Friday, February 14, 2025

Current Affairs December 22-12-2023 to 31-12-2023.

- Advertisement -

1. Mines Ministry Launched NGDR Portal to Foster Innovation in Exploration

Ministry of Mines is to launch the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal in New Delhi. NGDR is a comprehensive online platform for accessing, sharing, and analyzing geospatial information across the nation. The launch ceremony was graced by Union Minister of Coal, Mine, and Parliamentary Affairs Shri Joshi in the presence of Shri Raosaheb Patil Danve, Minister of State for Coal, Mines and Railways.

The NGDR initiative, spearheaded by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskaracharya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N) represents a significant leap forward in democratizing critical geosciences data, empowering stakeholders across industries and academia with unprecedented access to invaluable resources.

The Portal acts as a solution for accessing a wide array of geospatial information, streamlining the process for users across different sectors. It encourages collaboration and information exchange by providing a centralized platform for sharing geoscience data.

2. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav launches a NITI Aayog report

Shri Bhupender Yadav, Hon’ble Minister of Environment, Forest & Climate Change and Ministry of Labour & Employment launched a G20 report, ‘A Green and Sustainable Growth Agenda for the Global Economy’ in New Delhi.

The event also witnessed the presence of Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Ayog, and DR.V.K. Paul, Member, NITI Aayog who made important interventions related to agriculture and One Health, and Kenneth Felix Haczynski da Nobrega, Ambassador of Brazil to India participated in the Panel discussion.

The report is to provide valuable inputs for Brazil in the field of green and sustainable growth, as it takes over the G20 presidency from India. The report launch was followed by a video message from Global Development Network, a brief introduction to the report, and an interactive panel discussion with experts on the issues covered in the volume, moderated by Suman Bery, Hon’ble Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog.

3. Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh have commissioned higher capacity under solar park scheme

Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh, two prominent states in India, have made significant progress in implementing the “Development of Solar Parks and Ultra Mega Solar Power Projects” scheme. This initiative, which was launched in December 2014 with an initial capacity of 20,000 MW and later expanded to 40,000 MW in March 2017, aims to establish at least 50 solar parks by 2023-2024.

The main objective of this scheme is to support Renewable Energy developers by providing them with ready-to-use land and transmission infrastructure. This includes the development of essential elements such as land, roads, power evacuation systems, and water facilities, as well as obtaining all statutory clearances and approvals. The Scheme focuses on accelerating the development of large-scale solar projects across the country.

Solar parks typically have capacities of 500 MW and above, although smaller parks (up to 20 MW) are considered in states where there is a shortage of non-agricultural land. As of Novmber 30, 2023, a total of 50 solar parks with a cumulative capacity of 37,490 MW have been approved. Out of these, 11 parks with a capacity of 8,521 MW have been completed, and 8 parks with a capacity of 4,910 MW are partially completed. Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh are leading in terms of commissioned capacities, with 3,065 MW and 3,050 MW respectively.

4. President of India Confers Crompton with National Energy Conservation Award 2023

Crompton Greaves Consumer Electrical Ltd. (CGCEL), a leading consumer electrical company in India, has been conferred with the prestigious National Energy Conservation Award 2023.

The award was presented by the Honorable President of India, Smt. Droupadi Murmu, and the Ministry of Power’s Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) on the occasion of National Energy Conservation Day. The CGEL received this recognition in the category of the Most Energy Efficient Appliance of the year 2023 for its storage water heater. On the behalf of CGCEL, the award was received by Promeet Ghosh, Managing Director and CEO, and SachinPhartiyal, Business Head, Home Electricals.

The National Energy Conservation Awards (NECA) is an annual event that highlights outstanding contributions to energy conservation. These awards presented by esteemed government officials, recognize the remarkable efforts in energy conservation across various sectors of the economy. This initiative has also played a crucial role in inspiring industries and establishments nationwide to embrace and promote energy-efficient practices.

5. Parliament passes ‘Telecommunications Bill, 2023’

The Parliament has passed the ‘Telecommunications Bill, 2023’ with the approval of the Rajya Sabha with amendments. The Bill has already been passed by the Lok Sabha. It has been brought to transform and reform the telecommunications sector, services, and networks. The bill seeks to amend and consolidate the law relating to the development, expansion, and operation of telecommunication services. The Bill seeks to replace the ‘Indian Telegraph Act, of 1885’.

Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the Bill aims to bring a paradigm shift in the telecom sector. He said the bill ensures the highest priority to user protection. He said it would curb the cases of impersonation and issuance of SIMs by fraudulent means. He said, the provision of stringent punishment has been made for violators, which ranges from three years in jail to a punishment of up to 50 lakh rupees.

