1. Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal launches Tele-Law 2.0
Tags: Science and Technology
Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal launched Tele-Law- 2.0 on August 25, 2023, in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
The Department of Justice (DOJ) hosted the Tele-Law 2.0 event at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi.
The event marks the achievement of helping 5 million citizens and highlights the use of technology in providing pre-litigation advice to the public.
Tele-law services are being integrated with legal representation services under the Nyaya Bandhu (Pro Bono) program.
This integration streamlines access to legal advice, assistance, and representation through a unified registration process on the Tele-Law platform.
The event recognizes and honors frontline workers who play a vital role in providing legal services directly to the people.
The event has been organized by the Department of Justice in association with CSC e-Governance Services India Limited.
The event is in line with the government's vision to strengthen the legal aid ecosystem and ensure equitable access to justice for all.
Important components of organizing include:
Screening of a documentary showing the journey of tele-law from 2017 to 2022.
"Tele-Law-2.0" is being launched, which combines the Tele-Law and Nyay Bandhu apps, Also an e-tutorial has been released.
Unveiling of “Voices of Beneficiaries”, a compilation of firsthand experiences shared by people who have benefited from Tele-Law.
Presenting the "Achievers Catalogue", which acknowledges outstanding performers such as Paralegal Volunteers, Village Entrepreneurs, Panel Lawyers, and State Coordinators for the years 2022-2023 and April to June 2023.
2. India declares August 23 as National Space Day in honor of Chandrayaan-3's moon landing
Tags: Science and Technology
On 26 August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the designation of 23 August as National Space Day in honor of India's Chandrayaan-3 moon landing.
An Overview of the News
The specific spot where Chandrayaan-3 landed on the Moon will be named 'Shivshakti', and the spot where Chandrayaan-2 landed will be called 'Tiranga Point'.
PM Modi made this announcement during his visit to the ISRO Telemetry Tracking and Command Network Mission Control Complex in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Chandrayaan-3 Achievements:
On 23 August 2023, Chandrayaan-3 achieved a historic feat by becoming the first mission to land on the South Pole of the Moon.
Mission goals included a safe lunar landing, rover maneuverability, and the performance of scientific experiments on-site.
India has now joined the ranks of the United States, Russia, and China in successfully landing on the Moon.
Objectives of Chandrayaan-3:
Chandrayaan-3 is set to operate on the lunar surface for one lunar day (equivalent to 14 Earth days).
The Pragyan rover will detect, conduct experiments, and transmit the data to the lander within a radius of 500 meters around the landing site.
The Vikram lander will relay data and images to the orbiter, which will then transmit them back to Earth.
Both the lander and the rover carry advanced scientific instruments for a variety of lunar investigations including terrain analysis, mineralogical composition, surface chemistry, atmospheric studies, and water/resource exploration.
Additional Payloads and Studies:
The propulsion module that propelled the lander and rover into a 100 km lunar orbit contains the SHAPE payload.
SHAPE (Spectro-Polarimetry of the Habitable Planet Earth) is designed to study the spectral and polarimetric characteristics of Earth from the orbit of the Moon.
Chandrayaan-1
Chandrayaan-1 was the first Indian lunar probe launched by ISRO.
It was part of the Chandrayaan program and was launched in October 2008 and the mission lasted till August 2009.
Chandrayaan-1 consisted of a Lunar Orbiter and an Impactor.
The Lunar Orbiter conducted scientific research and collected data about the Moon.
The objective of the mission was to make a detailed map of the Moon's surface and study its composition.
Chandrayaan-1 had advanced instruments to test the presence of water ice and minerals.
The spacecraft carried both Indian and international scientific payloads.
Chandrayaan-1 made important discoveries including evidence of water molecules on the lunar surface.
Chandrayaan-2:
India's second lunar exploration mission developed by ISRO.
Components: Lunar Orbiter, Vikram Lander, and Pragyan Rover.
Scientific Objective: Study the composition of the lunar surface and find lunar water.
Launch: July 22, 2019, from Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
Landing Site: Intended for the south polar region of the Moon at a latitude of 70°S.
Planned Landing Date: September 6, 2019
Landing Result: The lander crashed due to a software glitch.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO):
It was established on 15 August 1969.
It is the national space agency of India. It launched its space rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
Headquarters - Bengaluru
Chairman - S Somnath
3. Chandrayaan-3's Pragyan Rover Begins Lunar Mobility Operations
Tags: Science and Technology
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) confirmed that the mobility operation of Pragyan Rover on Chandrayaan-3 has begun.
An Overview of the News
The payload has been activated on the lander module. Both the lander and the rover instruments will now analyze the mineralogical composition of the Moon and detect seismic activities in its atmosphere.
Indigenously developed Pragyan Chandra Rover successfully de-lighted from Vikram Lander.
