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By admin: March 13, 2023

ISRO drops 12-year-old satellite Megha Tropiques into Pacific Ocean

Tags: Science and Technology National News

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) recently successfully carried out a controlled descent of its 12-year-old low earth orbit satellite Megha Tropiques-1 (MT-1) into the Pacific Ocean.

An overview of the news

• ISRO has informed that it is planning to bring this satellite back to Earth.

• Dropping this satellite on the earth was a very challenging task for ISRO, which ISRO successfully carried out.

• ISRO has been steadily reducing the distance of the satellite from Earth since August, 2022.

• For this, he was spending about 120 kg of fuel present in the satellite.

• The booster of the satellite was turned on twice before reaching the earth.

• This process is called de-boost. The satellite started burning rapidly as soon as it entered the Earth's atmosphere and was completely destroyed by the time it reached the sea.

About Megha Tropiques Satellite

• This satellite was launched in October 2011 by ISRO in collaboration with the French space agency CNES.

• The satellite was designed to provide weather information for three years, but it served for more than 10 years.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)

• It was established on 15 August 1969.

• It is the national space agency of India. It launches its space rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.

• Headquarters: Bengaluru

• Chairman: S Somnath

Prithviraj Tondaiman of India won bronze in trap shooting in Doha

Tags: Sports Sports News

Prithviraj Tondiman of India won the bronze medal at the ISSF Shotgun World Cup 2023 on March 11, 2023 in Doha, Qatar.

News Overview

• Two-time world champion Oguzhan Tuzun of Turkey won gold with a score of 33/35, while Great Britain's Matthew John took silver with a score of 30/35.

• This was India's first medal at the ISSF World Cup, which is currently taking place.

About the ISSF

• The International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) governs the Olympic shooting disciplines of rifle, pistol, and shotgun.

• Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, the ISSF barred Russian and Belarussian athletes and officials from participating in its events.

• Headquarters - Munich, Germany

• Chairman - Vladimir Lisin

• Founded - 1907

• General Secretary - Willie Grill

Saudi Space Commission discussed with ISRO

Tags: International News

From March 6 to 10, a high-level delegation from the Saudi Space Commission, led by Dr. Mohammad Saud Al-Tamimi, CEO, visited India to discuss space cooperation.

News Overview

• The delegation interacted extensively with various entities in India, including the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and Indian space companies such as New Space India Limited and Centum Electronics.

• ISRO Chairman Dr. Al-Tamimi has been invited to attend the G20 Space Economy Leaders' Meeting in Bengaluru in July 2023.

• Dr. Al-Tamimi invited ISRO Chairman to attend the Space Economy Forum later this year in Saudi Arabia.

• The visit is viewed as a positive step towards strengthening the two countries' space partnership.

About Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)

• Establishment -1969 (by Vikram Sarabhai)

• Headquarters –Bengaluru

• Chairman and Secretary, Department of Space (DOS) – S. Somnath

About Saudi Arabian Space Commission (SSC)

• Established - 27 December 2018

• Space Agency President – Abdullah Alswaha

• CEO - Mohammed bin Saud Al-Tamimi

About Saudi Arabia

• It is a country located in West Asia.

• It is the largest country in Asia and the second largest country in the Arab world.

• The Gulf of Aqaba separates Saudi Arabia from Egypt and Israel to the northwest.

• King - Salman

• Crown Prince and Prime Minister - Mohammed Salman bin

• Capital - Riyadh

• Currency - Saudi Riyal

• National language - Arabic

Defence forces halt ALH Dhruv fleet operations in wake of Navy accident

Tags: National Defence National News

Due to the crash of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv fleet of the Indian Navy, the defense forces have halted the operation of ALH Dhruv helicopters till the investigation report comes.

An overview of the news

• The Army, Navy and Air Force along with the Indian Coast Guard operate the ALH helicopter.

• ALH Dhruv helicopters are used by the Indian Defense Forces in a number of roles including transport of men and material.

• ALH Dhruv is one of the vital parts of the helicopter missions used by the three forces, which are deployed in different terrains.

About Dhruv

• Advanced Light Helicopter or ALH-DHRUV is an indigenously developed aircraft by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) with a twin-engine.

• This helicopter was first flown in 1992, but was put into service in2002 after certification.

• The aircraft is certified for military operations by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

• The major variants of Dhruv are classified as Dhruv Mk-I, Mk-II, Mk-III and Mk-IV.

Indonesia's Mount Merapi volcano erupts, covering villages in ash

Tags: International News

Indonesia's Mount Merapi, one of the world's most active volcanoes, erupted on March 12, sending smoke and ash spreading over nearby villages.

