1. India's first online gaming academy launched in Madhya Pradesh
Tags: Popular Science and Technology State News
Madhya Pradesh is launching its first online gaming industry "MP State Esports Academy".
An Overview of the News
The Academy aims to provide a platform for aspiring gaming and esports professionals to advance their skills and reach a professional level.
MP Junior Esports Championship
"MP Junior Esports Championship" is a 10-day talent hunt tournament from 27th July to 7th August.
It is exclusively for e-sports enthusiasts in the age group of 12 to 17 years.
The tournament provides a platform for young participants to engage, compete and showcase their gaming skills.
Inclusive Selection Procedure
80% seats in the academy are reserved for gamers from Madhya Pradesh.
The remaining 20% seats are open to enthusiastic gamers from across India.
The selection process is open to all, giving a fair chance to the participants to compete for admission.
Combination of tradition and innovation
MP State Esports Academy aims to promote the sport represented in the Asian Games and Olympics.
It seeks to integrate traditional and modern sports while providing opportunities in both emerging esports and traditional sports.
Government Sponsored Excellence
Selected eSports athletes will receive 12 months of intensive coaching and high-quality eSports education.
The coaching and education is fully funded by the government, with an aim to nurture and groom talented sportspersons.
Exports in India: Growing Recognition and Growth Projections
With its inclusion as a medal sport in the Asian Games 2022 and a pilot program in the Commonwealth Games 2022, eSports is gaining recognition in India.
The gaming industry in India is expected to grow four-fold to reach Rs 1,100 crore by 2025.
India's potential as a lucrative market for eSports has attracted major gaming companies from around the world.
Due to its increasing popularity, global players are looking for opportunities and investing in Indian e-sports.
Sports minister of Madhya Pradesh: Yashodhara Raje Scindia
2. SpaceX launches 'Jupiter 3', world's largest private communication satellite
Tags: Science and Technology International News
On July 27, 2023, SpaceX launched the world's largest private communications satellite 'Jupiter 3' using a Falcon Heavy rocket from Launch Complex-39A of NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
An Overview of the News
The 'Jupiter 3' satellite, developed by Maxar Technologies in Palo Alto, California, holds the record as the largest commercial communications satellite ever built.
This upcoming launch marks the seventh mission of SpaceX's triple-booster rocket, the Falcon Heavy, which first attracted widespread attention during its debut in 2018.
About 'Jupiter 3'
Its size would be comparable to the wingspan of a commercial airliner, measuring between 130 and 160 feet (40 to 50 m). Its larger size will enable it to double current internet capacity to 500 Gbps, significantly improving connectivity in areas with limited cable and fibre options.
Hughes will integrate the 'Jupiter 3' into its existing satellite network, allowing HughesNet customers in the United States and Latin America to access high-speed satellite broadband at speeds of up to 100 Mbps.
The capabilities of satellites extend far beyond regular Internet access. It will support in-flight Wi-Fi, ensuring connectivity for passengers during air travel. It will also provide maritime connectivity, allowing internet access for ships at sea.
'Jupiter 3' will play a key role in enhancing enterprise networks, meeting the connectivity needs of businesses across North and South America.
Additionally, the satellite will serve as a reliable backhaul solution for mobile network operators (MNOs), ensuring smoother and more efficient data transmission within the region's mobile networks.
One of its essential applications is providing community Wi-Fi solutions, which help bridge the digital divide and extend Internet access to disadvantaged areas in North and South America.
About NASA
NASA was formed on July 19, 1948, under the National Aeronautics and Space Act, replacing its predecessor, the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics (NACA).
NASA - National Aeronautics and Space Administration
Headquarters - Washington D.C.
Administrator - Bill Nelson
3. CERT-In issues alert on 'Akira' ransomware
Tags: Science and Technology
CERT-In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team), issued a warning about a new Internet ransomware named 'Akira'.
An Overview of the News
Ransomware is designed to steal sensitive personal information and encrypt the data, forcing victims to pay a ransom.
