Important Extracts from The Hindu: 14 June 2017

Nag missile test-fired

• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully test-fired the third generation Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM). 
• It is a 'Fire and Forget' type of missile which incorporates imaging infrared radar seeker with integrated avionics. 

What ails the Navigation Indian Constellation

• Navigation Indian Constellation (NavIC) is an independent Indian satellite-based positioning system for critical national applications 
• NavIC consists of a constellation of seven satellites 
• Problem: The clocks on the first satellite, IRNSS-1A had failed in June 2016, affecting the accuracy of the “GPS”. ISRO is trying to rectify this problem. 

Vocab from the Article

Precise: marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail
As used in the Article: Rubidium clocks were the previous standard in accurate clocks and most organisations, that need precise time estimates, need cesium clocks

CSIR inks deal with Ethiopian institute

• The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has signed a $7 million (Rs. 45 crore approx.) agreement with the Metal Industries Development Institute (MIDI), Ethiopia 
• It is probably the largest, international deal that CSIR has ever signed 

Drug that cuts risk of kidney, heart disease

• According to a study, an anti-diabetic drug that lowers blood sugar levels for Type 2 diabetes sufferers also significantly cuts the risk of cardiovascular and kidney disease 
• Name of the Drug: Canagliflozin 

Detecting possibilities

• U.S.-based Laser Interferometer Gravitational Wave Observatory (LIGO)’s detectors have picked up signals of merger of two black holes that are three billion light years away 
• India's LIGO will start working by 2024(planned) 

Vocab from the Article

Elusive: difficult to find, catch, or achieve; difficult to remember
As used in the Article: With this discovery emerges not only a pattern among black holes but also possibilities of gravitational wave astronomy, detection of new heavenly bodies and gaining a better understanding of that most elusive of theories — Einstein’s general theory of relativity, and the fundamental force of gravitation.

New labour survey to generate quarterly and annual data

• The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation has started a Periodic Labour Force Survey, which will provide quarterly labour and employment data for urban India and annual data for rural India. 
• Introduced in 2017, this survey will replace the earlier system where such data was available only every five years. 

India ratifies ILO pacts on child labour

• India has ratified two core conventions of International Labour Organisation on child labour: 

(1) a global commitment to end the worst form of child labour and
(2) to ensure minimum basic education to children

Vocab from the Article

Ratify: sign or give formal consent to (a treaty, contract, or agreement), making it officially valid
As used in the Article: India has ratified two core conventions of International Labour Organisation on child labour