Current Affairs 3 February 2024

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NATIONAL AFFAIRS

Union Minister Pralhad Joshi launches C-CARES, web portal of CMPFOUnion Minister Pralhad Joshi, Ministry of Coal (MoC), has launched a web portal called C- CARES (https://cares-cmpfo.in/) to digitise the records and work processes of the Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation (CMPFO).

• The portal aims to benefit the CMPF subscribers who are working in the coal sector and its pensioners.

Why the Portal?
i.CMPFO, a statutory body under the MoC, manually processes settlement claims of  Provident Fund subscribers and pensioners.
ii.C- CARES portal was launched to expedite the process and to bring transparency in operations
About C- CARES:
i.The portal was developed and designed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), a Research and development (R&D) organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology(MeitY). The project was awarded to C-DAC in March 2023.
ii.The portal can be logged in by both Coal Mines Provident Fund (CMPF) subscribers and coal companies.
iii.The subscribers can access and view their individual details and subscription status and the coal companies can use the portal to submit contribution details, subscribers’ particulars and claims for online settlement and payment.
About Coal Mines Provident Fund Organisation (CMPFO):
Commissioner – Vijay Kumar Mishra
Headquarters – Dhanbad, Jharkhand
Established in 1948
About Ministry of Coal(MoC):
Union Minister –  Pralhad Joshi (Constituency – Dharwad, Karnataka)
Minister of State (MoS) – Danve Raosaheb Dadarao (Constituency -Jalna, Maharashtra)

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal Launched 2 Digital Modules within SagarSetu Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways (MoPSW) launched two digital modules namely the Maritime Single Window (MSW) module and the Mercantile Maritime Department (MMD) module within the SagarSetu (National Logistics Portal(NLP) -Marine) platform to transform and modernize Indian ports.
Key people: The launch event was attended by Minister of State(MoS), Shripad Yesso Naik, MoPSW and other senior officials of MoPSW.
About MSW Module:
i.MSW is a cutting-edge digital platform designed to digitalise the exchange of maritime-related information and documents.
ii.MSW module helps MoPSW to align with global standards set by the International Maritime Organization (IMO).
iii.The module enables the online submission of documents related to Arrival, Stay, and Departure of the Ship and communicates it to stakeholders involved in international maritime trade allowing for swift approval by various authorities.
iv.This will reduce waiting times for vessels and goods in ports by up to 40%.
About MMD Module:
This includes two core functionalities in the Maritime Mobile Domain process.
i.Vessel Detention function will enable the MMD officials to monitor the status of ships at ports, facilitating the planning of vessel inspections.
ii.Vessel Release function will be used by MMD to update the release status of the vessel, signaling its readiness to depart the port.
Note: Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) is a government body under the Directorate General of Shipping of MoPWS.
Swachhta Pakhwada awards:
During the event, ‘Swachhta Pakhwada’ awards were presented to MoPSW organizations to recognise their outstanding contributions towards cleanliness and sanitation initiatives.

• The Swachhta Pakhwada – cleaning campaign, held from 1st to 15th October 2023, witnessed a series of 62 events.

Winners:
i.First – The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI)
ii.Second – Indian Maritime University (IMU) of Chennai, Tamil Nadu(TN)
iv.Third – Visakhapatnam Port of Visakhapatnam(Andhra Pradesh)
About Swachhta Pakhwada:
Swachhta Pakhwada was conceptualised in 2016, to bring a fortnight of intense focus on the issues and practices of Swachhta (cleanliness) by engaging Government of India (GoI) Ministries/Departments in their jurisdictions.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane Co-chaired 12th India-Oman JMCC MeetingGiridhar Aramane, Secretary, Ministry of Defence (MoD), India and Dr Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi, Secretary-General, MoD, Oman co-chaired the 12th Joint Military Cooperation Committee (JMCC) meeting held in Muscat, Oman on 31st January 2024.
Note:
i.Giridhar Aramane was on a 2-day visit to Oman on 30 and 31 January 2024 on the invitation of Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi.
ii.During the two day visit, Giridhar Aramane also held bilateral talks with the Oman’s Secretary General.
Highlights of 12th JMCC:
i.Both sides reviewed the robust defence cooperation existing between India and Oman.
ii.The meeting explored diverse areas of collaboration in the fields of Training; Joint exercises; Information sharing; Oceanography; Ship Building and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO). This emphasises fostering mutual trust and interoperability between the 2 nations’ militaries.
iii.The defence secrearies exchanged views on regional and global issues of shared interest and discussed effective and practical initiatives to enhance bilateral defence engagements, with emphasis on collaboration in defence industries.
Signed MoU to procure Defence equipments:
India and Oman signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) regarding the procurement of Defence Material and Equipment which will provide a framework for new areas of defence collaboration.