The Minister emphasized that the Bill incorporates a well-designed digital grievance redressal mechanism, ensuring an effective means for resolving complaints. He highlighted the significance of an online dispute in swiftly resolving consumer issues. He also added that the ‘Right of Way’ provision will ensure a commonly accessible corridor along with highways, rail, and canals with the approval of concerned authorities. It will ensure a transparent auction of spectrum which is very important for the telecom sector.

6. World’s Oldest Fort discovered

An International team of archealogists has discovered the world’s oldest known fort in a remote region of Siberia. The groundbreaking discovery challenges conventional beliefs about early human societies, suggesting that complex defense structures existed among hunter-gatherers much earlier than previously thought.

The fortified settlement, named Amnya, is located along the Amnya River in Western Siberia. It features around 20 scattered pit-house depressions divided into two sections, Amnya I and Amnya II. The study challenges stereotypes depicting early societies as basic and nomadic, revealing the capacity of these hunter-gatherers to construct intricate structures. The forts construction suggests advanced architectural and defensive capabilities.

Radiocarbon dating of samples collected at the site places the fort’s construction around 8,000 years ago, making it the oldest-known fort in the world. This predates the prevailing notion that fortresses emerged with the advent of agriculture. Archeological examinations and analysis of samples indicate that the inhabitants of western Siberia led a sophisticated lifestyle based on abundant resources from the taiga environment. The site’s location provided access to fish, elk, and reindeer.

7. Three Sub-Schemes under the RAMP programme

Union Minister for MSME Shri Narayan Rane launched three sub-schemes under the aegis of the RAMP program. These are the MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSE GIFT Scheme), the MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE SPICE Scheme) MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for delayed payments.

The first scheme- The MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSME GIFT Scheme) intends to help MSMEs adopt green technology with interest subvention and credit guarantee support.

The MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy (MSE SPICE Scheme) is the first ever scheme in the Government to support circular economy projects which will be done through credit subsidy and will lead to realizing the dream of the MSME sector towards zero emissions by 2070.

The MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments is a first-of-its-kind scheme to synergize legal support with modern IT tools and Artificial Intelligence to address the incidences of delayed payments for Micro and Small Enterprises.

RAMP is a World Bank-assisted Central Sector Scheme it aims to support to the MSMEs by improving access to market and credit, addressing issues of delayed payments and greening MSMEs, and improving Centre-State linkages and Partnerships.

8. Indian Ocean Naval Symposium-2023

The 8th edition of the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) was conducted by the Royal Thai Navy in Bangkok, Thailand from 19-22 December 2023. Chiefs of Navies and Senior Delegates from 27 Members/Observer countries participated in the event. Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Naval Staff, attended the event with a three-member Indian Naval delegation.

During the conclave of Chiefs, Thailand assumed the duties of Chair of IONS, and the Work Plan for the next two years was finalized. As a first, the Flag designed by India was selected as the IONS Flag. India also took over as the co-chair of IONS working groups on Maritime Security and HADR for the forthcoming cycle. The Republic of Korean Navy was welcomed by the Conclave as the latest ‘Observer’, raising the collective strength of IONS to 34 (25 Members & 9 Observers).

India is also scheduled to take over as the Chair of OPNS (2025-2027) during the 9th CoC planned to be conducted in India at the end of 2025.

9. New Species of Cyperaceae discovered

Researchers have discovered a new species Cyperaceae, which is a family of graminoid (grass-like) monocotyledonous flowering plants, from the lateritic hillocks of Kannur district.

The new species Fimbristylis jaleeliana is named after the late plant taxonomist Abdul Jaleel, former Professor and research guide of botany at Sir Syed College, Taliparamba. M.K Ratheesh Narayana, one of the key researchers from the botany department at Payyanur College, said the genus Fimbristylis Vahl was one of the largest genera within the family Cyperaceae, represented by 320 species distributed in tropical and subtropical regions.

In India, the genus was represented by 124 species of which 97 were found in the Western Ghats and west coast. He said after meticulous examination and reference to existing literature, the researchers established the novelty and distinctiveness of the species, categorizing it as new to science. Fimbristylis jaleeliana thrives in lateritic grasslands at an elevation of 60 meters above sea level. However, its existence is under threat due to habitat destruction caused by mining activities, posing a risk to its already fragmented population on the lateritic plateau.

