Published on: November 13, 2024

Snippets : 13 NOVEMBER 2024

Snippets : 13 NOVEMBER 2024

  • The University of Agricultural Sciences-Bengaluru (UAS-B) is hosting the Krishi Mela 2023 under the theme “Climate-Smart Digital Farming” from November 14 to 17 at the GKVK campus. The event focuses on showcasing innovative climate-resilient technologies and advancements in digital and mechanized farming. Key highlights include demonstrations of AI-based machinery, drones for coconut plucking, and digital farm equipment for enhancing efficiency and reducing labor. The event will feature live crop displays, farm machinery, and a special exhibition on renewable energy applications in agriculture. In addition, aquaculture, poultry, and high-nutrient crops will be part of interactive exhibits. The Centre for Innovation and Development in Smart Agriculture (CIDSA) will offer training and promote digital farming solutions. The Krishi Mela will also highlight new crop varieties, including maize, cowpea, sunflower, and bajra napier hybrids, designed for higher resilience and yield. Several awards will be presented to progressive farmers at state, district, and taluk levels for their innovations.
  • The Inter-State Council, a constitutional body formed under Article 263 of the Indian Constitution in 1990, has been reconstituted with important updates to its leadership and composition. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been appointed as the Chairman of the restructured council, which now includes nine Union ministers and the Chief Ministers of all Indian states. Key members of the council include political leaders such as Lalan Singh (JD(U)) and Chandrababu Naidu (RDP), while permanent invitees include HD Kumaraswamy (JD(S)), Jiten Manjhi (HAM), Chirag Paswan (LJP(RV)), along with 13 Union ministers. The Standing Committee of the council, which is headed by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, will facilitate continuous consultation on Centre-State matters, prepare issues for Council consideration, and monitor the implementation of its recommendations. The council aims to promote cooperative federalism, prevent and resolve interstate disputes, and provide a platform for states to voice concerns, though it faces challenges such as underutilization, lack of autonomy, non-binding recommendations, and limited civil society participation.
  • A new study published in Nature Geosciences by researchers Andrew Jarvis and Piers Forster from Lancaster University, UK, reveals that human-induced climate change may have increased Earth’s average temperature by about 1.5°C by the end of 2023, compared to pre-1700s levels. Key findings include a temperature rise of 1.49°C in 2023 and 1.53°C in October 2024, surpassing pre-industrial levels. This study aligns with the UN Climate Summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, where nations are striving to create a new climate finance mechanism to tackle climate change. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) issued a red alert, warning that 2024 could be the warmest year on record, with the 2015-2024 decade likely being the hottest in history. To assess human-induced warming, the study used Antarctic ice core data from the last two millennia. Against the 1850–1900 baseline, the warming is slightly lower but is still approaching the critical 1.5°C limit. If current trends persist, the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels may be breached within the next decade. Scientists stress the need for global cooperation, resilience building, and urgent action to reduce warming and minimize the impacts of climate change, as the physics of climate change does not wait for geopolitics.
  • Amazon has launched the Amazon Future Engineer Makerspace in Bengaluru, India, a free facility aimed at empowering over 4,000 underserved students with technological skills by 2025. Targeting students in grades 5 to 12, the initiative focuses on robotics, AI, 3D printing, and other advanced technologies. Partnered with The Innovation Story, it offers programs ranging from short beginner sessions to advanced multi-month courses, with equipment like 3D printers, power tools, and expert guidance from Amazon volunteers. The program aims to reduce the tech-literacy gap in India, particularly in underserved regions, and provide equal learning opportunities. Since its launch in 2021, the Amazon Future Engineer Program has reached 2.9 million students, with further expansion planned. The Makerspace will also support the vision of promoting digital equity through collaborations with state governments and non-profits, integrating computer science into curriculums and providing resources like the Code Mitra app and scholarships for girls. In addition, Amazon offers internships and scholarships for female students in tech, along with initiatives like the Computer Science Teaching Excellence Program in Maharashtra and support for marginalized communities in Karnataka.
