DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: Aug. 6, 2024

Ax-4 Mission to Include Indian, Polish, and Hungarian Astronauts

Tags: Science and Technology International News

Axiom Space is collaborating with India’s ISRO, Poland, and Hungary, supported by ESA, to send three national astronauts on Ax-4.

An Overview of the News

• The crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson, Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański (ESA/Poland), and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary).

• The crew is pending approval from the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), which involves NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, JAXA, and the Canadian Space Agency.

Mission Goals:

• Ax-4 aims to advance scientific research, technology demonstrations, and space commercialization.

• The mission emphasizes international cooperation by sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities with global partners.

Significance of the Mission:

• Ax-4 will be Axiom Space’s second mission including an ESA astronaut and will see a Polish astronaut in space for the first time in over 40 years.

• The mission continues Axiom Space’s tradition of involving diverse nationalities, following previous missions with the first Saudi female astronaut, first Turkish astronaut, and first ESA astronaut on a commercial flight.

Launch Details:

• The mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from Florida.

• The crew is expected to spend up to 14 days on the International Space Station.

Agreements:

• Axiom Space signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary in July 2022 and a spaceflight framework agreement in September 2023 for Hungary’s astronaut program.

• In July 2024, Axiom Space signed a spaceflight framework agreement with ISRO, marking a significant step towards a joint ISRO-NASA mission on the ISS.

5th ASEAN-India AITIGA Joint Committee Meeting Concludes in Jakarta

Tags: committee

The fifth meeting of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee took place at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta, Indonesia from July 29 to August 1.

An Overview of the News

• The meeting was co-chaired by Rajesh Agrawal, Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce, India, and Mastura Ahmad Mustafa, Deputy Secretary General (Commerce), Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry, Malaysia.

• Representatives from all ten ASEAN countries and India attended the meeting.

Negotiation Progress

• Discussions to review AITIGA began in May 2023.

• After finalizing the Rules of Procedure and negotiating structure, negotiations commenced in February 2024.

• The first two rounds of negotiations were held in New Delhi (February 2024) and Putrajaya, Malaysia (May 2024).

Subcommittee Focus

• During the third round of negotiations held in Jakarta, Indonesia, all eight subcommittees concentrated on the following areas: “National Treaty and Market Access,” “Rules of Origin,” “Standards, Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment Procedures,” “Sanitary and Phytosanitary Matters,” “Legal and Institutional Issues,” “Customs Procedures and Trade Facilitation,” “Trade Remedies,” and “Economic and Technical Cooperation.” 

Outcomes and Discussions

• All subcommittees presented their discussions' results at the 5th AITIGA Joint Meeting and received further guidance for future work.

• Bilateral meetings were held between the Indian delegation and counterparts from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, and Vietnam.

• Separate discussions were held with ASEAN Secretary-General Dr Kao Kim Hourn and ASEAN Deputy Secretary-General Satvinder Singh to enhance India-ASEAN economic cooperation.

Future Meetings

• The next AITIGA Joint Committee meeting is scheduled to be held in India from November 19 to 22.

India to Host First BIMSTEC Business Summit in New Delhi

Tags: Summits

India is hosting the first-ever BIMSTEC Business Summit in New Delhi from August 6-8.

An Overview of the News

• The event aims to enhance regional collaboration in the Bay of Bengal region.

• The Ministry of External Affairs, in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industries (CII), is organizing the three-day summit.

Key Figures and Inauguration:

• Inauguration: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will open the summit.

• Keynote Speakers: Union Minister of Commerce and Industries Piyush Goyal and other prominent leaders will deliver keynote addresses.

Participants:

• The summit is expected to attract over 300 key stakeholders, including ministers from BIMSTEC member states, high-ranking government officials, policymakers, entrepreneurs, and industry associations.

Objectives:

• Goals: The summit aims to enhance regional collaboration through stronger trade and investment ties among BIMSTEC countries.

