1. Russian Cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko Becomes First Human to Spend 1,000 Days in Space
Tags: International News
On June 3, 2024, Russian cosmonaut Oleg Kononenko was announced by Russia's space agency, Roscosmos, as the first person to spend a total of 1,000 days in space.
An Overview of the News
Kononenko's record was reached during his ongoing mission aboard the International Space Station (ISS), which began on September 15, 2023.
Mission Details
Total Time in Space: By the end of his current mission on September 23, 2024, Kononenko will have spent a total of 1,110 days in orbit.
Multiple Missions: Kononenko accumulated his time in space over five separate missions to the ISS. His first mission was Expedition 17, which launched in April 2008.
Previous Records
In February 2024, Kononenko broke the previous record of 878 days in space set by his colleague, Gennady Padalka.
About The International Space Station (ISS)
It was commissioned in 1998 and has been fully operational since 2011.
The first astronauts were sent to the ISS in 2000.
It is operated by 16 countries, led by NASA, including America, Russia, Japan, Brazil, Canada, and 11 European countries.
The ISS is the most complex international scientific and engineering project and the largest manned spaceflight structure.
It orbits Earth at an average altitude of 400 kilometers, completing an orbit every 90 minutes at a speed of about 28,000 kilometers per hour.
The ISS appears as a bright moving light in the night sky, similar to the planet Venus.
Russia
Capital and largest city - Moscow
Official and national language - Russian
President - Vladimir Putin
Prime Minister - Mikhail Mishustin
2. India Launches UPI Payments at Galeries Lafayette, Paris
Tags: International News
India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) launched at the Galeries Lafayette flagship store on Haussmann Boulevard, Paris.
An Overview of the News
The Indian Embassy in France announced the operational status of UPI at Galeries Lafayette on July 3, 2024.
Ambassador Jawed Ashraf inaugurated the launch with Nicolas Houze (CEO of Galeries Lafayette) and Alain Lacour (Chairman of Lyra Group) present.
Significance and Strategic Collaboration
Strategic Collaboration:
Highlighted the strategic partnership between Lyra and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI).
This launch is ahead of the Paris Olympics starting on July 26, 2024, expecting many Indian visitors.
Historical Context:
Recalled Prime Minister Modi's first international UPI launch in Singapore in 2018.
Emphasized UPI's ongoing global expansion and potential for facilitating cross-border digital payments and remittances.
UPI Overview and Capabilities
System Integration:
UPI integrates multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application.
Offers seamless fund routing and merchant payments across participating banks.
Technical Details:
UPI is an Indian instant payment system developed by NPCI in 2016.
It facilitates inter-bank peer-to-peer and person-to-merchant transactions.
Operates as an open-source application programming interface (API) on top of the Immediate Payment Service (IMPS).
Regulated by the Reserve Bank of India.
Global Fintech Alignment
UPI positions itself as a comprehensive digital payment system.
Aligns with global fintech trends, promoting swift, secure, and efficient cross-border transactions.
3. NITI Aayog Launches Sampoornata Abhiyan
Tags: National News
NITI Aayog has initiated the Sampoornata Abhiyan, a three-month campaign starting from 4th july until 30th September.
An Overview of the News
The campaign aims to achieve saturation of six key indicators in Aspirational Districts and Aspirational Blocks across India.
The campaign targets 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks under the Aspirational Districts Programme and Aspirational Blocks Programme.
The six key performance indicators (KPIs) for Sampoornata Abhiyan across aspirational blocks and districts:
For Aspirational Blocks:
Percentage of pregnant women registered for Antenatal Care within the first trimester.
Percentage of persons screened for Diabetes.
Percentage of persons screened for Hypertension.
Percentage of pregnant women taking Supplementary Nutrition regularly.
Percentage of Soil Health Cards generated.
Percentage of Self Help Groups (SHGs) receiving Revolving Fund.
For Aspirational Districts:
Percentage of pregnant women registered for Antenatal Care within the first trimester.
Percentage of pregnant women taking Supplementary Nutrition regularly.
Percentage of children fully immunized.
Number of Soil Health Cards distributed.
Percentage of secondary schools with functional electricity.
Percentage of schools providing textbooks within one month of the academic session start.
Implementation Strategy
Action Plan Development: Each district/block will develop a comprehensive three-month action plan to achieve saturation of the identified KPIs.
Progress Tracking: Monthly tracking of progress towards saturation goals.
Awareness Campaigns: Conduct campaigns to raise awareness and promote behavioral change among stakeholders.
Monitoring: Regular field visits by district officials to monitor and support implementation efforts.
NITI Aayog
It is India's top public policy think tank.
It promotes economic development and cooperative federalism.
Initiatives include long-term planning, Digital India, and healthcare and agriculture reforms.
It engages states in policy-making and aims for holistic development through various schemes and indices.
Formed - 1 January 2015
Headquarters - New Delhi
Chairperson - Narendra Modi
Vice Chairperson - Suman Bery
CEO - B. V. R. Subrahmanyam
4. Japan's ALOS-4 Earth Observation Satellite Launch
Tags: Science and Technology International News
Japan launched the Advanced Land Observation Satellite-4 "DAICHI-4" (ALOS-4) on July 1, 2024.
