PixxelSpace India-led consortium to establish India's first commercial earth observation satellite constellation
The Bengaluru-based PixxelSpace India consortium comprises Piersight Space, Satsure Analytics India, and Dhruva Space.
IN-SPACe said the selection of the PixxelSpace India consortium was done following a competitive bidding process which involved two more consortia.
It is for the first time in the history of the Indian space sector that a private consortium would invest more than ₹1,200 crore over the next five years to launch a constellation of 12 state-of-the-art EO satellites equipped with panchromatic, multispectral, hyperspectral, and microwave Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors.
The constellation will deliver Analysis Ready Data (ARD) and Value-Added Services (VAS) for applications in climate change monitoring, disaster management, agriculture, infrastructure, marine surveillance, national security, and urban planning, while also catering to the global demand for high-quality geospatial intelligence.
IN-SPACe said that by generating high-resolution, indigenous satellite data, the initiative will significantly reduce India's reliance on foreign sources, ensure data sovereignty, and position the country among the global leaders in space-based data solutions.
'This initiative signals the coming of age of India's private space industry in the space sector. It demonstrates the capability and confidence of Indian companies to lead large-scale, technologically advanced, and commercially viable space missions that serve both national and global markets. The EO -PPP model fosters an ecosystem where public and private capabilities reinforce each other to drive growth, innovation, and self-reliance,' Pawan Goenka, chairman, IN-SPACe, said.
Under the PPP framework, the Union government will provide strategic, technical, and policy support, while the PixxelSpace India-led consortium will own and operate the EO system, including satellite manufacturing, launches from Indian soil, ground infrastructure, and commercialisation of data services.
IN-SPACe further added that the EO constellation will be deployed in a phased manner over the next four years to ensure continuous service upgrades and expanded coverage.
Once operational, it will be among the most advanced EO systems in the world, designed, built, and operated entirely in India by Indian talent.
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Indian Express
22 minutes ago
- Indian Express
2 Indian aquanauts make record-breaking dives into Atlantic Ocean
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Indian Express
22 minutes ago
- Indian Express
UPSC Key: India-Singapore ties, Agnipath scheme, and Income Tax Bill 2025
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Key Points to Ponder: — Read about plastics and their different categories. — Why is a global plastic treaty required? — What are the challenges faced by global leaders in drafting a legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution. — What is the significance of the Global Plastic Treaty in the context of international environmental agreements? — What is India's position on the plastics treaty? — Read about the Plastic Waste Management Rule 2021. Key Takeaways: — The talks in Geneva reached a critical point as the chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), leading the task to thrash out a treaty, shared the draft at a stocktake plenary, drawing sharp reactions from several countries. 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The draft was unequivocally slammed by both, a bloc of countries pushing for production cuts and called 'imbalanced' and the bloc of countries led by Kuwait and other oil producing countries, who want to focus on plastic waste management. — Countries have been pushing to address the full life-cycle, which includes addressing upstream issues such as limiting manufacturing of polluting plastic products, prohibiting use of toxic chemicals, and including a list of products for phase-out. — India aligned with Kuwait and said there are some 'serious concerns' and 'fundamental elements' were missing, said Naresh Pal Gangwar, Additional Secretary, Environment Ministry. — In the crucial article on 'plastic products', the draft said that countries should take measures 'as appropriate' and 'in accordance' with national circumstances and capabilities to manage, reduce, or not allow import or export of plastic products. 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General Studies-III: Role of external state and non-state actors in creating challenges to internal security. What's the ongoing story: The Armed Forces are discussing a reassessment of the Agnipath scheme, keeping in mind the requirement for an ideal ratio between technically proficient and trained manpower and a reduced age profile of soldiers in the military, The Indian Express has learnt. Key Points to Ponder: — What is the Agnipath scheme? — What are the issues related to this scheme? — How is Agnipath different from regular military service? — Do Agniveers draw pensions post-retirement? — What is the rationale for introducing the Agnipath scheme? 