Daily Current Affairs
To the Point Notes
1: Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas
Context:
- Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has developed an Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas for India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
About Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas:
- Highlights potential of ocean energy resources like solar, wind, waves, tides, and ocean currents.
- Aims to guide policymakers, industries, and researchers in tapping into these resources for energy generation.
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS):
- Autonomous body established in 1999 under Ministry of Earth Sciences.
- Provides ocean data, information, and advisory services to various sectors.
Key Points:
- Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas is a valuable resource for understanding India’s ocean energy potential.
- It can help guide the development of sustainable and renewable energy sources.
- INCOIS plays a crucial role in providing ocean-related information and services.
2: Turkey’s Bid to Join BRICS: A Shift in Alliances?
Context:
- Turkey has formally applied to join BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa).
About BRICS:
- Formed in 2009 by emerging economies Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
- South Africa joined in 2010, expanding the acronym to BRICS.
- Further expanded in 2024 to include five new members.
Turkey’s Motivation:
- Frustrated by stalled EU accession talks.
- Seeks stronger ties with emerging powers like Russia, China, and India.
- Aims to diversify partnerships, access new markets, and boost trade.
India’s Strategic Goals:
- Enhance global standing and promote a multipolar world order.
- Aligns with India’s foreign policy objectives and global governance reforms.
Key Points:
- Turkey’s application reflects a potential shift in its foreign policy.
- BRICS expansion highlights the growing influence of emerging economies.
- India’s role in BRICS can strengthen its global leadership position.
3: Operation Sadbhav: India Extends Humanitarian Aid
Context:
- India launched Operation Sadbhav to provide humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) to Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam.
Reason:
- Severe flooding caused by Typhoon Yagi in these Southeast Asian countries.
India’s Role:
- Operation Sadbhav aligns with India’s “Act East Policy” to strengthen ties with ASEAN nations.
- It showcases India’s commitment to regional stability and support during emergencies.
Typhoon Yagi:
- Strongest tropical cyclone in Asia in 2024.
- Started as a tropical storm in the western Philippine Sea.
- Developed into a Category 5 typhoon with winds of 223 kmph.
- Caused widespread devastation and displaced millions across Southeast Asia.
Key Points:
- Operation Sadbhav demonstrates India’s proactive approach to HADR in the region.
- It strengthens India’s image as a responsible and reliable partner in Southeast Asia.
4: CREATE Setup in Leh
Context:
- Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises has inaugurated the Centre for Rural Enterprise Acceleration through Technology (CREATE) in Leh.
About CREATE:
- Provides Pashmina Wool Roving Facility, training for Essential Oil Extraction, and training for Bio-processing of fruits and raw materials.
- Enhances local productivity, product quality, economic potential, and livelihoods for local communities.
Key Points:
- CREATE is a valuable initiative for promoting rural entrepreneurship and development in Leh.
- It offers training and facilities to support local businesses in value-added activities.
- The focus on Pashmina wool, essential oils, and bio-processing aligns with the region’s natural resources and potential for sustainable economic growth.
5: Satellite Chamran-1
Context:
- Iran successfully launched its Chamran-1 research satellite into orbit.
About Chamran-1:
- Weighs 60 kg.
- Placed into a 550-kilometer orbit to test orbital maneuver technology.
- Launched using Qaem-100 rocket, a solid-fuel carrier designed and built by Iran’s Aerospace Force.
Concerns:
- Western nations, especially the United States, express concern that Iran’s space program could be used to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
Do You Know?
- Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) have a range over 5,500 kilometers and are designed to deliver nuclear warheads.
- Several countries, including the US, Russia, China, and others, possess ICBMs.
Key Points:
- Iran’s successful launch of Chamran-1 demonstrates its growing capabilities in space technology.
- Western nations remain concerned about potential military applications of Iran’s space program.
6: Saarthi App: A Multilingual Tool for Businesses
Context:
- Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) launched Saarthi, a new reference application.
About Saarthi:
- Developed in collaboration with Bhashini (AI-powered language translation tool).
- Initially supports Hindi, English, Marathi, Bangla, and Tamil.
- Plans to scale up to all 22 languages provided by Bhashini.
- Offers multilingual features like real-time translation, transliteration, and voice recognition.
- Helps businesses expand market reach and acquire new customers.
Key Points:
- Saarthi is a valuable tool for businesses looking to enter new markets or increase customer base.
- Its multilingual capabilities can help break down language barriers and improve customer experience.
- The app’s integration with ONDC can provide businesses with access to a wider network of buyers and sellers.
7: Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya
Context:
- Engineers’ Day is observed on September 15 to celebrate the birth anniversary of Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya.
About Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya:
- Renowned Indian engineer, statesman, and scholar.
- Played a pivotal role in modernizing India’s infrastructure.
- Developed flood protection system for Hyderabad and designed automatic water floodgates at Khadakwasla reservoir.
- Established Bangalore Agricultural University, University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering, etc.
- Served as Diwan (Prime Minister) of Mysore from 1912 to 1918.
- Conferred ‘Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire’ by the British in 1915.
- Conferred Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, in 1955.
Key Points:
- Mokshagundam Visvesvaraya was a visionary engineer and statesman.
- His contributions to India’s infrastructure development are significant.
- He is recognized as one of the nation’s foremost engineers.
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