- MAHARASHTRA GOVERNMENT EXTENDS 10% RESERVATION TO MARATHAS –
- The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved a draft bill to extend a 10 percent reservation to the Maratha community in both educational institutions and government employment. This move follows a report submitted by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission (MBCC) justifying the extension beyond the 50 percent cap.
- The government has scheduled a special session of the state assembly to introduce the bill in response to Maratha quota activist Manoj Jarange Patil’s hunger strike.
- Patil’s protest at Antarwali Saarati village in Jalna district has prompted the government to meet his demands swiftly.
- Currently, the state already reserves 10 percent for the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), with the Maratha community being the primary beneficiaries.
- Marathas claim 85 percent of this reservation, highlighting their significant presence within the EWS category.
- HAL, DRDO TO BEGIN RS 60,000 CRORE SUKHOI FIGHTER JET FLEET UPGRADE –
- Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in collaboration with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) embarks on a comprehensive upgrade project worth Rs 60,000 crore for the Su-30MKI fighter jet fleet. The initiative aims to bolster the aircraft’s capabilities through the integration of advanced technologies and indigenous systems.
Avionics and Radars:
- Installation of state-of-the-art avionics and radar systems to enhance target detection and engagement capabilities.
- Addressing previous concerns regarding radar performance to ensure optimal functionality.
Electronic Warfare Capabilities:
- Implementation of a new electronic warfare system to effectively counter incoming threats and disrupt enemy communication.
Weapon Systems Integration:
- Integration of new weapon systems to augment the aircraft’s combat effectiveness and versatility.
Indigenous Components Replacement:
- Replacement of Russian-origin components with indigenous systems, aligning with India’s self-reliance objectives in defence manufacturing.
- PM MODI LAUNCHES 100,000SQM BHARAT MART IN DUBAI FOR EXPORTS –
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE Vice President Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum laid the foundation stone of Bharat Mart, integrating retail, warehousing, and logistics at Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone in Dubai, during a virtual ceremony. The Bharat Mart facility is set to emerge as a pivotal hub for commerce and logistics in Dubai.
- The Bharat Mart facility, reminiscent of China’s Dragon Mart, is a collaborative effort between DP World, a leading logistics conglomerate based in Dubai, and India’s commerce ministry.
- Envisioned as a multifaceted platform, Bharat Mart will integrate retail, warehousing, and logistics facilities within the Jebel Ali Free Trade Zone in Dubai.
- The facility, spanning over 100,000 square meters, aims to reduce shipping costs and time from India to Africa and Europe.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and UAE Vice President Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum laid the foundation stone for Bharat Mart during a virtual ceremony.
- This symbolic gesture underscores the commitment of both nations to foster economic cooperation and facilitate trade between India and the UAE.