• This is in line with implementing “India – Oman Joint Vision Document” titled “A Partnership for the Future” adopted during the visit of the Head of State of the Sultanate of Oman, Sultan Sultan Haitham Bin Tarik in December 2023.

Signatories: The MoU was signed by Giridhar Aramane, Defence Secretary, MoD (India) and Dr Mohammed Bin Naseer Bin Ali Al Zaabi, Secretary-General, MoD, Oman.
About JMCC:
i.The JMCC is the highest forum of engagement between India and Oman in the field of defence that evaluates and provides guidance to the overall framework of defence exchanges between the 2 sides. Oman is one of India’s closest defence partners in the Gulf region.
ii.The 11th India-Oman JMCC meeting was held in January 2022 in New Delhi, Delhi.
iii.It was co-chaired by Defence Secretary Ajay Kumar, MoD (India) and Mohammed Bin Nasser Bin Ali AL Zaabi, Secretary-General of the MoD (Oman)

ECONOMY & BUSINESS

GRSE & Rolls-Royce Signed Frame and Individual License Pact to Produce MTU Series 4000 Marine Engines Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd (GRSE) and Rolls-Royce Plc signed a Frame and Individual License agreement for the license production and localisation of the Motoren- und Turbinen-Union (MTU) International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Tier II compliant Series 4000 marine engines to power government ships.

• As part of the agreement, the IMO Tier II engines, which conform to stipulated emission standards set by the United Nations (UN) IMO will be manufactured at the Diesel Engine Plant of GRSE in Ranchi, Jharkhand.

Note: GRSE is a Kolkata (West Bengal)-based Warship building company and Rolls-Royce is a British luxury automobile maker.
License Agreements Scope and Individual Rights:
The License Agreement scope and Individual license rights for the requirements of the end customer covers:
i.Assembly of Licensee-built Products, manufacturing, or procurement of Licensee-built Parts and/or Components, engine testing and finishing (including painting).
ii.Manufacturing or procurement of Licensee-built Parts and/or Components to produce Licensee-built Products in the Territory.
iii.Sale and After-Sales-Services of Licensee-built Products within India for the Application.
Features of MTU Series 4000 engines:
i.Rolls-Royce’s business unit Power Systems’ MTU Series 4000 engines have a power output of 746-4,300 kilowatt (kW) and boast high power density and power-to-weight ratio.
ii.It stands out with its compact design as well as its mechanical and thermal stability and is easy to use and maintain, with low lifecycle costs.
iii.It gives every naval vessel (from small patrol vessels to frigates and large submarines), the right propulsion.
Rolls-Royce Entered 7-year Deal with Azad Engineering for Complex Military Aero-Engine Components
Rolls-Royce Plc has entered into a 7-year agreement with Azad Engineering in Hyderabad (Telangana) to produce and supply complex components intended for their defence/military aircraft engines. The components will be manufactured at Azad’s facilities in Hyderabad.

• With this, Azad Engineering is set to become part of the global supply chain for complex category components designated for Rolls-Royce’s advanced aero engines.

Note: Azad Engineering is a Former Indian Cricketer Sachin Tendulkar-backed company, that operates in the aerospace and defence, energy, and oil and gas industries.
About the Collaboration:
i.The agreement is focused on the production of highly intricate rotating components tailored for various platforms within Rolls-Royce’s defence and military engines.
ii.This strategic collaboration is in line with Rolls-Royce’s commitment to establishing a robust presence in India, furthering the vision of an ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (self-reliant India).

APPOINTMENTS & RESIGNATIONS

Jay Shah Re-appointed as President of Asian Cricket Council for 3rd Term Jay Shah, Secretary of the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), was reappointed as the President of the Asian Cricket Council (ACC) for the 3rd consecutive term.

