Why USA and European countries paying ISRO for satellite launch

In recent years ISRO has increased its satellite launches not only number of launches but number of satellite in single launch, also increased  by ISRO . It is a matter of great pride that Indian space agency has  mastered in low cost satellite launch .  Capability of launching multiple satellites by single rocket has created business opportunities for ISRO . Number of foreign countries are sending their satellites in space with the help of ISRO . Not only small countries like Kazakhstan & Indonesia  but also developed countries like USA, UK, Germany etc. are also hiring ISRO for satellite launch.

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FOREIGN SATELLITE LAUNCH BY ISRO

Commercial launches of satellites for foreign nations are negotiated through commercial arm of ISRO that is ANTRIX. Till october 2018 ISRO has launched 249 satellites of 28 foreign countries.Between 2013 and 2015, India launched 28 foreign satellites for nine different countries earning a total revenue of US$101 million.

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On 15 Feb 2017 ISRO successfully launched 103 satellites by single rocket . Out of 103 only 3 satellites were of India , remaining were foreign satellites .  While whopping 96 satellites were of USA , while the others come from Israel, the UAE, Kazakhstan, the Netherlands, Belgium and Germany. By this launch ISRO created history by launching maximum number of satellites with a single launch .The previous record was held by Russia's Dnepr launcher which launched 37 in June 2014 .All of foreign satellites were launched by ISRO by PSLV(Polar Satellite launch vehicle) rocket

WHY DEVELOPED COUNTRIES SEEKING ISRO's HELP

No doubt that Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has progressed significantly in space technology . But USA is already a space superpower and launched various space missions like on MARS ,  JUPITER etc. still it is taking ISRO's help to launch its satellites.There must be some solid reasons for that .What are these reasons.

Why India require PSU's

LOW COST OF SATELLITE LAUNCH BY ISRO

It is acknowledged by whole world that ISRO is capable in low cost satellite launch . By hiring ISRO for satellite launch these countries are saving a lot of money to be spend on Rockets for satellite launch also they are avoiding the risk of loosig costly rockets in case of technical failure. 

CHANDRAYAN -I

 Chandrayan -I, launched on 22 October 2008 aboard a PSLV-XL rocket, was a big success for ISRO as the Moon Impact Probe, a payload on board the Chandrayaan-1 spacecraft, discovered water on the Moon. Apart from discovering water the Chandrayaan-1 mission performed several other tasks such as mapping and atmospheric profiling of the Moon.

The estimated cost of the mission was only 368 crore rupees which is much cheaper than many hollywood films.

SPACE LIABILITY CONVENTION

This is a major concern for the countries in the coming years . thousand of satellites has been in the space by various countries which are rotating in the various orbits like , Lower earth orbit, Geostationary earth orbit etc. With the increasing number of satellites there is a risk of collision of satellites in space or damage from satellite debris entering in the atmosphere. To take note of these risk  Space liability convention has been  adopted by International Space Agencies. As per the convention the country launching satellite for any damage on earth or flight the the debris of the satellite . While utmost care is taken in selection of orbit of every satellite , risk arises after the useful life or failure of satellite when it can't be controlled from earth. In such case there chances of damage from the debris created by satellite in space and on earth a well. While most of the space debris burns while entering into atmosphere , still chances are there to cause some damage.

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Thus by launching huge number of satellites for foreign countries ISRO has taken the added responsibility of compensation in case of any damage from these satellites.

ISRO is likely to launch "Chandrayaan -II" coming few months when it will try to land payloads on pole of moon which is not done by any other country . Hope ISRO will create yet another milestone with Chandrayaan -II. The estimated cost of the mission is just Rs . 800 crores .

Why BSNL is in the news Just ahead of Loksabha Election

Many of the Indian citizens think that there is no need of BSNL in the era of high speed data and uninterrupted services provided by Private Telecom operators. Everyone is writing about BSNL without any knowledge about the organisation, its functioning and limitations.

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While many articles have been written about BSNL many of the them has created ire from the side of BSNL employees .

