[Newsbits] 9.01.2024: Peregrine Mission-1, Green Fuels Alliance India & more
![newsbits mindmap notes](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/newsbits-mindmap-notes-e1623992969217.jpg)
![Green Fuels Alliance India mind map
Recent News
Announced by Denmark
Date
09/01/2024
Where
Chennai, India
Why
Boost collaboration
Advance carbon neutrality
What
Green Fuels Sector
Including Green Hydrogen
Ecosystem Establishment
Encourages collaboration
Between businesses, government, research, financial stakeholders
Member-Driven Business Alliance
Steering Committee
Comprised of Danish businesses
Coordinated by Danish Consulate in Bangalore
Advisory Board
Industry experts and thought leaders
Inspired by Collaborative Initiatives
India-Denmark Energy Partnership
Nation Green Hydrogen Mission
Joint R&D on Green Fuels
Who
Led by
Danish Embassy
Consulate General of Denmark in India
Founding Members
A.P. Moller – Maersk
Topsoe
Umwelt Energy
Mash Makes
European Sustainable Solutions
Novozymes
Danfoss
Brdr. Christensen
Hydrogen Denmark
Advisory Board Members
India Hydrogen Alliance
Energy Consortium at IIT Madras
Danish Energy Agency
State of Green
How
Fostering Innovation
Promoting Collaboration
Establishing Partnerships
Significance
Sustainable energy growth
Net zero emissions
India by 2070
Denmark by 2045
Global decarbonisation efforts
Challenges
Availability of green energy and fuel
In sufficient quantities
At cost-competitive prices
Way Forward
Knowledge sharing
Business opportunities
Strategic and financing partnerships](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Green-Fuels-Alliance-India-1024x543.jpeg)
The Green Fuels Alliance India (GFAI) is an initiative launched by Denmark in Chennai, India, on January 9, 2024. This strategic alliance, led by the Danish Embassy and the Consulate General of Denmark in India, aims to boost collaborative efforts in the sustainable energy solutions sector and advance the joint global goal towards carbon neutrality. GFAI focuses on promoting sustainable energy growth in India by creating an ecosystem for collaboration among businesses, government entities, research institutions, and financial stakeholders from both Indian and Danish sectors. Key elements of the alliance include a Steering Committee of Danish businesses, an Advisory Board of industry experts, and inspiration from collaborative initiatives like the India-Denmark Energy Partnership. The alliance is significant in its potential contribution to global decarbonization efforts, with the challenge being the availability of green energy and fuel in sufficient quantities at competitive prices.
![First Advance Estimates 2023-24 mind map
Recent News
Released on January 6th, 2024
When
For fiscal year 2023-24
Why
Inform policy decisions
Budget planning
What
GDP Growth
Estimated at 7.3%
Compared to Previous Year
Slightly higher than 7.2%
Construction Sector
Expected growth of 10.7%
Agriculture and Allied Sector
Estimated growth of 1.8%
Where
Across India
Who
National Statistical Office
Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation
How
Calculation Method
Benchmark-indicator method
Using provisional data
High-frequency indicators
Data Sources
Various Ministries and Departments
Private Agencies
Significance
Reflects robust domestic demand
Indicates economic expansion
Challenges
Early projections
Subject to revisions
Way Forward
Subsequent Revisions
To be expected
Next Releases
Second Advance Estimates
Quarterly GDP estimates](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/First-Advance-Estimates-2023-24-1024x366.jpeg)
In summary, the FAE for 2023-24 projects India’s GDP growth at 7.3%, slightly higher than the previous year’s 7.2%. This growth is underpinned by a strong performance in the construction sector, while the agriculture and allied sector shows comparatively modest growth. The NSO, under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, releases these estimates, which are compiled using a benchmark-indicator method and data from various sources. While these figures are essential for policy and budgetary planning, it’s important to note that they are preliminary and subject to future revisions.
![India's New Emission Test Rules for Vehicles Under BS VI Norms mind map
Recent News
Government issued draft notification
When
Implemented from April 2023
Applicable from June 1, 2024, for certain vehicles
Why
To reduce air pollution
What
BS-VI emission norms
Sixth emission benchmark
Biodiesel adulteration testing
Up to 7 percent with diesel (B7)
More than 7 percent with respective adulteration
Hydrogen powered vehicles
Assigned NOX emission only
Dual fuel engines
Tested based on GER
During hot part of WHTC testing cycle
GER categorisation as per AIS 137
Where
Across India
Who
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
Central Pollution Control Board
Under Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change
How
Detailed testing procedures not fully retrieved
Significance
Aims to significantly reduce air pollution
Way Forward
Implementation in phased manner](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indias-New-Emission-Test-Rules-for-Vehicles-Under-BS-VI-Norms-1024x385.jpeg)
India’s new emission test rules under BS VI norms, issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and set by the Central Pollution Control Board, aim to significantly reduce air pollution across the country. These rules include stringent testing for vehicles with biodiesel adulteration and hydrogen-powered vehicles. The implementation of these norms, which is a major step in the sixth emission benchmark, is set to begin in April 2023 and will be fully applicable from June 1, 2024, for certain vehicles.
