News in Shorts: 30 December 2024

M-sand

Context: Rajasthan has launched the M-Sand Policy 2024 to promote sustainable construction and infrastructure.

What is M – sand?

• M-Sand refers to Manufactured Sand
• It is an Artificial sand produced by crushing hard stones using a VSI (Vertical Shaft Impact) machine.
  • It was Developed to address the shortage of natural river sand for construction purposes.
• Initially introduced in Tamil Nadu and Kerala to meet increasing construction demands and reduce environmental impact.

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Benefits of Manufactured Sand (M-Sand)

• Cost-Effective: Lower production costs make M-Sand more affordable than natural sand.
• Quality Consistency: Uniform grain size and shape make it ideal for construction projects.
• Environmental Benefits: Reduces dependency on natural sand mining, protecting ecosystems.
  • Reuses overburden from coal mines, converting waste into usable material.
• Reduced Water Consumption: Does not require washing which saves water during construction.
• Enhanced Mine Safety: Useful for sand stowing in underground mines, improving safety and conservation.
• Reduction in River Sand Extraction:
  • Prevents riverbed erosion.
  • Protects aquatic habitats and maintains ecological balance.

Fighter Jets Generation

Context: Unconfirmed images of a Chinese sixth-generation fighter jet are circulating online.

• Baidi White Emperor ‘B Type Fighter Jet’: In November, China’s Aviation Industry Corporation (AVIC) showcased its sixth-generation fighter jet concept at the Zhuhai Airshow 2024.

What Are Fighter Jets?

• Fighter Jets are advanced military aircraft designed for air-to-air combat and air-to-ground attacks.
• Their primary role is to dominate the skies by engaging enemy aircraft, protecting airspace, and supporting ground forces.

First to Fifth Generations

• First Generation (1940s-1950s): Early jet engines, subsonic speeds, and basic radar systems. Examples – Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-15
• Second Generation (1950s-1960s): Supersonic speeds, radar-guided missiles, and improved maneuverability. Examples – Lockheed F-104 Starfighter and MiG-21. 
• Third Generation (1960s-1970s): Multi-role aircraft with better avionics and enhanced firepower. Examples-  MiG-23, Hawker Siddeley Harrier, and McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom. 
• Fourth Generation (1970s-1990s): Advanced radars, fly-by-wire controls, and focus on agility and stealth. Examples – MiG-29 (Russia), Tejas MK-1 (India). 
• Fifth Generation (2000s-Present):
• • Features: Stealth technology, advanced avionics, integrated sensors, and data fusion.
  • Examples: F-22 Raptor (USA), Chengdu J-20 (China).

Sixth Generation (Future)

• Hypothetical Features:
  • Artificial intelligence (AI) integration.
  • Network-centric warfare capabilities.
  • Hypersonic weapons.
  • Enhanced stealth with adaptive materials.

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What Does “Generation” Mean in Fighter Aircraft?

• Fighter jet “generations” refer to different stages of technological advancement and design improvements over time.

Plantation History of Coffee Tree at Idukki Church

Context: The article focuses on the Historic Coffee Plant at CSI Church, Pallikkunnu.

About Coffee plantation in Idukki

• Location: Near Kuttikkanam in Idukki district.
• The British planted coffee on the church grounds over 150 years ago during the early plantation period in Peerumade.
• Historical Context of Coffee Plantations in Idukki
  • Early Industry: Initially, coffee plants were the primary crop in Idukki.
  • Shift to Tea: In 1875, a leaf disease damaged coffee plants, leading planters to switch to tea cultivation.
  • Significant Yield: Thengakal near Peerumade achieved the highest coffee yield in southern India, producing two tonnes of cured coffee per acre.

Exercise Surya Kiran

Context: A contingent of 334 Indian Army personnel has departed for Nepal to participate in the 18th edition of the Battalion-Level Joint Military Exercise SURYA KIRAN.

• The exercise will take place in Saljhandi, Nepal, from 31st December 2024 to 13th January 2025.

About Exercise Surya Kiran

• Nature of Exercise: A joint military exercise between the Indian Army and the Nepal Army.
• Frequency: Conducted annually and hosted alternately by both countries.
• Objective:
  • To enhance interoperability in jungle warfare and counter-terrorism operations in mountainous terrains.
  • To conduct Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) under the framework of the United Nations Charter.

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About Humanitarian Assistance Disaster Relief (HADR)

• HADR is a critical response to emergencies like natural disasters (earthquakes, floods) or conflicts.
• Established in the aftermath of World War II, its primary objective is to save lives, alleviate suffering, and maintain human dignity during and after crises.
• HADR encompasses a wide range of activities, including providing food, water, shelter, medical care, and protection to those affected.