1. HAL Receives Rs 45,000 Crore RFP from MoD for 156 Indigenous Light Combat Helicopters
Tags: Defence National News
On 17th June 2024, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), based in Bengaluru, Karnataka, received a Request For Proposal (RFP) from the Ministry of Defence (MoD) for the procurement of 156 Light Combat Helicopters (LCHs) Prachand, estimated to cost Rs 45,000 crore.
An Overview of the News
The MoD issued this RFP under Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015.
Of the 156 LCHs, 90 are allocated for the Indian Army (IA) and 66 for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
About Light Combat Helicopter (LCH):
The LCH Prachand is the first indigenous Multi-Role Combat Helicopter, designed and manufactured by HAL in collaboration with French engine-maker Safran.
Key aviation technologies such as the glass cockpit and composite airframe structure have been indigenised.
It is the world's only attack helicopter capable of landing and taking off at an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 ft), suitable for operations in high-altitude areas like the Siachen glacier and Eastern Ladakh.
The LCH is a 5-8 tonne class dedicated combat helicopter, powered by twin Shakti engines.
It features a countermeasure dispensing system that protects it from enemy radar detection.
Important Points:
In April 2024, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) issued a tender to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for the procurement of 97 indigenously developed Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Mark 1A fighter jets for the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The estimated worth of the tender is over Rs 65,000 crore.
About HAL:
HAL is a Navratna Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) under the Ministry of Defence (MoD).
Chairman and Managing Director (CMD): C.B. Ananthakrishnan (Additional Charge)
Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka
Established: 1940
2. PM Modi Inaugurates New Nalanda University Campus
Tags: State News National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the newly built campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar.
An Overview of the News
The event was held at Sushma Swaraj Auditorium at Nalanda University.
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha, along with other delegates, were present at the new campus of Nalanda University. The event was also attended by ambassadors from 17 countries.
Prime Minister Modi's Address
PM Modi emphasized the role of knowledge in making India developed by 2047.
Stressed that strengthening education and knowledge systems can help India achieve superpower status.
Mentioned the International Solar Alliance as an example of such initiatives.
The government aims to re-establish India as a major knowledge centre with a new identity in the education sector.
Remarks by Other Leaders
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar:
Spoke on the revival of Nalanda as a global bridge of learning.
Highlighted education, training, and capacity building as effective ways to promote international understanding.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar:
Praised the glorious history of ancient Nalanda University.
Acknowledged the ruins of ancient Nalanda University as a World Heritage site.
Historical Significance of Nalanda
Nalanda University, founded in Rajagriha (now Rajgir) in Bihar in the 5th century BC by Kumararagupta of the Gupta Dynasty, was among the earliest educational institutions globally.
It thrived under Gupta kings like Kumaragupta, Emperor Harsha of Kannauj, and later under the Pala empire.
Nalanda functioned not only as a university but also as a Buddhist monastery.
According to Chinese traveler Hiuen Tsang, the university housed 10,000 monks and 2,000 teachers.
Aryabhata, the renowned mathematician and astronomer, led Nalanda University.
Prominent figures such as Harshavardhana, Nagarjuna, and Vasubandhu were among its notable students.
Nalanda boasted an illustrious 800-year tradition as a center of learning.
UNESCO recognizes two world heritage sites in Bihar: the Mahabodhi Mahavihara in Bodh Gaya and the remnants of the ancient Nalanda University.
3. National Conclave on Sickle Cell Disease Awareness
Tags: National News
National Conclave on Sickle Cell Disease Awareness about Sickle Cell Disease was held at AIIMS, New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram emphasized that sickle cell disease (SCD) is not limited to tribal communities and can affect anyone.
Oram stressed the importance of widespread awareness and the need to approach treatment from a human development perspective.
Grassroots Efforts: Called for initiatives at Gram Panchayats and Anganwadis.
Inter-Disciplinary Cooperation: Stressed the importance of cooperation among ministries and departments.
Patient Interaction: Oram interacted with SCD patients.
Conclave Details: One-day event at AIIMS with top hematology experts discussing SCD treatment and research.
Overview of Sickle Cell Anemia
Sickle cell anemia is a type of inherited disorder under the umbrella of sickle cell disease.
It affects the shape of red blood cells, which are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body.
Some red blood cells become sickle-shaped (like crescent moons) and are rigid and sticky.
These malformed cells can slow down or block blood flow.
Normal Red Blood Cells:
- Typically round and flexible, allowing easy movement through blood vessels.
Symptoms and Signs
Anemia:
Sickle cells break apart easily, typically dying in 10 to 20 days, compared to the usual 120 days for normal red blood cells.
This leads to a shortage of red blood cells, known as anemia, resulting in fatigue due to insufficient oxygen.
Pain:
Known as pain crises, these episodes occur when sickle-shaped cells block blood flow to the chest, abdomen, and joints.
Chronic pain can occur due to bone and joint damage, ulcers, and other factors.
Swelling of Hands and Feet:
Blocked blood circulation by sickle cells causes swelling in these areas.
Frequent Infections:
Damage to the spleen by sickle cells increases infection risk.
