1. China's SSST Launches First 18 Satellites for Qianfan Constellation
Tags: International News
On 5th August 2024, Shanghai Spacecom Satellite Technology (SSST), a Chinese state-owned enterprise, successfully launched the first batch of 18 satellites for the "Qianfan" (Thousand Sails Constellation) megaconstellation, formerly known as the G60 Project.
An Overview of the News
The launch took place at the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Centre (TSLC) in Shanxi Province, China.
G60 Project Details:
The G60 Project was initiated in 2023 with the ambitious goal of deploying 1,296 Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites by 2030.
In 2024, the plan includes the launch of 108 satellites, with 648 satellites targeted for deployment by the end of 2025.
The project aims to achieve global network coverage by 2027.
Funding and Partnerships:
SSST secured 6.7 billion yuan (approximately USD 943 million) to finance the project.
SSST partnered with the Innovation Academy for Microsatellites under the Chinese Academy of Sciences (IAMCAS) to establish Shanghai Gesi Aerospace Technology (Genesat) in 2022.
Genesat is responsible for building satellite manufacturing facilities.
The first satellite for the G60 constellation was produced in December 2023 in Shanghai's Songjiang District.
Advantages of LEO Satellites:
LEO satellites, orbiting at altitudes between 300 km and 2,000 km, are more cost-effective and offer more efficient transmission compared to higher orbit satellites.
2. Ax-4 Mission to Include Indian, Polish, and Hungarian Astronauts
Tags: Science and Technology International News
Axiom Space is collaborating with India’s ISRO, Poland, and Hungary, supported by ESA, to send three national astronauts on Ax-4.
An Overview of the News
The crew includes Commander Peggy Whitson, Mission Pilot Shubhanshu Shukla (India), Mission Specialist Sławosz Uznański (ESA/Poland), and Mission Specialist Tibor Kapu (Hungary).
The crew is pending approval from the Multilateral Crew Operations Panel (MCOP), which involves NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, JAXA, and the Canadian Space Agency.
Mission Goals:
Ax-4 aims to advance scientific research, technology demonstrations, and space commercialization.
The mission emphasizes international cooperation by sharing knowledge, resources, and opportunities with global partners.
Significance of the Mission:
Ax-4 will be Axiom Space’s second mission including an ESA astronaut and will see a Polish astronaut in space for the first time in over 40 years.
The mission continues Axiom Space’s tradition of involving diverse nationalities, following previous missions with the first Saudi female astronaut, first Turkish astronaut, and first ESA astronaut on a commercial flight.
Launch Details:
The mission will launch aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket and Dragon spacecraft from Florida.
The crew is expected to spend up to 14 days on the International Space Station.
Agreements:
Axiom Space signed a memorandum of understanding with Hungary in July 2022 and a spaceflight framework agreement in September 2023 for Hungary’s astronaut program.
In July 2024, Axiom Space signed a spaceflight framework agreement with ISRO, marking a significant step towards a joint ISRO-NASA mission on the ISS.
3. Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Launches NATS 2.0 Portal
Tags: National News
Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister for Education, launched the NATS 2.0 Portal in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
₹100 crore in stipends were disbursed to apprentices via the Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT) mode.
Apprenticeship Sectors:
Training is offered in IT/ITes, manufacturing, automobile, and other sectors.
NATS 2.0 Portal Features:
Designed to enhance the Government’s focus on youth skilling and employability.
Aims to facilitate apprenticeship registration, application, and management for both candidates and establishments.
Industry Recognition:
Top three establishments recognized: Cognizant Technology Solutions Pvt Ltd., Infosys Ltd., and Tech Mahindra Pvt. Ltd.
Stipend Distribution:
Stipends are paid directly to apprentices’ bank accounts via DBT to ensure efficiency and transparency.
NATS 2.0 Portal Development:
Developed by the Ministry of Education with AICTE and BoATs/BoPT support.
Manages the apprenticeship lifecycle, including registration, vacancy advertisements, student applications, contract creation, certification, and stipend disbursal.
Alignment with NEP 2020:
The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 aims to integrate vocational and general education.
Draft guidelines for Apprenticeship Embedded Degree Programmes (AEDP) issued by UGC and AICTE.
4. India Becomes 2nd Largest Aluminium Producer Worldwide
Tags: National News
India is the 2nd largest aluminium producer globally.
