Daily News Analysis : 15 July 2024
Kharchi Puja celebrated in Tripura
Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended best wishes for Kharchi Puja, a significant traditional festival in Tripura. Celebrated at the Chaturdasha Devata Temple, the week-long festival includes rituals like bathing the idols of the Fourteen Gods in the Howrah River, symbolizing purification. The festivities involve offerings, hymns, traditional music, and cultural programs, drawing thousands of devotees. PM Modi expressed hopes for the divine blessings to bring joy, health, prosperity, and harmony to all, particularly the people of Tripura.
Key Points:
A) The festival has been celebrated since the erstwhile royal dynasty and is associated with meticulous rituals and customs.B) Kharchi Puja is observed in the Ashadha month and is deeply associated with the religious heritage and culture of the region.
Indigenous NavIC chip development
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has commissioned Accord Software and Systems Pvt Ltd (ASSPL) in Bengaluru to develop an indigenous receiver chip for NavIC, providing Indian time for navigation. This initiative arose from denied access to GPS during the Kargil war. The 24-month project, starting July 1, aims to enhance defence and commercial applications. Additionally, DRDO has partnered with seven MSMEs under the Technology Development Fund scheme for various defence and aerospace projects, including aircraft anti-icing mechanisms and underwater UAVs.
Key Points:
A) The IRNSS satellites, through NavIC, aim at providing directional mapping support to land, rail and air-based users to find routes to destinations easier.B) Presently, the service is largely dependent on the Global Positioning System (GPS) provided by the US constellation of navigation satellites.C) DRDO has commissioned Bengaluru-based Accord Software and Systems Pvt Ltd (ASSPL), which will develop a customised and flexible timing system as per range requirements for NavIC.
Cholera outbreak due to Monsoon in India
With the onset of monsoon, cholera cases have emerged in Gujarat and Kerala. In Gujarat’s Rajkot, areas within a 2-kilometer radius, including Lohanagar, were declared cholera-affected after two cases were detected, linked to contaminated water. Preventive measures, including food bans and monitoring, were enforced. In Kerala, an outbreak occurred in a private care home in Thiruvananthapuram’s Neyyattinkara area. State health authorities ramped up preventive measures after 22 suspected cases emerged, with 14 patients at Thiruvananthapuram Medical College Hospital.
Key Points:
A) The notification declaring an area in a 2-kilometre radius as cholera-affected was issued on July 5 by Collector Prabhav Joshi under the Epidemic Diseases Act.B) It will be in force for two months.c) The localities include Lohanagar, where two cholera cases were detected, railway crossing and Gondal road.
US to deliver Patriot Air Defence System to Ukraine
[Image Source: Business Standard]
President Joe Biden approved the deployment of a second Patriot missile system to Ukraine to bolster its air defenses against Russian attacks. The system, coming from Poland, will replace a rotational force of American troops returning to the US. This decision followed high-level meetings balancing Ukraine’s needs and US combat readiness. The Patriot, a top US air defense weapon, features a powerful radar and mobile launchers. With only 14 deployed globally, Pentagon officials are cautious about reallocating systems, hoping European allies will contribute more.
Key Points:
A) Washington, Ukraine’s biggest supporter, has provided more than $50 billion in military aid since 2022.B) But U.S. military aid was delayed in Congress for months over the winter, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said a shortage of weapons was giving Russia the upper hand.
Asiatic Bear cub rescued in Lohit District1
A four-month-old Asiatic bear cub was rescued in Kolortang village, Lohit district, after being found abandoned. Initially taken to a rescue center in Lower Dibang Valley, the cub was then transferred to the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC) in Pakke Tiger Reserve. The CBRC, in collaboration with the Wildlife Trust of India, specializes in rehabilitating orphaned bear cubs. Since 2002, it has successfully rehabilitated and released over 60 cubs, playing a crucial role in conserving the Asiatic black bear population.
Key Points:
A) Paramedics who arrived at the scene immediately breastfed and cared for the baby.B) With great dedication, the cub has now been transferred to the Centre for Bear Rehabilitation and Conservation (CBRC) located in Pakke Tiger Reserve.C) This specialised facility will offer ongoing care under the supervision of wildlife experts.