An Overview of the News
The launch took place from the Tanegashima Space Center using the third flight of the H3 Launch Vehicle (H3 F3).
This marked the third successful deployment of the H3 system.
ALOS-4 is designed for earth observation and was deployed into orbit from off the coast of Kyushu, Japan.
This launch marks a significant advancement in Japan's space exploration efforts, focusing on enhanced earth observation capabilities.
ALOS-4 Features:
ALOS-4 succeeds DAICHI-2 (ALOS-2) and expands its observation range significantly. Japan will continue to operate both satellites concurrently.
It features an infrared sensor developed by Japan's defense ministry, primarily designed for earth observation, disaster response data collection, and cartography.
Equipped with an infrared sensor, the satellite has capabilities for monitoring military activities such as missile launches.
About H3 Rocket System:
Developed by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
Designed as a cost-effective successor to the H-IIA launch system, capable of carrying a 6.5 metric ton payload into space.
Each launch costs approximately 5 billion Japanese Yen (JPY) or USD 33 million.
About JAXA
Established- 2003
President- Yamakawa Hiroshi
Headquarters- Chofu City, Japan
Japan
Capital: Tokyo
King: Prince Naruhito (The reign of the 126th king will be known as 'Riwa'.)
Prime Minister: Fumio Kishida
Currency: Japanese Yen
Additional Information:-
1. | Japan introduced new 3D holographic banknotes starting from July 3. |
2. | South Korea, the US, and Japan launched their first trilateral multi-domain exercise named Freedom Edge on June 27. |
5. Russia Approves 2033 Completion Plan for New Orbital Station
Tags: International News
Russia has approved the schedule for creating a Russian orbital station by 2033.
An Overview of the News
Roscosmos, Russia’s state space corporation, released a statement detailing the schedule.
The schedule includes:
Design and construction of space modules.
Flight tests of a new-generation manned spaceship.
Creation of launch vehicles.
Development of space infrastructure on Earth.
Timetable for the work of scientific institutes supporting the project.
Yuriy Borisov, head of Roscosmos, signed the construction schedule along with directors from 19 enterprises involved.
Launch Schedule
2027: Launch of the scientific and energy modules.
2030: Launch of three core modules:
Universal nodal module.
Gateway module.
Base module.
2033: Launch of two additional target modules.
Financial Allocation
A total of 608.9 billion rubles has been allocated to finance the project.
Objectives and Benefits
Ensuring the continuity of Russia’s space program.
Addressing issues of national security.
Promoting scientific and technological development.
Serving as a platform for testing space technologies.
6. Dick Schoof Elected as New Prime Minister of Netherlands
Tags: International News
Dick Schoof, former head of the Dutch intelligence agency and counterterrorism office, is sworn in as the new Prime Minister of the Netherlands by King Willem-Alexander.
An Overview of the News
The Netherlands has a new Prime Minister for the first time in 14 years.
The new government was sworn in seven months after the far-right Party for Freedom won the largest share of seats in the elections.
First non-party-aligned PM since World War II.
Formation of Government:
Took 223 days to form a government after elections.
The elections were dominated by Geert Wilders’ far-right, anti-Islam Party for Freedom.
Wilders’ party won the largest share of seats but did not secure the PM position due to opposition from coalition partners.
Coalition Parties:
Party for Freedom (Geert Wilders).
People’s Party for Freedom and Democracy (Mark Rutte’s center-right party).
Farmer Citizen Movement (populist party).
New Social Contract (centrist party).
Government Agenda:
Coalition agreement titled “Hope, courage and pride.”
Strict measures on asylum-seekers.
Scrapping of family reunification for refugees.
Reduction in the number of international students.
Controversies and Negotiations:
Wilders backpedaled on extreme views, including banning mosques, Islamic schools, and the Quran.
Ronald Plasterk, Wilders’ first choice for PM, withdrew due to allegations of medical patent fraud.
Cabinet Ministers:
15 other ministers installed alongside PM Schoof.
Femke Wiersma, agriculture minister, made her declaration in Frisian.
About Netherlands
The Netherlands, also known as Holland, is a country located in northwestern Europe.
Monarch: King Willem-Alexander
Prime Minister: Dick Schoof
Capital: Amsterdam
Currency: euro
7. Indian Army inducts first indigenous chip-based 4G base station
Tags: National News
The Indian Army has inducted its first-ever indigenous chip-based 4G mobile base station.
An Overview of the News
Procured from Bangalore-based firm Signaltron through the government e-marketplace portal.
Signaltron and Signalchip:
Signaltron was founded by Himamshu Khasnis.
The chip used in the Sahyadri LTE base stations was developed by Signalchip, a fabless semiconductor company founded in 2010.
Significance:
The Sahyadri LTE base stations use India's first chips for 4G and 5G networks.
This is the first Indian system running on an Indian chip for complex communication technology inducted into the army.
Using indigenous chips enhances system security.
