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Current Affairs – 2 May 2024

ByULF TEAM

May 2, 2024
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Current Affairs – 2 May 2024

ISRO’s Space Applications Centre (SAC)

A study carried out by the scientists at the Space Applications Centre suggests that the extent of water ice in the northern polar region is twice that in the southern polar region of the Moon.

  • Space Applications Centre (SAC):
    • A major research and development center of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
    • Located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with two campuses.
  • Genesis:
    • Established in 1966 as the Experimental Satellite Communication Earth Station (ESCES) by Vikram Sarabhai.
    • Merged units of ISRO in Ahmedabad in 1972 to form SAC.
  • Core Competence:
    • Development of space and air-borne instruments/payloads.
    • Applications for national development and societal benefits.
  • Applications:
    • Communication, navigation, and remote sensing needs.
    • Contributions to scientific and planetary missions like Chandrayan-1, Mars Orbiter Mission.
  • Communication Transponders:
    • Developed for INSAT and GSAT satellites, used for VSAT, DTH, Internet, broadcasting, telephones.
  • Design and Development:
    • Optical and microwave sensors, signal and image processing software, GIS software.
  • Earth Observation (EO) Programme:
    • Applications in Geosciences, Agriculture, Environment and Climate Change, Oceanography, etc.
  • Facilities:
    • Sophisticated payload integration labs, fabrication facilities, environmental test facilities.
    • Image processing and analysis facilities, project management support group, well-stocked library.
  • Training Programs:
    • Host institution for training programs for students from the Asia Pacific region in satellite meteorology and communication under CSSTE-AP.

Navratna status

Recently, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency public sector undertaking company was granted ‘Navratna status’ from the department of public enterprises.

  • Navratna Status:
    • Introduced by the government in 1997 for Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).
  • Criteria:
    • Miniratna-I, Schedule ‘A’ company.
    • ‘Excellent’ or ‘Very Good’ MoU rating in three of the last five years.
    • Composite score of 60 in six performance indicators.
    • Net profit of more than Rs 5,000 crore for three consecutive years.
    • Average annual turnover of Rs 25,000 crore for three years, or annual average net worth over Rs 15,000 crore for three years.
  • Benefits:
    • Financial Independence: Can invest up to ₹1,000 crore without seeking central government approval.
    • Investment Flexibility: Allowed to invest up to 15% of net worth on a single project or 30% of net worth in a year, with a cap of ₹1,000 crore.
    • Capital Expenditure: Can incur capital expenditure on purchase of new items or replacements without monetary ceiling.
    • Technology Joint Ventures: Permitted to enter into technology joint ventures or strategic alliances.

Project ISHAN

India has kickstarted the process of unifying its four airspace regions into one spanning the entire nation under Project ISHAN.

  • Project ISHAN:
    • Indian Single Sky Harmonized Air Traffic Management initiative.
    • Aims to streamline and enhance air traffic management in India.
  • Current Arrangement:
    • Indian airspace divided into four FIRs: Mumbai, Kolkata, Delhi, Chennai, and a sub-FIR in Guwahati, managed separately.
  • Proposed Change:
    • Unify four FIRs into one continuous airspace in Nagpur for harmonized air traffic management.
  • Airports Authority of India (AAI):
    • Statutory body under the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India.
    • Formed on April 1, 1995, by merging the National Airports Authority and the International Airports Authority of India.
    • Responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure.
    • Provides Air Traffic Management Services (ATMS) over Indian Air Space and adjoining oceanic areas.
    • Ground installations at all airports and 25 other locations to ensure aircraft operation safety.

Kutch Ajrakh

Recently, the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trademarks (CGPDTM) has bestowed the Geographical Indication (GI) certificate upon the traditional artisans of ‘Kutch Ajrakh,’ hailing from the vibrant region of Kutch in Gujarat.