An overview of the news

• The volcano is located on the island of Java near Yogyakarta, the cultural capital of Indonesia.

• The ash cloud has reached 9,600 feet above the surface. The area up to seven kilometers from the blast site has been restricted.

• In 2010 a major eruption of the volcano killed over 300 people.

• Indonesia, which has about 130 active volcanoes, lies on the Pacific "Ring of Fire", where the meeting of continental plates causes high volcanic and seismic activity.

About Mount Merapi 

• Mount Merapi is a volcanic mountain on the island of Java in Indonesia and is the most active volcano in Indonesia.

• It was discovered by Mr. Morris in 1754 and is also known as the 'Mountain of Fire' because of its explosive nature.

What is a volcano?

• A volcano is a type of mountain that erupts beneath the Earth's surface into a pool of molten rock.

• During a volcanic eruption, underground pressure is created due to the formation of magma, which is molten rock mixed with gas.

• Lava coming out of a volcano takes the form of a mountain.

• After which whenever these substances come out of this volcano, they cause a big explosion.

Oscars 2023: RRR's 'Naatu Naatu' wins Best Original Song award

Tags: Awards

The song 'Naatu Naatu' from the Indian film RRR has won the Oscar in the Best Original Song category at the 95th Oscar Awards.

An overview of the news

• RRR is the first Indian film to be nominated for Academy Awards in the last two decades, while 'Naatu Naatu' was the first Indian song to be nominated for an Oscar.

• The song beat out other nominees in the category including Applause (Tell It Like a Woman), Hold My Hand (Top Gun Maverick), Lift Me Up (Black Pather Wakanda Forever) and This Is a Life (Everything Everywhere All At). 

• Music director MM Keeravani received the award.

• This Telugu song is sung by Kaal Bhairav & Rahul Sipligunj. 'Naatu-naatu' means 'to dance'.

• The song is picturized on actors Ram Charan and Jr NTR, in which their peppy dance moves have also been appreciated.

• It is noteworthy that the song 'Jai Ho' from the UK film 'Slumdog Millionaire' directed by Danny Boyle is the first Hindi song to win an Academy Award in the Best Original Score and Original Song categories.

• Its music was composed by AR Rahman and its lyrics were written by Gulzar.

• Rajamouli's RRR received several American awards, made it to the BAFTA 2023 in the Film Not in the English Language category, won the Golden Globe in the Best Original Song category, and also won the Best Song award at the 28th edition of the Critics' Choice Awards.

Oscar in the Best Documentary Short Film category

• Another Indian entry at the Academy Awards, 'The Elephant Whispers' won the Oscar in the Best Documentary Short Film category.

• This 41-minute short documentary film by filmmakers Kartiki Gonsalves and Guneet Monga explores the bond between Raghu, an orphaned baby elephant, and his caretakers.

Centre signs Rs 934 crore deal with HSL to Refit INS Sindhukirti Submarine in Visakhapatnam

Tags: Defence National News

In a further boost to achieve 'Atmanirbhar Bharat', the Ministry of Defense on March 13, 2023 signed a contract for General Refit of Sindhukirti Submarine at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam at a total cost of Rs 934 crore .

Overview of the News

• Sindhukirti is the third Kilo class Diesel Electric Submarine.

• The project involves over 20 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and will generate employment of 1,000 man-days per day for the project duration.

INS Sindhukirti Submarine

• It is a diesel-electric submarine.

• It was commissioned on June 7, 1990 and since then has been serving the nation in various capacities.

• It has a displacement of 1860 tonnes when submerged and is 67.5 metres in length. 

• The submarine has a maximum speed of 20 knots (about 37 km per hour) when submerged and can dive to a depth of 300 metres.

• It is armed with six 533 mm torpedo tubes and can carry up to 18 torpedoes or missiles.

About Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL)

• The shipyard 'Hindustan Shipyard Limited' is located in Visakhapatnam.

• It is the country's first shipbuilding yard.

• Establishment - 21 June 1941

• Construction - Walchand Hirachand

First meeting of Supreme Audit Institution (SAI20) begins

Tags: Summits National News

The 1st Supreme Audit Institution 20 (SAI20) Senior Officers' Meeting (SOM) began on 13 March 2023 in Guwahati, Assam.

Overview of the News

• The themes of this meeting are 'Blue Economy' and 'Responsible Artificial Intelligence'.

• SAI20 aims to bring together an ecosystem wherein SAIs are active participants in governance, promoting transparency and accountability.

• The SAI-20 meeting will be chaired by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Girish Chandra Murmu and also attended by senior representatives of equivalent institutions from G-20 countries.