• Initially, He took charge as President of ACC in January 2021 succeding Nazmul Hassan, President of Bangladesh Cricket Board (BCB).

Background:
i.The decision to extend Shah’s tenure for a year was unanimously approved at the  Annual General Meeting (AGM) of ACC held in Bali, Indonesia on 31st January 2024.
ii.His extension was proposed by the Shammi Silva, President of Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC).
About Jay Shah:
i.He served as a joint secretary of the Gujarat Cricket Association (GCA) from 2013 to 2019.
ii.In 2015, he was included as a member in the finance and marketing committees of BCCI.
iii.In 2019, he took over as Secretary of BCCI and was named the BCCI’s representative to attend future meetings of the International Cricket Council’s (ICC) chief executive committee.
iv.In 2021, he became the youngest administrator to take charge as the President of ACC.
v.Under his leadership ACC organised the Asia Cup for senior men in Twenty 20(T20) format in (2022) and in One Day International (ODI) format in 2023.
New Members of ACC:
i.ACC included the Japan Cricket Association (Japan) and Persutan Cricket Indonesia (Indonesia) as new Members, following a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process at the AGM.
ii.The Tajikistan Cricket Federation is also set to become a member of ACC.

• To clarify, membership to Tajikistan has been granted at the AGM on a provisional basis, pending a successful site visit by ACC officials.

About Asian Cricket Council (ACC):
The ACC was formed in New Delhi, Delhi on the 19th of September 1983, as the Asian Cricket Conference.
President– Jay Shah

Bollywood  Actor Ranveer Singh Became Brand Ambassador of  boAt 
Indian Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh was appointed as a brand ambassador for the audio and wearable brand BoAt by Mumbai (Maharashtra)-based Imagine Marketing Limited.

• As the brand ambassador,  Ranveer Singh will be featured in ‘Lost in Nirvana’ campaign for their new premium audio sub-brand Nirvana.
• The campaign was conceptualised and executed with the Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based Talented Agency.
• Other noted brand ambassadors of boAt includes Indian cricketers like Jemimah Rodrigues, Hardik Himanshu Pandya, Kannaur Lokesh Rahul and Shreyas Santosh Iyer and actresses such as Rashmika Mandanna and Kiara Advani.
• Ranveer Singh is also a key Shareholder in the firm.

SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Green Propulsion System Developed under DRDO TDF Scheme Demonstrates in-orbit FunctionalityAn indigenously-developed ‘Green Propulsion System‘ developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme of the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully demonstrated ‘in-orbit‘ functionality on a payload launched by the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) C-58 mission.

• This project, a 1N Class Green Monopropellant Thruster aimed at altitude control and orbit maintenance of microsatellites, was sanctioned to a Bengaluru (Karnataka)-based start-up Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd.
• Green Propulsion System is performed under the RUDRA 0.3 HPGP Payload.

Note –
ISRO launched XPoSat (X-ray Polarimeter Satellite) onboard PSLV-C58 on 1st January 2024, the mission also includes the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) aiming to accommodate and execute 10 payloads, RUDRA 0.3 HPGP is one among them.
Validation:
The telemetry data from the POEM 3 at the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC) in Bengaluru has been validated with ground-level solutions, surpassing all performance parameters.
Components of the Green Propulsion System:
i.This innovative technology has resulted in a non-toxic and environment-friendly propulsion system for low-orbit space.
ii.The system consists of indigenously developed Propellant, Fill and Drain Valves, Latch Valves, Solenoid Valves, Catalyst Beds, Drive Electronics, etc, making it ideal for space missions with high thrust requirements.
Demonstration:
i.Under the guidance of the Project Monitoring & Mentoring Group of DRDO, the Development Agency has carried out the complete project.
ii.It has demonstrated pulsed mode and steady-state firing in a vacuum, passivation of residual propellant in outer space, propellant realisation, and establishment of filling procedure under the TDF.
TDF:
i.It is a flagship initiative of the Ministry of Defence (MoD) executed by DRDO, aligning with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
ii.It focuses on funding innovation in defence and aerospace, particularly benefiting start-ups and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
About Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO):
Chairman – Dr Samir Vankatpati Kamat
Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi
Established in– 1958
It is the Research and Development (R&D) wing of MoD.

