Morning Brief: Athawale For 25% Quota For UCs; ISIS Co-Founder Killed; ISRO To Launch 68 Satellites In One Go

ISRO

The space research organisation is planning for the launch of a record 68 satellites in one mission. The launch may take place in another six to seven months and the satellites will be nano in nature from foreign countries.

ISRO sees bright future in small satellites market and plans to play a technology provider role there.

US-INDIA DEFENCE TIES

India and the United States signed Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) yesterday. This will allow both nations to use each other’s bases on a case-by-case basis. Both clarified that the pact doesn’t envisage permanent basing facilities.

It is a big step in operational logistics as the pact provides for a mutual use of supplies, spare parts, services and refuelling across the globe.

US Secretary of State John Kerry is in India. He announced yesterday that the United States would launch trilateral talks with India and Afghanistan at next month’s UN meetings in New York.

Denouncing terrorism, he urged Pakistan to join the fight with other nations. Kerry also hoped that perpetrators of 2008 Mumbai attacks and Pathankot attack will be brought to justice.

War On Terror

The Islamic State’s spokesperson and one of its founding members, Abu Muhammad al-Adnani has been killed, according to the ISIS’ news outlet, Amaq. He was killed while checking up on the group’s military operations in Aleppo province of Syria.

Abu was the first Sunni leader since 1924 to announce the revival of the Caliphate with some credibility in his “the promise of Allah” speech in 2014.

Massive Fine

The European Union has ordered Apple Inc to pay $14.5 billion plus interest in unpaid taxes to the Irish government, which ironically doesn’t want it. The EU noted in its ruling that Apple paid just 50 euros in taxes for every million euros it earned thanks to its deal with the Irish government. Both Apple and the government have vowed to contest the decision.

Though, $14.5 billion is pocket change for Apple which is sitting on a cash pile of more than $230 billion, its CEO Tim Cook said in an open letter that this ruling will have a profound and harmful effect on the investment and job creation in Europe.

More Reservation

Dalit leader Ramdas Athawale is trying to touch the third rail of Indian politics - reservations. He said yesterday that the present reservation of 49.5 percent should be increased to 75 percent so to accommodate the economically backward classes from amongst Rajputs, Marathas, Jats, Patels, Gujjars and Brahmins.

“Those earning an annual income of up to Rs 6 lakh from among the forward castes should be given reservation in jobs and education,” he added. Athawale also said that he would soon bring up the issue in a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and BJP president Amit Shah.

MUST READ OP-EDS

MPLADS Is Past Its Sell-By Date: While some MPs have used the MPLADS funds for useful local projects, the scheme allows MPs to gain favour with the electorate. It should be scrapped or its funds put to better use, say state funding of elections.

Strong Corporate Bond Market On The Cards: RBI has come up with measures that will discourage banks from lending to large borrowers after a point, and signed off on the idea of accepting corporate bonds.

Inflation Targeting: The new monetary policy framework in India is actually more flexible than most people realise.

To Catch A Thief: There is speculation that the Central government is considering amendments to the Prevention of Corruption Act. These proposals will surely cripple whatever little possible use the act can be put to, in tackling the widespread corruption in our administration.

SWARAJYA SPECIAL

Singapore Dy PM Asks India To Shed The Culture Of Accepting Mediocrity: The first lecture of an annual series introduced by Niti Aayog was delivered by Singapore’s Deputy PM Tharman Shanmugaratnam.

We hope you enjoyed reading our morning brief. Have a great day ahead!

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