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1. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) on its third developmental flight, placing the Earth observation satellite EOS-08 into orbit. The SSLV is a three-stage rocket with solid propulsion stages and a liquid propulsion-based Velocity Trimming Module for precise satellite placement. Designed for low-cost, rapid-turnaround launches, the SSLV can deploy mini, micro, or nanosatellites into a 500 km orbit with just 72 hours of integration time and a team of six. This is in contrast to the longer integration times and larger teams required for Polar Satellite Launch Vehicles (PSLVs) and Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicles (GSLVs). PSLVs are known for their high success rate and versatility, while GSLVs are used for geosynchronous orbit missions. NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), ISRO's commercial arm, handles the production and marketing of these launch vehicles and related space services.
2. Recent research published in the *Journal of Transport Geography* reveals a significant rise in cycling among rural girls in India, driven by government initiatives and shifting social norms. From 2007 to 2017, the percentage of rural girls cycling to school more than doubled from 4.5% to 11%, with rural areas experiencing a notable increase compared to urban areas. Key factors include Bicycle Distribution Schemes (BDS) implemented in 20 states, aimed at boosting school enrollment and retention among girls. For example, West Bengal saw a rise in girls' cycling levels from 15.4% to 27.6%, while Bihar experienced an eightfold increase. These schemes have improved school access, reduced dropout rates, and contributed to greater gender equality by challenging traditional mobility restrictions. Other initiatives to boost girls' school enrollment in India include the Mid-Day Meal Scheme, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalaya Scheme, and the National Scheme of Incentives to Girls for Secondary Education.
3. The President of India recently conferred the National Geoscience Awards (NGA) 2023 to 21 distinguished geoscientists. Prof. Dhiraj Mohan Banerjee received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to phosphorites and Precambrian geology. Dr. Ashutosh Pandey was honored as the National Young Geoscientist for his research on the Eastern Dharwar Craton. Established in 1966 by the Ministry of Mines, the NGA is one of the oldest and most prestigious honors in the field of geoscience, previously known as the National Mineral Awards before 2009. The awards recognize exceptional achievements in various geoscience fields, including mineral discovery, exploration, mining technology, and applied geosciences. They are awarded in three categories: Lifetime Achievement, National Geoscience Award, and National Young Geoscientist Award. Geoscience encompasses the study of the Earth, including its processes, resources, and ecosystems, with disciplines such as Geology and Geophysics.
4. Recent data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reveals a notable 43.93% drop in outward remittances under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS), falling to USD 2.181 billion in June 2024 from USD 3.890 billion in June 2023. This decline is attributed to global economic uncertainties and domestic policy changes, particularly the introduction of a 20% Tax Collection at Source (TCS) on overseas tour packages, which has discouraged remittances for travel. Travel-related remittances, which made up over 50% of the total outflows, decreased from USD 1.482 billion to USD 1.275 billion. The decrease reflects a broader trend where economic fluctuations and inflation have led individuals to cut back on non-essential transfers. The LRS, regulated by the RBI under the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, permits resident individuals to remit up to USD 250,000 annually for various purposes such as travel, education, and medical treatment. TCS, collected by banks on specific transactions, aims to ensure tax compliance on overseas financial activities but does not apply to international credit card spending.
5. On the birth anniversary of Maharaja Bir Bikram Kishore Manikya Bahadur, the Prime Minister paid tribute to his significant contributions to Tripura's development. Born on August 19, 1908, Maharaja Bir Bikram is celebrated as the "Modern Architect of Tripura" for his pioneering efforts in education, land reforms, and indigenous rights. He established Tripura's first higher educational institution, reserved land for indigenous communities, and helped create the Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous District Council (TTAADC). Maharaja Bir Bikram also made history as the first Tripura ruler to visit Europe and America between 1931-1939. Despite his untimely death at 39 in 1947, his legacy endures, with Agartala airport renamed in his honor in July 2018. Tripura, located in the northeastern region of India and bordered by Bangladesh, Mizoram, and Assam, is known for its wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, including Gumti, Rowa, Sepahijala, Trishna, Bison, and Clouded Leopard.