The 'Akira' ransomware targets both Windows and Linux-based systems, gaining unauthorised access to victims' environments, especially those VPN services that lack multi-factor authentication. Once inside, attackers steal sensitive data from victims.
After stealing data, ransomware launches a two-pronged attack. First, it encrypts the victim's files, effectively blocking their access to their own data and systems. To pressure the victim into paying the ransom, attackers use a dual extortion tactic.
If the victim refuses to meet the ransom demand, the attackers resort to public shaming. They publish the stolen data on their dark web blogs, thereby exposing the victim's personal information.
Steps to protect against 'Akira' ransomware:
Maintain up-to-date offline backups of important data to minimise potential data loss in the event of an infection.
Regularly update the operating system and applications to strengthen protection against vulnerabilities and potential cyber threats. Consider using "virtual patching" to protect legacy systems and networks, making it harder for cybercriminals to exploit legacy software.
Enforce strong password policies and implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance the security of user accounts.
Avoid installing updates or patches from unofficial sources to reduce the risk of malware or other security breaches. Stay connected to official and reliable sources for updates.
Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (ICERT)
It functions as a division within the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology under the Government of India.
ICERT is primarily tasked with dealing with and combating various cyber security threats including hacking and phishing.
Director General - Sanjay Behl
4. ISRO to launch PSLV-C56 with Six Co-passenger Satellites
Tags: Science and Technology
On July 30, the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is all set to launch the PSLV-C56 rocket from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.
An Overview of the News
The PSLV-C56 mission will also carry six co-passenger satellites along with a DS-SAR satellite from Singapore.
The DS-SAR satellite, weighing 3600 kg, has been developed by DSTA and ST Engineering, representing the Government of Singapore.
It will be launched into a Near Equatorial Orbit (NEO) at an inclination of 5 degrees and an altitude of 535 km.
The DS-SAR satellite is equipped with a Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), which allows it to provide day and night coverage in all weather with 1-metre resolution at full polarimetry.
Once operational, the DS-SAR satellite will meet the satellite imagery requirements of various government agencies within Singapore.
ST Engineering will use the satellite to provide multi-responsive imagery and geospatial services for its commercial customers.
About the six co-passenger satellites
VELOX-AM: It is a technology demonstration microsatellite.
Atmospheric Coupling and Dynamics Explorer (ARCADE):This satellite is designed for experimental purposes.
Scoob-II: A 3U nanosatellite carrying a technology demonstrator payload.
NuLIoN by NuSpace: An advanced 3U nanosatellite that aims to provide seamless IoT connectivity in urban and remote locations.
Galasia-2: A 3U nanosatellite intended for low Earth orbit.
ORB-12 STRIDER: This satellite is the product of an international collaboration effort.
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO):
It is the national space agency of India, established in 1969.
It is headquartered in Bengaluru (Bangalore), Karnataka.
It launches its space rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.
ISRO's objectives include space exploration, earth observation, communications, navigation and scientific research.
Notable achievements include the Chandrayaan-1 mission to the Moon, the Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan), the Astrosat space observatory and the NavIC navigation satellite system.
ISRO is known for cost effective space missions and technology development.
Chairman: S Somnath
5. Twitter unveils new logo 'X'
Tags: Science and Technology
Popular social media platform Twitter launched a new logo 'X' as part of a massive rebranding effort.
An Overview of the News
The blue bird logo has been replaced by an 'X', which is now featured prominently on the website.
Media reports have confirmed the unveiling of the new logo, which features a white 'X' on a black background, symbolising the platform's updated identity.
The new logo was announced jointly by Twitter founder Elon Musk and CEO Linda Yacarino, indicating their involvement in the rebranding process.
This logo change represents the latest significant update since Elon Musk acquired Twitter last year for a whopping $44 billion.
'X' logo:
The 'X' logo introduced during Twitter's rebranding marks a shift towards turning the platform into an all-encompassing app similar to China's WeChat.
The change is aimed at enabling users to perform various tasks beyond social media including making payments and booking hotels.