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Do You Know: — Agnipath was aimed at recruiting personnel below officer ranks — soldiers, airmen, and sailors who are not commissioned officers — to the Indian Armed Forces for a period of four years. — At the end of this tenure, upto 25% of these recruits, the so called 'Agniveers', can join the services on a permanent commission (another 15 years), subject to merit and organisational requirements. — Aspirants between the ages of 17.5 years and 23 years are eligible to apply (the upper age limit was increased from 21), and the recruitment standards remain the same as with regular service, prior to Agnipath. — The scheme was announced in June 2022, after military recruitment was paused for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic. — Agniveers draw a basic salary of Rs 30,000-Rs 40,000 per month, and are entitled to other risk and hardship allowances. — They contribute 30% of their monthly emoluments to the Seva Nidhi fund, which the government matches. At the end of their service, they receive approximately Rs 11.71 lakhs (with interest) as a lump sum severance package from this fund, which is exempt from income tax. — If they die on duty, their family receives a lump sum of Rs 1 crore (including the Seva Nidhi package), and full pay for the period which the soldier could not serve. In case of disability, an Agniveer can receive upto Rs 44 lakh as compensation, depending on the percentage of disability suffered which is attributed to, or aggravated by military service. — Unlike soldiers in regular service, Agniveers do not draw pensions post-retirement. Only the 25% of Agniveers who get absorbed into the forces after four years will receive pensionary benefits, although the initial four years of service will not be considered for these. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Explained: What is the Agnipath scheme and the opposition to it? Previous year UPSC Mains Question Covering similar theme: The diverse nature of India as a multi-religious and multi-ethnic society is not immune to the impact of radicalism which has been in her neighborhood. Discuss along with the strategies to be adopted to counter this environment. (UPSC CSE 2014) Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance Mains Examination: General Studies-I: Indian culture will cover the salient aspects of Art Forms, literature and Architecture from ancient to modern times. What's the ongoing story: During a discussion in the state Assembly last week, legislators across party lines demanded the legalisation of bull fighting in Goa. The MLAs said that bull fighting, locally referred to as dhirio or dhiri, is an integral part of Goa's cultural fabric. Key Points to Ponder: — What is the bull festival of Spain called? — How is dhiri different from Spain's bull fight? — Are there any constitutional provisions related to cruelty against animals? — What are the other traditional sports in India that involve animals? — What is the Supreme Court ruling on the Jallikattu festival? — What is the objective of enacting the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960? Key Takeaways: — In the book Goa, Cradle of My Dreams (1988) Nora Secco de Souza described Goan bull fighting as a 'less complicated' and 'less colourful affair' than its Spanish counterpart 'for there are no flamboyant matadors [in dhiri]'. — These bull fights have traditionally been held in paddy fields and football grounds of Goa, with village shepherds bringing in their animals. — Dhiri was a 'part and parcel of every Church fest' and villagers from miles around would gather to witness the popular sport in which 'two thorough-bred bulls fight each other'. — The bull that gets pushed out of the arena first or turns and runs away loses the fight, unlike in Spain where the animal has to die for the fight to end. A fight can be over in a few minutes or stretch for more than an hour. — 'It is a straight fight till one bull falls or flees. Often a bull is seriously injured,' said one bull owner who was previously involved in the practice. Bulls can even be gored to death at times. Agitated bulls may also charge at spectators, causing grievous injuries. — The bulls often had names such as (Mike) Tyson and Rambo (the famous Sylvester Stallone character), and had a devoted fan following, Gracias said. — In September 1996, Xavier Fernandes from Cana-Benaulim was killed by a 'violent' bull at a fight organised at Ambaji-Fatorda. After the incident, the NGO People for Animals filed a petition in the High Court of Bombay at Goa contending that bull fights were occurring illegally in contravention to the provisions of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. — The High Court subsequentlly found bullfights to be illegal and said they 'cannot be permitted to be organised'. The Court directed the state to take immediate steps to ban 'all types of animal fights including bull fights and 'dhirios' in the state of Goa.' — In 2021, a contempt petition was filed in the High Court, alleging that bull fights were taking place despite orders of the court. In April this year, a bull died during a bullfight in a paddy field in Betalbatim. In January, a spectator was gored to death at a bull fight near Benaulim. — Supporters and bull fight aficionados argue that bull fights are a traditional 'sport of Goa'. — 'There is no cruelty. It is a sport where the strength of bulls is put to test. It is like boxing. It can be regulated. The horns of bulls can be capped, but a ban goes against the tradition,' Francis, a resident of Taleigao, told The Indian Express. — In 2023, AAP MLA from Benaulim, Venzy Viegas sought an amendment to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act