  • India’s Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden test of its long-range cruise missile on Tuesday at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha. This missile, once operational, will become the world’s longest-range non-nuclear cruise missile, capable of striking targets 1,000 km away. The missile is an advanced version of the Nirbhay cruise missile and has been developed to be launched from both mobile ground launchers and ships with universal vertical launch modules. It has a payload capacity exceeding 450 kg. During the test, the missile followed a planned trajectory using waypoint navigation, demonstrating its ability to perform complex maneuvers at various altitudes and speeds. The test was deemed successful, with all subsystems meeting their objectives. The project was led by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru, with Bharat Dynamics Limited and Bharat Electronics Limited collaborating as development-cum-production partners. This test, approved four years ago, marks a major milestone in India’s indigenous missile development program, which will contribute to strengthening the country’s defence capabilities and future cruise missile projects.
  • France is currently evaluating India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system as a potential replacement for its outdated M270 Lance-Roquettes Unitaire systems, with a special mission traveling to India for assessment. The Pinaka system, which was showcased during India’s 75th Republic Day parade, has attracted France’s attention due to its impressive range and versatility. Armenia has already become the first international customer, and several other countries have expressed interest in acquiring it. The Indian Army currently operates four Pinaka regiments, with plans to expand to six more. The system’s range is set to increase from 38 km to 75 km and eventually to 120 km and 300 km. The Pinaka system’s key features include its varied ammunition options, such as guided extended-range rockets, and its ongoing development for even greater range. France and India also share a growing defense cooperation, exemplified by the Shakti bilateral army exercise, focusing on high-altitude warfare, and mutual concerns about global geopolitical issues, particularly regarding international law in regions like Lebanon.
  • India is currently in advanced discussions with Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, and Singapore to establish cross-border electricity transmission lines as part of the ambitious ‘One Sun One World One Grid’ (OSOWOG) initiative. This initiative was proposed by the Prime Minister of India at the First Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in October 2018, with the goal of creating a transnational electricity grid that supplies power globally, focusing primarily on renewable energy sources like solar. The initiative aims to connect regional grids across continents, allowing for cross-border renewable energy transfer, and to maximize the potential of solar and other renewable sources by utilizing areas where sunlight is abundant to supply regions in need. The grid is expected to cover around 140 countries, providing clean, cost-effective, and reliable energy, thereby supporting the global clean energy transition, enhancing energy security, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
  • Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjiv Khanna was sworn in as the Chief Justice of India at a function in Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
  • The High Court of Karnataka ordered the state government to form a 3-member committee to inspect and report on the ancient Allama Prabhu Swamy Temple in Belagavi district. The temple, built in the 17th-18th centuries, is submerged part of the year and requires relocation. The committee will assess its historical and religious significance under the Karnataka Ancient And Historical Monuments and Archeological Sites and Remains Act, 1961. For more details, try searching online for updates on this case.
  • Aravindh Chithambaram made a stunning comeback to win the Chennai Grandmasters classical chess tournament, defeating Levon Aronian 2-0 in a blitz tie-break. Initially struggling, Aravindh drew all his games until the fifth round and was considered an unlikely champion. However, his victory over top seed Arjun Erigaisi in the sixth round boosted his momentum, and he went on to win against Parham Maghsoodloo in the final round. Tied with Arjun and Aronian at 4.5 points, Aravindh advanced to the final due to his superior tie-break record. After Aronian won the armageddon decider against Arjun, Aravindh clinched the title, marking his first classical super tournament victory in remarkable fashion. Meanwhile, V. Pranav secured the Challengers title by drawing with Leon Luke Mendonca in the final round.
  • In a groundbreaking discovery for Indian entomology, researchers have identified a new species of aphid wasp, Arpactophilus pulawskii, in Nagaland’s Khuzama district.
  • ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’, a three day Exercise to war-game the growing threats from and to Space Based Assets and Services, is being conducted by the Defence Space Agency of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff from 11 – 13 Nov 24. Exercise Antariksha Abhyas is a first of its kind exercise being conducted and is expected to help secure national strategic objectives in space and integrate India’s space capability in military operations.
  • The Kadumalleshwara Geleyara Balaga is organizing its annual four-day Kadalekai Parishe (groundnut fair) in Malleswaram from November 15 to 18, promoting a plastic-free and farmer-friendly environment. To reduce waste, approximately 40,000 paper bags made by student volunteers and 6,000 cloth bags created from old saris will be distributed to vendors. The fair, rooted in folklore where groundnut farmers worship Basava to protect their harvest from bull attacks, will feature farmers from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh. This year’s event coincides with the 200th “Hunnime Hadu” cultural program and precedes the historic Basavanagudi Kadalekai Parishe on November 25, showcasing the rich cultural heritage and traditions surrounding groundnut farming.