An Overview of the News
In FY 2024-25 (April-June), primary aluminium production grew by 1.2%, reaching 10.43 lakh tons (LT) compared to 10.28 LT in the same period last year.
Mineral Production Growth:
Iron Ore Production: Increased by 9.7%, from 72 million metric tons (MMT) in FY 2023-24 (April-June) to 79 MMT in FY 2024-25 (April-June).
Limestone Production: Rose by 1.8%, from 114 MMT in FY 2023-24 (April-June) to 116 MMT in FY 2024-25 (April-June).
Manganese Ore Production: Increased by 11%, from 0.9 MMT in FY 2023-24 (April-June) to 1.0 MMT in FY 2024-25 (April-June).
Global Rankings:
India is the 3rd largest lime producer and the 4th largest iron ore producer in the world.
Economic Implications:
The continued growth in iron ore, limestone, and aluminium production reflects strong demand in sectors such as steel, cement, energy, infrastructure, construction, automotive, and machinery.
5. Curaçao Becomes 6th Associate Member of CARICOM
Tags: National News
Curaçao has become the 6th Associate Member of Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
An Overview of the News
The agreement was signed by CARICOM Chairman Dickon Mitchell (Prime Minister of Grenada) and Gilmar Simon Pisas (Prime Minister of Curaçao) during the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in St. George's, Grenada.
CARICOM Membership Detail:
CARICOM now comprises 15 full member countries and 6 associate members.
The 5 other associate members are Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.
Curaçao's Commitments:
Curaçao is dedicated to supporting CARICOM's initiatives in renewable energy, new forms of agriculture, climate resilience, and other areas.
Background on CARICOM:
Established as The Caribbean Community and Common Market by the Treaty of Chaguaramas on July 4, 1973, with Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago as the founding members.
The Treaty was revised in 2002 to enable the creation of a single market and economy.
6. India and WHO Sign $85M Deal for Global Traditional Medicine Centre
Tags: National News
On July 31, 2024, the Ministry of Ayush (India) and the World Health Organization (WHO) signed a donor agreement in Geneva, Switzerland.
An Overview of the News
Signatories:
H.E. Arindam Bagchi, Permanent Representative of India to the UN in Geneva, represented India.
Dr. Bruce Aylward, Assistant Director-General for Universal Health Coverage and Life Course, represented the WHO.
About the Donor Agreement:
Purpose: Part of a USD 250 million investment from India to support the establishment of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre (GTMC) in 2022.
Donation: India will contribute USD 85 million over 10 years (2022-2032) for the GTMC's operations in Jamnagar, Gujarat.
Objective: The agreement supports the GTMC as a key hub for evidence-based Traditional Complementary and Integrative Medicine (TCIM) to enhance human and environmental health.
About GTMC:
Establishment: Officially established on March 25, 2022, as the first global center for traditional medicine.
Operations: The interim office is operational, offering capacity-building and training programs, including campus-based, residential, and web-based training in collaboration with the WHO Academy and other partners.
Key Collaboration Points:
Documentation and Training: Development of benchmark documents and training for Ayurvedic, Unani, and Siddha systems, and establishment of WHO terminology.
ICD-11: Introduction of a second module to the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-11’s Traditional Medicine Chapter.
Apps and Pharmacopoeia: Development of the M-Yoga app and support for the International Pharmacopoeia of Herbal Medicine (IPHM).
Ministry of Ayush:
Minister of State (Independent Charge): Jadhav Prataprao Ganpatrao
Constituency: Buldhana, Maharashtra
World Health Organisation (WHO):
Director-General: Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland
Established: 1948
7. Kamala Harris Becomes First Black and South Asian Woman to Win Democratic Presidential Nomination
Tags: International News
Kamala Harris has won the Democratic presidential nomination. Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison announced her win.
An Overview of the News
Harris secured the support of 2,350 delegates. She ran unopposed after President Joe Biden endorsed her.
Voting Process
The nomination was decided through a five-day electronic vote.
Nearly 4,000 party convention delegates participated.
Harris was the sole candidate on the ballot.
Official Nomination
Harris will be officially nominated at a convention in Chicago later this month.
She expressed her honor in being the presumptive Democratic nominee.
Historical Significance
Harris is the first Black and first South Asian woman to be a major US political party's White House nominee.
If she wins against Republican nominee Donald Trump in November, she will be the first female president of the United States.