• Around 44 delegates from G-20 member countries, guest countries and other international organisations participated in the SAI-20 event. 

• Countries like Australia, Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, Oman, Republic of Korea, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and UAE participated individually.

• The SAI-20 meeting will conclude on March 15.

Exercise 'La Perouse' between navies of India, US, Japan, France, UK and Australia begins

Tags: Defence

The third edition of the multilateral exercise 'La Perouse' was held from 13 to 14 March 2023 in the Indian Ocean region.

An overview of the news

• It saw the participation of personnel, ships and integral helicopters from the Royal Australian Navy, French Navy, Indian Navy, Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force, Royal Navy and United States Navy.

• Indian Navy's indigenously built guided missile frigate INS Sahyadri and fleet tanker INS Jyoti participated in the  exercise.

• Indian Navy's participation in the exercise reflects the high level of synergy, coordination and interoperability between friendly navies and their commitment to a rules-based international order in the Indo-Pacific region.

• The exercise involved complex and advanced naval operations, including surface warfare, anti-air warfare, air defense exercises, cross-deck landings and tactical maneuvers.

About Exercise 'La Perouse'

• The first edition of this joint exercise was initiated by France in 2019.

• The biennial exercise La Perouse is organized by the French Navy.

• It aims to enhance maritime domain awareness and optimize maritime coordination among the participating navies in the Indo-Pacific region.

International conference on “Shared Buddhist Heritage”

Tags: Summits National News

An international conference on "Shared Buddhist Heritage" will be held on March 14-15 at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi.

An overview of the news

• The conference will focus on India's civilizational connection with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) nations 2023.

• It is the first of its kind event under India's leadership of SCO (for a period of one year - from September 17, 2022 to September 2023).

• It will bring Central Asian, East Asian, South Asian and Arab countries on a common platform to discuss the "Common Buddhist Heritage".

Conference organiser

• The two-day event is being organized by the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of External Affairs and the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC-as a grantee body of the Ministry of Culture).

• Many Indian scholars of Buddhism will also participate in this program.

Aim of the Conference

• To re-establish the trans-cultural link between Buddhist art, art styles, archaeological sites and antiquity of Central Asia in the collections of various museums in SCO countries.

Two Indian-American CEOs are appointed by Joe Biden to the advisory committee

Tags: Person in news

On March 12, 2023, US President Joe Biden proposed two Indian Americans for appointment to the Advisory Committee on Trade Policy and Negotiations.

Overview of the News

• Flex CEO Revathi Advaiti and Natural Resources Defense Council CEO Manish Bapna were both appointed as members of the committee.

• Advaiti is a strong advocate of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and women in the workplace.

• Advaiti served in various leadership roles at Eaton and Honeywell before joining Flex in 2019.

• Biden announced a team of 14 people who will be a part of the US Advisory Committee.

About Flex

• Establishment - 1969

• Headquarters – Singapore

• CEO - Revathi Advaiti

Tech Mahindra names former Infosys President Mohit Joshi as MD and CEO

Tags: Person in news

Tech Mahindra, India's sixth largest IT services player, on 11 March announced the appointment of Mohit Joshi as MD & CEO.

An overview of the news

• He will take over when CP Gurnani retires on December 19, 2023. 

• The Board of Directors has approved his appointment for a period of five years from December 20, 2023 to December 19, 2028.

• The aforesaid appointment will be subject to approval by the shareholders.

• Joshi is currently serving as the Infosys chairman.

• He has over two decades of experience in the enterprise technology software and consulting sector.

• He has worked with the world's largest corporations driving digital transformation and building thriving businesses.

About Tech Mahindra

• Tech Mahindra was established in 1986.

• It provides information technology (IT) services and solutions to the telecommunications sector across the globe.

• Tech Mahindra is part of the $12.5 billion Mahindra Group in partnership with British Telecom plc (BT), one of the world's leading communications service providers.

• Chairperson - TN Manoharan

Chinese parliament appoints Li Qiang as the country's new prime minister

Tags: Person in news International News

Li Qiang was appointed as the new Premier or Prime Minister of China by the Chinese Parliament on March 11, 2023.

Overview of the News

• Li Keqiang, who had held the position for the past ten years, was replaced by Li Qiang.

• Li Qiang's nomination was approved at the annual meeting of the National People's Congress (NPC), the official body that adopts the resolutions of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

About China

• it is an east asian country

• It is the third largest country in the world in terms of total land area.

• President – Xi Jinping

• Capital - Beijing

• National language - Mandarin

• Currency - Renminbi