Published on: March 19, 2024
Snippets : 19 MARCH 2024
Snippets : 19 MARCH 2024
- Two airports in Karnataka, Belagavi and Hubballi, ranked fourth and fifth respectively in the AAI’s Customer Satisfaction Index for Round -II 2023. The survey considered 33 parameters including ground transportation, parking, check-in process, security, dining facilities, and hygiene. Belagavi scored 4.97, Hubballi scored 4.95, with Bhopal airport leading at a perfect score of 5. Mysuru and Kalaburagi airports secured 22nd and 29th positions in the survey, showcasing Karnataka’s overall performance in airport services
- The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), a facility of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) located in Thumba, Thiruvananthapuram, has developed a versatile application called Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction (SAKHI). This app is designed to assist astronauts during the Gaganyaan space flight mission by providing essential functionalities such as accessing technical information, facilitating communication among the crew, monitoring health parameters, staying connected with Earth, and managing dietary schedules
- The 2024 Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules by the Centre ease conditions for moving captive elephants within or between Indian states. Transfers are allowed if owners can’t care for them, if a new environment is better, or if the State’s Chief Wildlife Warden approves. A vet must certify health for in-state transfers, and a genetic profile registration is required for out-of-state moves. Other requirements include a mahout, health certificate, and quarantine period.
- The Delhi High Court recently cancelled a trademark registration based on a Passing off condition. Passing off action basically refers to the unauthorised use of goods, services, and the goodwill attached to another person’s business, which would amount to misrepresentation. The notion of Passing off in the Indian Trademarks Act, 1999, seeks to safeguard the goodwill associated with unregistered trademarks.
- Exercise LAMITIYE: It is a joint military exercise between the Indian Army and Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF). ‘LAMITIYE’ meaning ‘Friendship’ in the Creole language is a biennial training event and has been conducted in Seychelles since 2001.
- India is finalizing a national deep tech policy to support high-end technology startups. The policy aims to address challenges faced by these startups and boost India’s GDP by promoting high-tech exports, enhancing economic competitiveness, and fostering self-reliance. It focuses on critical areas like food security, healthcare, water management, energy, transportation, climate change, sustainability, and national security. Deep tech refers to advanced technologies with disruptive potential, and the policy emphasizes the importance of intellectual property rights (IPR) and commercialization. A dedicated fund-of-funds will support deep tech startups, and self-regulation is highlighted for transparency and innovation.
- A recent analysis by Climate Trends over a 50-year period has revealed a concerning trend of the spring season “disappearing” in many Indian states. The study indicates an increased warming trend during winter months (December to February), leading to the withdrawal of the spring season that traditionally bridges the gap between winter and summer. Regional variations in temperature changes, with strong warming observed in states like Sikkim and Manipur, highlight the impact of global warming on seasonal weather patterns. Abrupt transitions from cool winter temperatures to warmer conditions in February, particularly in northern India, indicate disruptions in traditional weather patterns. These changes have implications for agriculture, water resources, and climate resilience, emphasizing the need for adaptive measures.
- The first Small-Scale LNG (SSLNG) plant in India has been commissioned at Vijaipur in Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in the country’s energy landscape. SSLNG involves liquefaction and transportation of natural gas on a smaller scale using specialized methods. It aims to expand natural gas reach and consumption, aligning with India’s ambition to increase the share of natural gas in its energy mix to 15% by 2030. Challenges in gas consumption, especially in areas without pipeline grids, have been addressed by SSLNG technology, offering a fast and efficient gas distribution solution. Companies like GAIL and Petronet are driving initiatives to promote SSLNG, including investments in LNG dispensing stations along highways to encourage LNG usage as an automotive fuel, particularly for heavy-duty trucks and buses, due to its cleaner and cheaper attributes compared to diesel.
