1. Asia's largest 4-meter telescope inaugurated in Uttarakhand
Tags: Science and Technology National News
Asia's largest 4-meter International Liquid Mirror Telescope was launched in Devasthal in Uttarakhand on 21 March.
An overview of the news
The telescope was officially inaugurated by Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh.
It has been established at the Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) located in Nainital, Uttarakhand.
The observatory will explore the deep sky, collecting an assortment of objects ranging from asteroids to supernovae and space debris.
About the International Liquid Mirror Telescope
It consists of a 4-metre-diameter rotating mirror made of a thin layer of liquid mercury to collect light.
It mainly consists of three components.
The first bowl contains a reflective liquid metal (mercury).
The second air pressure driven motor on which the liquid mirror rests.
Third is a system to run the motor. The surface of liquid mirror binoculars naturally takes on a parabolic shape as it rotates, which is ideal for focusing light.
A thin transparent film of micellar liquid protects the mercury from wind abrasion, which can create ripples on the surface of the mercury.
The reflected light passes through a sophisticated multi lens optical corrector which produces clear images over a wide field of view.
Why was the telescope made?
It is designed to survey the night sky and detect variable and transient objects such as supernovae, space debris and gravitational lenses.
Through its data, the telescope can analyze objects in the sky using machine learning and artificial intelligence.
2. Union Health Ministry organises 2-day technical symposium for Dengue control in India
Tags: National National News
Union Health Ministry on 22 March organised a two-day technical symposium to develop a strategic framework and roadmap for Dengue control in India.
An overview of the news
The objective of this symposium is to bring the identified Ministries, States, Government Institutions and development partners on a common platform to develop a strategic framework for dengue control.
Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan stressed the importance of timely detection and reporting of dengue cases for effective management and control.
He also suggested inclusion of dengue under the Integrated Health Information Platform of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, where 33 diseases are already covered.
What is Dengue?
Commonly known as break bone fever, it is a flu-like illness caused by the dengue virus.
It occurs when an Aedes mosquito carrying the virus bites a healthy person.
The disease is mainly found in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the world.
Causes of Dengue
It is caused due to four viruses, namely - DENV-1, DENV-2, DENV-3, and DENV-4.
The virus enters the mosquito when it bites an already infected person.
The disease is transmitted when it bites a healthy person, and the virus is spread through the person's bloodstream.
Symptoms of Dengue
Headache, Muscle, bone and joint pain, Nausea, Vomiting, swollen glands, Rash.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment for dengue.
Early detection of severe dengue-associated illness and access to appropriate medical care reduce deaths from severe dengue.
Diagnosis of dengue infection is done with a blood test.
3. Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav chairs 1st General Body Meeting of NCSCM
Tags: Summits National News
Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav chaired the 1st General Body Meeting of National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) on 22 March in New Delhi.
An overview of the news
He emphasized the Blue Economy which focuses on sustainable and climate-resilient coastal infrastructure and livelihoods of coastal communities.
The Government is moving forward with a Marine Spatial Plan for area-based management with multiple management objectives.
The minister also directed the NCSCM to contribute to Mission Mishti (Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats and Tangible Income) for mangrove conservation with a focus on generating income for coastal communities.
Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM)
It is an institute under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
It was established in February 2011, as a research institution to support the protection, conservation, restoration, management, and policy advice on coasts.
Its vision is to promote sustainable coasts through increased partnerships, conservation practices, scientific research, and knowledge management for the benefit and well-being of current and future generations.
4. Income tax dept launches mobile app AIS for Taxpayers
Tags: Economy/Finance National News
The Income Tax Department has launched a free mobile app named 'AIS for Taxpayers'.
An overview of the news
Taxpayers can use the app to view their information related to Tax deducted at Source (TDS), interest, dividends, share transactions, tax payments, Income Tax refunds and other Information.
They can also view GST Data and foreign Remittances as available in Annual Information Statement (AIS).
Taxpayers will also have the option and facility to provide feedback on the information displayed in the app.
Taxpayers can access the information by registering on the app through PAN number, OTP sent to the mobile number and authenticating with the e-mail registered on the e-filing portal.
The app is available on Google Play and App Store.
5. PM Modi inaugurates new ITU Area Office and Innovation Center in New Delhi
Tags: National National News
%20%5BRecovered%5D-01_343RQO2.png)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new International Telecommunication Union (ITU) field office and innovation center in India on 22 March in New Delhi.
An overview of the news
India had signed an agreement with ITU in March 2022 for setting up the Area Office.
The regional office in India has also envisaged an innovation centre, which makes it unique among other regional offices of ITU.
The regional office, which is fully funded by India, is located on the second floor of the Center for Development of Telematics (C-DoT) building in Mehrauli in the national capital.
The ITU field office will serve India, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Afghanistan and Iran, enhancing coordination among nations and promoting mutually beneficial economic cooperation in the region.
6G Vision Document
During the event, the Prime Minister also unveiled the India 6G Vision Document and launched the 6G Research and Development Test Bed.
The India 6G vision document has been prepared by the Technology Innovation Group.
It was formed in November 2021 with various ministries and departments, research and development institutes, academia and telecom service providers and industry to develop a roadmap and action plan for 6G in India.
The 6G test bed will provide a platform to academic institutions, industries, start-ups, MSMEs and industry to test and validate emerging ICT technologies.
About International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
ITU is the United Nations specialised agency for information and communication technologies – ICTs.
It was established in the year 1865 to facilitate international connectivity in communications networks.
It is committed to connecting all the world's people.
In line with its mandate and the WSIS outcome documents, it continues playing a key role in WSIS implementation.
