1. Sri Lanka hosts 'Karnataka Cultural Festival' for the first time
Tags: International News
Sri Lanka hosted the Karnataka Cultural Festival on August 27, 2023.
An Overview of the News
This program is organized by the International Cultural Council of India, Swami Vivekananda Cultural Center, and M.E. Organized in association with the Global Peace Foundation.
The festival featured a variety of performances from over 30 artists from Karnataka: traditional dances, folk music, multilingual poems, ballet, and puppet shows
The focus was on highlighting the cultural heritage and heritage of Karnataka.
The cast included lead artist Madhuri Bondre and her troupe.
About Karnataka
It is a state in southwest India and is bordered by Maharashtra to the north, Goa to the northwest, Andhra Pradesh to the east, Tamil Nadu to the southeast, and Kerala to the southwest.
Chief Minister - Siddaramaiah
Governor - Thawar Chand Gehlot
Official language - Kannada
Official Dance - Yakshagana
About Sri Lanka
Capital - Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
President - Ranil Wickremesinghe
Prime Minister - Dinesh Gunawardena
Official Language - Sinhala
2. Indian Navy participates in 5th 'AUSINDEX-23' held in Australia
Tags: Defence International News
From August 22 to 25, 2023, the 5th edition of the biennial AUSINDEX maritime exercise occurred in Sydney, Australia, conducted collaboratively by the Indian Navy and the Royal Australian Navy.
An Overview of the News
Indian Navy and Royal Australian Navy (RAN) jointly organized the exercise.
The participating ships included INS Sahyadri, INS Kolkata from the Indian Navy, and HMAS Choules and HMAS Brisbane from RAN
The exercise not only involved ships and their helicopters but also fighter aircraft and maritime patrol aircraft.
Over the course of 4 days, AUSINDEX involved a series of complex exercises covering all three maritime operational domains.
Indian Navy (IN):
It is the marine branch of the Indian Armed Forces.
The President of India is the Supreme Commander of the Indian Navy.
The Chief of Naval Staff, a four-star admiral, leads the Navy.
The Navy operates as a blue-water force in areas such as the Persian Gulf, the Horn of Africa, and the Malacca Straits.
Establishment - 26 January 1950
Headquarters - New Delhi
Motto - Sham no Varunah (Sanskrit) Translation - ‘May the Lord of the waters be auspicious unto us’
Navy Day - 4 December
About Australia
It is a sovereign country located in the Southern Hemisphere and is geographically isolated from the rest of the world.
Capital - Canberra
Emperor - Charles III
Governor-General - David Hurley
Prime Minister - Anthony Albanese
3. Zimbabwe's President Emmerson Mnangagwa re-elected for final term
Tags: Person in news International News
Emmerson Mnangagwa was re-elected as the President of Zimbabwe for a second and final five-year term.
An Overview of the News
The announcement of Mnangagwa's victory was immediately denied by the opposition party's spokesman, who criticized the quick announcement and lack of proper result verification.
The results of Mnangagwa's re-election ensure the continued dominance of the ZANU-PF party in governing the country.
The party has maintained control of Zimbabwe's leadership throughout the 43-year period since the country's renaming in 1980, which followed liberation from white minority rule.
About Zimbabwe
It is a landlocked country in Southern Africa.
The Zambezi River flows through Zimbabwe and is home to Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls plunges 108 meters down the Batoka Gorge.
Downstream of the Zambezi River are the Matusadona and Mana Pools National Parks.
Capital - Harare
Currency - United States Dollar
Official languages - Shona, English, Tshwa language, Xhosa
4. Last survivors of the Amazon rainforest tribe Piripkura found in Brazil
Tags: International News
Three remaining survivors of the Amazon rainforest tribe - Piripkura found in Brazil
An Overview of the News
In the heart of the Amazon rainforest, the Piripkura tribe remains one of the last bastions of indigenous culture.
Despite having only three remaining members, they are engaged in the struggle against impending threats such as deforestation from logging and mining activities.
Piripkura Tribe:
The Piripkura tribe comes from the Mato Grosso region of Brazil and leads a nomadic lifestyle.
Renowned for their reclusiveness, they strive to preserve their traditional lifestyle.