Babies and children with sickle cell anemia often receive vaccinations and antibiotics to prevent serious infections, such as pneumonia.
Delayed Growth or Puberty:
The shortage of healthy red blood cells affects oxygen and nutrient supply, slowing growth in babies and children and delaying puberty in teenagers.
Vision Problems:
Blockage of tiny blood vessels supplying the eyes can damage the retina, leading to vision issues.
4. Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations Released by CDS General Anil Chauhan
Tags: Defence National News
Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan unveiled the Joint Doctrine for Cyberspace Operations during a meeting of the Chiefs of Staff Committee in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The doctrine is considered a pivotal publication that will direct Commanders in navigating Cyberspace Operations within complex military environments.
The Defence Ministry highlighted the Joint Doctrine's role in promoting Jointness and Integration across the Indian Armed Forces.
It marks a significant stride in enhancing the ongoing military processes.
In addition to traditional domains like Land, Sea, and Air, Cyberspace has become crucial in contemporary warfare.
Operations in this domain are crucially integrated into national security strategies to influence outcomes across other operational arenas.
Guidance and Focus Areas:
The doctrine focuses on comprehending the military aspects of cyberspace operations.
It provides conceptual guidance to commanders, staff, and practitioners involved in planning and executing operations in cyberspace.
5. The Post Office Act of 2023 Officially Takes Effect
Tags: National News
The Post Office Act, 2023 officially took effect on 18th June 2024, replacing the Indian Post Office Act, 1898.
An Overview of the News
Under the new Act, the government is empowered to intercept parcels transmitted through India Post under specific circumstances such as state security and public order concerns.
Interception can occur during public emergencies or to ensure public safety or tranquility, authorized by the central or state governments or designated officers.
Officers in charge can detain or dispose of intercepted shipments and have authority to open, detain, or destroy parcels containing prohibited items as per the Act or other laws.
Appointment and Powers of Director General of Postal Services
Appointment: Director General of Postal Services will lead India Post.
Regulatory Powers: Empowered to make regulations on various matters, including tariffs for services and supply of postage stamps.
Legislative Process
Bill Passage: Post Office Bill 2023 passed by Parliament in December.
Presidential Assent: Received assent from the President of India on 24th December 2023.
6. AIIMS Publishes Case Study on India’s First Successful Delivery of An Anemic Child with One of the World’s Rarest Blood Groups
Tags: Science and Technology National News
All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) New Delhi published a case study on India's first successful delivery of a child suffering from anemia with one of the world’s rarest blood groups, Rh 17 antigen.
An overview of the news
Dr. Neena Malhotra, Head of the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department at AIIMS Delhi, briefed the media on the complications that arose during pregnancy due to alloimmunisation, which is the incompatibility between the red blood cells of the mother and the baby.
The fetus underwent 6 intrauterine blood transfusions to reduce the chances of hydrops or heart failure.
Dr. Aparna Sharma, an Obstetrics and Gynaecology professor, highlighted that the biggest challenge was obtaining the rare Rh 17 antigen, which had to be sourced from Japan.
About AIIMS
It is a public medical research university and hospital located in New Delhi, India.
The institute is governed by the AIIMS Act, 1956.
AIIMS Delhi operates autonomously under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Established: 1956
Current President:Mansukh Mandaviya
Dean: Neena Khanna
Director: M Srinivas
Motto: "Sharīramādyam khalu dharmasādhanam" ("The body is indeed the primary instrument of dharma")
Anemia Overview
Anemia is characterized by a deficiency of healthy red blood cells or hemoglobin, impairing oxygen transport to the body's tissues.
Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells responsible for carrying oxygen from the lungs to the rest of the body.
Symptoms include tiredness, weakness, and shortness of breath.
Types of Anemia
Aplastic Anemia
Iron Deficiency Anemia
Sickle Cell Anemia
Thalassemia
Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
Symptoms of Anemia
General Symptoms:
Symptoms depend on the cause and severity of anemia.
Initially, anemia can be mild and symptomless, but symptoms worsen as anemia progresses.
An underlying disease can mask anemia symptoms, with anemia sometimes discovered through tests for other conditions.
Possible Symptoms:
Tiredness
Weakness
Shortness of breath
Pale or yellowish skin (more noticeable on lighter skin tones)
Irregular heartbeat
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Chest pain
Cold hands and feet
Headaches
7. PM Modi to Release ₹20,000 Crore Under PM-KISAN
Tags: National News
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will release the 17th instalment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) on June 18, 2024.
An Overview of the News
Amount and Beneficiaries: Over ₹20,000 crore will be disbursed to 9.26 crore beneficiary farmers through Direct Benefit Transfer.
Scheme Impact: So far, more than 11 crore eligible farmer families have received benefits totaling over ₹3 lakh crore under the PM-KISAN scheme.
Special Recognition: PM Modi will grant certificates to over 30,000 women from Self Help Groups, including Krishi Sakhis.
Inauguration of Nalanda University Campus
Event Date: On June 19, 2024, the Prime Minister will visit the ruins of Nalanda and inaugurate the new campus of Nalanda University in Rajgir, Bihar.