Pragyan Chandra Rover begins the exploration of the lunar surface, making India the fourth country to successfully land on the Moon.
About Chandrayaan:
Chandrayaan-3 is ISRO's third lunar mission after Chandrayaan-1 (2008) and Chandrayaan-2 (2019).
Chandrayaan-1 revealed lunar insights, including the presence of water ice.
Chandrayaan-2 was intended to land on the Moon but faced challenges, which led to the deployment of the rover from lunar orbit.
Chandrayaan-3's enhancements and objectives:
Chandrayaan-3 builds on the successes of earlier missions and addresses the challenges.
The lander has an advanced braking system for controlled landing.
The rover boasts advanced capabilities and scientific instruments as compared to the rover of Chandrayaan-2.
4. Dr. Jitendra Singh unveils the unique 'NAMOH 108' lotus and launches Lotus Mission along with innovative initiatives
Tags: Science and Technology
Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched a new 'Lotus flower variety named 'Namoh 108' developed by CSIR-NBRI in Lucknow. This lotus has an extraordinary 108 petals and holds religious and symbolic significance.
An Overview of the News
The unveiling of 'NAMOH 108' is seen as a special gift to commemorate Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dedicated ten years in office.
The Lotus Mission was also launched on the occasion and this project, like other priority schemes, aims to achieve specific goals. For example, the National Honey and Bee Mission, the National Bamboo Mission, and many other missions were mentioned.
The unique 'Namoh 108' lotus variety blooms from March to December, rich in nutrients. In particular, its whole genome sequencing has been completed to better understand its characteristics.
Under the Lotus research program, NBRI in collaboration with FFDC, Kannauj introduced a garment made of lotus fiber and a perfume named 'Frotas' extracted from lotus flowers.
Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated the CSIR-NBRI Digital Herbarium, a repository of botanical specimens of India, and released books on roses, plant resources of Uttar Pradesh, and an e-flora guide.
Collaborative research on cotton was initiated through an MoU between CSIR-NBRI and M/s Nucleome Informatics, Hyderabad.
The event showcased state-of-the-art research, technologies, and products developed by NBRI through a six-day theme-based exhibition. It served to highlight his achievements to various stakeholders.
Dr. Ajit Kumar Shashani, Director, NBRI welcomed Dr. Jitendra Singh and acknowledged the transformative impact of the 'One Week One Lab' initiative in showcasing CSIR achievements.
5. Union Minister launches Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)
Tags: Science and Technology
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During the concluding day of the G20 Health Ministers' meeting held in Gandhinagar on 19th August 2023, Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya unveiled the 'Global Initiative on Digital Health (GIDH)', a network managed by the World Health Organization (WHO).
An Overview of the News
The launch event was graced by the presence of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organisation, who attended the launch of GIDH.
Dr. Mandaviya emphasized that the G20 Chair of India leveraged its expertise in setting up a national digital health framework by coordinating various digital health interventions.
Apart from the launch of GIDH, Dr. Mandaviya also unveiled the World Bank's flagship report 'Digital-in-Health - Unlocking Value for Everyone'.
Discussion focus areas during the three-day meeting:
Health Emergency Preparedness and Response: There is a special emphasis on combating antimicrobial resistance and adopting the One Health framework.
Strengthening Pharmaceutical Sector Cooperation: Enhancing cooperation within the pharmaceutical sector to address common challenges.
Digital health innovation: exploring innovative approaches in the realm of digital health to improve health care outcomes.
6. Central Water Commission Chairman launches "Floodwatch" mobile app for real-time flood forecasts
Tags: Science and Technology National News
Central Water Commission (CWC) Chairman Kushwinder Vohra launched the "Floodwatch" mobile application.
An Overview of the News
The objective of the "Floodwatch" mobile app is to disseminate real-time flood information and forecasts up to 7 days to the public through mobile phones.
User-friendly app developed in-house with readable and audio transmission available in English and Hindi.
Key Features of "Floodwatch" App:
Users can check the current flood conditions across the country in real-time.
The app collects river flow data in real-time from various sources.
Provides flood forecast (24 hours) or flood advisory (7 days) of Central Water Commission.
Users can directly select stations on the map or search by station name.
The map zooms in on the station location when selected from the dropdown menu.
Users can access flood forecasts or advisories (24 hours or 7 days).
Select Options: Specific Station, State, or Basin from the dropdown menu.
The app is accessible on Android devices through the Google Play Store; the iOS version coming soon.
Advanced Technologies Employed:
"Floodwatch" uses satellite data analysis, mathematical modeling, and real-time monitoring.
Its objective is to provide accurate and timely flood forecasts.
7. Pibot: Humanoid Robot for Airplane Piloting
Tags: Science and Technology International News
The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) is making advances in aviation through the creation of the "Pibot".