Procurement Details:
The Indian Army posted a bid on GeM for 4G LTE NIB (Network In a Box) solutions.
Signaltron's Sahyadri NIB solution passed stringent technical trials and won the competitive bid.
Features of Sahyadri NIB:
Weighs just 7 kgs.
Provides high-quality secure wireless communication for audio, video, and data applications.
Capable of working in both standalone and cellular modes.
Seamless inter-operation with legacy analogue and IP telephony systems.
Current Market Landscape:
Most base stations deployed in India are not made in India and do not use indigenous chips.
Indigenous chips are crucial for the strategic security of modern electronic devices and equipment.
Deployment and Production:
Signaltron has supplied 20 units to the Indian Army.
The deployment of these base stations depends on the Army's strategic requirements.
The units are light and mobile, allowing flexible deployment locations.
Industry Context:
India currently lacks a fabrication facility for modern semiconductor chips.
Signalchip designs and owns the technology, with chips fabricated through third-party wafer fabs.
The Indian base station market is expected to be about USD 24 billion by 2029.
Indigenous systems can lead to significant forex savings and GDP boost.
Market Potential:
The CNPN (Captive Network-Private Network) 4G/5G market worldwide is expected to exceed USD 30 billion by 2030.
Local chip-based base stations will enable economies of scale and large market possibilities.
8. Central Railway Installs First Floating Solar Plant
Tags: Science and Technology National News
Central Railway installed a 10 MWp floating solar plant in Igatpuri lake, Western Ghats.
An Overview of the News
This is the first floating solar plant initiative by Indian Railways.
The plant is part of efforts to leverage renewable energy sources, including solar and wind energy.
Goal: Zero carbon emission by 2030.
Additional Solar Plants:
Commissioned 12.05-MWp solar plants on station rooftops and buildings.
4-MWp solar plants installed last year.
Saved Rs 4.62 crore in 2023-24 and reduced carbon footprint by 6,594.81 MT.
Plans to install an additional 7-MWp solar plant in the current year.
Current Renewable Energy Usage:
Utilising 56.4 MW of wind energy and 61 MW of solar energy.
Agreements for 325 MW of solar and wind energy on a "round-the-clock" basis.
Expecting an additional 180 MW of solar and 50 MW of wind power this financial year.
Environmental Impact:
Equivalent to saving 2.5 lakh trees.
70% of traction energy expected to be green after full commissioning of renewable sources.
Power Consumption:
Present monthly power consumption: 236.92 million units for traction and 9.7 million units for non-traction work.
Energy Efficiency Awards:
Bureau of Energy Efficiency awarded "Shunya-Plus" label to five buildings and "Shunya" label to two buildings of Central Railway.
Labels indicate efforts towards creating Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEBs) and Net Positive Energy Buildings (NPEBs).
Reflects commitment to environmental conservation.
9. India Placed in 'Regular Follow-Up' Category by FATF
Tags: International News
India has been categorized under the 'regular follow-up' by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF).
An Overview of the News
The FATF held its plenary meeting in Singapore from June 26-28, 2024.
This decision follows a review of India's efforts in implementing anti-money laundering, anti-terrorism financing, and anti-proliferation financing measures.
Alongside India, Russia, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom were also placed in the 'regular follow-up' category.
One country was added to the grey list, and others were categorized under 'enhanced follow-up'.
The FATF acknowledged India's efforts in combating money laundering and terrorist financing but highlighted the need to address delays in concluding prosecutions related to these crimes.
FATF Evaluation of India:
India joined FATF in 2010 and underwent its first evaluation in the same year.
The next evaluation was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and occurred in 2023.
India must submit a report addressing FATF concerns by October 2027.
Implications for India:
Being in the regular follow-up category enhances ease of financial transactions globally.
Easier access to international capital markets at lower costs for Indian companies.
Increased foreign investment due to enhanced confidence in India's legal and payment systems, including UPI.
About FATF:
Established in 1989 by G-7 countries to set global standards on AML/CFT/PF.
Inter-governmental body issuing recommendations and assessing countries' actions against financial crimes.
Collaborates with IMF, World Bank, UN, and FATF-style regional bodies.
Headquartered in Paris, France, with 39 current members excluding Russia (suspended since 2023).
President: T Raja Kumar of Singapore.
PMLA 2002:
Based on FATF recommendations, Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002 combats money laundering in India.
Enforced by the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) since July 1, 2005.
10. Japan Introduces New 3D Holographic Banknotes
Tags: International News
Japan will start issuing new banknotes on July 3.
An Overview of the News
These banknotes feature cutting-edge holography, making the portraits of historic figures appear to rotate in 3D.
The new technology allows visually impaired people to feel and discern the banknotes they are holding.
Tactile marks will make the banknotes recognizable by touch.
By the end of March next year, nearly 7.5 billion new banknotes will be printed.
Existing banknotes will remain valid after the introduction of the new banknotes.
About Japan
Capital: Tokyo
King: Prince Naruhito (The reign of the 126th king will be known as 'Riwa'.)
Prime Minister: Fumio Kishida
Currency: Japanese Yen