This indigenous group has faced significant hardships due to the invasion of their lands by illegal logging, mining, and other exploitative activities.
Their territory faces threats from deforestation and resource exploitation.
Key facts about the Amazon rainforest:
The Amazon rainforest, an extensive tropical rainforest, covers the basin of the Amazon River and its tributaries in northern South America, covering a vast area of 2,300,000 square miles.
Covering about 40% of Brazil's total land area, it is bordered by the Guiana Highlands to the north, the Andes Mountains to the west, the Brazilian Central Plateau to the south, and the Atlantic Ocean to the east.
Other tribes living in the Amazon rainforest:
Yanomami:
One of the largest indigenous groups in the Amazon.
Residence in Brazil and Venezuela.
Kayapo:
Found in Para and Mato Grosso, Brazil.
Known for vibrant traditions like body painting and beadwork.
Ashaninka:
Habitats of Peru and Brazil.
Supporters of strong cultural identity and rights.
The focus was on protecting the land from harvesting and illegal crops.
Tucano:
Located in the upper Amazon in Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela.
Known for spiritual practices and rainforest wisdom.
Awa:
One of the most endangered tribes of the Brazilian state of Maranhao.
Threatened by illegal logging and mining.
5. Anwarul Haq Kakar sworn in as the 8th Interim Prime Minister of Pakistan
Tags: International News
Ethnic Pashtun leader Anwarul Haq Kakar was sworn in as the 8th Caretaker Prime Minister of Pakistan, becoming the youngest person to hold the role.
An Overview of the News
President Arif Alvi administered the oath of office to Anwarul Haq Kakar in a simple ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan. Distinguished attendees include outgoing Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and prominent leaders.
Kakar formally resigned from the Senate and the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP), strengthening his commitment to the neutrality expected in his current position.
The Senate Chairman has accepted Kakar's resignation as per Article 64, Clause (1) of the Constitution of Pakistan.
Anwar Ul Haq Kakar: Background and Political Journey
Ethnic identity and party affiliation: Kakar, an ethnic Pashtun, is affiliated with the Balochistan Awami Party (BAP).
Birthplace and political entry: Hailing from the provincial capital Quetta, Kakar entered politics in the late 21st century.
Experience as Spokesperson: In a previous role, he served as the spokesperson for the Balochistan Provincial Administration in 2013 and gained valuable insight into regional governance.
Senate tenure and election: Anwar ul Haq Kakar assumed a position in the Pakistani Senate as a senator in March 2018.
He secured this seat in the 2018 Pakistani Senate elections as an independent candidate representing Balochistan through a general seat.
Chief of the Army Staff of Pakistan - General Asim Munir
6. Pibot: Humanoid Robot for Airplane Piloting
Tags: Science and Technology International News
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is making advances in aviation through the creation of the "Pibot".
An Overview of the News
Pibot is a humanoid robot designed to autonomously fly aircraft using advanced AI capabilities and its own dexterity.
Revolutionizing Aviation and Beyond:
Pibot aims to revolutionize aviation by enabling autonomous flight in existing aircraft, without the need for cockpit modifications.
By mimicking human pilot actions and decisions, Pibot aims to usher in a new era of automated aviation.
Unrivaled Control Precision:
The Pibot has state-of-the-art robotic arms and fingers with high-precision control mechanisms.
It excels in handling flight instruments and managing cockpit switches even under challenging conditions like intense vibrations.
Advanced AI Capabilities:
Pibot uses artificial intelligence to understand and retain complex flight manuals presented in everyday language.
It surpasses even human pilots by memorizing extensive sets of Jeppesen aeronautical navigation charts, a feat well beyond human capability.
7. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman Launches 'WorldCoin Crypto Project'
Tags: International News
Sam Altman, CEO of OpenAI, along with co-founders Alex Blania and Max Novendstern, launched the 'WorldCoin Crypto Project'.
An Overview of the News
The primary objective of the WorldCoin crypto project is to establish a universal and decentralised digital identity that prioritises privacy and gives people access to various online services and benefits.
A notable aspect of the project is the vision of implementing WorldCoin as a means of distributing Universal Basic Income (UBI) to individuals around the world regardless of their location, income or social status.