Its members come from all over the globe.
Its global membership includes 193 Member States as well as 900 companies, universities, and international and regional organisations.
6. 26th edition of 'Elevate' held in Dubai
Tags: Economy/Finance Summits International News
The sixth pitching session of the second season of Elevate concluded in Dubai 22 March.
An overview of the news
The event saw the participation of six startups from India and the registration of 180 investors.
The six startups that participated in the Elevate session were winners of the National Startup Awards 2022.
Season II to Session VI hosted a special guest, Padmaja Ruparel, Co-Founder, Indian Angel Network (IAN).
She is a member of the Government's NEAC, the National Expert Advisory Committee on Innovation, Incubation and Technology Entrepreneurship.
She shared her insights and thoughts on the opportunities in the growing startup ecosystem in India.
India's Commercial Representative in Dubai Kalimuthu welcomed the guests and set the tone for the programme.
Six startups from India who participated
Film board Movie Technologies inc,
Trascender Services Pvt Ltd,
Cogos Technologies Pvt Ltd,
Changejar Technologies Pvt Ltd,
Makerinme Technologies Pvt Ltd,
Revamp Moto Pvt Ltd
About Elevate
Elevate is a pitching series organized by the Consulate General of India in Dubai, providing a platform for startups to connect with investors and global counterparts.
The first season of Elevate started at the India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai and consisted of twenty sessions.
The second season debuts in May 2022, and this episode marks the sixth installment of the season.
7. ISRO to launch OneWeb India-2 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota
Tags: Science and Technology National News
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch OneWeb India-2 mission from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota on March 26.
An overview of the news
Under a commercial agreement with NewSpace India Ltd, will launch 72 satellites of UK-based Network Access Associates Ltd and place them in low Earth orbit.
NewSpace is the commercial wing of ISRO.
The first set of 36 satellites was launched on 23 October 2022 by an LVM3 M2 launch vehicle.
In the second mission on March 26, the remaining 36 satellites, each weighing approximately 5805 kg, will be placed in a 450 km circular low earth orbit by the LVM3 M3 launch vehicle.
LVM3 had five consecutive successful missions including the Chandrayaan 2 mission.
Satellites provide space-based broadband internet services to all corners of the globe.
After launch, Access Associates Ltd will have more than 600 satellites in space offering internet from space services to various countries.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO)
It was established on 15 August 1969.
It is the national space agencyof India. It launches its space rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Headquarter: Bengaluru
Chairman: S Somnath
8. India and Sri Lanka inaugurated an exhibition titled Geoffrey Bawa in New Delhi
Tags: National News
On 20 March, External Affairs Minister of India,S Jaishankar inaugurated an exhibition titled "Geoffrey Bawa: It's Essential to Be There" at the National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The exhibition is a joint collaboration between National Gallery of Modern Art in New Delhi, High Commission of Sri Lanka in New Delhi and Geoffrey Bawa Trust.
The exhibition showcases the architectural works of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Late Geoffrey Bawa.
The exhibition is being organised to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Sri Lanka.
This is the first retrospective international exhibition of Geoffrey Bawa's architectural works since 2004, following exhibitions in Sri Lanka, the United Kingdom, North America, Australia, Brazil, Singapore and Germany.
The exhibition includes over 120 documents from Geoffrey Bawa's archives, including his photographs from various travels and surrealist works.
The Sri Lanka-India Cultural Exchange Program has sponsored the exhibition, which will be open for visitors till May 7, 2023.
9. MoU signed for implementation of Green Hydrogen Projects in Army Establishments
Tags: National Defence National News
NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd has signed an MoU with the Indian Army for setting up Green Hydrogen Projects in its establishments on Build, Own and Operate (BOO) model.
An overview of the news
It aims toreduce complex logistics, dependence on fossil fuels and accelerate decarbonisation.
The MoU was signed by Mohit Bhargava, CEO (NTPC REL) and Lt Gen Rajinder Dewan.
Within the scope of the MoU, potential sites will be identified for setting up green hydrogen projects for supply of electricity in a phased manner.
NTPC REL will also design, develop and install renewable energy projects (solar, wind etc.) for the Indian Army.
The MoU signals an advanced approach to modernization by the Indian Army.
This is the first of its kind agreement and heralds a new era of border security backed by energy security for the country's defense line.
NTPC Renewable Energy Ltd
It is a wholly owned subsidiary of NTPC Limited.
It currently has a portfolio of 3.6 GW RE capacity under construction.
NTPC Group has an ambitious plan of 60 GW RE capacity by 2032 and currently has an installed RE capacity of 3.2 GW.
About NTPC
The NTPC which was earlier known as National Thermal Power Corporation of India is owned by the Government of India. It was set up in 1975.
The Vindhyachal Thermal Power Station in the Singrauli district of Madhya Pradesh, with an installed capacity of 4,760MW, is currently the biggest thermal power plant in India.
It is a coal-based power plant owned and operated by NTPC.
Headquarters: New Delhi
Chairman and Managing Director: Gurdeep Singh
10. India invited to attend G7 Hiroshima summit in Japan
Tags: International Relations International News
After a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, Japan was invited to attend the G7 Hiroshima summit.
An Overview of the News
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida signed two agreements during their bilateral talks: the renewal of the Memorandum of Cooperation in Japanese and the exchange of notes on the JICA loan for 300 billion yen for the Mumbai-Ahmedabad high-speed railway project.
The objective of the meeting is to strengthen India-Japan relations and provide a voice for the Global South.
Foreign Secretary Vinay Mohan Kwatra
About the G7
The G7 is a group of seven major industrialised 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.
