12 Apr 2018: UPSC Exam PIB Summary & Analysis

IRNSS-1I 

• IRNSS-1I is the latest member of the ‘Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)’ system.
• ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle PSLV-C41 successfully launched the 1,425 kg IRNSS-1I Navigation Satellite from Satish Dhawan Space Centre SHAR, Sriharikota.
• It will replace IRNSS-1A and join the constellation of seven satellites.
• It will have L5 and S-band navigation payload with rubidium atomic clocks.
• It will be placed in a sub-geosynchronous transfer orbit and at its closest point will be 284 km above the Earth and at its farthest will be 20,650 km above the Earth.
• Like all other IRNSS satellites, IRNSS-1I will also carry two payloads – navigation payload and ranging payload.

Background

• There are currently seven Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System ( ‘Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC)’ system) satellites (1A to 1G) in orbit.
• A, B, F, G are placed in a geosynchronous orbit, which means they seem to be at a fixed location above the Earth and they orbit along with the Earth.
• The remaining three C, D, E, are located in geostationary orbit-they seem to be at a fixed location above the Earth along the equator and orbit along with the Earth.
• The launch of IRNSS-1I will be the ninth navigational satellite launch under the project which has seen seven successful launches and one unsuccessful launch.

Uses

• IRNSS will assist in terrestrial, aerial and marine navigation, disaster management, vehicle tracking and fleet management, integration with mobile phones, precise timing, mapping and geodetic data capture, a terrestrial navigation aid for hikers and travellers, visual and voice navigation for drivers and riders
• Navigation satellite signal receivers which will give positioning and weather alerts to fishermen in deep sea and more such devices will be fitted in boats in Tamil Nadu and Kerala
• This will help in sending alerts to fishermen vital information at times of cyclones

AIIB to invest in India

• Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is going to invest USD $ 140-Million loan in India.
• It aims to improve the rural road connectivity and management for residents of about 5,640 villages who use the rural roads for daily activities.
• The Project, co-financed with the World Bank.
• This Project will provide sustainable and safe last-mile connectivity to small villages and improve mobility of the rural population of Madhya Pradesh.

NHAI signs agreement for its First International Project

• The National Highways Authority of India has signed an agreement for upgradation of Yagyi – Kalewa section of highway in Myanmar.
• The agreement was signed yesterday by NHAI with M/s Punj Lloyd Ltd. – Varaha Infra Ltd. (JV). 
• The project has been funded by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India and would be executed on EPC mode at a cost of Rs.1177 crores. 

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