Rebranding isn't just a visual change; It represents a major strategic effort to turn Twitter into a comprehensive application with multiple functionalities.
6. Tata to set up EV battery factory in UK for £4 billion
Tags: Science and Technology
On 19 July 2023, the Tata group has announced setting up a factory in the United Kingdom with an investment of four billion pounds (Rs 42,500 crore) to make batteries.
An Overview of the news:
- In Britain, the Tata group is working on plans to make batteries for Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) as well as other vehicle companies.
- The factory will be located in Bridgwater, Somerset, England:
- Tata Sons has chosen the Bridgwater area of Somerset in south-west England for the factory instead of Spain.
Europe's largest plant:
- The 40 GWh gigafactory will be the largest in Europe and Tata's first outside India.
- It will be one of the largest investments in the UK automotive industry.
- This Tata investment will not only create thousands of jobs for Britons, but will strengthen the UK's lead in the global transition to electric vehicles, helping to power our economy in the clean industries of the future.
7. China launches world's first methane-fuelled space rocket
Tags: Science and Technology International News
China's ZhuQue-2 Y-2 became the world's first methane-fuelled rocket to successfully reach orbit.
An Overview of the News
The methane-powered rocket, known as Metalox, followed the anticipated trajectory and completed its flight as planned.
Methane engines provide improved performance while significantly reducing operating costs, contributing to the advancement of reusable rocket technology.
Metalox rockets use methane as the fuel and liquid oxygen (LOX) as the oxidizer, with specific design considerations compared to conventional rockets.
Methane offers advantages as a rocket propellant, including high energy density, favourable combustion characteristics, and wide availability.
Important Point
Landspace has become the second private Chinese company to successfully launch a liquid-propellant rocket.
Beijing Tianbing Technology successfully launched the kerosene-oxygen rocket.
About China
Capital: Beijing
Official language: Mandarin
CCP General Secretary, President, CMC Chairman - Xi Jinping
Congress President - Zhao Leji
CPPCC Chairman - Wang Huning
8. IIT Roorkee announces research awards for 2022
Tags: Science and Technology
Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) has announced its Research Awards 2022.
An Overview of the news:
- The award is given to recognize the outstanding contribution of Institute awardees in their chosen careers.
- The research awards given by IIT Roorkee are open to all Indian citizens and include winners from various prestigious institutions across the country.
- This year's award has five awardees in different categories including 'Khosla National Award' (Science).
- These awards have been in existence since the inception of the University.
Khosla National Award (Science):
- Dr. Kanishka Biswas, recipient of the Khosla National Award, is a professor in the New Chemistry Unit at the Jawaharlal Nehru Center for Advanced Scientific Research, Bangalore, whose research interests focus on renewable energy and a clean environment.
- In the past, Dr. Biswas has also been awarded Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize for Chemical Sciences in 2021 and Swarnajayanti Fellowship 2019.
HRED Hydro & Renewable Energy Award:
- Recipient of the HRED Hydro and Renewable Energy Award, Dr. RP Saini has been Professor in the Department of Hydro and Renewable Energy at IIT Roorkee.
A.S. Arya Aapda Nivaran Puraskar:
- Professor DP Kanungo to A.S. Arya Aapda Nivaran Award Winner has been announced.
- Professor Kanungo is the Chief Scientist of the Geohazard Risk Reduction Group, CSIR-CBRI, Roorkee.
- He is also Professor of Physics at the Indian Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (ACSIR). He is a Raman Research Fellow of CSIR.
Gopal Ranjan Technology Award:
- IIT Bombay Professor Dr. Dipankar Chowdhary received the Gopal Ranjan Technology Award.
- Professor Chowdhary is the only Geotechnical Engineer in India who is an elected Fellow of the National Academy of Sciences, India (NASI), India's oldest science academy.
SR Mehra Memorial Award:
- Dr. Satish Chandra was honored with the SR Mehra Memorial Award. He is a professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at IIT Roorkee.
- Dr. Chandra has contributed immensely to teaching and research in the areas of Highway Efficiency and Bituminous Material Characterization.
