1. The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission.
Tags: International News
The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission.
Why in news?
- The European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba-3 mission will be launched on ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre on December 4.
About Proba-3 mission:
- First in the world, Proba-3 mission will see two satellites in a formation parallel to each other for long durations.
- Proba-3 is a dual probe technological demonstration mission by the European Space Agency devoted to high precision formation flying to achieve scientific coronagraphy .
- It is part of the series of PROBA satellites that are being used to validate new spacecraft technologies and concepts while also carrying scientific instruments.
Objectives of Proba-3 mission:
- The satellite pair has been designed to study the solar corona, the outer layer of the Sun’s atmosphere.
- These satellite instruments such as the one on India’s Aditya L1 mission have a coronagraph to look at the sun and an occulter to block the light from the brighter layers of the sun.
2. Scientists discovered the world’s largest coral discovered in the southwest Pacific Ocean, near solomon islands.
Tags: International News
Solomon Islands
Why in news?
- Scientists discovered theworld’s largest coral discovered in the southwest Pacific Ocean, near solomon islands.
Important points:
- It’s more than 100 feet long, at least 300 years old and visible from space.
- It’s three times larger than the previous record-breaker in American Samoa, according to Pristine Seas, and longer than a blue whale, the planet’s biggest animal.
- The mega coral was spotted during a scientific expedition launched by the National Geographic Pristine Seas program in October to study ocean health in the Solomon Islands.
Coral reefs:
- Coral reefs are complex ecosystems that are home to a wide variety of marine life and offer many benefits to humans and the environment.
- Coral reefs are often called the "rainforests of the sea" because of their incredible biodiversity.
- They provide food and shelter for many animals, including fish, mollusks, sea urchins, and sponges.
About Solomon Islands:
- The Solomon Islands, a nation of hundreds of islands in the South Pacific, has many WWII-era sites.
- Guadalcanal, a province and one of the archipelago’s largest islands, honors fallen Allied soldiers at its U.S. War Memorial.
- Guadalcanal is also home to the nation’s capital, Honiara,whose bustling Central Market showcases the islands’ produce and traditional handicrafts.
3. Trump appointed former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard as US intelligence chief.
Tags: International News
Tulsi Gabbard
Why in news?
- FM Nirmala Sitharaman congratulates Tulsi Gabbard on appointment as U.S. Director of National Intelligence
- Recently Trump appointed former Democrat Tulsi Gabbard as US intelligence chief.
- She will replace Avril Haines who has been the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) since January 21, 2021.
Function of the DNI:.
- The DNI is the head of the United States Intelligence Community (IC) and is responsible for overseeing the National Intelligence Program (NIP).
- The DNI is a member of the National Security Council and Homeland Security Council, and reports directly to the President.
Who is Tulsi Gabbard?
- Gabbard was elected to Hawaii's House of Representatives at 21 but had to leave after a single term following her National Guard unit's deployment to Iraq. Later, she was elected to Congress where she represented Hawaii.
- She became the first Hindu member of the House and was sworn into office with her hand on the Bhagavad Gita.
- She was also thefirst American Samoan elected to Congress.
4. Pete Hegseth, USA new defence secretary
Tags: International News
Pete Hegseth, USA new defence secretary
Why in news?
- U.S. President-elect Donald Trump said Tuesday (November 12, 2024) that he is nominating Fox News host and Army veteran Pete Hegseth to serve as his defence secretary.
- Mr. Hegseth deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan and unsuccessfully ran for Senate in Minnesota in 2012 before joining Fox News.
Other appointments:
John Ratcliffe :
- Trump picks John Ratcliffe to be new CIA director.
- John Ratcliffe served as director of national intelligence at the end of Donald Trump’s first term.
Mike Waltz:
- Trump appointed Mike Waltz, China hawk, to be national security adviser.
Susie Wiles:
- US President-elect Donald Trump has announced his campaign manager, Susan Summerall Wiles, will serve as his White House chief of staff .
Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy:
- Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy to lead the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
5. Thailand Tourism has a new Brand Ambassador - Sonu Sood
Tags: International News
Thailand Tourism has a new Brand Ambassador - Sonu Sood
Why in news?