to exclude dhirio, along the lines of a similar legislation passed by Tamil Nadu, which excludes the traditional sport of jallikattu from the ambit of the law. Do You Know: — A five-judge Bench of the Supreme Court on May 18, 2023 upheld the amendments made by the legislatures of Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (PCA) Act, 1960, allowing bull-taming sports like jallikattu, kambala, and bullock-cart races. — The five-judge Bench overruled the view taken by a two-judge Bench of the court in its 2014 ruling in 'Welfare Board of India v. A. Nagaraja', banning such sports including jallikattu. — Jallikattu, also known as eruthazhuvuthal, is a bull-taming sport traditionally played in Tamil Nadu as part of the Pongal harvest festival. The festival is a celebration of nature, and thanksgiving for a bountiful harvest, of which cattle-worship is part. — In 2017, Tamil Nadu amended the PCA Act to allow jallikattu in the state. The amending Act sought to preserve the cultural heritage of Tamil Nadu, and to ensure the survival and well-being of the native breeds of bulls. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Supreme Court upholds Tamil Nadu law allowing jallikattu: What is this decade-old case? Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (4) Consider the following pairs: 1. Jallikattu : Tamil nadu 2. Kambala : Karnataka 3. Dhirio : Goa How many of the above pairs are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 1 and 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Indian Polity and Governance – Constitution, Political System, Panchayati Raj, Public Policy, Rights Issues Mains Examination: General Studies-II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation . General-Studies III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development and employment. What's the ongoing story: Parliament on Tuesday passed a new income tax Bill to replace the six-decade-old Income Tax Act, 1961. The new Bill removes redundant provisions and archaic language, and is likely to come into effect from April 1, 2026. Key Points to Ponder: — What is income tax? Who levies the income tax? — Is Income tax a progressive taxation system? — What is the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) remittances? — How has the new income tax bill defined virtual digital space? — What are the national pension system (NPS) and unified pension scheme (UPS)? Key Takeaways: — The new Income-tax Bill, 2025 was first introduced in February, and then sent to a Parliament Select Committee. On August 12, the government introduced a new version, the Income-Tax (No.2) Bill, 2025, incorporating most recommendations of the Committee. — The first draft of the Bill, introduced in February, had included a provision — Clause 263(1)(a)(ix) — that implied that taxpayers could only claim a refund if they had filed tax returns on or before the due date. The new version has removed this provision. — The new Bill also clarified that there will be nil TCS on Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) remittances for education purposes financed by any financial institution, a provision that had gone missing in the earlier version. — The Bill has corrected other drafting errors such as those related to inter-corporate dividend deductions for companies availing concessional tax rates. — The Bill has also allowed taxpayers who do not have any I-T liability to obtain a nil-TDS certificate. — The government has corrected the anomaly regarding donations linked to non-profit organisations in line with the recommendation of the Select Committee. Exemption has been allowed to NPOs for 5 per cent of the 'total' donation instead of just 5 per cent of 'anonymous' donations, as is the case in the existing Act. — The new Bill introduces the concept of 'tax year', which has been defined as the 12-month period beginning April 1. The concept was introduced in the first draft in February. — The new Bill removes redundant provisions and archaic language and reduces the number of Sections from 819 in the Income Tax Act of 1961 to 536 and the number of chapters from 47 to 23. — The government has, however, retained the contentious definition of 'virtual digital space' — the powers to call for information by income tax authorities during surveys, searches and seizures, including email servers, social media accounts, online investment, trading and banking accounts, remote or cloud servers and digital application platforms. — Separately, the government also brought in the Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which amends the Finance Act, 2025. — The Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill also extended income tax benefits under the market-linked national pension system (NPS) to the guaranteed unified pension scheme (UPS), by allowing tax-free withdrawal of lump sum payments or the accumulated UPS corpus, up to 60 per cent, at the time of retirement. Do You Know: — Overseas remittances by Indian residents under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS) of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) fell by 29 per cent to $1,964.21 million in February 2025 from $2,768.89 million in January. — Under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme, resident individuals, including minors, can freely remit up to $2,50,000 per financial year for permissible current or capital account transactions. These transactions include education, medical