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Recent few disputed articles are published on www.firstpost.com. Before telling about firstpost let us take a look at the recent articles published on firstpost related to BSNL. Two articles published on 14h and 15th march for which links are given below:

1.Centre should sell BSNL after dismantling it rather than extending bailout package to keep telco ringing.

2. Bailout package for debt-ridden BSNL: Keeping Air India and public sector telecom firm afloat at all costs is a monumental blunder.

 * In the first article although writer used the name of AIR INDIA and HAL for indicating loss making PSU's but center of the article is BSNL. Here writer clearly raise concerns over bailout package to BSNL by Government and suggested to dismantle it and sell citing the reasons of accumulated losses of approx 57600 crores.

Artificial-intelligence-and-future-with-AI

While it is imperative to say that writer forget to mention the profits booked by the PSU to the tune of approx 44900 crore since 2001-2009. The article also undermines the huge employement provided by PSU (currently 1.73 lakhs ). Providing employment to its citizens is the responsibility of the government, predatory pricing by RJIO and silent support of government has already caused  many small Telecom operator to shut their business, leaving  employees on their fate.

Total employee strength of all existing private Telecom players collectively is not even 50% of BSNL. BSNL provides connectivity to far flung areas of leh laddakh, North eastern areas and naxalite areas where private operator failed to provide services. What about the social obligation of the government. When matter related to national security arises government can only rely upon BSNL and MTNL. As per the article government should earn money by selling huge assets of the PSU, but if earning of revenue would have  been the prime focus of government, there was no need to form BSNL and MTNL. These two companies were built to stabilize the telecom market and avoid monopoly of private players.

* Second article published on March 15 is even more controversial as it manipulates fake figures of customers for operators. As per TRAI report Vodafone - Idea is the largest operator with more than 41 crores customers, followed by AIRTEL 36 crore customers ,RJIO is third operator with 28 crore customers, and  BSNL is at 4th place with 11.7 crore customers. But as per writer of the article RJIO is market leader with 27 crore customers, while Vodafone-Idea and AIRTEL both have 10.13 crore customer, and BSNL is having just 2.03 crore customers. Why such fake figures were published on the website is a big question mark?

Then it came to know that first post is owned by network 18 media group. Which itself is the media company owned by Reliance industries of Shri Mukesh Ambani, owner of RJIO.

In place of  justifying honest reasons for opposing bailout package to BSNL author provided wrong figures.

What to worry About?

It is surprising see that lots of negative news are being published about BSNL and other PSU's just ahead of Loksabha Elections. The state owned telecom operator is waiting for 4G spectrum since 2017 which was being delayed at the end of DOT and Government but no political party tried  to question the  Government in two years for delay in the decision of the Governemnet, which earlier charged its predessors for not allowing the telco to compete with private operators by delaying equipment procurement and policy decisions.

While Prime minister announced from Red fort in 2015 that their Government brought BSNL out of  losses to operational profits,it is disheartening that he did not utter a single word on media news about possible closure or privatisation of the State owned Telecom operator . Although BSNL has started its 4G services in few circles and likely to launch nationwide on its 3G spectrum shutting 3G service, it can provide VoLTE services only after allotment of 4G spectrum. 

While many articles published about huge losses of BSNL and its survival, a detailed analysis of profits and losses since inception of Telecom opeartor has been published on the website bsnlteleservices.com.

As per the article BSNL earned earned profit of Rs. 44990 crores from 2001-2009 and total accumulated losses from 2010-2018 is approx Rs 57878 crores. While total dues which is yet to come to BSNL is Rs. 54500 crores. Which results in net profit of Rs 41612 crore .

If we believe on these figures about BSNL then there is no need to create Hue and Cry . Still when elections are going on there are political reasons to highlight failure at the end of Government true or false. 

But the question is ,"Does India Need a Government owned telecom operator or not".

If we think as a common citizen we don't feel like it is required . But if we think about the importance of the Government organisation in telecom we will realise that in every situation of natural disaster , emergency situation Government can rely only its own organisation. As far as huge workforce of the Government organisation is concerned its the weakness as well as the strength . In any case of natural disaster BSNL restores its services ahead of all the private operators, only because of its huge workforce working in all corners of India.  