ENVIRONMENT

ICAR-NBFGR Discovers Two New Species of Congrid Eels in Tamil Nadu and KeralaThe researchers from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) – National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) have identified two new specimens of congrid eels (Anguilliformes), namely Ariosoma Kannani and Ariosoma Gracile, off the coasts of Tamil Nadu (TN) and Kerala, respectively.

• The discovery was published in an international, peer-reviewed life science journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.
• Both the new species belongs to genus Ariosoma.

About Ariosoma kannani:
i.Ariosoma Kannani is found in landing centre of Rameswaram (TN) & Gulf of Mannar(TN).
ii.The species is named after late Professor L. Kannan, former director of Marine Biology, Annamalai University(Cuddalore, TN) and former Vice-Chancellor of Thiruvalluvar University(Vellore, TN).
About Ariosoma Gracile:
i.Ariosoma Gracile is found along the coast of Cochin (Kochi), in Ernakulam, Kerala.
ii.The new species differ from other eels by longer tail, dorsal-fin and, intermaxillary teeth patch.
About the Discovery:
i.The specimens of the new species were registered at the NBFGR’s National Fish Museum and Repository, Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh).
ii.The names of the two new eels have been registered in ZooBank, the online registration system for the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN).
Additional Info:
NBFGR has so far explored 12 eel species(including two new species), six each from TN and Kerala.

SPORTS

Khelo India Youth Games 2023: Maharashtra Tops the Table with 158 medalsThe 6th edition of Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) 2023 hosted by Tamil Nadu was held from 19th to 31st January 2024. Maharashtra topped the medal tally of KIYG 2023 with 158 medals (57 gold, 48 silver, 53 bronze) and won the overall championship trophy.

• Tamil Nadu and Haryana were ranked 2nd and 3rd, respectively, with 98 medals (38 gold, 21 silver, and 39 bronze) and 103 medals (35 gold, 22 silver, and 46 bronze).
• On 19th January 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the opening ceremony of the Khelo India Youth Games 2023 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
• The KIYG 2023 witnessed the 30 overall KIYG records and national youth records.
• Mascot – Veeramangai

About the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports (MYAS):
Union Minister– Anurag Singh Thakur (Constituency- Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh)
Minister of State (MoS)– Nisith Pramanik (Constituency- Coochbehar, West Bengal)
>> Read Full News

India Finishes as Runner-up in the FIH Hockey 5s Women’s World CupThe Indian women’s hockey team finished as runner-up (Silver Medal) at the Fédération Internationale de Hockey(FIH) Hockey 5s Women’s World Cup 2024 after losing to the Netherlands in the final.

• The Netherlands  men’s hockey team won the FIH Hockey 5s men’s World Cup 2024 title (Gold) by defeating Malaysia (Silver) in the finals.
• The Indian men’s hockey team finished in fifth place at the FIH Hockey 5s Men’s World Cup 2024 after they defeated Egypt in the match held for 5th and 6th positions.
• Indian women’s hockey team defender Deep Grace Ekka announced her international retirement from hockey on 27th January 2024. She represented the Indian national hockey team in 268 international matches and scored 24 goals.

About Fédération Internationale de Hockey (FIH – International Hockey Federation):
President – Tayyab Ikram
Headquarters – Lausanne, Switzerland
Founded in – 1924
>> Read Full News

IMPORTANT DAYS

World Wetlands Day 2024- February 2 The United Nations (UN) World Wetlands Day is annually observed across the globe on 2 February to raise awareness about the vital role of wetlands, a critically important ecosystem for people and the planet.

• The Day also marks the date of adopting the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (“Ramsar Convention“), an intergovernmental treaty adopted on 2 February 1971, in the Iranian city of Ramsar on the shores of the Caspian Sea.