8. NCGG Successfully Concludes 4th Capacity Building Program for Sri Lankan Civil Servants in New Delhi
Tags: International News
NCGG successfully concluded the 4th Capacity Building Program for Sri Lankan civil servants on August 3, 2024, in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
40 senior civil servants from Sri Lanka attended the program.
Participants included Assistant Divisional Secretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Deputy Secretaries, Directors, Senior Assistant Secretaries, Assistant Directors, and Deputy Directors.
Key ministries represented: Commission of Local Government, Public Administration, Home Affairs, Provincial Councils and Local Government, Ministry of Provincial Council and Local Government, and Ministry of Justice, Prisons Affairs, and Constitutional Reforms.
Group Presentations and Topics
Geogoviya Programme: Focus on using geographical information systems to enhance agricultural productivity.
Agriculture Modernization Project: Aim to transform Sri Lanka's agriculture through innovative practices.
Aswasuma Programme: Welfare benefit initiative providing comprehensive social security support in Sri Lanka.
PPP Success in India: Demonstrated how India's Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model can aid in improving Sri Lanka's infrastructure.
Program Overview and Institutional Visits
Dr. A.P. Singh, Associate Professor and Course Coordinator, provided an overview of the program, emphasizing the sharing of India's successful governance models through interactive sessions.
Participants visited various institutions and sites: Indira Gandhi National Forest Academy, Forest Research Institute, District Administration in Panchkula, Cyber Crime Centre in Chandigarh, National Institute of Solar Energy, International Solar Alliance, Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, and the Taj Mahal.
Program supervised by Dr. A.P. Singh and Dr. M.K. Bhandari, with assistance from Shri Sanjay Dutt Pant and team.
Prisca Poly Mathew, Consultant and Chief Administrative Officer, NCGG, was present during the occasion.
NCGG has successfully trained 135 senior and mid-level civil servant officers from Sri Lanka through its capacity-building programs.
V. Srinivas, Director General of NCGG and Secretary of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG)
9. Dr. Jaishankar Strengthens Ties in Lao PDR and Brunei During 3-Day Visit
Tags: International News
Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Union Minister for External Affairs, Government of India, undertook a 3-day official visit to Vientiane, Lao People's Democratic Republic from 25th to 27th July 2024.
An Overview of the News
25th July 2024: Dr. Jaishankar attended the 57th ASEAN-Foreign Ministers Meeting (AMM), chaired by Lao PDR, with the theme "ASEAN: Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience."
26th July 2024: Dr. Jaishankar and Dato Haji, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Brunei, jointly launched a logo commemorating 40 years of diplomatic relations between India and Brunei.
27th July 2024: Dr. Jaishankar held a bilateral meeting with Saleumxay Kommasith, Foreign Minister of Lao PDR, and jointly released a special commemorative postage stamp set featuring Lord Ram Lalla of Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh).
About Lao PDR:
Prime Minister: Sonexay Siphandone
Capital: Vientiane
Currency: Lao kip
10. Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat Unveils Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum
Tags: National News
Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, Shri Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, inaugurated the Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum in New Delhi on July 29, 2024.
An Overview of the News
The inauguration was attended by Prince Rahim Aga Khan, dignitaries from the Ministry of Culture, the Archaeological Survey of India, and other notable guests.
Museum Details:
Size: 100,000 square feet
Design: Underground, inspired by ancient 'Baolis' (stepped wells)
Purpose: To enhance understanding of the World Heritage Site and provide cultural context.
Collaborators:
Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)
Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC)
Exhibits:
Over 500 artefacts including Mughal miniatures, manuscripts, coins, astrolabes, and architectural elements from Humayun’s Mausoleum.
Architectural models and historical artefacts illustrating 700 years of history.
Key Galleries:
‘Where the Emperor Rests’: Focuses on Humayun’s Mausoleum and Emperor Humayun’s life.
‘Icons of a Sacred Landscape’: Highlights cultural figures like Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya, Amir Khusrau, Rahim, and Dara Shukoh.
Visitor Experience:
Stone ramps and a 40-feet wide 3D illustration at the entrance.
Includes a map showing Delhi’s seven cities and stories of dynasties.
Funding:
Total cost: Rs 250 Crore
Initial grant: Rs 49 Crore from the Ministry of Tourism, Government of India.
Additional funding from Aga Khan Trust for Culture, Havells India, US Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation, Tata Trusts, and others.
Management:
Managed by AKTC for 10 years, in collaboration with ASI.
Expected to increase visitor engagement, especially for school children.