Source: firstpost.com & bsnlteleservices.com

Why India require PSU's

While India is progressing rapidly with the evolution of technology .Number of  companies are investing in India looking at huge customer base available in India . But the question is ,what is the significance of BSNL and other large PSU's working in India?

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Answer is large PSU's like BSNL are very significant in context of India. As you are aware that India is a mixed economy where Public sector companies contributes to the economy along with the private companies. While private companies are rider for the new technological advancement ,they really fail to provide financial security to sufficient people. Financial security not only to its regular employees but to all the people working for the companies. There are various factors deciding importance of Public sector units in India.

JTO  RECRUITMENT BY BHARAT SANCHAR NIGAM LIMITED (BSNL) IN CIVIL AND ELECTRICAL STREAMS

SOURCE OF  EMPLOYMENT

Due to fierce competition in Every field ,cost saving is always a challenge for a company. When competition is to provide service and products at cheap rates first thing which a company targets to reduce expenditure is expenditure on HR . Now a days most of the companies are outsourcing major workforce .Only 10-20% strength of employees are hired as regular employee, rest are engaged on contract .This contractual workforce are engaged on very low cost compared to regular employees and becomes unemployed whenever demands goes down. 

While on the other hand PSU's has their sanctioned strength of employees which far more compared to private companies .It can be understood easily by comparing employee strength of BSNL ,with other private operators. BSNL employs around 175000 people, while total employee strength of Airtel , Vodafone, Idea and RJIO  combined is nearly 50000 less than 1/3 rd of BSNL . 

SOCIAL OBLIGATION

Although most of the Indians think that they doesn't require PSU's while there are number of private companies to provide quality products and services .But these PSU's plays very crucial role to fulfill social obligations  when all private companies fail to. 

You can go back to year 2008 when sudden surge was observed in crude oil prices ,crude oil price reached upto 94 $ per barrel due to losses , Reliance industries shut down all its petrol pumps nationwide to curb losses and only restarted after March 2016 when crude oil reached approx 41$ per barrel. Only Public sector Oil companies were there to give respite to common man from soaring oil prices.

Similarly in the time of natural disaster BSNL being a Public sector operator and huge workforce always remains at forefront to provide uninterrupted services which was already observed during cyclone in Andhra pradesh,Kerala Floods,kedarnath floods. BSNL provides services in non profitable areas covering  from Leh-Ladakh to Kanyakumari and upto far-flung areas of north east.

BIG CONTRIBUTOR TO ECONOMY

All public sector companies contributes to Indian economy upto great extent .That is one reason why India absorbs various shocks of worldwide recession.

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IS BAIL OUT TO PSU'S IS JUSTIFIED ?

This is very common question in the minds of every taxpayer that why tax paid by him is utilised for providing bail-out packages to PSU's to compensate for losses and question is genuine. But stopping bail-out to PSU's and let them die is not the solution. As it will not only create unemployment but also left Government with no options to fulfill its commitment towards social obligations in critical situations.

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•  Rather  Government should  review  the  future of every PSU in next 20-30 years ,then only any action should be taken.There are various reasons for failure of any PSU which must be looked into for their revival.
•  Although PSU's are established under companies act 1956 but they still function very much like Government organisation, what is the biggest hurdle for these PSU to earn profits. 
• Decision making and implementation in PSU's is very slow. Due to corruption and malpractices at various levels, quality of service is very poor compared to private organisations.It can be understood by the fact that 4G is launched in India in 2016 but Government owned BSNL is still waiting for the spectrum for 4G after 3 yrs. while private companies are working on their network for 5G upgrade state owned telco is still not clear about its 4G spectrum ultimately affecting its business.
• Recruitment by the PSU's are done in large numbers but they are really not bothered about upgrading employees with the changing technology and skills, thats why after some time efficiency of the employees degrades .

Artificial Intelligence and future with Artificial Intelligence

• Accountability

Usually accountability is not fixed in many  PSU's. Higher authorities always try to avoid responsibility for any big decision . Whoever is assigned responsibility are deprived of sufficient powers.Thus causing frustration among hardworking and capable employees at various levels.