9. Guidelines for Operationalization of Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware approved
Tags: Science and Technology
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme 2.0 for IT hardware has been approved in an announcement made by PIB Delhi on July 14, 2023.
An Overview of the News
The plan, with a budget of ₹17,000 crore, aims to grow and expand the IT hardware manufacturing ecosystem in India.
About Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0:
The Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 is a government initiative aimed at boosting domestic manufacturing and attracting large investments in the value chain.
The scheme provides a financial incentive to companies operating in specific target segments, such as Laptops, Tablets, All-in-One PCs, Servers, and Ultra Small Form Factor devices.
Eligibility and Implementation:
To qualify for the PLI 2.0 Scheme, companies, both domestic and global, must meet the eligibility criteria specified in the scheme guidelines.
Those meeting the criteria will receive support for manufacturing goods in India within the specified target segment.
Companies will be classified as either domestic or global, determining their categorization as Hybrid (Global/Domestic).
Ranking and Selection Process:
All applicants will undergo a comprehensive ranking process based on the eligibility criteria outlined in the scheme guidelines.
The ranking will determine the selection of applicants in each category—global, hybrid, and domestic—taking into account their overall PLI projection and ranking.
However, the final selection will be subject to the availability of the budget allocated for the scheme.
Tenure and Base Year:
The incentives provided under the PLI 2.0 Scheme will be applicable for a period of six years.
For calculating the net incremental sales of manufactured goods, the base year considered will be the financial year 2022-23.
Incentives Payout:
The incentive granted to each company will depend on the net incremental sales of manufactured goods in the target segment compared to the base year.
The maximum incentive amounts are capped at INR 45 billion for global companies, INR 22.50 billion for hybrid (global/domestic) companies, and INR 5 billion for domestic companies.
These amounts serve as the upper limit for the incentives that can be received by companies under the scheme.
10. India's third moon mission Chandrayaan-3 successfully launched
Tags: Science and Technology
On 14 July 2023, India successfully launched Chandrayaan-3 with LVM3-M4 rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota.
An Overview of the news:
- With the success of ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission, India will be the fourth country after Russia (Soviet Union), America and China to have soft-landed on the Moon.
- ISRO launched Chandrayaan-1 in 2008. Chandrayaan-2 was launched in 2019. Chandrayaan-3 was launched from Sriharikota on 14 July 2023.
Propulsion Module, Lander and Rover of Chandrayaan-3:
- In Chandrayaan-2 where there were Orbiter, Lander and Rover. Whereas, Chandrayaan-3 has a propulsion module, lander and rover.
- The Lander + Rover of Chandrayaan-3 weighs about 250 kg more than the Lander + Rover of Chandrayaan-2.
How long will the missions last:
- While Chandrayaan-2 had a mission life of 7 years (estimated), Chandrayaan-3's propulsion module is designed to work for 3 to 6 months.
- Chandrayaan-3 will move towards the moon more quickly than Chandrayaan-2.
- 4 thrusters have been installed in the lander of Chandrayaan-3. After a journey of about 40 days, Chandrayaan-3 will reach the surface of the moon. Chandrayaan-2 took 42 days to reach the moon.
Mission Cost:
- The cost of launching this mission is Rs 615 crore. While it has cost Rs 500 crore to launch it.
Mission Objective:
- The Chandrayaan-3 mission aims to gather more information about the lunar surface. For this, four types of scientific instruments have been installed on the lander. Which mainly:
- Earthquakes on the moon
- Surface thermal properties,
- Variation in plasma near the surface,
- Attempt to measure the exact distance between the Moon and the Earth,
- Will study the chemical and mineralogical composition of the lunar surface.
Mission Landing:
- The on-board computer decides how the landing will take place. The computer automatically takes decisions by estimating the location, height, velocity etc. according to its sensors.
Achievement of Chandrayaan-2:
- Data from the orbiter attached to Chandrayaan-2 detected the presence of chromium, manganese and sodium for the first time through remote sensing. It will also provide more information about the magmatic evolution of the Moon.