The 2024 theme of World Wetlands Day is, ‘Wetlands and Human Wellbeing.’
Background:
i.The World Wetlands Day awareness campaign has been organised by the Secretariat of the Convention on Wetlands since 1997.
ii.Contracting Parties of the Convention on Wetlands have been celebrating World Wetlands Day since 1997 when it was first established.
iii.On 30 August 2021, the UN General Assembly (UNGA) adopted the resolution A/RES/75/317 and proclaimed the 2 February of every year as World Wetlands Day.
iv.The 1st ever UN-recognised World Wetlands Day was observed on 2 February 2022.
About Ramsar Convention on Wetlands:
Secretary-General– Dr. Musonda Mumba
The Ramsar Convention Secretariat is based at the headquarters of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in Gland, Switzerland.
>> Read Full News

STATE NEWS

Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary declared as 18th Wildlife Sanctuary of TNThe Governor of Tamil Nadu (TN) Ravindra Narayana Ravi,  has declared the Reserve forest areas of Anthiyur taluk of Erode district as Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with effect from 30th January 2024. This becomes the 18th Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) of TN

• The declaration was made in exercise of the powers conferred by clause (b) of sub-section (1) of section 26-A of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972 (Central Act 53 of 1972).

About Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary:
i.Thanthai Periyar Wildlife Sanctuary with an area of about 80,114.80 hectares is located between the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) of TN, the Male Mahadeshwara WLS and the Cauvery WLS of Karnataka.
ii.The above WLS links  Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary to the Nilgiri Biosphere through STR and Biligiri Rangaswamy Temple Tiger Reserve (Karnataka).
iii.The region also connects Nilgiris with Kollegal forests in Karnataka
iv.The region is also part of the Nilgiris-Eastern Ghats Elephant Reserve (Nilgiri Elephant Reserve).
v.This forest area is one of the tiger corridors approved by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).
vi.WLS also hosts six tribal habitations.
Details of Reserve Forests Forming the WLS:
Thanthai Periyar WLS consists of six reserved forests namely

• North Bargur reserved forest
•  South Bargur reserved forest
• Thamaraikarai reserved forest
• South Bargur reserved forest (Part 844)
• Ennamangalam reserved forest
• Nagalur reserved forest

Wistron & Karnataka Govt Signed MoU to Establish Laptop Manufacturing Unit Near Bengaluru
The Karnataka government and Taiwan-based Wistron Corporation signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a 1st-of-its-kind laptop manufacturing plant near Bengaluru, Karnataka.

• Under the MoU, Wistron will invest Rs 1500 crore to set up the plant. This unit is expected to create around 3000 employment opportunities.
• This unit is in line with Industry 4.0 standards with a fully automated facility that would make laptops for all brands.
• Over 50% of laptops manufactured from the unit will be exported and the plant will also produce Internet of Things (IoT) components and Electric Vehicle (EV) related parts.
• The work on the plant is set to begin in July 2024 and will start manufacturing laptops by January 2026.

Note: Wistron Corporation is a technology service provider supplying innovative Information and Communications Technology (ICT) products, service solutions, and systems to top branded companies worldwide.

Nagaland Celebrated 4th Edition of the Annual Orange Festival 
The 4th edition of the Rüsoma Orange Festival 2024 was held under the theme “Organic Orange” from 24th to 25th January 2024 in Rüsoma village near Kohima, in Nagaland.

• The festival was inaugurated by Salhoutuonuo Kruse, Minister of Women Resource Development of Nagaland.
• The Orange Festival is also known as Shühuo Nyi, and it originated in 2020.
• The festival was organised by Rüsoma Village Council in association with Kohima Smart City Development Limited, Rural Development Department, Horticulture Department, Agriculture Department and Land Resources Department.

Note: Rüsoma is one of the most progressive orange producing villages in Nagaland.

Odisha CM  Naveen Patnaik inaugurated 4th National Chilika Bird Festival 
The Chief Minister (CM) of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, has inaugurated the 4th National Chilika Bird Festival, which was observed from January 27th to 29th, 2024, to showcase the aviation biodiversity of Chilika Lake (Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon) in Odisha.

• The festival was organised by the Odisha’s State Department of Tourism, Department of Forest and Chilika Development Authority.
• The festival featured a photo exhibition and witnessed the launch of the State of India’s Birds poster and video.
• The first National Chilika Bird Festival was celebrated in 2018.

Note: Mangalajodi village of Odisha is renowned as the “Birds Paradise of Asia”. 

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