1. Wärtsilä Unveils World's First Large-Scale 100% Hydrogen-Ready Engine Power Plant
Tags: Science and Technology International News
Wärtsilä Oyj Abp, a Finland-based company, has launched the world's first large-scale 100% hydrogen-ready engine power plant to support net-zero power systems.
An Overview of the News
The Wärtsilä 31 is a highly efficient medium-speed 4-stroke marine engine that:
Synchronises with the grid within 30 seconds from the start command.
Ensures energy security through fuel flexibility.
Offers unparalleled load-following capabilities and high part-load efficiency.
The engine can run on natural gas and 25% hydrogen (H2) by volume blends.
It has completed over 1 million running hours with more than 1,000 MegaWatt (MW) installed capacity globally.
The hydrogen-ready engine power plant concept is certified by TÜV SÜD (Technischer Überwachungsverein - Technical Inspection Association).
The H2-Readiness certification includes three stages with three corresponding certificates.
Wärtsilä has achieved the first stage with a Concept Certificate for the engine power plant's conceptual design.
The 100% hydrogen-ready engine is expected to be available for orders in 2025 and for delivery from 2026.
About Finland
It is a northern European nation.
It shares borders with Sweden, Norway and Russia.
Finland's arctic Lapland province is famous for the Northern Lights, a spectacular natural phenomenon.
Lapland is a vast wilderness area with national parks and ski resorts, making it a popular destination.
Capital - Helsinki
Helsinki is situated on a peninsula and is surrounded by islands in the Baltic Sea.
President - Alexander Stubb
Prime Minister - Petteri Orpo
Currency- Euro
Nokia company is from Finland.
2. Ukraine Launches World's First Unmanned Systems Forces
Tags: International News
Ukraine has established the world's first stand-alone military branch solely dedicated to unmanned systems, known as the Unmanned Systems Forces (USF).
An Overview of the News
The USF was officially launched by the Ukrainian Armed Forces and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Objectives of USF:
USF aims to enhance capabilities in unmanned and robotic warfare across air, sea, and ground domains during combat operations.
It focuses on advancing the development and deployment of unmanned systems for military purposes.
Leadership and Command:
Colonel Vadym Sukharevsky, former Deputy Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, has been appointed as the inaugural Commander of the USF.
He will lead the strategic direction and operational readiness of the USF.
Symbolism:
The symbol representing the USF is a "steel swallow," which was designed by a neural network.
The swallow holds cultural significance in Ukrainian tradition as a symbol of victory.
Functions and Responsibilities:
The USF is responsible for providing operational units with drones and ensuring their logistical support.
It oversees the recruitment and training of specialists in unmanned systems.
It plays a crucial role in planning and executing military operations that involve unmanned technologies.
3. Government Unveils Ambitious Development Plans: MSP Hike, Mega Port, Offshore Wind Terminals, and Airport Upgrade
Tags: National News
Government unveiled development plans including increase in MSP, mega ports, offshore wind terminals and airport upgrades.
An Overview of the News
Minimum Support Price (MSP) Increase:
MSP approved for 14 Kharif crops for the marketing season 2024-25.
Significant increases in MSP for crops including Paddy, Cotton, Millets, Pulses, and Oilseeds to benefit farmers.
Vadhavan Port Development:
Government to develop an all-weather greenfield port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra.
Estimated cost of over 76 thousand crore rupees.
Planned to be among the top 10 ports globally after completion.
Phase-wise development with a capacity of 23 million TEU.
Expected to create 12 lakh job opportunities.
Offshore Wind Terminals:
First offshore wind terminals to be developed in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.
Each terminal to have a capacity of 500 megawatts.
Part of the government's efforts to increase renewable energy capacity.
Varanasi Airport Development:
Approval for the development of Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport, Varanasi.
Project cost estimated at 2,869 crore rupees.
Emphasis on developing the airport as a green airport for environmental sustainability.
National Forensic Infrastructure Enhancement Scheme:
Cabinet approval for the scheme.
Establishing off-campus facilities of National Forensic Science University and Central Forensic Science Laboratories across the country.
4. PM Modi unveils 1,500 crore Multiple Development Projects in J&K during visit
Tags: State News National News
PM Modi launched development projects worth Rs 1,500 crore in Jammu and Kashmir during his two-day visit.
An Overview of the News
He laid the foundation stone and inaugurated 84 major developmental projects in the Union Territory, worth over 1,500 crore rupees.
PM Modi attended the "Empowering Youth, Transforming J&K" event in Srinagar on 20 June.
During the event, he distributed appointment letters to over 2,000 newly appointed government employees.
He also launched the Competitiveness Improvement in Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project, valued at 1,800 crore rupees.
On 21 June, PM Modi will lead the tenth International Yoga Day celebration in Srinagar, participating in a yoga session and addressing the gathering.
About Jammu and Kashmir
Jammu and Kashmir was a state of India till August 2019, which was bifurcated on 31 August 2019 to form two union territories named Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
Capital- Srinagar (May–October), Jammu (November–April)
Lieutenant Governor - Manoj Sinha
Legislative Council - 36 seats
Legislative Assembly - 89 seats
5. 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
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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