  • Kutch Ajrakh:
    • Textile craft deeply rooted in Gujarat’s cultural heritage, particularly in regions like Sindh, Barmer, and Kutch.
    • Legacy spans millennia, with intricate designs and rich symbolism.
  • Craft Process:
    • Hand-block printing on treated cotton cloth.
    • Utilizes natural dyes, particularly indigo (‘Azrak’) for a bluish effect.
    • Traditional prints include blue (sky), red (land and fire), and white (stars).
    • Fabrics treated with vegetable and mineral colors, undergoing approximately eight washing cycles.
  • History and Origin:
    • Introduced over 400 years ago to the region by Sind Muslims.
  • Usage:
    • Worn by nomadic pastoralist and agricultural communities like Rabaris, Maldharis, and Ahirs.
    • Used as turbans, lungis, or stoles, showcasing cultural identity and heritage.

Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) System

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) tested a next-generation torpedo release system.

  • Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) System:
    • Designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
    • Launched from a ground mobile launcher at Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.
  • Features:
    • Missile-based mechanism to launch lightweight torpedoes targeting submarines hundreds of kilometers away.
    • Extends the conventional range of lightweight torpedoes.
    • Particularly useful in immediate action scenarios when enemy submarines are detected.
  • System Components:
    • Canister-based missile system with advanced subsystems.
    • Includes two-stage solid propulsion and precision inertial navigation.
    • Carries an advanced lightweight torpedo missile as payload with parachute-based release mechanism.
  • Validation:
    • Various state-of-the-art mechanisms validated in the test, such as symmetric separation, ejection, and velocity control.

Kankesanthurai Port

India to grant full renovation cost of Kankesanthurai Port in northern Sri Lanka

  • Location– It is in Jaffna near Point Pedro, the northernmost point in Sri Lanka.
  • Strategic significance– The port is located at a distance of 104 km from Karaikal port, Pondicherry.
  • Origin– The port’s harbour has served as an arrival and departure point for pilgrims since classical antiquity and is named after the Sri Lankan Tamil god Murugan.
Historical sites About
Naguleswaram temple It is one of the Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to Lord Shiva
Keerimalai springs It is adjacent to Naguleshwaram temple, they believed to possess healing properties.
Maviddapuram Kandaswamy Temple It is located south of the harbor.
Kankesanthurai fort It was built by Dutch and is a testament to the colonial history of the region.
Kankesanthurai lighthouse and beach The lighthouse is damaged due to Sri Lankan civil war.
  • Port– In 2011, India and Sri Lanka signed an agreement to revive the port by clearing sunken ships and deepening the harbour.
  • Connectivity- This should significantly lower the transit time of goods to and from the east coast of India, Bangladesh, and Myanmar, and propel economic activity in the north.
  •  Passenger ship service- It connects Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu to Kankesanthurai port to resume operations from May 13, 2024.
  • Aim– To bolster bilateral ties, boosts tourism, and increasing people-to-people relations.
  • Cheriyapani– It is a High Speed Craft vessel which is designated for the ferry service.
  • Implementation by– Tamil Nadu Maritime Board and Shipping Corporation of India.
  • Capacity– 150 passengers.
  • Time taken– 110 km in 3.5 hours.
  • Renovation project– Sri Lanka has decided to renovate the port with India agreeing to fund the entire project.

India to Host 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting in Kochi

  • Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26):
    • Hosted by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, in collaboration with the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR).
    • Scheduled from May 20 to 30, 2024, in Kochi, Kerala.
  • Antarctic Treaty:
    • Enacted in 1959 and enforced in 1961, designates Antarctica for peace, scientific collaboration, and environmental preservation.
    • Over 56 countries have ratified the Treaty, demonstrating global support.
  • Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP):
    • Established under the Madrid Protocol in 1991.
    • Advises the ATCM on environmental conservation and protection in Antarctica.
    • India, a Consultative Party since 1983, actively contributes to decision-making.
  • India’s Involvement:
    • Demonstrates dedication to Antarctic affairs.
    • Operates two year-round research stations: Maitri (1989) and Bharati (2012).
    • Conducts vital scientific expeditions in Antarctica.
  • Upcoming Meetings:
    • Provide a forum to address ongoing challenges in Antarctica.
    • Foster collaboration in environmental preservation and scientific research.