• Dependence on Government

For making any big decision these PSU's are totally dependent of Government and it is difficult to make independent decision without interference. 

Public sector Units are very crucial for a nation like India to maintain the stability of the economy and to deal with emergency situations like natural disaster ,recession and war like situations. The only thing what is required is restructuring of PSU's in line with the private organisations and long term vision .

Apple-to-make-latest-iphones-ipads-in-India

Indian Government is looking for some policy incentives to woo iPhone mobile Manufacturer Apple Inc and other electronics manufacturers in India .

 When 5G will be released in India

Are thinking to start a blog things to know

Although India is world’s biggest market for smartphones manufacturers .It is currently dominated by Samsung, Xiomi and other Chinese smartphone manufacturers due to low cost of their devices. Market share of iPhone mobile devices is currently nearly 1 % in India and due to high cost of it’s devices  market share might not increase in near future. This is very well known to Apple so its plan is to manufacture in India for the very purpose of exporting its iPhone mobiles from India.

Under the Merchandise Exports from India (MEIS) Scheme, the government can provide duty benefits upto 2-4% depending on the product and the country to which it is being exported. This policy  is in favor of expanding India as a manufacturing hub for electronics exports through these incentives. The government is keen to ensure that the entire electronics manufacturing industry benefits from any change in policy instead of sops being doled out only for Apple .

The Ministry of Commerce(MOC) and the Department of Revenue(DOR) are concerned whether providing specific export incentives will put the country in conflict with the World Trade Organization’s guidelines. Both the ministry has sought inputs from Ministry of Electronics and IT for proposed policy incentives.

Apple also wants income tax relaxation on exports, but it raises concern either it will be  WTO compliant or not. Apple wants these relaxations for 10-15 years.

In its earlier application submitted to the Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion, Apple had sought full duty exemption on manufacturing and repair inputs (raw materials), yield loss on inputs, components, capital equipment (including parts), and consumables for smartphone manufacturing and services/repair for a period of 15 years for both domestic and export markets. Which is not possible as per the existing policies and Government is negotiating for other proposals which may not lead to any conflicts with WTO and member countries.

The Government had, however, said it will not offer any special concessions to Apple. 

Any special privileges provided to apple will led to discrimination  to other players in the field.

Why Apple need  Manufacturing in India for exports

In December 2018 ,tech Executive of Chinese Firm Huawei has been arrested in Canada in connection with US fraud charges related to alleged Iran sanctions violations. This led to public outrage against US in China and people have started boycotting iPhone mobile devices. Many Chinese firms has warned there employees , that they will be fined if they will buy iPhone mobile devices. Many Chinese companies has started providing subsidies for purchasing Chinese mobile devices like Huawei.

Already trade war is going on between US and China raising concerns for Industries .While labour charges in China is on rise it is on cheaper side in India and inviting technology giants for Make in India .Various initiatives taken by present Government has caught attention of big players. With small domestic market in India Apple is eyeing India as a manufacturing hub for exports .Once production units started, with increasing production volume of iPhone mobile devices , Indian customers  can expect price cut in future.

 What Benefits India can get?

Although Apple wants number of relaxation for setting up production units India. India need to set up policy for new technology enterprise ,thus promoting innovation and research in India. India will also benefit ,as other electronic manufacturers may also set up their units in India ,creating more jobs and thus making Make In India Initiative a success.

Source:Economictimes , https://www.gadgetsnow.com

Ambiguity and extension of one month for new Broadcasting Regulations by TRAI

Extension of one month for new Broadcasting Regulations by TRAI

As new boadcasting regulations issued by TRAI were to be implemented from today 29-12-2018 , cable operators in various parts of India opposed the decision by TV blackout.

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Keeping the confusion among distributors and consumers TRAI extended due date for migration to new regime for one month upto 31st January 2019.

What is the problem with new Regulations

Important points in TRAI's new broadcasting regulations , are :

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1). Distributers has to charge Rs. 130 only for 100 free to air channels and it is compulsory to show these free to air channels.