An Overview of the News
Pibot is a humanoid robot designed to autonomously fly aircraft using advanced AI capabilities and its own dexterity.
Revolutionizing Aviation and Beyond:
Pibot aims to revolutionize aviation by enabling autonomous flight in existing aircraft, without the need for cockpit modifications.
By mimicking human pilot actions and decisions, Pibot aims to usher in a new era of automated aviation.
Unrivaled Control Precision:
The Pibot has state-of-the-art robotic arms and fingers with high-precision control mechanisms.
It excels in handling flight instruments and managing cockpit switches even under challenging conditions like intense vibrations.
Advanced AI Capabilities:
Pibot uses artificial intelligence to understand and retain complex flight manuals presented in everyday language.
It surpasses even human pilots by memorizing extensive sets of Jeppesen aeronautical navigation charts, a feat well beyond human capability.
8. NHAI launches a mobile application called 'Rajmargyatra'
Tags: Science and Technology
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) launched a citizen-centric integrated mobile application named 'Rajmargyatra' to enhance the highway user experience.
An Overview of the News
The 'Rajmargyatra' app is available for download on Google Play Store and iOS App Store and currently supports Hindi and English languages.
'Rajmargyatra' provides comprehensive information on Indian National Highways, including real-time weather conditions, broadcast notifications, nearest toll plazas, petrol pumps, hospitals, hotels and other essential services for safe and seamless travel.
The app has an efficient complaint redressal system, which allows users to report highway-related issues with geo-tagged videos or photos. The complaints are dealt with in a time bound manner, any delay is reported to the higher authorities. Users can track the status of their complaints for transparency.
'Rajmargyatra' integrates FASTag services with various bank portals, enabling users to recharge FASTags, avail monthly passes and access other related banking services within the app.
The app also provides over-speed notification and voice assistance to promote responsible and safe driving behaviour.
'Rajmargyatra' aims to create a user-friendly experience for highway commuters, thereby ensuring a safer and more enjoyable journey on Indian National Highways.
About National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)
The NHAI was created through a promulgation of the National Highways Authority of India Act, 1988.
It is an independent organization established in 1995 by the Government of India.
NHAI manages and maintains a vast network of more than 50,000 km of National Highways across India, which represents about 40% of the total length of National Highways in the country.
NHAI is responsible for maintaining and upgrading the quality of National Highways in India and ensuring their smooth operation for the benefit of road users.
As a nodal agency of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, NHAI plays a vital role in formulating policies related to highways and implementing them effectively.
Headquarters - New Delhi
President - Santosh Kumar Yadav
9. India's first indigenously developed Next Generation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner unveiled in New Delhi
Tags: Science and Technology
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Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh launched India's first indigenously developed, cost-effective, lightweight, ultrafast, high-field (1.5 Tesla) next generation Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scanner in New Delhi.
An Overview of the News
VoxelGrids Innovations Pvt Ltd developed the MRI scanner under the National Biopharma Mission of the Department of Biotechnology.
The development of the world-class MRI scanner required a total investment of Rs 17 crore, of which Rs 12 crore was provided by the Department of Biotechnology through BIRAC.
The introduction of indigenous MRI scanners will make MRI scanning more accessible and affordable to the masses, in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Atmanirbharta in cutting-edge diagnostic and therapeutic manufacturing in India.
MRI scanners are important diagnostic methods, but 70% of the world's population does not have access to them. The prohibitively high capital cost has been a challenge, especially in developing countries like India.
Currently, the installed base of MRI scanners in India is 3 times less than that of CT scanners, mainly because of the high cost of MRI machines and import dependence.
The annual demand for MRI machines is expected to more than double by 2030 with initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat aimed at improving healthcare access and inclusion.
10. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launches 'ULLAS' mobile app
Tags: Science and Technology
Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan launched 'ULLAS' (Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society) mobile app.
An Overview of the News
The launch event took place at Bharat Mandapam on July 30, 2023 at a function organised at Pragati Maidan, Delhi under the National Education Policy.
During the programme, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan introduced the new slogan 'Jan Jan Sakshar'.
The 'ULLAS' mobile app facilitates access to basic literacy and harnesses technology potential for all.
It is available as an interactive app on both Android and iOS platforms for the convenience of the users.
This app acts as a digital gateway for learners through the DIKSHA portal of NCERT.
About 'ULLAS' App
The initiative aims to revolutionise education and literacy across the country, create a learning ecosystem that reaches every individual and addresses the gap in basic literacy and critical life skills.
The initiative focuses on providing basic education, digital and financial literacy, as well as essential life skills to individuals aged 15 and above who missed the opportunity to participate in formal schooling.
Key features of the 'ULLAS' app include promoting functional literacy, vocational skills and imparting important life skills such as financial literacy, legal literacy, digital literacy and civic empowerment.
