1. DAC approves procurement of armed UAV MQ-9 Predator drones from US
Tags: National Defence National News
India’s defence ministry on 15th June approved the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B armed drones from the US.
An overview of the news
The Defense Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the purchase of armed Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at a cost of over $3 billion.
The UAVs will be procured from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), a United States-based aeronautical company.
What are Predator Drones?
The Predator UAV, produced by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI), is commonly referred to as the MQ-9.
The MQ-9 has an impressive endurance, capable of flying for over 27 hours without refueling.
It can reach speeds of up to 240 KTAS (Knots True Airspeed).
The UAV is designed to operate at high altitudes, with a maximum operating ceiling of 50,000 feet.
It possesses a substantial payload capacity, allowing it to carry up to 3,850 pounds (1,746 kilograms) of equipment, sensors, or other mission-specific payloads.
Additionally, the MQ-9 has the capability to carry external stores, such as weapons or additional fuel, with a maximum weight of 3,000 pounds (1,361 kilograms).
Benefits of the MQ-9 UAV
The MQ-9 UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) exhibits an increased payload capacity and horsepower in comparison to its predecessor, the MQ-1 Predator.
It offers extended endurance, persistent surveillance, and the ability to carry out strikes, providing valuable capabilities for military operations.
The MQ-9 UAV has a maritime variant known as the Sea Guardian.
The Sea Guardian variant of the MQ-9 UAV possesses an impressive endurance capability of over 30 hours, making it suitable for maritime surveillance and other related missions.
2. Gita Press, Gorakhpur, awarded Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021
Tags: Awards National News
Gita Press, Gorakhpur, will be awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021 in recognition of its exceptional contribution to social, economic, and political transformation through non-violent and Gandhian methods.
An overview of the news
The jury, headed by Prime Minister Modi, unanimously selected Gita Press as the recipient of the Gandhi Peace Prize.
PM Modi highlighted Gita Press's efforts in promoting Gandhian ideals of peace and social harmony, emphasizing that the award signifies recognition of their community service after a century of establishment.
About Gita Press
Established in 1923, Gita Press is renowned as one of the world's largest publishers, having published 41.7 crore books in 14 languages, including 16.21 crore copies of the Shrimad Bhagavad Gita.
About Gandhi Peace Prize
The Gandhi Peace Prize, instituted in 1995 on the occasion of Mahatma Gandhi's 125th birth anniversary, is an annual award that pays tribute to Gandhi's ideals.
The award is open to individuals irrespective of nationality, race, language, caste, creed, or gender.
The prize includes a monetary amount of ₹1 crore, a citation, a plaque, and an exquisite traditional handicraft/handloom item.
Previous recipients of the Gandhi Peace Prize include Sultan Qaboos Bin Said Al Said of Oman in 2019 and Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman of Bangladesh in 2020.
3. India’s biggest natural arch formed 184 million years ago discovered in Odisha by GSI
Tags: National National News
A recent survey conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has led to the discovery of India's largest natural arch in the Kenduadihi block of Sundargarh district in Odisha.
An overview of the news
The GSI's state unit has proposed to designate the natural arch in the Kanika range of Sundargarh forest division as a Geo Heritage Site, making it the country's largest natural arch with the Geo Heritage tag.
Currently, India has two other natural arches—one located in the Tirumala hills of Tirupati and the other in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
However, both of these arches are smaller in size compared to the one found in Sundargarh.
About Sundargarh Natural Arch
The Sundargarh natural arch, formed in the ferruginous sandstone dates back approximately 184 to 160 million years during the lower to middle Jurassic age.
The arch has an oval shape and measures 30 meters in length at the base, with a height of 12 meters.
The alcove of the arch has a maximum height of 7 meters and a width of 15 meters.
These structures indicate a high-energy fluvial environment during the process of sedimentation.
4. India’s biggest natural arch formed 184 million years ago discovered in Odisha by GSI
Tags: National National News
A recent survey conducted by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) has led to the discovery of India's largest natural arch in the Kenduadihi block of Sundargarh district in Odisha.
An overview of the news
The GSI's state unit has proposed to designate the natural arch in the Kanika range of Sundargarh forest division as a Geo Heritage Site, making it the country's largest natural arch with the Geo Heritage tag.
Currently, India has two other natural arches—one located in the Tirumala hills of Tirupati and the other in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
However, both of these arches are smaller in size compared to the one found in Sundargarh.
About Sundargarh Natural Arch
The Sundargarh natural arch, formed in the ferruginous sandstone dates back approximately 184 to 160 million years during the lower to middle Jurassic age.
The arch has an oval shape and measures 30 meters in length at the base, with a height of 12 meters.
The alcove of the arch has a maximum height of 7 meters and a width of 15 meters.
These structures indicate a high-energy fluvial environment during the process of sedimentation.
5. National Water Awards: Madhya Pradesh tops in Best State category
Tags: Awards National News
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar presented the fourth National Water Awards in New Delhi on June 17.
An overview of the news
The awards, announced by the Jal Shakti Ministry, recognized 41 winners across 11 categories for their outstanding contributions to water conservation in India in 2022.
Madhya Pradesh received the first prize in the best State category, while the best district award went to Ganjam District in Odisha.
The Jagannadhapuram Village Panchayat in Bhadradri Kothagudem district of Telangana was honored with the best Village Panchayat award.
Each winner was presented with a citation, a trophy, and cash prizes.
National Water Awards
The National Water Awards aim to acknowledge and encourage the efforts made by individuals and organizations in realizing the government's vision of a water-prosperous India.
They also seek to create awareness about the importance of water and promote the adoption of best practices for its sustainable use.