treatment abroad, purchase of property, and investments in foreign stocks. — The new I-T bill has defined 'virtual digital space' in the powers to call for information by income tax authorities during surveys, searches and seizures. — It defines a virtual digital space as 'any digital realm that allows users to interact, communicate and perform activities' through computer technology. It also allows tax authorities to override the access code to any said computer system, or virtual digital space, where the access code thereof is not available. — The National Pension Scheme (NPS) replaced the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) on January 1, 2004. — Like the OPS, the UPS provides a guaranteed pension. It aims to give stability, dignity, and financial security to government employees after retirement, assuring their well-being and a secure future. More importantly, the UPS promises retirees a fixed pension, unlike the NPS. This was one of the major criticisms of the NPS. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍Overseas remittances by Indians under LRS were down 29% in February to $1,964.21 mn: Here's why 📍New Income Tax Bill defines virtual digital space for searches, seizures Previous year UPSC Prelims Question Covering similar theme: (5) With reference to India's decision to levy an equalization tax of 6% on online advertisement services offered by non-resident entities, which of the following statements is/are correct? 1. It is introduced as a part of the Income Tax Act. 2. Non-resident entities that offer advertisement services in India can claim a tax credit in their home country under the 'Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements'. Select the correct answer using the code given below : (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Syllabus: Preliminary Examination: Current events of national importance, Economic Development Mains Examination: General Studies-II, III: Government policies and interventions, Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilisation, of resources, growth, development. What's the ongoing story: The much-awaited bill to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) was introduced in the Lok Sabha on Tuesday by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who said that the proposed changes are aimed at reducing delays, maximising value for all stakeholders, and improving governance of all processes under the Code. Key Points to Ponder: — What is the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)? — Read about the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India. — What were the first generation of economic reforms? — Why was the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code introduced? — What are the issues associated with IBC? — What steps should be taken to address the issues and challenges associated with the functioning of the IBC? — What are the key changes proposed in the amendment bill? Key Takeaways: — The proposed modifications include provisions to ensure faster admission of insolvency cases, an out-of-court mechanism to address 'genuine business failures', and introduction of group and cross-border insolvency frameworks, and a slew of others. — Introduced in 2016, the IBC promised an overhaul of insolvency resolution with the aim to rescue and reorganise distressed companies through a time-bound process, prioritising their survival as going concerns. — While the IBC has fostered a culture of accountability and credit discipline among debtors, its efficiency has been undermined by procedural delays, shortage of personnel, deviations from key principles, and slow implementation of critical provisions. — Although the IBC has had a few successes, it has been marred by issues like high case backlog, lengthy delays in admission and resolution, and steep haircuts for creditors. Over the past couple of years, various stakeholders flagged concerns and the need to rethink the IBC's design. — The amendment bill—referred to a select committee for consultations—is expected to help make the insolvency resolution process swifter and efficient, in addition to being in line with international best practices. The proposed amendments are to facilitate faster admission, resolution, and liquidation, maximise asset value, and improve governance. — One of the key changes proposed in the amendment bill is that an insolvency application filed by a financial creditor 'must' be admitted if the default is proven, procedural compliance is met, and there are no disciplinary proceedings against the resolution professional. This means that there will be no real scope for rejecting such applications on additional grounds, and the default would be the only real ground for consideration of an insolvency application. — The bill also clarifies that records from financial institutions are to be considered as sufficient and conclusive proof of default by the debtor. — The amendment bill also stipulates that the adjudicating authority — the NCLT — should strictly enforce the 14-day timeline to decide on admission of insolvency applications, and if there is a delay, it would need to 'record the reasons for such delay in writing'. Other Important Articles Covering the same topic: 📍With long delays and steep haircuts, chorus for revamping IBC grows louder ALSO IN NEWS This AI-tool will automatically generate minutes of meetings of gram sabhas, the primary body of the Panchayati Raj system, consisting of all registered voters of a gram panchayat. The visits are taking place in the run-up to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Tianjin in China, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to travel on August 31-September 1. Delhi is following its multi-alignment foreign policy, and will be careful not to become part of an anti-Western grouping. Delhi likes to portray itself as a non-Western, and not an anti-Western country, keeping intact its strategic autonomy. Subscribe to our UPSC newsletter. Stay updated with the latest UPSC articles by joining our Telegram channel – IndianExpress UPSC Hub, and follow us on Instagram and X. 🚨 Click Here to read the UPSC Essentials magazine for July 2025. Share your views and suggestions in the comment box or at