![India's Updated GMP for Drug Makers mind map
Recent News
Notified by Union Health Ministry
Revised under Schedule M
When
Notified in 2024
Why
Ensure robust quality control
Minimize pharmaceutical risks
Align with global standards
What
GMP System
Ensures product quality
Minimizes production risks
Follows WHO guidelines
Revised Schedule M
Incorporates WHO-GMP
Introduced in 1988
Last amendment in 2005
Major Changes
Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS)
Quality Risk Management (QRM)
Product Quality Review (PQR)
Equipment Validation
Computerized Storage Systems
Where
India
Who
Union Health Ministry
Pharmaceutical Companies
WHO (World Health Organization)
How
Implementation timeline
6 months for large companies
12 months for smaller companies
Revised guidelines
Emphasis on quality management
Regular quality reviews
Computerized process management
Significance
Enhances medicine quality
Aligns with international standards
Improves patient outcomes
Boosts industry reputation
Challenges
Implementation challenges
Scale and cost for smaller units
Compliance within deadlines
Global market expectations
Way Forward
Continuing to align with global standards
Enhancing quality control and documentation
Promoting high-quality production](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Indias-Updated-GMP-for-Drug-Makers-1024x448.jpeg)
India’s Updated Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for Drug Makers, notified in 2024 by the Union Health Ministry, mark a significant revision of the existing standards under Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules. The update aims to ensure robust quality control in pharmaceutical production, aligning India’s standards with global norms, especially those of the World Health Organization (WHO). Major changes include the introduction of a Pharmaceutical Quality System (PQS), Quality Risk Management (QRM), Product Quality Review (PQR), validation of equipment, and computerized storage systems. The revisions require large companies to implement these changes within six months and smaller companies within a year. This move is expected to elevate the quality of medicines, improve patient outcomes, and enhance the reputation of the Indian pharmaceutical industry on a global scale.
![Peregrine Mission-1 mind map
Recent News
January 2024
First American commercial lunar lander
Experienced propulsion issue
Launched by ULA's Vulcan rocket
Critical fuel leak
Landing attempt jeopardized
When
Launched on 8 January 2024
Planned lunar landing date
23 February 2024
Why
First U.S. lunar landing in decades
Part of NASA's CLPS initiative
To lay foundation for human missions
Sustainable human presence on Moon
What
Built by Astrobotic Technology
Selected for NASA's CLPS
Payload capacity
90 kg
Carrying 20 payloads
5 from NASA
Various scientific instruments
Mementos, other payloads
First Latin American instruments
By Agencia Espacial Mexicana
Lithium-ion battery
Solar panel powered
Avionics systems
Guidance, navigation
Doppler LiDAR
Where
Lunar surface
Sinus Viscositatis region
Nearside of Moon
Who
Astrobotic Technology
Based in Pittsburgh
United Launch Alliance
Provided Vulcan rocket
NASA
CLPS initiative
Five payloads
How
Vulcan Centaur rocket
Lunar orbit
Several weeks
Soft landing attempt
Significance
Historic mission
Supports Artemis missions
Commercialization of Moon
Science, technology demonstration
Human remains, mementos aboard
Challenges
High risk
Moon landings historically difficult
Propulsion issue
Critical fuel leak
Payload approval by contractors
Way Forward
Continued attempts
NASA and partners
More CLPS lunar launches
Planned before end of 2024](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Peregrine-Mission-1-1024x515.jpeg)
Peregrine Mission-1, launched on January 8, 2024, marks a significant milestone as the first American commercial lunar lander. This mission, part of NASA’s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative, aims to lay the foundation for future human missions and establish a sustainable human presence on the Moon. The lander, built by Pittsburgh-based Astrobotic Technology and launched aboard United Launch Alliance’s Vulcan rocket, experienced a propulsion issue and a critical fuel leak, jeopardizing its planned landing on February 23. The mission carries a variety of payloads, including five from NASA, scientific instruments, and other items representing human achievements. Despite challenges like the high risk of lunar landings and technical issues, the mission signifies the beginning of lunar commercialization and supports the upcoming Artemis missions.
![IAF C-130 J Aircraft mind map
Recent News
Night Landing at Kargil
Date
January 7, 2024
Where
Kargil airstrip
Altitude
Exceeding 8,800 feet
Significance
Demonstrates IAF's capability
In challenging environments
Strategic terrain masking techniques
Aircraft Type
Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules
When
First Flight
April 5, 1996
Introduction
1999
Why
Military transport
Aerial refuelling
What
Manufacturer
Lockheed Martin
Characteristics
Four-engine turboprop
Military transport aircraft
Update of Lockheed C-130 Hercules
Features
New engines
Flight deck
Other systems
Performance Improvements
40% greater range
21% higher max speed
41% shorter takeoff distance
Design
Similar to classic Hercules
New technology
Rolls-Royce AE 2100 engines
Dowty R391 propellers
Digital avionics
Head-up displays
Where
National Origin
United States
Global Presence
26 operators
In 22 countries
Who
Primary Users
United States Air Force
United States Marine Corps
Royal Air Force (historical)
Indian Air Force
Purchased six C-130J-30s
For special operations forces
Cost up to US$1.059 billion
Under Foreign Military Sales
Option for six more aircraft
Indigenously added equipment](https://www.iasexpress.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/IAF-C-130-J-Aircraft-1024x554.jpeg)
The IAF C-130 J Aircraft, a variant of the Lockheed Martin C-130J Super Hercules, is a notable four-engine turboprop military transport aircraft. It has been recently highlighted for its historic night landing at the Kargil airstrip on January 7, 2024. This event was significant as it demonstrated the Indian Air Force’s operational capabilities in challenging environments, particularly at an altitude exceeding 8,800 feet. The aircraft, introduced in 1999 and developed from the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, is known for its improved performance, including a 40% greater range, 21% higher maximum speed, and a 41% shorter takeoff distance compared to its predecessors. The C-130J has been adopted by 26 operators in 22 countries globally, with the Indian Air Force purchasing six C-130J-30s for its special operations forces, with an option for six additional aircraft.
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