Indian Army and Punit Balan Group Collaborate to Develop India’s First Constitution Park

  • Inauguration of Constitution Park:
    • Joint initiative by the Indian Army and the Punit Balan Group in Pune.
    • Aimed at honoring citizens’ duties outlined in the Constitution.
  • Leadership:
    • Ceremony led by Lt. Gen. Ajai Kumar Singh.
    • Emphasized citizens’ duties for India’s development by 2047.
  • Significance of the Constitution:
    • Highlights both Fundamental Rights and Fundamental Duties.
    • Emphasized citizens’ comprehension of rights and fulfillment of duties.
  • Acknowledgement and Gratitude:
    • Lt. Gen. Singh expressed gratitude for initiatives like Constitution Park.
    • Thanked Punit Balan for his contribution and stressed collaborative efforts’ importance.
  • Punit Balan’s Pledge:
    • Pledged to uphold Fundamental Rights and Duties.
    • Committed the Punit Balan Group to support initiatives honoring the nation’s foundation.

China to Launch Chang’e-6 Lunar Probe Carrying Pakistan’s ICUBE-Q Mission

  • Chang’e-6 Lunar Probe Mission:
    • China’s mission to gather soil and rock samples from the far side of the Moon.
    • Aims to provide insights into the Moon’s early evolution and the inner solar system.
  • Key Features:
    • Exploration of the far side of the Moon, a region hidden from Earth’s view.
    • Relay satellite orbiting the Moon to facilitate communication during the 53-day mission.
    • Historic ascent from the Moon’s far side during the return journey to Earth.
  • Pakistan’s Involvement:
    • Launching its maiden lunar mission, ICUBE-Q, aboard China’s Chang’e-6 probe.
    • Developed in collaboration with China’s Shanghai University and Pakistan’s Institute of Space Technology (IST).
    • ICUBE-Q carries optical cameras to capture images of the lunar surface.
  • Significance of Partnership:
    • Milestone for Pakistan’s space program.
    • Enhances international cooperation in lunar exploration through collaboration with China.

Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

The Supreme Court recently said mere registration of marriage in absence of a proper ceremony would not be valid under the Hindu Marriage Act.

  • Codification of Hindu Marriage Law:
    • The Act consolidates laws governing Hindu marriages.
  • Inclusion of Various Religions:
    • Applies to Hindus by birth or conversion, including Buddhists, Jains, and Sikhs.
  • Marriageable Age:
    • Bridegroom must be at least 21, and the bride must be at least 18.
    • Marriage among minors punishable with imprisonment up to 3 years and/or fine.
  • Respect for Customs:
    • Customary practices respected, though subject to customs.
    • Saptapadi ceremony recognized as a necessary ritual.
  • Prohibition of Bigamy:
    • Section 5 forbids having two living spouses.
    • Bigamy punishable under Sections 494 and 495 of IPC.
  • Emphasis on Mental Stability:
    • Marriage null if one or both parties are mentally unfit.
    • Legal consent required in such cases.
  • Registration:
    • Subject to state laws, but lack of certificate doesn’t invalidate marriage.
  • Divorce Provisions:
    • Divorce allowed through mutual consent or on various grounds.
    • Judicial separation possible within 1 year of marriage in special circumstances.
    • Special grounds for wife to seek divorce.
  • Restitution of Conjugal Rights:
    • Provisions for restoring matrimonial relations if one spouse leaves without excuse.
  • Legal Procedures:
    • Matters handled in family courts.
    • Jurisdiction based on marriage location, residency, or last shared residence

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