  • The Government High Public School in Bashettihalli, Bengaluru Rural District, just received a fantastic boost to its science education capabilities thanks to Prayoga Institute of Education Research and Ajax Engineering. The two organizations teamed up to donate a science lab station to the school, which was inaugurated on Tuesday in the presence of Doddaballapur Block Education Officer Syeda Anisa and representatives from both organizations . This donation is part of Prayoga’s larger initiative, Kriya, aimed at promoting hands-on science learning for students in grades 6-10, particularly in underserved communities. Kriya’s goal is to transform schools into experiential learning centers, empower teachers, and increase student engagement in science through a multi-year partnership model . Impressively, Prayoga has already made a significant impact, reaching over 65 schools in Karnataka and benefiting 7,000 students . By providing access to quality science education, Prayoga is helping shape the next generation of innovators and thinkers.
  • The Union government has sanctioned the formation of the Central Industrial Security Force’s (CISF) first-ever all-women reserve battalion, comprising 1,025 personnel, to address the increasing responsibilities of securing airports and other critical installations. This exclusive women’s unit, led by a senior commandant, will be created from within the CISF’s authorized manpower of around two lakh personnel. Currently, the CISF operates 12 reserve battalions, which are deployed for reinforcement in both temporary assignments, like election security, and permanent roles, such as safeguarding critical facilities, including the recently assigned Parliament House complex. With significant female personnel already engaged in high-interaction roles at 68 civil airports, the Delhi Metro, and heritage sites like the Taj Mahal, the CISF’s need for an all-women battalion was clear. Established in 1969, the CISF also provides counter-terrorism security at sensitive nuclear and aerospace facilities, underscoring its expanded role in national security.
  • Shruthi defeated compatriot Keerath Bhandaal 215-202 to win the women’s World billiards championship title at Walsall (England).
  • The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India recently hosted the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC) in Delhi, organized by the Asia Pacific Telecommunity (APT). APT is an intergovernmental organization founded in 1979 to promote Information and Communication Technology (ICT) development in the Asia-Pacific region, jointly initiated by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific and the International Telecommunication Union . With 38 members, 4 associate members, and over 140 affiliate members, APT plays a crucial role in coordinating ICT policies, regulations, and technical standards. Its key functions include fostering telecommunication services and information infrastructure development, hosting working groups and forums, and organizing capacity-building programs related to ICT topics . APT also prepares for international conferences like the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference and World Telecommunication Standardization Assemblies, and implements pilot projects to promote ICT development in the region. Additionally, APT provides sub-regional platforms to facilitate achieving common interests, making it a vital organization for ICT development in the Asia-Pacific region.
  • India has begun its first-ever space exercise, ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’, hosted by the Defence Space Agency in New Delhi. This three-day exercise, running from November 11-13, aims to war-game growing threats to and from space-based assets and services, integrating India’s space capabilities into military operations to secure national strategic objectives . Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan emphasized India’s rich legacy in space exploration and growing military capabilities, positioning the country well to navigate space-based challenges. The exercise involves participants from the Defence Space Agency, Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Strategic Forces Command, as well as representatives from ISRO and DRDO . Its objectives include understanding space-based assets, operational dependencies, and identifying vulnerabilities in space-based services disruptions. By fostering innovation and cutting-edge technologies, India seeks to secure national interests in the increasingly congested, contested, competitive, and commercial space domain
  • Recently, researchers discovered a new species of the genus Dicliptera in the Northern Western Ghats of India and named it as Dicliptera polymorpha.
  • On November 10, 2024, Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal launched the ‘EV as a Service’ programme by Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL) at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, a significant step towards promoting e-mobility in government sectors. The programme aims to deploy 5,000 electric cars (E-Cars) across government departments over the next two years, supporting India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. Through a flexible procurement model, the programme will allow government offices to choose E-Cars that best suit their operational needs, contributing to reduced carbon emissions, decreased reliance on fossil fuels, and enhanced energy security. CESL, which has already deployed 2,000 E-Cars and is facilitating the deployment of 17,000 E-Buses, is committed to fostering sustainable mobility solutions. The event also featured an impressive EV rally with over 100 electric vehicles from various segments, showcasing the diversity of e-mobility options available in India, with participation from government officials, industry leaders, and EV enthusiasts.