Economic Times
22 minutes ago
- Economic Times
How foreign investors can secure permanent residence in Singapore
Agencies Singapore has positioned itself as a top destination for wealthy and experienced foreign entrepreneurs through its Global Investor Program (GIP), which offers a route to permanent residency. The initiative is designed for investors who wish to live, work, and contribute to the country's economy by starting businesses or making substantial investments. Successful applicants can expect to obtain permanent residence status within nine to twelve months. The program is part of the Singaporean government's broader aim to attract global talent and strengthen its business environment. Applicants must meet strict eligibility requirements and choose from three investment options, each tied to job creation or capital deployment in Singapore. Investment options under the program Applicants can select one of the following investment paths:1. Option A: Invest SGD 10 million (including paid-up capital) into a new or existing business in Singapore and employ at least 30 staff, half of whom must be Singaporean citizens. For existing businesses, 10 employees must be new hires.2. Option B: Invest SGD 25 million in a fund approved by the Singapore Economic Development Board, which invests in Singapore-based companies.3. Option C: Set up a single family office in Singapore with assets under management of at least SGD 200 million. At least SGD 50 million must be deployed in approved investments such as listed companies, qualifying debt securities, licensed funds, or private equity in local businesses. The office must employ at least five additional professionals over five years, including three Singaporean citizens. Application process and eligibility The program is open to established business owners, next-generation business leaders, founders of fast-growing tech firms, and family office principals with significant entrepreneurial must submit an e-application, a personal profile, and a detailed investment plan, along with hard copy supporting documents. After an interview and assessment, eligible applicants receive an Approval in Principle, valid for six months. The investment must be completed within this period. Permanent residence status must be formalized within a year of final and children under 21 can be included in the application. Male dependents must serve national service. Parents and unmarried children over 21 are not eligible but can apply for a five-year long-term visit pass. Benefits of Singaporean Permanent Residence Permanent residents in Singapore enjoy several advantages, including political and economic stability, low crime rates, and a high standard of living. The country offers world-class education, healthcare, and public transport systems, alongside advanced business infrastructure and a favorable tax a population of around six million and English and Mandarin as main languages, Singapore maintains a multicultural society. Its territorial taxation system means individuals are generally taxed only on income sourced within the country, a factor that appeals to foreign investors. Re-entry permits and citizenship path Once permanent residence is formalized, investors receive a five-year re-entry permit (REP), allowing them to travel without losing residency status. REP renewal requirements vary by investment option and may include meeting business targets or maintaining physical presence in two years as a permanent resident, individuals may apply for Singaporean citizenship, which is granted on a single-citizenship basis. The Singapore passport is currently ranked the world's strongest, offering visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 193 destinations, including Europe's Schengen Area, the USA, and Singapore's ban on dual citizenship means applicants must be prepared to renounce their existing nationality if they seek citizenship. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Tariffs, tantrums, and tech: How Trump's trade drama is keeping Indian IT on tenterhooks Good, bad, ugly: How will higher ethanol in petrol play out for you? As big fat Indian wedding slims to budget, Manyavar loses lustre As 50% US tariff looms, 6 key steps that can safeguard Indian economy Stock Radar: JSPL forms Ascending Triangle pattern on weekly charts, could hit fresh 52-week high soon Nifty and business are different species: 5 small-cap stocks from different sectors with upside potential of up to 30% F&O Radar | Deploy Bear Put Spread in Nifty to play index's negative stance amid volatility Wealth creation: Look beyond the obvious in some things; 10 fertilizer sector companies worth watching