Vice-President stressed the significance of adopting the three Rs - Reduce, Reuse, Recycle - to revive ancient water harvesting systems such as ponds.
Union Jal Shakti Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat shared that approximately 56,000 Amrit Sarovars (sacred ponds) have been constructed in the country.
6. Daniel Ellsberg, Renowned Whistleblower of the Pentagon Papers, Passes Away at 92
Tags: Person in news International News
Daniel Ellsberg, a prominent whistleblower who leaked the Pentagon Papers, passed away at the age of 92.
An overview of the news
Ellsberg's actions, which exposed the government's deception and doubts regarding the Vietnam War, had far-reaching consequences and played a role in President Richard Nixon's resignation.
Ellsberg revealed his terminal illness with pancreatic cancer in February.
Until the early 1970s, Ellsberg was an influential member of the government and military establishment.
As a Harvard graduate and self-described "cold warrior," he served as a consultant on Vietnam, risking his life and holding the highest security clearances.
He gained the trust of officials from both Democratic and Republican administrations.
The Pentagon Papers, a comprehensive study commissioned by then-Defense Secretary Robert S McNamara in 1967, became the catalyst for Ellsberg's whistleblowing.
7. Japan raised the age of consensual sex from 13 to 16
Tags: International News
In a welcome move, Japan's parliament on June 16 raised the age of voluntary sexual intercourse from 13 to 16.
An overview of the news
Provisions have also been made under the new law to amend the old law related to sexual offenses and to raise awareness about the issues of same-sex relationships.
The move comes after a wait of over a century since it was last changed in 1907.
Japan revised its criminal law on sexual offenses in 2017 for the first time in 110 years.
The historic move sets the stage for rape trial and criminalises voyeurism.
Under the newly implemented changes, having sex with a person below the age of 16 years is considered rape.
Those who threaten, entice or use money to get children under 16 to meet for sexual purposes face up to one year in prison or a fine of 500,000 yen ($3,500).
Secretly filming private body parts, underwear or obscene acts without reasonable cause shall be punishable by imprisonment of up to three years or a fine of up to three million yen.
Age of consent in different countries
In India the age of consent is 18, while in Britain it is 16, in Germany and China it is 14.
About Japan
It is also called Nihon or Nippon and is an archipelago in the western Pacific Ocean in East Asia.
It is made up of four main islands Hokkaido, Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu and Honshu is the largest island of Japan.
Its highest mountain is Mount Fuji.
It is the third largest economy in the world after the United States and China.
Capital - Tokyo
Currency - Yen
Prime Minister - Fumio Kishida
8. NITI Aayog, United Nations join hands to accelerate sustainable development in India
Tags: National National News
NITI Aayog and the United Nations in India signed the Government of India-United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 in New Delhi on 16 June.
An overview of the news
The Government of India-United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (GoI-UNSDCF) for the period 2023-2027 was signed by CEO of NITI Aayog, B V R Subrahmanyam, and UN Resident Coordinator India, Shombi Sharp.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Suman Bery, senior representatives from NITI Aayog, central ministries, and heads of UN agencies in India.
GoI-UNSDCF 2023-2027
The GoI-UNSDCF 2023-2027 represents the collective commitment of the UN development system to support the Government of India in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while promoting gender equality, youth empowerment, and human rights.
It aligns with the national vision for development and aims to contribute to the country's progress.
The Government of India-UNSDCF, through its partnerships, outcomes and outputs, will play a key role in realizing the national development priorities.
9. NITI Aayog, United Nations join hands to accelerate sustainable development in India
Tags: National National News
NITI Aayog and the United Nations in India signed the Government of India-United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework 2023-2027 in New Delhi on 16 June.
An overview of the news
The Government of India-United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (GoI-UNSDCF) for the period 2023-2027 was signed by CEO of NITI Aayog, B V R Subrahmanyam, and UN Resident Coordinator India, Shombi Sharp.
The signing ceremony took place in the presence of Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog, Suman Bery, senior representatives from NITI Aayog, central ministries, and heads of UN agencies in India.
GoI-UNSDCF 2023-2027
The GoI-UNSDCF 2023-2027 represents the collective commitment of the UN development system to support the Government of India in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) while promoting gender equality, youth empowerment, and human rights.
It aligns with the national vision for development and aims to contribute to the country's progress.
The Government of India-UNSDCF, through its partnerships, outcomes and outputs, will play a key role in realizing the national development priorities.
10. First Over Dimensional Cargo for Numaligarh Refinery received by Sarbananda Sonowal
Tags: National National News
Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal received the first over dimensional cargo (ODC) transported via waterways at Numaligarh Refinery jetty (Assam) on 16th June.
An overview of the news
The ODC was transported by Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) vessel MV Marine 66 from Kolkata to Numaligarh Refinery Jetty via Indo Bangladesh Protocol Route (IBPR).
The Diesel Hydrotreating (DHT) reactor had a net weight of 485 MT, while the gross weight was 521 MT.
The length of this reactor is 31.5 m while the height is 8.250 m and the diameter is 8.00 m.
This is the first consignment transported by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), the nodal agency in charge of inland waterways in the country, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, to augment the capacity of Numaligarh Refinery Limited (NRL) from 3 MMT to 9 MMT.
The MoU for transportation of Over Weight Cargo (OWC) with a total of 24 ODCs for NRL was signed between IWAI and NRL last year.
Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
IWAI is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Government of India.
It plays a crucial role in the development, maintenance, and regulation of the country's inland waterways.
It was established on 27th October 1986.
Its headquarters is located in Noida, UP.