10. Fossilised Megalodon tooth found

Oceanographers from the USA in collaboration with zoologists from Germany’s SNSB-Bavarian State Collection of Zoology have made a groundbreaking discovery of the first in situ fossilized megalodon tooth in deep sea. The researchers were surveying the area aboard the Exploration Vessel Nautilus and filmed the in Situ before collection.

Megalodon, which is said to be one of the greatest predators of all time, reportedly roamed the oceans between 4 and 20 million years ago. Scientists have not found a lot of evidence about it, but their teeth are still washing up on beaches. Experts have previously said that a shark sheds up to 40,000 teeth in its lifetime, and the megalodon was similar to that.

Scientists have even found megalodon teeth sticking out of fossilized whale bones, but this is the first time, a tooth has been found in the location where it originally settled after leaving the mouth. They inspected the tooth on dry land and found that it had a broken tip. It also had a fractured tip and serrated edges.

11. Bengaluru Kempegowda Airport Named World’s Most Beautiful Airport

The Bengaluru Kempegowda International Airport has been named as the world’s Most Beautiful Airport in a recent announcement from UNESCO Prix Versailles 2023. The terminal 2 of the airport has won the World Special Prize for an interior 2023.

The Airport had also secured the top position as the World’s Most Punctual Airport in 2023. The Airport is operated by Banglore International Airport Limited. The sustainable design of Terminal 2, which also happens to be the World’s largest terminal pre-certified with a platinum LEED rating by the US Green Building Council before operational commencement, reflects the airport’s commitment to environmental responsibility.

Additionally, it has received the prestigious platinum certification under the IGBC Green New Building Rating System, reinforcing its dedication to sustainability. This accomplishment firmly establishes Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport among the leading airports globally, setting a high standard for design, sustainability, and passenger experience on the world stage.

12. Visva-Bharati Researchers Discovered Bacteria Named After Rabindranath Tagore

Researchers from the botany department at Visva-Bharati University have recently made a significant breakthrough discovery that has the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices. Their groundbreaking discovery involves the identification of a novel strain of bacteria, which has the remarkable ability to enhance plant growth.

In recognition of the renowned Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, this newly discovered bacteria has been named ‘Pantoea Tagorei’. This remarkable finding has the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices and pave the way for more sustainable and efficient methods of cultivation.

Dr. Dam explained that the decision to name the bacteria after Tagore was inspired by the poet’s visionary agricultural pursuits. Naming the bacteria Pantoea Tagrei is a way of honoring Tagore’s legacy and his contributions to agriculture. Pantoea Tagorei is a plant-growth-promoting bacteria (PGPB). PGPBs are a type of bacteria that live in the soil around plant roots and form a symbiotic relationship with the plants. They provide the plants with essential nutrients such as nitrogen and phosphorus and help them to resist diseases and pests.

13. Pong Dam Sanctuary declared as Eco Sensitive Zone

The Union Environment Ministry has recently announced one one-kilometer area around Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary located in Himachal Pradesh as an Eco-friendly Sensitive Zone.

An Eco-friendly sensitive Zone is an area where commercial activities like the construction of Hotels and Resorts or any polluting industry is not allowed. The Pong Dam Lake is one of the largest man-made wetlands in India and serves as a sanctuary for the largest population of migratory birds.

14. PM flags off Amrit Bharat Express

The prime minister of India Shri Narendra Modi has launched the Amrit Bharat Trains Express on December 30, 2023. The Amrit Bharat trains aim to enhance the travel experience of the common man and provide them with luxurious facilities. It was previously called as Vande Sadharana and the train has a top speed of 130kmph.

The Amrit Bharat Express is also known as Common Man’s Luxury train and its starting routes are Ayodhya to Darbhanga and Bengaluru to Malda. The train comprises 22 coaches with 8 genera, 12 second class 3 tier sleeper coaches, and 2 guard compartments.

15. MoU for Cooperation in Broadcasting between India and Malaysia

The union cabinet chaired by the prime minister, Shri Narendra Modi was apprised of the MoU/Agreement signed. Which has an immense potential to strengthen cooperation in the field of broadcasting, exchange of news, and audio-visual programs as well as significantly augment India’s friendly relations with the country. With this, the total number of MoUs signed by Prasar Bharati with different countries has increased to 46.

Prasar Bharati plays a very important role in nation-building and lays continuous focus on providing meaningful and accurate content to one and all, both within the country and abroad. These MoUs are going to be crucial in the distribution of content in other countries, in developing partnerships with international broadcasters, and in exploring new strategies to address the demands of new technologies. The major benefit arising out of the signing of MoUs is the exchange of programs in the areas of culture, education, science, Technology, sports, News, and other fields on a gratis\non-gratis basis.

