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By admin: July 28, 2023

SpaceX launches 'Jupiter 3', world's largest private communication satellite

Tags: Science and Technology International News

On July 27, 2023, SpaceX launched the world's largest private communications satellite 'Jupiter 3' using a Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex-39A of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

An Overview of the News 

• The 'Jupiter 3' satellite, developed by Maxar Technologies in Palo Alto, California, holds the record as the largest commercial communications satellite ever built.

• This upcoming launch marks the seventh mission of SpaceX's triple-booster rocket, the Falcon Heavy, which first attracted widespread attention during its debut in 2018.

About 'Jupiter 3'

• Its size would be comparable to the wingspan of a commercial airliner, measuring between 130 and 160 feet (40 to 50 m). Its larger size will enable it to double current internet capacity to 500 Gbps, significantly improving connectivity in areas with limited cable and fibre options.

• Hughes will integrate the 'Jupiter 3' into its existing satellite network, allowing HughesNet customers in the United States and Latin America to access high-speed satellite broadband at speeds of up to 100 Mbps.

• The capabilities of satellites extend far beyond regular Internet access. It will support in-flight Wi-Fi, ensuring connectivity for passengers during air travel. It will also provide maritime connectivity, allowing internet access for ships at sea.

• 'Jupiter 3' will play a key role in enhancing enterprise networks, meeting the connectivity needs of businesses across North and South America.

• Additionally, the satellite will serve as a reliable backhaul solution for mobile network operators (MNOs), ensuring smoother and more efficient data transmission within the region's mobile networks.

• One of its essential applications is providing community Wi-Fi solutions, which help bridge the digital divide and extend Internet access to disadvantaged areas in North and South America.

About NASA

• NASA was formed on July 19, 1948, under the National Aeronautics and Space Act, replacing its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).

• NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration

• Headquarters - Washington D.C.

• Administrator - Bill Nelson

PM inaugurates India's grand international exhibition-cum-convention centre 'Bharat Mandapam'

Tags: National News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi dedicated to the nation the International Exhibition-cum-Convention Center (IECC) complex named 'Bharat Mandapam' at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi on July 27, 2023.

An Overview of the News 

• The G-20 coin and stamp were also released at the grand opening ceremony.

• During the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi emphasised on the vision of 'think big, dream big, work big' to propel progress and development in the nation.

• The 'Bharat Mandapam' complex, built at a cost of approximately US$329.17 million (Rs 2,700 crore), serves as a national project aimed at showcasing India as a global economic destination.

Concept of 'Bharat Mandapam':

• The name of the complex, 'Bharat Mandapam', takes inspiration from the idea of Lord Basaveshwara's Anubhava Mandapam, a pavilion for public festivals.

• The convention centre aims to remain open to the public and provide all the necessary facilities to contribute to the development of India as a modern nation.

India's biggest MICE destination:

• 'Bharat Mandapam' is designed to be India's largest Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE) destination.

• It will host international exhibitions, trade fairs, conferences, conventions and other major events.

Architectural Wonders and Cultural Symbolism:

• The architectural design of the convention centre is inspired by the shape of a conch shell, and its façade depicts various elements of the traditional art and culture of India.

• Symbolic presentations include 'Surya Shakti' for India's efforts in harnessing solar energy, 'Zero for ISRO' celebrating achievements in space and 'Pancha Mahabhutas' representing the building blocks of the universe - Akash, Vayu, Agni. Are included.

State-of-the-art facilities:

• The 'Bharat Mandapam' has a magnificent multi-purpose hall and full hall with a combined seating capacity of 7,000 people, which is more than the seating capacity of the Sydney Opera House in Australia.

• It also has a magnificent amphitheatre with a seating capacity of 3,000 people.

Blend of Tradition and Modernity:

• The walls and façade of the complex are adorned with paintings and tribal art forms from different regions of India, reflecting the country's rich cultural diversity.