The Tools for Humans organisation, headquartered in San Francisco and Berlin, provides support and assistance to the WorldCoin initiative.
An impressive 2 million users have already signed up for the beta version of the WorldCoin cryptocurrency project.
The project has ambitious plans to expand its reach to 35 cities in 20 countries.
To express gratitude to the early investors, WorldCoin cryptocurrency tokens will be given as rewards.
The initial supply of WorldCoin tokens is limited to 10 billion.
About WorldCoin crypto project:
The main goal of WorldCoin is to introduce a "World ID" system that authenticates a person's identity through iris scanning. This verification process helps to differentiate between humans and AI bots.
This project uses a device called 'Orb' to ensure the genuineness of the person. Once verified, a unique World ID is generated for the individual.
Interested persons can participate in the project by downloading the World App. They can receive their unique World ID by scanning their iris, verifying their human identity and using the 'Orb' to secure their digital passport.
8. Bengaluru becomes the first Indian city to join the World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF)
Tags: place in news International News
Karnataka capital Bengaluru has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first Indian city to join the prestigious World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF).
An Overview of the News
The World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF) is a global network of cities that collaboratively research and share intelligence to explore the important role of culture in shaping future prosperity.
Bengaluru is the 41st city to join WCCF, which already includes 40 cities across six continents such as New York, London, Paris, Tokyo and Dubai.
In the past year, the cultural essence of Bengaluru has been showcased through multimedia assets by WCCF as part of a collaborative project called 'Unboxing Bangalore'.
The 'Unboxing BLR Foundation' established in April 2022 played a key role in this achievement. The Foundation is a non-profit initiative, founded by Prashant Prakash, founding partner of Accel India, and Malini Goyal, a philanthropist and journalist.
World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF):
WCCF was established in 2012.
Justin Simmons, the Deputy Mayor of London for Culture and Creative Industries, was instrumental in its setting up.
In 2015, Queen Elizabeth recognized Justin Simmons' significant contribution to culture in London.
As a token of appreciation, Justin Simmons was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
About Bengaluru
Known as the 'Silicon Valley of India', Bengaluru has more than 30 government and private museums. Notably, in 2019, India's first interactive music museum was inaugurated, and later in February 2020, the Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) opened, becoming the first major private art museum in South India.
At the core of Bengaluru's vibrant intellectual and cultural exchange is the Bengaluru International Centre, established in 2019 within a 20,000 sq ft renovated industrial warehouse. Another hub of creativity is the Bangalore Creative Circus, which acts as an urban living laboratory.
Bengaluru serves as a major centre for film production, especially hosting the Kannada film industry which produces over 100 films annually. In addition, the city has a rich musical heritage, which includes North Indian (Hindustani) and South Indian (Karnataka) classical music.
Living up to its title as the "Garden City of India", Bengaluru is adorned with many green spaces, notably the nationally acclaimed Botanic Garden, Lal Bagh and Cubbon Park. These green areas add to the natural charm and beauty of the city.
9. World's largest permafrost crater 'Batagaika' is expanding rapidly due to global warming in Russia
Tags: International News
Batagaika, the world's largest permafrost crater, is located in the Far East Siberian taiga and is expanding rapidly due to global warming in Russia.
An Overview of the News
This massive crater, also known as the "Gateway to the Underworld", initially appeared in the 1960s when the area was cleared for timber.
The crater is about one kilometre long and is classified as a 'mega-slump', indicating significant geological changes on Earth.
One of the primary factors contributing to the formation of permafrost craters is the thawing of permafrost, which is being caused by deforestation, land use change, and rising temperatures.
Russia's warming rate is at least 2.5 times faster than the global average, melting its long-frozen tundra and contributing to the expansion of the 'Batagaika' crater at a rate of about 10 metres per year.
Permafrost Crater:
Permafrost refers to land that is frozen at or below 0°C for at least two consecutive years.
It is mainly found in areas with high terrain and close to the Earth's poles, that is, the North and South Poles. Permafrost is made up of a mixture of soil, rock, and sand that is bound together by ice.
In particular, permafrost holds substantial amounts of organic carbon within its frozen layers.
When permafrost melts and the soil thaws, it releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, potentially increasing global warming.
10. 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
