Union Cabinet Approval Of Space Projects
4 Space Projects Approved: Chandrayaan-4, Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM), Bhartiya Antriksh Station (BAS), Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).
Chandrayaan-4:
- Objective: Lunar landing, collecting samples, bringing them back to Earth.
- Key Features: Involves spacecraft development, two Launch Vehicle Mk III launches, deep space communication, and special tests.
- New Technology: First-time attempt for India: Docking and undocking of spacecraft in orbit.
- Long-term Goal: Supports India’s aim for human missions to the moon by 2040.
Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM):
- Objective: Study Venus’ surface, subsurface, atmosphere, and effects of the Sun.
- Importance: Venus may have once been habitable like Earth.
- Launch Date: Scheduled for March 2028 (Earth and Venus closest).
- Significance: India’s second interplanetary mission (after Mars Orbiter Mission, 2014).
Bhartiya Antriksh Station (BAS):
- India’s Own Space Station: Space station for scientific research.
- Launch Plan: To be launched by 2028, operational by 2035, with a manned lunar mission by 2040.
- Global Position: Only two operational space stations currently: ISS and China’s Tiangong.
Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV):
- Objective: New launch vehicle with enhanced payload capacity.
- Capacity: 3 times the payload of LVM3 at 1.5 times the cost (up to 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit).
- Comparison: Current vehicles (SSLV, PSLV, GSLV, LVM3) can carry 500 kg to 10,000 kg to LEO, 4,000 kg to GTO.
EAC-PM Report: ‘Relative Economic Performance of Indian States’
Key Report Highlights:
- Covers the economic performance of Indian states from 1960-61 to 2023-24.
- Identifies significant disparity in state-level economic growth.
Economic Performance:
Southern States Growth:
- Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Kerala, Tamil Nadu to contribute 30% to India’s GDP by March 2024.
- Post-liberalization growth driven by advancements in technology and industry.
West Bengal’s Decline:
- GDP contribution dropped from 10.5% (1960-61) to 5.6% (2024).
- Per capita income fell from 127.5% of national average in the 1960s to 83.7% in 2024.
- Causes: Policy stagnation, industrial decline, political instability, talent migration, low investment.
Maharashtra: Largest GDP contributor at 13.3% (down from 15%).
Per Capita Income Data (2023-24)
Highest Incomes (2023-24):
- Delhi: 250.8% of national average.
- Telangana, Karnataka, Haryana.
Gujarat and Maharashtra:
Consistently maintained above-average incomes since the 1960s. Gujarat: 160.7% of national average; Maharashtra: 150.7%.
Odisha’s Improvement:
Per capita income rose from 55.8% (2000-01) to 88.5% (2023-24).
Punjab vs. Haryana:
- Punjab: Stagnation in growth, per capita income at 106%.
- Haryana: Significant growth, per capita income at 176.8%.
Smaller States:
- Sikkim: Per capita income rose from 93% (1990-91) to 319% (2023-24).
- Goa: From 144% (1970-71) to 290% (2023-24).
- Now the richest states by per capita income.
Poorest States:
- Uttar Pradesh: Contributes 9.5% of GDP.
- Bihar: 4.3%. Bihar lags behind in economic growth, despite some improvement in Odisha.
Reasons for Growth in Western & Southern States:
Industrial Base:
- Gujarat, Maharashtra: Strong manufacturing in textiles, chemicals, engineering.
- Business-friendly policies attracting domestic/foreign investment.
Service Sector:
- Karnataka, Tamil Nadu: Rapid urbanisation, infrastructure boosting IT and services.
- Focus on education and skill development leads to a skilled workforce.
Agricultural Advancements:
- Maharashtra, Kerala: Sustainable farming practices, crop diversification, water-efficient irrigation.
- Government support in irrigation, technology, and market access boosts agricultural output.
Regional Connectivity:
- Western and Southern regions: Strong transport, logistics networks.
- Gujarat’s ports, Tamil Nadu’s roadways enhance trade, boosting economic growth.
Economic Advisory Council To The Prime Minister (EAC-PM)
Overview:
- Non-constitutional, non-statutory body providing economic advice to the Government of India, specifically to the Prime Minister.
- Provides neutral, independent insights on economic issues such as inflation, microfinance, and industrial output.
Nodal Agency:
NITI Aayog handles EAC-PM’s administration, logistics, and planning.
Periodic Reports:
Publishes Annual Economic Outlook and Review of the Economy.