DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: May 14, 2024

ISRO Chairman Launches SFO Technologies' Carbon Reduction Initiative

Tags: Science and Technology

On May 11, 2024, Sreedhara Panicker Somanath, Chairman of ISRO and Secretary, Department of Space, GOI, inaugurated the carbon reduction initiative by SFO Technologies, Kochi-based flagship company of the NeST Group.

An Overview of the News

• The initiative aligns with the UN's goal of achieving a 50% carbon reduction by 2035 and zero emissions by 2040.

• A replica of Chandrayaan was unveiled during the event, symbolizing the collaboration between SFO Technologies and ISRO.

• The Indian government envisions the space industry to grow to a USD 9 to 10 billion industry within the next 5 to 10 years, compared to its current valuation of USD 2 billion.

• Previous collaborations between ISRO and SFO Technologies include providing RF sub-systems for missions like Chandrayaan and Aditya, as well as manufacturing antenna systems and cryogenic control systems for launch vehicles.

SFO Technologies:

• Offers Original Design Manufacturing (ODM) and solutions across diverse industries including Aerospace and Defence, Communications, Energy and Industrial, Healthcare, and Transportation.

• Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Manufacturing Business: Altaaf Jehangir.

• Headquarters situated in Kochi, Kerala.

• Established in the year 1990.

Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO):

• Chairman: Sreedhara Panicker Somanath.

• Headquarters located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

• Established in the year 1969.

ICG signs MoU with Hindalco for indigenous marine-grade aluminum

Tags: National

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Hindalco Industries Limited.

An Overview of the News

• The collaboration aims at producing and supplying indigenous marine-grade aluminium for ship construction in Indian public and private shipyards.

Benefits of the MoU:

• Quarterly pricing, priority in supplies, and turnover discounts are among the benefits outlined in the MoU.

• The agreement aims to facilitate better planning and cost management for shipbuilding projects by ensuring stable and predictable pricing over time.

Enhancing Fleet Capability:

• Currently, the ICG fleet comprises 67 ships with aluminium hulls capable of operating in shallow waters.

• The plan includes introducing more vessels using indigenously made marine-grade aluminium to bolster coastal security efforts.

Key Entities Involved:

• The Indian Coast Guard is an Armed Force, Search and Rescue, and Maritime Law Enforcement agency under the Ministry of Defence.

• Hindalco Industries Limited is the metals flagship company of the Aditya Birla Group.

MoD Enforces Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023 from May 10, 2024

Tags: Defence

The Inter-Services Organisations (Command, Control and Discipline) Act, 2023 was enforced by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) starting May 10, 2024.

An Overview of the News

• This Act aligns with the Government's theaterisation plan, which aims to integrate the capabilities of the Indian Army (IA), Indian Air Force (IAF), and Indian Navy (IN).

• The legislation grants disciplinary and administrative powers to the heads of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs).

• These powers are intended to ensure the efficient utilization of resources during wars and operations.

About  Inter-Services Organisations Act, 2023:

• Enacted during the Monsoon Session of 2023 and ratified by the President on August 15, 2023.

• Empowers Commanders-in-Chief (CIC) and Officers-in-Command (OIC) of Integrated Service Organizations (ISOs) with disciplinary and administrative control over service personnel.

• Its aims include expediting case resolution processes and enhancing integration and cooperation among members of the Armed Forces.

Key Provisions

• Established ISOs like the Andaman and Nicobar Command, Defence Space Agency, and National Defence Academy will be officially recognized.

• The government can create new ISOs comprising personnel from at least two of the three services (Army, Air Force, and Navy), led by an Officer in Charge (OIC).

• ISOs may consist of Joint Services Commands, with a Commander-in-Chief (CIC) at the helm.

• Eligible candidates for the CIC position include high-ranking officers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.

• The CIC holds disciplinary and administrative powers similar to senior officers in each service.

• A Commanding Officer within an ISO oversees operations of units, ships, or establishments, following directives from the CIC or OIC, and has authority over personnel within the organization.

About MoD

• The Union Defence Minister is Rajnath Singh, representing the Lucknow constituency in Uttar Pradesh.

• The Minister of State for Defence is Ajay Bhatt, who represents the Nainital-Udhamsingh Nagar constituency in Uttarakhand.

ICAR-CMFRI Unveils Two New Needlefish Species in Indian Waters

Tags: Science and Technology

Researchers at ICAR-CMFRI discovered two new needlefish species in Indian waters.

An Overview of the News

• Previous identification of flat needlefish (Ablennes hians) revealed to be a complex of at least three distinct species.

New Species:

• Named as Ablennes joseberchmansis and Ablennes gracalii.

• Genetic and molecular analysis confirmed their unique characteristics.

• The discovery was made by researchers at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI).

Characteristics and Commercial Value

• Location: Specimens were collected from Thoothukudi, Tamil Nadu.

• Commercial Value: These fishes are commercially valuable, known for their palatability and nutritional content.

• Identification: They are identifiable by their green spines and elongated beaks with sharp teeth.

• Market Price: They fetch around 400 rupees per kilogramme in the market.

Research Team and Publication

• Contributors: The research team included Dr. Shijin Ameri, Badarul Sijad, and Dr. KK Sajikumar from CMFRI.

• Publication: Their findings were published in the Journal of Regional Studies in Marine Science.

Institutional Background

• ICAR-CMFRI: For over 75 years, ICAR-CMFRI has been a leading research institution in tropical marine fisheries globally.

• Expansion: Over the years, CMFRI has expanded its research facilities and attracted skilled professionals, enhancing its scale and renown.

Kadet Defence Systems Introduces India's First Indigenous Loitering Aerial Munitions (LAM)

Tags: Science and Technology

Kadet Defence Systems (P) Limited (KDS) introduces India's first Loitering Aerial Munitions (LAM) for the Indian Armed Forces.

An Overview of the News

• Developed under a unique Development cum Production Partner (DCPP) model with the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).

• Reflects KDS commitment to fostering indigenous innovation and self-reliance in defence production.

Features of India's 1st LAM:

• The indigenous LAMs are entirely designed and manufactured in India.

• Over 90% of components domestically sourced.

• Incorporates cutting-edge technologies, including Canister Aerial Loitering Munition (CALM), Combat Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) with stand-off capabilities, and Tactical Vertical Takeoff & Landing (VTOL) UAVs.

• Adaptability to various terrains and altitudes, from deserts to plains, and even high-altitude regions surpassing 5000 meters.

• Capabilities include serving as combat UAVs capable of precision strikes and Kamikaze drones for targeted engagements, reminiscent of cruise missiles.

Additional Information:

• Secured a contract to deliver 50 LAM systems by the end of 2024, meeting the operational requirements of the Indian armed forces.

• Aims to increase LAMs production and deliver an estimated 5000 systems in the next 2 to 3 years.

About KDS:

• It is a privately owned company specializing in the production of aerospace products, with a primary focus on Unmanned Systems.

• Avdesh Khaitan serves as the co-founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company.

• The headquarters of KDS is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka.

• The company was established in the year 2011.