DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: May 31, 2024

IITK and DRDO have collaboratively launched a Center of Excellence in Defense Technologies

Tags: Defence

IIT Kanpur and DRDO have jointly launched the DRDO-Industry-Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA COE) at the IIT Kanpur campus, focusing on interdisciplinary research in advanced defense technologies.

An Overview of the News

• Sanjay Tandon, previously serving as the director of the Institute of Technology Management (ITM) in Mussoorie, Uttarakhand, has assumed the role of director at the center of excellence located at IIT Kanpur.

Research Focus:

• The center aims to lead focused research in various defense verticals.

• These include advanced nanomaterials, accelerated material design, high-energy materials, and bioengineering.

Funding and Infrastructure:

• Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will fund the projects and establish key technical facilities.

• Modern infrastructure will be set up to enable and boost Research and Development (R&D) programs.

Establishment Timeline:

• The establishment of DIA COE at IIT Kanpur commenced in 2022.

• It was initiated through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Def-Expo-2022 at Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

Background:

• DefExpo 2022 was a flagship event of the Ministry of Defence.

• It aimed to achieve Atma Nirbharta in defense and reach the USD 5 billion defense exports target by 2024.

About DRDO

• It serves as the Research and Development (R&D) arm of the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

  • Founded:- 1958

  • Chairman:-  Dr. Samir Venkatpati Kamat

  • HQ:- New Delhi, Delhi

IISc, Bangalore, ranked 32nd in THE Asia University Rankings 2024

Tags: INDEX

Times Higher Education (THE) Asia University Rankings 2024 ranks the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, at 32nd, the highest ranked Indian institution.

An Overview of the News

• Tsinghua University (China) maintains its top position for the 6th consecutive year.

• Peking University (China) and National University of Singapore (NUS) (Singapore) secure 2nd and 3rd rank respectively.

Scope and Representation in THE Asia University Rankings 2024:

• The 2024 ranking features 739 universities from 31 countries/regions, indicating a 10.5% increase from the previous year's 669.

• Japan boasts the highest representation on the 2024 ranking with 119 universities, followed by India, which saw an increase from 75 to 91 universities compared to 2023, and Mainland China with 86 universities.

About THE:

• Formerly known as The Times Higher Education Supplement (The Thes), THE is a British magazine focusing on higher education news and issues.

  • CEO:- Paul Howarth

  • Headquarters:- London, United Kingdom (UK)

Agnikul Cosmos launches Agnibaan SOrTeD with world's first 3D printed engine

Tags: Science and Technology

On May 30th, 2024, Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited successfully launched Agnibaan SOrTeD (SubOrbital Technological Demonstrator) from Agnikul Launch Pad 1 (ALP-1), located within the Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC)-SHAR in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh, India.

An Overview of the News

• This marked the maiden flight of Agnibaan SOrTeD, propelled by the world's first single-piece 3D printed semi-cryogenic engine.

• Agnibaan SOrTeD stands as India's second privately developed rocket, equipped with the world's pioneering 3D printed engine technology.

• The rocket signifies a significant leap in India's private space exploration endeavors, showcasing indigenous design and engineering capabilities.

Technical Specifications of Agnibaan SOrTeD:

• Agnibaan SOrTeD operates as a single-stage launch vehicle, featuring Agnikul's innovative Agnilet engine, which powers its ascent.

• This achievement underscores Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited's commitment to advancing space propulsion technology.

About Agnikul Cosmos Pvt Ltd:

• Its manufacturer is Indian Aerospace.

• It is located within the National Centre for Research and Development (NCRD) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras.

  • Founded:- 2017

  • Headquarters:- Chennai, Tamil Nadu

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Co-Founder:- Srinath Ravichandran

International Day of Potato - 30 May

Tags: Important Days

The first-ever International Day of Potato was celebrated worldwide on May 30, 2024.

An Overview of the News

• Its aim is to highlight the nutritional, economic, environmental, and cultural significance of the potato, which ranks as the third most consumed food crop globally.

• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) facilitates the annual observance.

Theme:

• The theme for the inaugural International Day of Potato 2024 is "Harvesting diversity, feeding hope."

Background:

• On December 8, 2023, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted resolution A/RES/78/123, designating May 30 of each year as the International Day of Potato.

• The initiative was driven by Peru, which proposed its adoption to the UNGA. This proposal was based on an FAO Conference Resolution from July 2023.

About FAO:

• FAO is a specialized agency of the UN that leads global efforts to combat hunger.

  • Established:- 1945

  • Director-General:- Qu Dongyu

  • Headquarters:- Rome, Italy

World Vape Day (WVD) - 30 May

Tags: Important Days

World Vape Day (WVD) is observed globally on 30th May each year.

An Overview of the News

• The purpose of WVD is to raise awareness about alternatives to tobacco products and to emphasize the safety of e-cigarettes and vaping as harm reduction tools for smokers.

• The theme for World Vape Day 2024 is "Misperception Epidemic".

• WVD is observed a day before "World No Tobacco Day" on 31st May, proclaimed by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

• Vaping involves inhaling an aerosol (vapour) created by an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette).

Significance of World Vape Day (WVD) 2024:

• Misinformation: Highlights how misinformation is preventing smokers from switching to safer alternatives.

• Empowerment: Empowers individuals with evidence-based knowledge.

• Discussions: Encourages discussions about how vaping can contribute to a smoke-free world.

Background of WVD:

• Initiation: Initiated by the World Vapers' Alliance (WVA).

• Advocacy: WVA amplifies the voices of passionate vapers globally, empowering them to make a difference in their communities.

• Funding: WVA was first launched as an independent 501(c)(3) organization and is now partially funded by the Consumer Choice Center, a consumer advocacy group.