Collaboration: Nalanda University is a joint initiative between India and East Asia Summit countries.
Inauguration Ceremony: The event will be attended by several eminent personalities, including the Heads of Missions from 17 countries.
Nalanda University Campus Details
Academic Infrastructure: The campus includes two academic blocks with 40 classrooms, accommodating around 1,900 students.
Facilities:
Two auditoriums with a seating capacity of 300 each.
A student hostel with a capacity for 550 students.
An International Centre and an Amphitheatre that can accommodate up to 2,000 individuals.
A faculty club and a sports complex.
Sustainability: The campus is designed as a ‘Net Zero’ green campus, powered by a solar plant. It has its own water treatment and recycling plants, 100 acres of water bodies, and other environment-friendly facilities.
Heritage and Legacy
Historical Significance: The original Nalanda University, established around 1,600 years ago, is one of the world's first residential universities.
UNESCO Heritage Site: In 2016, the ruins of Nalanda were declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
8. 'Nepal International Tourism Expo' Kick Starts in Kathmandu
Tags: International News
The two-day ‘Nepal International Tourism Expo (NITE)’ kicked off in Kathmandu on June 14 to promote Nepal’s tourism globally.
An Overview of the News
Held from June 14-15, 2024 at Bhrikutimandap Exhibition Hall.
Organised in collaboration with Kathmandu Metropolitan City in collaboration with Nepal Tourism Board and other associations.
Inauguration and Goals
Inaugurated by Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation Minister Hit Bahadur Tamang.
Minister Tamang emphasised the event’s potential to boost Nepal’s international tourism presence.
Minister Tamang noted ongoing efforts to meet the government’s target of 1.6 million tourists this year, including resolving tourism sector issues and waiving VAT and unnecessary taxes on air tickets.
Participation and Networking
It aims to unite tourism related businesses such as hotels, resorts, homestays, travel/tour/trekking/mountaineering agencies, airlines and stakeholders from both domestic and international sectors.
Participating countries include Nepal, India, Korea, Taiwan, Singapore, Maldives, USA, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, China, Thailand, UAE, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Malaysia and Bhutan, with a total of 155 entrepreneurs.
Government of Bihar participated to promote tourism opportunities in ecotourism in Guru Circuit, Jain Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, Buddhist Circuit and Valmiki Tiger Reserve.
Provides a two-day networking opportunity for national and international tourism stakeholders to foster collaboration and lasting partnerships.
About Nepal
The kingdom of Nepal was established by the Shah dynasty.
It is a landlocked country in South Asia.
Prime Minister - Pushpa Kamal Dahal
President - Ram Chandra Paudel
Capital - Kathmandu
Currency - Nepalese Rupee
9. Cyril Ramaphosa Re-Elected South African President
Tags: International News
Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as the President of South Africa.
An Overview of the News
This follows a landmark coalition deal between his African National Congress (ANC) and opposition parties.
The new government combines Ramaphosa’s ANC, the centre-right Democratic Alliance, and other smaller parties.
Parliament Vote
Ramaphosa won convincingly in a Parliament vote.
He received 283 votes against Julius Malema’s 44 in the 400-member house.
Malema is the leader of the far-left Economic Freedom Fighters.
Crucial Agreement
Ramaphosa secured his second term after an agreement with the Democratic Alliance.
This agreement was struck just hours before the presidential vote.
The ANC lost its 30-year majority in Africa’s national assembly.
Election Results
In the recent elections, the ANC’s vote share dropped to 40%.
The Democratic Alliance emerged as the second-largest party with 22% of the votes.
Co-Governance
The parties will now co-govern South Africa.
This marks the first national coalition where no party has a majority.
About South Africa
It is located at the southernmost tip of the African continent and is known for its diverse ecosystems.
Capital:- Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative) and Bloemfontein (judicial)
Largest city:- Johannesbur
10. US and Ukraine Forge Long-Term Security Pact Amid G7 Summit in Italy
Tags: International Relations Summits
The US and Ukraine signed a long-term security agreement during the G7 summit in Italy.
An Overview of the News
On June 13, 2024, during the 2024 G7 summit in Italy, President Joe Biden of the USA and President Volodymr Zelensky of Ukraine concluded a 10-year bilateral security agreement.
Similar agreements have been reached previously with 15 other countries, such as Britain, France, and Germany.
The agreement covers a wide range of cooperation levels between the US and Ukraine, including military equipment, training, and maneuvers.
However, it does not include commitments to supply specific weapons systems to Ukraine.
About G7
The G7 is a group of seven major industrialized countries, including Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
The G7 holds annual meetings to discuss various global issues, but these meetings are usually held in different locations each year.
The 48th G7 summit was hosted by Germany in 2022.
The city of Hiroshima in Hiroshima Prefecture hosted the 49th G7 summit from May 19th to May 21st, 2023.
The 50th G7 summit is currently taking place from June 13th to June 15th, 2024, at Borgo Egnazia in Fasano, Apulia, Italy. Italy is hosting the 50th G7 summit.
