NATIONAL NEWS
1)India’s First Pod Taxi
The Yamuna Authority recently gave its nod to India’s first pod taxi project. The Personalised Rapid Transit project, an advanced mode of transportation, will be automated and environment-friendly.
Pod taxis are automated, environment-friendly vehicles that run on separate tracks to avoid road traffic. These vehicles are powered by electricity, which makes them a more eco-friendly mode of transportation. Pod taxis are designed to transport a fixed number of passengers and are considered one of the most advanced modes of transportation available today.
Significants
The pod taxi project will be the first international transit system in India. The project is significant as it represents a step towards sustainable development and a more efficient transportation system in the country. The use of eco-friendly and automated modes of transportation such as pod taxis is an essential step towards achieving this goal.
2)Advisory Committee Suggests Ban on Diesel 4-Wheelers
Recently, the Energy Transition Advisory Committee formed by Union Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has recommended that India should ban diesel-powered 4-wheeler vehicles by 2027 and switch to electric and gas-fuelled vehicles in cities with more than a million people and polluted towns to reduce emissions.
The Committee, headed by former petroleum secretary Tarun Kapoor, also suggested phasing out motorcycles, scooters, and three-wheelers with internal combustion engines by 2035.
Recommedantions:
- India is one of the largest emitters of greenhouse gases globally, and to achieve its net-zero goal for 2070, it wants to produce 40% of its electricity from renewables.
- To boost electric vehicle (EV) use in the country, the report calls for the targeted extension of incentives under the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid Vehicles scheme (FAME).
STATE NEWS
1)Kerala Travel Mart (KTM)
The second edition of the Kerala Travel Mart (KTM), a flagship event of Kerala’s tourism apex forum KTM Society, will be held virtually from May 9 to May 12. The aim of this event is to reach out to trade partners, stakeholders, and tourists worldwide. The event was launched for the first time in 2021 to leverage digital tools to showcase Kerala’s tourism industry amidst the pandemic.
KTM 2023 is a biennial event and will provide virtual stalls free of cost to its members. This facility will allow members to showcase their businesses and reach out to potential customers.
2)Telangana govt launches first of its kind State Robotics Framework
The Telangana government introduced a new policy known as the State Robotics Framework. It is designed to establish a self-sustaining robotics ecosystem and to position the state as a leader in robotics in India. The policy aims to provide support for research and development, encourage collaboration between academia and industry, and promote the adoption of robotics technology across various sectors.
As part of the State Robotics Framework, Telangana plans to establish a Robo Park with testing facilities, co-working spaces, and co-production or manufacturing options. These facilities will be set up either on state-owned sites or in collaboration with industry, academia, and incubators at competitive rates.
DEFENCE NEWS
MiG-21 Jet in India
The MiG-21 is among the six fighter jets flown by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and has been the backbone of the force for a long time. The MiG-21 is a fighter aircraft that is capable of performing a range of roles and can be used for both air-to-air and ground attacks.
It has a single engine and can seat only one person. It was first inducted into the IAF in 1963 as an interceptor aircraft and was later upgraded to perform various roles, including ground attack. Over 700 MiG-21 aircraft of different variants have been procured by India since then, with the latest variant being the MiG-21 Bison. Over 100 MiG-21s with the IAF have been upgraded to Bison since 2006.
REPORTS
Internet in India Report 2022
- As per the report, 52% of the Indian population or 759 million people are accessing the internet at least once a month in 2022. Out of that, 399 million are from rural India, while 360 million are from urban India. Out of that, 399 million are from rural India, while 360 million are from urban
- Bihar (32%) having less than half the level of internet penetration than the leading state Goa (70%). While 57% of all new users in 2022 were females.
- Digital payments in 2022 grew 13% over 2021 to reach an estimated 338 million users
AWARD NEWS
President of India Smt Droupadi Murmu confers 37 Gallantry awards
On May 09, 2023, the Defence Investiture Ceremony (Phase-1) was held in New Delhi, during which the President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, awarded 8 Kirti Chakras and 29 Shaurya Chakras to personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces, and State/Union Territory Police. Five of the Kirti Chakras and five of the Shaurya Chakras were awarded posthumously. The gallantry awards were presented to individuals who demonstrated outstanding bravery, unwavering courage, and exceptional devotion to their duties.
Previous current affairs:https://www.pmias.in/tnpsc-important-current-affairs-may-9/
Source:https://www.dinamalar.com/