India’s Public Service Broadcaster, Prasar Bharati has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with Radio Televisyen  Malaysia, the Public Service Broadcaster of Malaysia in order to promote cooperation in Public broadcasting in the field of radio and television.

16. The first Eurasian Otter discovered in Kerala

In an extraordinary finding by a team of researchers, an Eurasian otter was discovered for the first time in Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary in Idukki, Kerala. The IUCN status of the species is Near Threatened and it is kept in schedule 2 of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

The study was conducted by Srihari K Mohan, Latish R Nath, Subin K S and Srikumar and K Govindankutty under the guidance of P O Nameer, Professor and head of the Department of Wildlife Science, college of forestry, KAU. The presence of Eurasian Otter in the Western Ghats was studied in the first half of the 20th century during the mammal census by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), the release said.

According to the study, they were found in Coorg in Karnataka, Ooty, and Kodaikanal in Tamil Nadu. The body of an Otter was found in Valparai, Tamil Nadu, after being run over by a vehicle in 2017. DNA studies later proved it to be of a Eurasian Otter.

17. Uttar Pradesh to Implement Green Hydrogen Policy

In a push towards clean energy and tackling climate change, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to implement the state’s Green Hydrogen Policy-2023, The Policy aims to incentivize and boost the production and utilization of green hydrogen, a promising alternative to fossil fuels.

Green hydrogen, Produced by splitting water using renewable energy like solar or wind power, is a clean fuel that emits no greenhouse gases during combustion. Tis makes it a crucial tool for achieving net-zero carbon emissions and mitigating the effects of global warming.

Features of the Policy

Attractive incentives: The policy is expected to offer various benefits to companies setting up green hydrogen production units, including : Availability of land at concessional rates                                                           Exemption from stamp duty and electricity duty                                                   Capital and interest subsidies                                                                               Attractive additional Incentives

Multi-Sector Applications: The Policy will focus on promoting green hydrogen production for diverse applications, including:                       Ammonia production: Green hydrogen can be combined with nitrogen to create sustainable ammonia for fertilizers and other industrial uses.                     Transportation: Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles offer a cleaner alternative to traditional gasoline-powered vehicles.                                                                                                     Power generation: Green hydrogen can be used in fuel cells to generate electricity without emissions.

18. New jumping spider species discovered in Chennai

The Tamil word silanthi is used to refer to the magnificent creepy crawly, spider. But now, it is also the of a new species of jumping spiders, which was discovered in the scrub jungles in Chennai. The species, carrhotus silanthi caleb, which was discovered by arachnologist Dr. John caleb, took about nine years and six months to be confirmed and vetted.

The species was finally described in this paper which includes other known Indian members of the genus carrhotus, explains John, who specialises in arachnology or the scientific study of spiders and related animals. The new species has distinctive organs that are different from other closely related species “Both males and females look almost similar in general body coloration. It sports a metallic green to bronze-green coloration with white spots and patches on its abdomen”, John notes, adding that Chennai has been home to 13 new species of the insect in recent times.

A recent example of this was the new species of the peacock spider was discovered in Australia. The striking spider became a worldwide phenomenon for its resemblance to Vincent van Gogh’s popular artwork, Starry Night. “The general fear(arachnophobia) among people is gradually changing as they become more aware of the importance of spiders”.

19. Delivery of Seventh Ferrycraft Manjula

Shalimar Works Ltd, Kolkata delivered 07*250 Men Ferrycraft “Manjula” to the Indian Navy. The Ferrycraft was developed in consonance with the Atma Bharat Initiative of the Government of India. It is the Seventh Ferrycraft delivered to the Indian Navy.

Manufacturing was delivered to the Indian Navy in the presence of Read Admiral Deepak Goswami. These Ferrycrafts are sourced from indigenous manufacturers thus fulfilling the objectives of the Make in India initiative of the Government of India. Manjula (Yard 786) will help the Indian Navy in the transportation of Men and Material between Naval ports and ships, and submarines.

20. MedTech Mitra

The Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Dr Mansukh Mandaviya launched the MedTech Mitra porta. It is a strategic initiative to empower MedTech innovators and Advance Healthcare Solutions. ICMR and CDSCO will be coordinating the portal under the guidance of NITI Aayog’s Atal Innovation Mission.

The portal will assist medtech innovators in clinical evaluation and uptake of new products. The India’s Med tech sector is import-dependent accounting for up to 80% of imports. The Indian MedTech sector is to become a USD 50 billion industry by 2030.

- Advertisement -

Related Posts

ALL INDIA JOBS

STATE WIDE JOBS