India signs IPEF's clean, fair economy agreements

India signed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) related to clean and fair economies. These agreements aim to enhance cooperation in areas like clean energy, climate-friendly technologies, anti-corruption, tax transparency, and improving business environments. India signed the agreements after domestic approval, focusing on energy security, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and fostering innovation.

The agreements also include financial support, capacity building, and collaboration on projects to reduce fossil fuel dependency and promote sustainable practices. Efforts to increase transparency, prevent corruption, and enhance information sharing are part of the fair economy agreement. These initiatives involve multiple countries and focus on clean economy development, critical minerals, and sustainable mining.

India also signed an overarching IPEF agreement establishing a ministerial-level oversight mechanism to guide and monitor these efforts, aligning with the global move towards greener and more transparent economies. The IPEF bloc includes 14 members and represents a significant share of global economic output and trade. The agreements will take effect once at least five IPEF partners complete their internal legal procedures for ratification.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/india-signs-ipefs-clean-fair-economy-agreements/articleshow/113567596.cms

Question: How many countries have signed IPEF(Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity)?

1. 12
2. 13
3. 14
4. 15

Cabinet approves funds for four major space missions

India has recently approved significant funding to boost its space exploration capabilities, particularly through missions led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The Union Cabinet has allocated ₹22,750 crore ($2.7 billion) for various space missions, emphasizing increased private sector involvement in the country's space activities.

Key Missions and Funding:

1. Chandrayaan-4:

• Allocated ₹2,104 crore ($251 million).
• Scheduled to become operational within 36 months.
• Focus: Bringing back rock and soil samples from the lunar surface to Earth.
• It follows the successful Chandrayaan-3 mission and is a significant step forward for India's lunar exploration.

1. Gaganyaan:

• India's first human spaceflight program, aimed at sending astronauts for a 3-day mission into an orbit of 400 km.
• Funded with ₹11,170 crore ($1.3 billion).
• Includes the launch of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) and plans for completion of eight missions by December 2028.

1. Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV):

• Received ₹8,240 crore ($985 million).
• Aims to support India's vision of establishing a space station and achieving a crewed lunar landing by 2040.

1. Venus Orbiter Mission:

• Approved with a budget of ₹1,236 crore ($150 million).
• Focuses on studying the surface of Venus, further expanding India's planetary exploration initiatives.

Long-Term Goals:

• India aims to establish an Indian Space Station (Bharatiya Antariksh Station) by 2035.
• A crewed lunar landing is planned by 2040.
• These missions are expected to promote innovation, self-reliance in space technologies, and boost the economy through employment and industry collaborations.

Source: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/etimes/trending/cabinet-approves-funds-for-four-major-space-missions-details-inside/articleshow/113556955.cms

Question: How many fully operational space stations are there?

1. 1
2. 2
3. 3
4. 4