Shankari Chandran honoured with Miles Franklin Literary Award for novel “Tea Time at Cinnamon Gardens”

Tags: Awards

Sri Lankan-born Australian author Shankari Chandran has been awarded the prestigious Miles Franklin Literary Prize in 2023 for the novel "Tea Time at Cinnamon Gardens".

An Overview of the News

• Ten years earlier, he had encountered difficulty publishing his first book, as publishers doubted its appeal to the local Australian market, as it was not "Australian" enough.

• Chandran's award-winning novel, titled 'Tea Time at Cinnamon Gardens', revolves around themes of family, memories, community, race and highlights Australia's complex relationship with multiculturalism and the consequences of colonialism.

• The novel has been hailed as an inter-generational epic that explores the complexities of Australia's multicultural society and the miseries of post-colonialism.

• Chandran's story emphasises that our personal stories play an important role in shaping us as individuals and the fabric of society.

• Remarkably, 'Tea Time at Cinnamon Gardens' is Chandran's third published novel, which shows his growth and dedication as a writer.

Miles Franklin Literary Award:

• It is an annual award given to a novel of the highest literary merit that explores some aspect of Australian life.

• The judging panel for this year's award included:

  • Richard Neville - State Library of NSW Mitchell librarian and Chair

  • Bernadette Brennan - author

  • Mridula Nath Chakraborty - translator

  • James Ley - critic

  • Elfie Shiosaki - poet

• The Miles Franklin Literary Award is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious literary awards in Australia.

• Previous winners of the award include acclaimed authors like Thea Astley, Jessica Anderson, and Tim Winton, among others.

Rajasthan issues first transgender birth certificate to Noor Shekhawat

Tags: Popular State News

Noor Shekhawat, a transgender person, received thefirst transgender birth certificate in Rajasthan. His previous birth certificate listed his gender as male.

An Overview of the News

• The birth certificate was presented to Noor Shekhawat by the municipal and state government officials. The certificate reflects her gender identity as transgender, which is an important milestone.

• Director of the Economics and Statistics Department and Chief Registrar (Birth and Death) Bhanwarlal Bairwa released the historic transgender birth certificate in Jaipur, Rajasthan.

• Going forward, the records of males and females as well as birth records of transgender persons will be included in the corporation's portal. An awareness program will also be launched to encourage other transgender persons to apply for their birth certificates.

• Noor Shekhawat, who completed her education till class 12 in an English medium school, is actively involved in running an NGO that supports the transgender community.

About Rajasthan

• It is a state in northern India and is the largest Indian state by area and the seventh largest by population.

• It is bordered by five other Indian states: Punjab to the north; Haryana and Uttar Pradesh in the northeast; Madhya Pradesh in the southeast; and Gujarat in the southwest.

• Rajasthan is also home to three national tiger reserves, Ranthambore National Park in Sawai Madhopur, Sariska Tiger Reserve in Alwar and Mukundra Hills Tiger Reserve in Kota.

Formation - 30 March 1949

Capital- Jaipur

District -33 (7 Circle)

Governor -Kalraj Mishra

Chief Minister - Ashok Gehlot (INC)

Legislative Assembly -Rajasthan Legislative Assembly (200 seats)

Rajya Sabha - 10 seats

Lok Sabha - 25 seats

World Hepatitis Day - 28 July

Tags: Important Days

World Hepatitis Day is observed globally on 28 July.

An Overview of the News

• Its main objective is to raise awareness and drive meaningful change about the global burden of viral hepatitis, which causes liver inflammation, chronic disease and liver cancer.

• The theme for World Hepatitis Day 2023 is 'We are not waiting'.

• On July 28, World Hepatitis Day urges people around the world to take immediate action because hepatitis cannot wait.

• Its ultimate goal is to bring about a real change in policies, practices and public perception about hepatitis.

History of World Hepatitis Day

• The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a campaign to make the world free of hepatitis.

• The World Hepatitis Alliance was established in 2007.

• The first community-organised World Hepatitis Day was observed in 2008.

• The date of 28 July was chosen because it is the birthday of Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr. Baruch Blumberg.

• Dr. Baruch Blumberg discovered the hepatitis B virus in 1967.