Published on: June 28, 2024
Snippets : 28 JUNE 2024
Snippets : 28 JUNE 2024
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has proposed purchasing 10 TAPAS drones from the central government. The TAPAS UAV, also known as Tapas BH-201 or Rustom-II, is a medium-altitude, long-endurance drone developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment. It meets ISTAR requirements for the tri-services, operating day and night at altitudes of up to 30,000 feet with a 24-hour endurance and a 250 km range. It carries payloads up to 350 kg and has a maximum speed of 225 kmph. The drone features advanced aerodynamic design, digital flight control, and sophisticated navigation and surveillance systems.
- The Russian Black Sea Fleet (BSF) recently attacked Ukrainian infrastructure, using its sea-launched Kalibr cruise missiles. Recently, the Indian Air Force and Egyptian Air Force participated in the Exercise HOPEX 2024. It is the fourth joint exercise of IAF (Indian Air Force) and EAF (Egyptian Air Force) which was held in Egypt from 21 to 26 June. The aim of this exercise is to promote bilateral and regional cooperation, which is a symbol of the long-standing relations between the two countries.
- The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is testing the eSakshya (e-evidence) app, a mobile-based application developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The app assists police in recording crime scenes, conducting searches, and seizures, and uploading the data to a cloud-based platform. Police officers must upload selfies post-procedure, with recordings capped at four minutes, allowing multiple uploads per FIR. This app will be accessible to all registered police stations. The NIC, established in 1976, focuses on providing e-Government solutions and supports various government departments through its ICT network, NICNET
- Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR) has commenced its two-day workshop, CARING-2024, focusing on the challenges and opportunities in coal gasification. This event, being held on June 26-27, 2024, at the CSIR-CIMFR Digwadih Campus, brings together industry leaders, researchers, policymakers, and stakeholders to explore the complexities and potential of gasification technology
- Karnataka’s first gas-based power plant, set up by Karnataka Power Corporation Limited (KPCL) in Yelahanka, will commence operations by mid-July. The plant has a total capacity of 370.05 MW, with 236.825 MW from a gas turbine generator and 133.225 MW from a steam turbine generator. Initially planned for completion in 2018, the project was delayed due to legal issues and pollution complaints. Environmental concerns were raised by local residents and activists, particularly regarding its proximity to Puttenahalli and Yelahanka lakes. KPCL addressed these concerns by implementing mobile vans for ambient air quality monitoring and real-time noise monitoring machines.
- Ladakh has become the first administrative unit to achieve full functional literacy under the ULLAS-Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Program). The program, named Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society (ULLAS), is a centrally sponsored scheme implemented from 2022 to 2027. It aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and targets adults aged 15 and above who missed out on schooling, aiming to empower them to integrate into society and contribute to national growth. The program’s components include Foundational Literacy and Numeracy, Critical Life Skills, Basic Education, Vocational Skills, and Continuing Education.
- SEBI, India’s markets regulator, has announced new regulations to curb misleading financial advice by restricting the use of unregulated financial influencers for marketing. These measures also aim to simplify delisting procedures, allowing companies easier exits from stock exchanges by offering fixed prices for shares. The rationale behind these decisions includes protecting investors from inappropriate claims and ensuring market integrity, while exempting influencers focused on investor education. Additionally, SEBI has introduced new criteria for derivative-linked stocks to expand the number of eligible stocks for futures and options trading, reflecting the significant growth in trading accounts in India.
- A mainland serow, resembling a blend of goat and antelope, was sighted in Raimona National Park, Assam, at 96 meters above sea level, within 1 km of human settlements. These animals typically inhabit altitudes from 200 to 3,000 meters, primarily found in Bhutan’s Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary and Royal Manas National Park. Their conservation status is noted by the IUCN, emphasizing their habitat and altitude preferences.
- The Australian government has signed an $18 million MoU with NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) under the Space MAITRI mission, enhancing collaboration between India and Australia in space technology. Space MAITRI aims to strengthen ties and focus on debris management. NSIL, the commercial arm of ISRO, will launch Australia’s largest Optimus spacecraft in 2026 via ISRO’s SSLV, marking a milestone in bilateral space cooperation.
- The Railway Protection Force (RPF) launched the Sangyaan App, developed by its Tech Team, available on Android and iOS platforms. It serves as an educational tool for RPF personnel, facilitating understanding of new and old criminal laws’ provisions and their relevance in RPF operations. Key features include easy access to BNS, BNSS, and BSA 2023 laws, a comparison table for new and old laws, detailed section-wise analysis, advanced search tools, and an inclusive legal database covering essential railway security laws. The app’s user-friendly design enhances accessibility and application of legal information in RPF operations.
- The High Speed Expendable Aerial Target ‘ABHYAS’ successfully completed developmental trials at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha, conducted by DRDO. Key achievements include enhanced booster configuration, improved radar cross-section, and upgraded visual and infrared systems. Mission objectives, such as safe booster release and endurance performance, were validated. Designed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment, Bengaluru, and developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited & Larsen & Toubro, ABHYAS serves to simulate realistic threat scenarios for weapon systems practice, featuring autonomous flying capabilities, a ground control system, and data recording capability. Production readiness has been established with identified production agencies.