132nd session of the Council of the International Maritime Organisation (IMO)
A high-level Indian delegation, led by T.K. Ramachandaran, participated in the 132nd session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London, emphasizing the urgent issue of seafarer abandonment, with 44 active cases involving 292 Indian seafarers. India secured a position in the Joint Tripartite Working Group to address seafarers’ issues. The delegation highlighted India’s commitment to maritime safety, citing successful interventions by the Indian Navy. Additionally, India proposed the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport to promote eco-friendly and advanced maritime practices.
Key Points:
A) The Indian delegation also addressed concerns over disruptions in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and adjoining areas, which have been impacting shipping and trade logistics. B) Furthermore, India reiterated its proposal for the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (SACE-SMarT). C) This regional hub aims to transform the maritime sector in India and South Asia into a technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and digitally proficient industry.
Surge in Sarus Crane population across Uttar Pradesh
The recent summer census conducted on June 20-21 revealed a rise in the Sarus crane population in Uttar Pradesh, with a total of 19,918 cranes, an increase of 396 from last year. The Etawah Forest Division recorded the highest count at 3,289. Notably, six cranes were spotted in Mau for the first time in a decade. Experts stress the need for conservation efforts beyond forest areas, as the count shows a steady increase from 17,329 in 2021 to the current figure.
Key Points:
A) The survey stated that the Etawah forest area recorded the highest number of Sarus cranes at 3,289, an increase of 500 birds, while six Sarus cranes were seen in the Mau forest for the first time in ten years.B) The summer census witnessed the participation of 10,000 citizens across U.P., for two days.
ICMR to develop World’s 1st vaccine for deadly Shigella
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has found a local partner to manufacture a breakthrough vaccine against shigella, a disease causing severe diarrhoea and thousands of deaths annually, particularly among children. The vaccine candidate, developed by ICMR-NIRBI, has shown promising results in animal studies and could be available within two years, pending successful human trials. This initiative comes after a previous partnership fell through. Experts emphasize the need for vaccination to protect vulnerable populations and curb shigella infections in India.
Key Points:
A) The development puts ICMR in a race to introduce the first vaccine against Shigella, which kills thousands of people every year, mostly children under five.B) Shigella is a gram-negative or difficult-to-treat bacteria that causes shigellosis, which is characterized by bloody diarrhoea with or without fever.C) If all goes well when the vaccine passes human trials, it could be ready for use within the next two years.
Philippines to host UN Climate Fund Board
The Fund for responding to Loss and Damage has selected the Philippines as its host country during its second meeting in Songdo, South Korea. This decision grants the Board the legal personality necessary to negotiate with the World Bank, the interim trustee of the Fund, which aims to assist vulnerable countries recovering from climate impacts. The Board expressed gratitude to all countries that submitted hosting proposals and looks forward to collaborating with the Philippines to finalize the Host Country Agreement in the coming months.
Key Points
A) This is very important as the Commission’s host country, the Philippines, will allow the Commission to have its own legal status.B) The Fund, which was operationalized at the COP 28 UN Climate Change Conference last December, was established to help vulnerable countries recover from climate impacts.C) In the coming months, the Co-Chairs of the Board, supported by the interim secretariat, will undertake negotiations with the Government of the Philippines to finalize the Host Country Agreement.
Patten and Heliovaara win Men’s doubles at Wimbledon 2024
Britain’s Henry Patten and Finland’s Harri Heliovaara won their first Grand Slam title by defeating Australia’s Max Purcell and Jordan Thompson 6-7(7) 7-6(8) 7-6(11-9) in a thrilling Wimbledon men’s doubles final. The unseeded pair, who started playing together just three months ago, showcased remarkable resilience, saving three championship points in the second set. The match lasted nearly three hours with no breaks of serve, culminating in a tense final set. Emotions ran high as Heliovaara was seen crying on the court after their victory.
Key Points:
A) Heliovaara became the first Finnish man to win the Wimbledon doubles.B) Patten is the third British man in the professional era to win the men’s doubles at the All England Club, joining Jonathan Marray in 2012 and Neal Skupski last year.
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