• Focus Areas: Discussions will cover trade facilitation, regional connectivity, energy security, inclusive growth, and sustainable development.

BIMSTEC Overview:

• Member Countries: BIMSTEC connects five South Asian countries (Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, India, and Sri Lanka) with two Southeast Asian nations (Myanmar and Thailand).

• Recent Developments: This summit follows the 4th Annual Meeting of BIMSTEC Security Chiefs held in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, in July, where National Security Advisor Ajit Doval led the Indian delegation.

Piyush Goyal Launches 'India@100' by Prof. K V Subramanian

Tags: Books and Authors

Union Minister Piyush Goyal launched the book 'India@100: Envisioning Tomorrow's Economic Powerhouse' by Professor K V Subramanian, Executive Director at the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

An Overview of the News

• The event was held at the Associated Chambers of Commerce & Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) in New Delhi.

Economic Predictions

• Future Economy: The book forecasts that India could become a USD 55 trillion economy by 2047.

• Growth Factors: It emphasizes achieving this through self-sufficiency, a stronger currency, solid fundamentals, and an 8% Annual Growth Rate (AGR).

Vision for Development

• Collective Effort: Piyush Goyal highlighted that India can reach the 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) target with the combined efforts of its 1.4 billion citizens.

• Sectoral Progress: The vision includes becoming a developed nation by 2047 in infrastructure, employment generation, tourism, manufacturing, shipping, and technology.

Hiroshima Day - 6 August 2024

Tags: Important Days

Hiroshima Day is observed annually on August 6th.

An Overview of the News

• This year marks the 79th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima during World War II.

• The city of Hiroshima now represents peace, resilience, and the enduring human spirit.

Historical Significance

• Hiroshima Day marks the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945.

• The bombing occurred during the final stages of World War II as an effort by the United States to hasten the end of the war.

• The atomic bomb, called "Little Boy," was dropped at 8:15 AM.

• The explosion had the force equivalent to 15,000 tons of TNT.

• The blast caused widespread destruction, levelling buildings and igniting fires throughout the city.

Casualties and Immediate Aftermath

• Approximately 70,000 to 80,000 people were killed instantly.

• By the end of 1945, the death toll rose to around 140,000 due to injuries and radiation sickness.

• The impact of the bombing resulted in immense loss of life and property.

Long-term Effects on Survivors

• Survivors, known as Hibakusha, faced severe long-term health effects, including cancer and other radiation-induced illnesses.

• Many survivors lost their families, homes, and livelihoods.

• The psychological and physical trauma endured by Hibakusha highlights the lasting impact of nuclear warfare.

Observance of Hiroshima Day

• Commemorative events are held, particularly in Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, where the Peace Bell is rung.

• People gather to offer prayers, observe moments of silence, and participate in peace marches.

• Educational programs and events aimed at promoting nuclear disarmament and global peace are conducted worldwide.

Call to Action for Peace and Disarmament

• Hiroshima Day serves as a reminder of the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare.

• The day emphasizes the importance of working towards a world free from nuclear weapons.

• International organizations and treaties, such as the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), strive to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament.

• The observance underscores the urgent need to prevent another nuclear catastrophe.

National Bone and Joint Day - 4 August 2024

Tags: Important Days

National Bone and Joint Day is observed annually across India on August 4th to raise awareness about the importance of strong bones and joints for people of all ages.

An Overview of the News

• The day aims to promote the prevention and early detection of musculoskeletal disorders and conditions.

• It also focuses on promoting cost-effective prevention and treatment of bone and joint conditions.

History:

• The first National Bone & Joint Day was observed on 4 August 2012.

• The celebration is led by the Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA), New Delhi.

Indian Orthopaedic Association (IOA):

• Established in 1955.

• One of the largest professional organizations with more than 10,000 active life members.

Background:

• The IOA has been celebrating National Bone & Joint Day across India since 2012.

• Founders Day of the IOA, 4 August, is designated as "Bone & Joint Day."

• The week leading up to 4 August is called "Bone & Joint Week."