NATIONAL NEWS
1)Govt shuffles cabinet: Kiren Rijiju exited as Union Law Minister
- Kiren Rijiju has exited as Union Law Minister and will now take up the portfolio of Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Arjun Ram Meghwal has been assigned the independent charge as Minister of State in the Ministry of Law and Justice in addition to his existing portfolios.
- Rijiju took over as the Law and Justice Minister on July 8, 2021. Prior to this, he served as the Minister of State (Independent Charge) of Youth Affairs and Sports from May 2019 to July 2021. Union Minister Jitendra Singh was holding charge of the Ministry of Earth Sciences.
2)Innovations for Defence Excellence
Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)the flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence, has signed its 250th contract – first under Mission DefSpace – and 100th SPRINT (Navy) contract.
What are Mission DefSpace and SPRINT Navy Contracts?
- Mission DefSPace Contract:
Space startup InspeCity has been awarded the first iDEX contract of Mission DefSpace.
InspeCity had emerged as the winner of a challenge conducted by the Defence Space Agency focused on developing a gas based Micropropulsion system for cubesats.
- SPRINT (Navy) Contract:
Siliconia Technologies Pvt Ltd, has emerged as the winner of a SPRINT (Supporting Pole-Vaulting in R&D through iDEX, NIIO and TDAC) Challenge focused on developing a lightweight Application-Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC) based communication system for phased-array radars.
- What is iDEX?
iDEX, launched in 2018, is an ecosystem to foster innovation & technology development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging innovators & entrepreneurs to deliver technologically advanced solutions for modernizing the Indian Military.
STATE NEWS
Uttar Pradesh becomes first state to make digital health cards for children
The Urban Development Department and Lucknow Smart City launched “SchoolHealth Program”. Under the pilot project, the School Health Program has been started by Lucknow Smart City in three schools in Lucknow. As a result of enhanced physical and mental health, this unique initiative of Lucknow Smart City Limited would not only detect diseases occurring in children and improve their academic performance but also their future prospects.
The digital health report card is being prepared based on 130 parameters. All the parameters related to physiotherapy of children are checked, which includes endurance, stamina, posture and others. Apart from this, an eye test of children is done to check color blindness, and eye diseases as well as the vision and glasses are also provided if necessary. Besides, the dental and oral health of children as well as abilities to listen and speak are also tested, which does not happen in any health camp. Workshops are also conducted on topics like child psychology, first aid, health and hygiene. (ANI)
SCHEME NEWS
Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 for IT Hardware
The Union Cabinet recently approved the Production Linked Incentive Scheme 2.0 (PLI Scheme) for IT Hardware. The scheme comes with a substantial budgetary outlay of Rs. 17,000 crore, demonstrating the government’s commitment to promoting domestic IT hardware manufacturing. It aims to bolster the manufacturing of IT hardware in India and further strengthen the country’s position as a key player in the global electronics manufacturing ecosystem.
One of the crucial aspects of the PLI Scheme 2.0 is its expected impact on employment. The scheme aims to generate incremental direct employment opportunities for approximately 75,000 individuals across the IT hardware manufacturing sector. This surge in employment will not only provide livelihoods but also contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the country.
BIO-DIVERSITY
Climate Change Impact on Sea Butterflies
Sea butterflies, also known as sea snails, are fascinating and delicate creatures that play a crucial role in the marine ecosystem. However, the smallest species of sea butterflies, found in the Southern Ocean, are facing significant challenges due to climate change.
The smallest species of sea butterflies found in the Southern Ocean are experiencing a decline in their population. The primary reason behind this decline is climate change. As the ocean absorbs increasing amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2), the water becomes more acidic. This acidification leads to the dissolution of the thin outer casing or “homes” of sea butterflies, leaving them vulnerable and struggling to survive.
Previous current affairs: https://www.pmias.in/tnpsc-important-current-affairs-may-17/
Source:https://www.dinamalar.com/