- Sonu Sood, renowned Bollywood actor and philanthropist, has been appointed as the brand ambassador and advisor for Thailand tourism.
Significance:
- In this role, Sood will offer guidance and strategic advice on marketing and public relations initiatives aimed at boosting Thailand's tourism presence in India.
- Sood's new role is set to further strengthen Thailand's image as a preferred travel destination for Indian tourists.
- Bangkok is the state capital and largest city of Thailand.
- TheMaitree Exerciseis a military exercise between Thailand and India which takes place every year. .
6. HANDING OVER TWO INTERCEPTORS TO MOZAMBIQUE
Tags: International News
HANDING OVER TWO INTERCEPTORS TO MOZAMBIQUE
Why in news?
- As part of its capacity-building engagements with friendly foreign nations of the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Government of India gifted two water-jet propelled Fast Interceptor Craft (FIC) to the Government of Mozambique at NACALA port, on 08 Nov 24.
Important Points:
- The FICs were transshipped from India by INS Gharial.
- The Port of Nacala is a deep-water port in Mozambique that serves as a gateway for the Nacala Corridor, a region that includes Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique:
Features:
- These water-jet-propelled boats have a top speed of45 knots and a range of 200 nautical miles at 12 knots.
- They can carry a crew of five personnel and are equipped with machine guns and bullet-resistant cabins.
Significance of FICs:
- The two FICs will significantly aid the Government of Mozambique in its effort to combat maritime terrorism and ongoing insurgency in the Cabo Delgado province.
Role of India in maritime security of Mozambique:
- Earlier, to bolster the efforts of the Government of Mozambique for maritime security, the Government of India had gifted two large Interceptor vessels in 2019, followed by two FICs of the same class in Jan 2022.
- The Indian Navy has been seen by several nations in the IOR as the preferred partner for maritime security.
7. North Korea recently conducted a test by launching its Inter Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) the Hwasong-19
Tags: International News
Hwasong-19 Ballistic missile
Why in the news?
- North Korea recently conducted a test by launching its Inter Continental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) the Hwasong-19.North Korea claims that it will be “ world’s strongest strategic ballistic missile.”
What is Hwasong-19?
- Hwasong-19 is a long range intercontinental ballistic missile that aims to strengthen North Korea's deterring capability.
- Its range is more than7500 km.
Advantages:
- It uses solid fuel, enhancing mobility and readiness by eliminating the need for on-site fueling.
Concerns:
- Large size and transport vehicles make it easier to detect, raising concerns about its survival in actual combat.
Comparison with other nations:
- India: Agni-V: An intercontinental, surface-to-surface, nuclear-capable ballistic missile. It has a range of more than 5000 km.
- U.S.A.: Minuteman II:This ICBM had a range of 12,500 km.
- China: DF-41:Solid-fueled ICBM, capable of reaching targets over 12,000 km away, with MIRV capability.
- Russia: RS-24 Yars: Solid-fueled, highly mobile and with multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs) for enhanced strike potential.
8. The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is participating at World Travel Market (WTM) London,
Tags: International News
World Travel Market (WTM)
Why in news?
- The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India, is participating at World Travel Market (WTM) London, being held from 5th – 7th November, 2024 at Excel London.
Objective:
- This initiative aligns with India's strategic goal to enhance inbound tourism and position the country as a premier global travel destination.
- The improvement in tourism infrastructure such as the hospitality network, aviation India is poised for a leap in tourism..
Importance of the World Travel Market:
- The United Kingdom is the second largest source market for inbound tourists to India. With a strong diaspora population of almost 1.9 million, the United Kingdom has one of the biggest Indian diaspora.
- The India Pavilion at WTM 2024 showcases India's rich kaleidoscope of cultures, languages, and traditions, each contributing not only to its rich tourism landscape but also the gamut of niche tourism experiences such as spiritual & wellness, wedding, adventure, ecotourism and gourmet.
- The Chalo India initiative was launched by the Hon`ble Prime Minister of India to engage the Indian diaspora for promoting India to their non-Indian friends.
- Through this initiative, the Indian diaspora will play a vital role in promoting the country as a premier global tourist destination, showcasing its rich heritage and diverse culture to the world.
