Highlights
- Current affairs are important for competitive exams
- India launched ‘SMART’ system.
- Testing of new generation nuclear capable ballistic missile.
India launched ‘SMART’ system
India recently successfully launched SMART from Abdul Kalam Island. The missile was launched from a ground mobile launcher. Research and Development Organization (DRDO) has developed this weapon for the Indian Navy. This smart system has been designed to enhance the anti-submarine warfare capability far beyond the conventional range of torpedoes.
India’s first green hydrogen microgrid project
Government-run NTPC has been awarded India’s first green hydrogen microgrid project in Andhra Pradesh. The project has been awarded at NTPC Limited’s Simhadri plant in Andhra Pradesh. NTPC at Simhadri will be involved in the hydrogen production as well as standalone fuel-cell based microgrid project using electrolysers. At present, NTPC has an installed capacity of about 67.907 GW in 70 power projects.
PM Modi received Bhutan’s highest civilian honor
Bhutan has recently honored the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi with the highest civilian award of Bhutan, the Ngadag Pel gi Khorlo. The announcement of conferring this highest honor was made by the Prime Minister of Bhutan, Lotay Tshering. PM Modi has been given this honor as an appreciation of India’s friendly approach towards Bhutan under his rule.
NASA’s Parker Solar Probe enters the Sun’s upper atmosphere
For the first time in history, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe has entered the Sun’s upper atmosphere. Parker Solar Probe was launched in the year 2018 with the aim of uncovering its secrets by going closer to the Sun. Three years after its launch, it entered the solar atmosphere and flew into the Sun’s upper atmosphere for the first time. For investigation, samples of particles and magnetic fields have been obtained there.
India-Vietnam sign agreement for cooperation in IT sector
India and Vietnam have signed an agreement for cooperation in the field of Information Technology (IT). On the occasion the ministers of both nations also agreed to promote digital economy and enhance ICT trade and cooperation between the two countries. The MoU between the two countries seeks to enhance active cooperation and exchanges between governments, private entities and institutions involved in capacity building and other public and private organizations in the ICT sector.
Testing of new generation nuclear capable ballistic missile
The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) successfully test-fired a new generation nuclear capable ballistic missile ‘Agni P’ on 18 December. This missile was launched by Dr. A.P.J. off the coast of Odisha. Abdul Kalam was launched from the island. The missile’s trajectory and parameters were tracked and monitored by telemetry, electro-optical stations, radar and down range ships located along the east coast.
NITI Aayog signs Declaration of Intent with United Nations Food Program
Recently NITI Aayog has signed a Declaration of Intent with the United Nations Food Programme. Under the Declaration to this effect, special attention will be given to coarse cereals, support for India to lead the world in knowledge sharing and in addition strategic and technical cooperation between NITI Aayog and the World Food Programme.
MoU between Competition Commission of India and Mauritius
The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing of MoU between Competition Commission of India (CCI) and Competition Commission of Mauritius (CCM). The MoU between the two countries will promote and strengthen cooperation in the field of competition law and policy, as well as in matters of competition law and policy through information exchange, sharing of best practices and capacity building initiatives. This is done with the aim of providing a positive trend to mutual cooperation.
Indian Army launches in-house messaging app
Indian Army has recently launched a contemporary messaging application named Army Secure Indigenous Messaging Application (ASIGMA). It is a new generation state-of-the-art web based application, developed completely in-house by a team of officers from the Corps of Signals of the Indian Army.
Epidemic Preparedness Day celebrated for the first time
The United Nations observed the first International Day of Epidemic Preparedness on 27 December. The purpose of celebrating this day is to facilitate the exchange of information and to ensure exchange of best practices at the national and international level. This day will help us to deal with challenges like COVID-19 pandemic in future.
‘Bharat Darshan Park’ inaugurated in Delhi
Recently, ‘Bharat Darshan Park’ built on the concept of ‘Waste to Wealth’ was inaugurated in Delhi. This park, built by the South Delhi Municipal Corporation in Punjabi Bagh, Delhi, has been prepared in 22 months by 8 artists, 22 supporting artists and about 150 artisans together. In this park, 21 famous historical buildings have been made from about 250 to 300 tonnes of scrap of vehicles. Spread over an area of 8.5 acres, all the sculptures built in this park have been made from wasted junk like old vehicles, fans, iron rods, nut bolts etc.
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