- MODI TO INAUGURATE THREE ISRO FACILITIES
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will review the progress of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight programme during a visit to the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre
- Also likely to announce the names of the astronauts of the Gaganyaan programme
- Gaganyaan, expected to be launched in 2025, envisages a demonstration of human spaceflight capability by sending astronauts to orbit and returning them safely to the Earth
- Facilities to dedicate
- Trisonic Wind Tunnel established at the VSSC
- It has an overall length of 170 metres § With a test section size of 1.2 m, it produces a “controlled uniform airflow” over scale models of rockets and aircraft to assess their aerodynamic characteristics for optimal design development
- It is the first of its kind in the country
- It has a Mach number range of 0.2 to 4, which means it can generate speeds ranging from subsonic to supersonic up to four times the speed of sound (Mach number 4)
- The tunnel will provide self-reliance in the end-to-end design of upcoming launch vehicle projects
- Integration facilities for the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) set up at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota
- PSLV Integration Facilities (PIF) will give the ISRO the capability to increase the number of PSLV missions in a year to 15
- PSLV rocket will be integrated parallelly with the refurbishment of the launch pad
- Semi-cryogenic Integrated Engine and Stage Test Facility (SIET) at the ISRO Propulsion Complex in Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu
- SIET will give the ISRO the capability to test the SCE-2000 semi-cryogenic engine which uses refined kerosene (named ISROSENE) and liquid oxygen as propellants and the rocket stage
- The three facilities have been developed at a cost of ₹1,800 crore
2. TRUMP AND NATO
- Former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to withdraw support to NATO citing the failure of European NATO allies to step up their defence expenditure
- While direct funding of €3.8 billion as required by the 2024 budget has been fulfilled by the members to continue NATO operations and military commands, equal contribution to indirect funding is a long-standing problem
- The US has been the major shareholder of NATO’s defence
- Although its GDP spending ranged between high and low tendencies, losing its support entirely would take decades for NATO to revive its military arsenal
- It would take decades to replace the U.S.’s military contribution
- NATO which has doubled its geopolitical presence to 30+ members needs to be able to hold a united front
- Ambiguity persists over who can lead NATO post the U.S. or which group of countries will stride high to establish a safe security landscape for Europe
3. INDIA SPECIFIC AI MODEL TO FIND GESTATIONAL AGE DEVELOPED
- Researchers have developed an India-specific artificial intelligence model to precisely determine the gestational age of a foetus in the second and third trimester of pregnancy
- Designed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology-Madras and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad
- It is part of an interdisciplinary group for advanced research on birth outcomes DBT India initiative (GARBH-Ini) programme
- The Garbhini-GA2 is the first late-trimester GA estimation model to be developed and validated using Indian population data
- Currently models used for Western population are in use
- These could prove erroneous when applied in the later part of pregnancy
- Due to variations in the growth of the foetus in the Indian population
- The Garbhini-GA2 accurately estimates the foetus’ age, reducing error by almost three times
4. EU Carbon tax will do little to cut emissions
- A European Union tariffs plan on high-carbon imports could hurt developing countries But is unlikely to lead to big reductions in carbon emissions, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said in a report
- The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism would cut Asian exports to the EU from western and southwestern Asia
- Steel from India also likely to take a hit
- CBAM was introduced to address concerns that outsourcing of manufacturing had put large parts of EU’s supply chain beyond its emissions trading scheme
5. India seeks permanent solution to public food stockpile issue at WHO meet
- India called on WTO members to find a permanent solution to the long-pending public food stockpile issue
- Saying it is directly related to achieving the sustainable development goal of zero hunger by 2030
- This continues to be a long-pending issue for the last few decades
- Despite having a clear mandate agreed by the members in the past, finding a permanent solution on PSH remains an unaccomplished agenda
- We have to deliver on this in MC13
- Trade ministers of 164 WTO-member countries are gathering in Abu Dhabi for the 13th ministerial conference (MC13)
6. Theyyam
- Theyyam is a captivating ritual art form from North Kerala, India. It blends dance, drama, and music to honor deities, heroes, and spirits
- Elaborate costumes and makeup: Performers adorn themselves in vibrant costumes and intricate facial paint, embodying the characters they represent
- Energetic dance movements: Theyyam performances showcase powerful and symbolic dance movements, often accompanied by drumming and chanting
- Religious significance: Theyyam serves as a form of worship and appeasement to deities, seeking blessings and protection
- There are over 400 different forms of Theyyam, each with its own unique characteristics, including: Deity-based Theyyams:
- Raktha Chamundi: A fierce and powerful goddess associated with protection and warding off evil
- Kari Chamundi: Another form of Chamundi, representing beauty and benevolence
- Muchilottu Bhagavathy: A powerful goddess associated with prosperity and fertility Hero-based Theyyams: – Kuttichathan: A playful and mischievous spirit believed to bring good luck and fortune
- Kathivanur Veeran: A legendary warrior known for his bravery and courage
- Pottan: A powerful sorcerer with the ability to heal and grant blessings
- Other forms:
- Sree Muthappan: A highly revered deity worshipped for protection, health, and prosperity
- Gulikan: A powerful spirit associated with healing and protection from evil spirits
- Pulli Kali: A ferocious tiger spirit symbolising power and protection
- The specific forms of Theyyam performed vary depending on the location, festival, and tradition. Some regions have unique sets of Theyyams specific to their cultural heritage and local beliefs
ONE LINER
- The 16th edition of trilateral coast guard exercise commenced successfully
- Participating countries are India – Maldives – Sri Lanka
- Location – Maldives Coastal Area
- Motive to Deepan Military Diplomacy and Alliance Building
