DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: Jan. 18, 2025

India's first private satellite constellation by PixxelSpace

Tags: Science and Technology

Why in the news?

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi remarked that India's first private satellite constellation by PixxelSpace showcases the exceptional talent of India's youth. 

Important points:

• India's first private satellite constellation iscalled "Firefly" and was launched by the Bengaluru-based space startup PixxelSpace.

• It is considered the world's highest resolution commercial-grade hyperspectral satellite constellation. 

Key points about Pixxel's constellation:

• Name: Firefly.

• Company: PixxelSpace.

• Technology: Hyperspectral imaging, allowing for detailed data capture across numerous light bands.

• Applications: Agriculture, environmental monitoring, defense, resource tracking .

EASTERN NAVAL COMMAND ORGANISED ARMED FORCES VETERANS DAY PARADE

Tags: Defence

Why in the news?

• On the occasion of the9th Armed Forces Veterans Day, Eastern Naval Command organised the maiden Veterans’ Day Parade at RK Beach, Visakhapatnam, on 18 Jan 2025. 

Important points:

• The historic event witnessed enthusiastic participation by over 500 veterans and Veernaris, along with their dependents, and was a heartfelt tribute to the brave men and women who have served the nation.

• The parade was flagged off by Vice Admiral Rajesh Pendharkar, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command, as the Chief Guest.  

• The parade commenced from Viswapriya Hall on RK Beach Road and culminated at the Naval Coastal Battery in the morning hours, where veterans and dignitaries gathered thereafter for a commemorative breakfast and an interaction session.

• The event drew widespread participation from Flag officers, personnel from ENC, senior civil dignitaries, all three wings of the National Cadet Corps (NCC), Sea Cadet Corps, and students from Sainik School Korukonda, reflecting the spirit of collective gratitude.

• The parade celebrated the indomitable spirit of the veterans and reinforced the nation’s commitment to honouring their service and sacrifices.

About the event:

• This event by the Eastern Naval Command is a significant milestone in honouring the legacy of India’s heroes and strengthening the bond between the serving and retired members of the Armed Forces.

•  It reflects collective resolve to remember, respect, and care for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the nation.           

Indonesian President to be chief guest at Republic Day

Tags: Person in news

Why in the news?

• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will be the chief guest at India’s 76th Republic Daycelebrations on January 26,2025.

Important points:

• Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto will visit India as the chief guest for the Republic Day Parade this year, with the Indonesian Army bringing the largest foreign contingent ever to march down Kartavya Path alongside India’s military.

• The visit on January 25-26, announced by New Delhi and Jakarta simultaneously, will make Mr. Prabowo the fourth Indonesian president to be invited as the chief guest on India’s Republic Day.

• President Sukarno had attended the first in 1950.

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin launches massive New Glenn rocket on first test flight

Tags: International Relations

Why in the news?

• Blue Origin launched its massive new rocket on its first test flight January 16, 2025, sending up a prototype satellite to orbit thousands of miles above Earth.

Important points:

•  Blue Origin New Glenn rocket lifts off on its inaugural launch at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Florida, U.S., on January 16, 2025.

• Named after the first American to orbit Earth, the New Glenn rocket blasted off from Florida, soaring from the same pad used to launch NASA's Mariner and Pioneer spacecraft a half-century ago.

World Economic Forum recognition for HUL’s Assam plant

Tags: International Relations

Why in the news?

• The World Economic Forum (WEF) has designated Hindustan Unilever Limited's (HUL) Doom Dooma site at Tinsukia, Assam, as an Advanced Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)End-to-End Value Chain Lighthouse.

What does this recognition mean?

• The factory is now part of the Global Lighthouse Network, a community of production sites that use cutting-edge technologies. 
• The factory is India's only FMCG company with three factories to receive this recognition.
•  The factory uses technologies like AI, automation, cloud computing, and IoT to improve its supply chain.

What are the benefits of this recognition? 

• Reduced changeover times

• Improved product availability

• Higher labor productivity

• Advancements in sustainable packaging and product quality

• Rapid one-click changeovers between products