- In order to populate this initiative on a larger scale, and in view of UK having the 2nd largest Indian diaspora community, the Ministry is starting theChalo India promotional campaignon the sidelines of WTM, London.
Focus of Indian pavilion:
- The focus of this year`s India pavilion is MICE, Mahakhumbh and Wedding Tourism. A special mock Mandapam in the Pavilion has been created to give the look and feel of an Indian wedding.
- India remains the world’s fastest growing major economy and is committed to ensure that its continued growth path is equipped to deal with the challenges of climate change, its goal of achieving net-zero emission by 2070 etc.
9. Taiwan Receives First Shipment of U.S.-Made Harpoon Missile Systems
Tags: International News
The first shipment of 100 land-based Harpoon anti-ship missile systems has arrived in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.
An Overview of the News
This delivery is part of a broader deal of 71.02 billion New Taiwan dollars ($2.22 billion) made in 2020.
Taiwan has allocated an additional 15 billion New Taiwan dollars ($469 million) for constructing related facilities.
The total investment in this missile system package now stands at 86.02 billion New Taiwan dollars ($2.69 billion).
Delivery and Integration Timeline
The U.S. approved the sale of 400 RGM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Surface Launched Missiles and four RTM-84L-4 Harpoon Block II Exercise Missiles.
The package includes:
411 containers
100 Harpoon Coastal Defense System Launcher Transporter Units
25 radar trucks
Spare and repair parts
Logistics support, including personnel training and technical assistance
The first phase of deliveries is expected to be completed by 2026, coinciding with the establishment of Taiwan’s new Littoral Combat Command.
The second and final phase is anticipated by 2028.
Enhanced Defense Capabilities
Taiwan plans to integrate the Harpoon missile system with its indigenous Hsiung Feng series missiles to bolster its maritime defense against potential Chinese threats.
The country is actively renovating and building missile bases to support this initiative.
About the Harpoon Missile
Design and History: The Harpoon (RGM-84/UGM-84/AGM-84) is a U.S.-designed subsonic anti-ship cruise missile in service since 1977, utilized by over 30 countries, including India.
Features:
All-weather, over-the-horizon anti-ship missile system.
Length: 4.5 m; Weight: 526 kg.
Propulsion: Turbojet, solid propellant.
Capable of executing both land-strike and anti-ship missions.
Low-level, sea-skimming cruise trajectory with active radar guidance.
Equipped with a 221 kg penetration blast warhead.
GPS-aided inertial navigation for targeting.
Range: 90-240 km.
10. Archaeologists Discover 8,200-Year-Old Kohl Stick in Turkey
Tags: Popular International News
Archaeologists uncovered the oldest known kohl stick, an early form of eyeliner, at the prehistoric site of Yeşilova Höyük in Turkey.
An Overview of the News
The kohl stick, dating back over 8,200 years, is made from green serpentine stone and shows traces of black paint at its tip.
Lead archaeologist Zafer Derin noted the historical significance of kohl, used across cultures, including Egypt, the Levant, and Anatolia.
Physical Details of the Kohl Stick
The kohl stick measures about 10 cm in length and 1 cm in thickness, resembling a modern pen.
Its finely crafted design indicates advanced skills in creating personal care tools during that era.
It was likely used by dipping it in kohl powder for application around the eyes, with the black substance likely containing manganese oxide for a dramatic look.
Kohl’s Medicinal and Cultural Uses
Beyond aesthetics, kohl held medicinal and cultural significance, protecting the eyes from sunlight and treating various eye ailments.
Historical texts associate kohl application with spiritual beliefs, including warding off evil spirits and enhancing vision.
Traditionally made by grinding stibnite into a fine powder, kohl continues to inspire beauty practices worldwide.
A Glimpse into Ancient Beauty Practices
The Kohl Stick discovery emphasizes the long-standing human interest in cosmetics, dating back to prehistoric times.
It illustrates that ancient people valued personal appearance and used cosmetics for both practical and aesthetic purposes.
The craftsmanship of the kohl stick reflects the sophistication of early civilizations, blending beauty with functionality, and showcasing the complexity of early human culture.
