works will be entrusted with pre-qualified EPC vendors.
BSMR is based on the globally proven pressurized water reactor technology. It has been provided with passive safety features as well as several engineered safety systems to ensure nuclear safety during off normal conditions. In addition to this Nuclear safety of BSMR-based power plant will be subjected to comprehensive regulatory licensing process in vogue. Design standardization will be taken-up in the follow-on units to ensure cost-effectiveness and optimization of project timelines. BSMR will be largely indigenous, facilitating its sustainability and mass deployment. Use of imported uranium (slightly enriched) will be an option to be exercised, if required.
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
The share of nuclear power in the country’s energy basket is proposed to be increased by augmenting the installed nuclear power capacity.
A large nuclear power expansion programme of 13,600 MW is under implementation which is expected to increase the nuclear power capacity to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. Further, the Government has announced an ambitious Nuclear Energy mission with a target of reaching a nuclear power capacity of 100 GW by 2047.
The details are given in the annexure.
Annexure
State
Location
Unit
Capacity
(MW)
Maharashtra
Tarapur
TAPS-1
160
TAPS-2
160
TAPS-3
540
TAPS-4
540
Rajasthan
Rawatbhata
RAPS-1
100
RAPS-2
200
RAPS-3
220
RAPS-4
220
RAPS-5
220
RAPS-6
220
RAPS-7
700
TamilNadu
Kalpakkam
MAPS-1
220
MAPS-2
220
Kudankulam
KKNPP-1
1000
KKNPP-2
1000
Uttar Pradesh
Narora
NAPS-1
220
NAPS-2
220
Gujarat
Kakrapar
KAPS-1
220
KAPS-2
220
KAPS-3
700
KAPS-4
700
Karnataka
Kaiga
KGS-1
220
KGS-2
220
KGS-3
220
KGS-4
220
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.
Presently, there are 25 operational nuclear power plants in the country with a total capacity of 8880 MW. The details of operational nuclear power plants in the country are given in Annexure.
India is pursuing a three-stage nuclear power programme, for optimum utilization of its limited uranium resources and exploit vast thorium resources for long term energy security, by following nearly closed nuclear fuel cycle wherein the spent fuel from reactors is treated as resource material and not waste. India has developed expertise in backend fuel cycle of pressurized heavy water reactors (PHWRs).
The Programme of Atomic Minerals Directorate for Exploration and Research (AMD&ER) is linked to the front end of nuclear fuel cycle, wherein exploration is carried out to identify, evaluate and augment atomic mineral resources to cater the need of Nuclear Power Programme of India. As on date, AMD&ER has established 4,28,300 tonnes in-situ U-oxide resource in 47 uranium deposits located in Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Jharkhand, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Maharashtra. The state-wise details of uranium resources are given in Table 1.
Besides,Directoratehasestimated13.15million tonnes (Mt) in-situmonazite (a mineral containing thorium, uranium and Rare Earth Elements) resource occurring in the coastal beach and teri/red sands in parts of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra and Gujarat and in the inland alluvium in parts of Jharkhand, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. Monazite in beach placer
sands contain about 9-10% thorium oxide. The estimated in-situ monazite resource (13.15Mt) contains approximately 1.04Mt thorium metal (Th) or approximately 1.18Mt thorium oxide (ThO2). The state-wise details of these resources are given in Table 2.
Uranium fuel requirement for the reactors which are under domestic safeguards is adequately met by Uranium Corporation of India Limited (UCIL), a Public Sector Enterprise under the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE). Time to time, projects which include capacity expansion of some of existing units as well as for establishing new projects in various parts of the country, are planned for maintaining sustained supply from UCIL.
Nuclear Fuel Complex (NFC) with its initial establishment in Hyderabad has further augmented its own production facilities for fuel and structural fabrication at Hyderabad and further establishednewfacilitiesthroughGreenfieldProjectsat“ZirconiumComplex”, Pazhayakayal for Zirconium sponge production and “NFC-Kota” for Fuel Production. The project at Zirconium Complex, Pazhayakayal is completed in 2009 and is under operation since then.
NFC-Kota project is scheduled for completion by March 2026 and has currently achieved more than 90% physical progress with commissioning of major equipment in advanced stage.
Currently, the spent fuel from PHWRs is reprocessed to extract fissile material for use as fuel for next stage nuclear powerplants. However, a small volume of radioactive liquid wastes containing minor actinides and fission products is generated during reprocessing. The high level radioactive liquid waste, generated from reprocessing of spent fuel, is subjected to a process called vitrification, wherein it is converted to glass. This vitrified solid product is subjected to natural cooling in solid storage surveillance facility. This policy is at par with international practices following the guidelines of International Atomic Energy Agency.
For efficient management of high-level radioactive waste, BARC has developed and demonstrated partition technology for separation of long-lived actinides to facilitate increase in specific loading of waste in the vitrified solid and thereby facilitating substantial volume reduction of vitrified waste. Moreover, this partition technology also helps in recovery of useful radio- isotopes such as Caesium-137, Strontium-90, Ruthenium-106 from the liquid wastes for various societal applications.
Capacity enhancement for PHWR fuel reprocessing and waste management is under progress by construction of large capacity Integrated Nuclear Recycling Plant (INRP) for deploying the partition technology.
This information was given by Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, Department of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Space and Department of Atomic Energy, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.