2). consumer can subscribe for additional channels in slabs  of 25 channels per slab ,with charge of 20 Rs /slab

3). Consumer can pay for paid channels  in form of bouquets made by Broadcasters as-well-as by the distributors.

Now there is great confusion in the minds of consumer as well as distributor about how charges to be paid for watching channels of their choice . If consumer selects 3-4 paid channels he has to pay 20 Rs . addtional to distributor & take one slab of 25 channels .Additional  charges required to be paid to  broadcaster by consumer .Every broadcaster have their own bucket of channels like sony has sixer pack at Rs. 39 and sixer HD pack at Rs 59 . So consumer has to take one bucket from broadcaster to see 2 or three channels of his choice.For paid channels from different distributor consumer has to select different boquet made by different broadcaster.

It is also being said same charges to be paid for every additional TV set used in single house .

Things are not very clear , so TRAI has extended due date to implement new guidelines upto 31st January 2019 .Let see how long it takes to make things crystal clear . 

No tarriff details for Tv briadcasting using android Apps

While TRAI has fixed capacity charges for cable operators at Rs 130 for showing 100 free channels no such guidelines issued for TV broadcasters using Android apps like AIRTEL TV, JIO TV. Any rise in monthly charge for waching channels through DTH or cable operator will be boon for APP based broadcasters like AIRTEL, JIOTV, Netflix, AMAZON PRIME .

Does Vigil of personal computers helping Security agencies

Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) ordered to monitor all the computers in India on 20 December 2018

Ministry of Home affairs(MHA) ordered security agencies to put all computers under lawful watch in  India on 20-12-2018 as per press release on dated 21-12-2018. Number of computers are under scanner by Government agencies since then.

Although opposition parties has termed such monitoring or snooping of computers as breach of privacy .This decision is a direct attack on the fundamental right of privacy provided under constitution of India as per the opposition leaders.

What Government Agencies got by monitoring computers in last one month?

Since MHA ordered for monitoring of Computers across India one month has passed. On 27 December NIA arrested 10 people in connection with ISIS inspired  module called Harkat-ul-Harb-e-Islam. from Uttar pradesh .Was new order of MHA to monitor computer ,helped in tracing terrorist, can't be said .As such arrest were occured in past also ,before the new order came into effect.

What law government used to issue such order?

Rule 4 of the IT (Procedure and Safeguards for Interception, Monitoring and Decryption of Information) Rules 2009 provides that ‘The competent authority may authorise an agency of the Government to intercept, monitor or decrypt information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer resource for the purpose specified in sub-section (1) of Section 69 of the Act’.

What are the safeguard to avoid misuse of the order?

As per MHA statement ,this notification does not confer any new powers. Adequate safeguards are provided in the IT Act 2000. Similar provisions and procedures already exist in the Telegraph Act along with identical safeguards.

1.  To ensure that any interception, monitoring or decryption of any information through any computer resource is done as per due process of law.

2.   Notification about the agencies authorized to exercise these powers and preventing any unauthorized use of these powers by any agency, individual or intermediary.

3.   The above notification will ensure that provisions of law relating to lawful interception or monitoring of computer resource are followed and if any interception, monitoring or decryption is required for purposes specified in Section 69 of the IT Act, the same is done as per due process of law and approval of competent authority i.e. Union Home Secretary

Who will collect such a huge data?

 Ministry of Home Affairs has instructed and authorised 10 central Government agencies to monitor, intercept and decrypt “any information generation, transmitted, received or stored in any computer.”  The central agencies ordered  monitoring computer data include the Intelligence Bureau(IB), Narcotics Control Bureau(NCB), Enforcement Directorate(ED), Central Board of Direct Taxes(CBT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence(DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI), National Investigation Agency(NIA), RAW, Directorate of Signal Intelligence (in J&K, North-East, Assam) and Commissioner of Police, Delhi.

 These agencies can direct any service provider, user or Incharge of computer to co-operate and provide assistance to monitor, intercept or decrypt data available failing to do so may lead to 7 years of imprisonment and fine too.

What is Controversial ?

Although as per MHA press release there is sufficient provision in the act to prevent any misuse of the Act, timing of this orders may raise questions as Loksabha elections are very near.