{"id":131174,"date":"2024-09-10T19:50:55","date_gmt":"2024-09-10T14:20:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/?post_type=current-affairs&p=131174"},"modified":"2024-09-10T19:50:55","modified_gmt":"2024-09-10T14:20:55","slug":"news-in-shorts-10-september-2024","status":"publish","type":"current-affairs","link":"https:\/\/pwonlyias.com\/stage\/current-affairs\/news-in-shorts-10-september-2024","title":{"rendered":"News in Shorts: 10 September 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n

Sakthan Thampuran<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

Context: <\/b>Recently, the\u00a0 Minister of State for Tourism of Thrissur, Kerala said to replace a statue of Sakthan Thampuran.<\/span><\/p>\n

About Sakthan Thampuran:<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Sakthan Thampuran is considered the <\/span>architect of the city of Thrissur.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Raja Rama Varma Kunjipillai or Rama Varma IX,<\/b> better known today as<\/span> Sakthan Thampuran, <\/b>ruled over the<\/span> Cochin kingdom from 1790 to 1805.\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Thrissur Pooram<\/b> was <\/span>started by Sakthan Thampuran<\/b>.<\/span>\n
      \n
    • Thrissur Pooram <\/b>is a grand celebration of Kerala\u2019s cultural and spiritual essence.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Arab League<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n<\/td>\n

Context: <\/b>Turkey heads to the Arab League meet for the first time in 13 years.<\/span><\/p>\n

About Arab League:<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Establishment: <\/b>The Arab League, formally known as the League of Arab States, was established in <\/span>1945 <\/b>with initially just six nations.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Members: <\/b>Currently, it has <\/span>22<\/b> member states, who have pledged to cooperate on economic and military affairs, among other issues.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Founding Members: <\/b>Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Transjordan (now Jordan), Saudi Arabia and Yemen.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Other Members:<\/b> Libya, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Kuwait, Algeria, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Mauritania, Somalia, the Palestine Liberation Organization, Djibouti and Comoros.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Objective:<\/b> To<\/span> improve coordination <\/b>among its members on matters of common interest.\u00a0<\/span>\n
      \n
    • The league was<\/span> chartered in response to concerns about postwar colonial divisions of territory<\/b> as well as<\/span> strong opposition to the emergence of a Jewish state on Palestinian territory.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Su-30MKI Aircraft<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Su-30MKI<\/td>\n

Context:<\/b><\/p>\n

Recently, the Defence Ministry signed a \u20b926,000-crore contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for <\/span>240 AL-31FP aero engines<\/b> for Su-30MKI aircraft.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  • The IAF <\/span>currently operates 259 Su-30 MKI fighters.<\/b><\/li>\n
  • About Su-30MKI:<\/b> It is <\/span>a multirole combat fighter aircraft<\/b> jointly developed by the <\/span>Sukhoi Design Bureau (Russian aerospace company) and HAL for the Indian Air Force (IAF).<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Manufacturing: <\/b>These aero-engines will be <\/span>manufactured by the Koraput Division of HAL.<\/b>\n
      \n
    • The <\/span>Russian engines <\/b>are assembled under license by HAL in India.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Procurement: <\/b>It will be procured under<\/span> Buy (Indian) category from HAL. <\/b>The \u2018Buy (Indian)\u2019 category <\/span>involves procuring products from Indian vendors that either:<\/b>\n
        \n
      • Indigenously designed,<\/b> developed, and manufactured with at least 50% Indigenous Content (IC) of the total contract value.<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Have at least 60% IC <\/b>of the total contract value, even if not indigenously designed or developed.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
      • Significance:\u00a0<\/b>\n
          \n
        • The engines will have<\/span> indigenous content over 54%.<\/b><\/li>\n
        • These aero-engines are expected to<\/span> fulfil the need <\/b>of the Indian Air Force to sustain the operational capability of the Su-30 fleet for the<\/span> defence preparedness<\/b> of the country, and <\/span>thus enhancing India’s defence preparedness.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS)<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"SCoS\"<\/td>\n

Context:<\/b><\/p>\n

Recently, the <\/span>Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has dissolved the Standing Committee on Statistics<\/b> on concerns raised over the delay in conducting the census.<\/span><\/p>\n

About Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS):<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Formation:<\/b> The SCoS was formed in<\/span> July 2023<\/b>.\u00a0<\/span>\n
      \n
    • On July 13, 2023, the government had constituted<\/span> a 14-member SCoS<\/b>, after <\/span>renaming and expanding<\/b> the scope of coverage of the<\/span> Standing Committee on Economic Statistics (SCES)<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Members:<\/b> 10 official members, 4 non-official members (eminent academics)<\/span>\n
        \n
      • The number of members can be up to 16.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Mandates of Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS):\u00a0<\/b><\/p>\n

          \n
        • Reviewing All Surveys:<\/b> The SCoS is tasked with reviewing the framework and results of all surveys conducted under the National Statistical Office (NSO).\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Data Gap Identification:<\/b> The SCoS is responsible for identifying data gaps in official statistics. It will pinpoint areas where data is lacking and devise strategies to address these gaps.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Exploring Administrative Statistics:<\/b> The committee is mandated to explore the use of administrative statistics to improve data outcomes.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Technical Advisory Role: <\/b>The SCoS will provide technical advice to the Ministry on various aspects of surveys, including sampling frame, design, survey methodology, and finalisation of results.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Planetary Protection<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Planetary<\/td>\n

Context:<\/b> China has recently announced the preponement of its Mars sample-return mission, Tianwen-3, to 2028 and has committed to adhering to the planetary protection principle.<\/span><\/p>\n

About Planetary<\/b> Protection Principle<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Definition: <\/b>Planetary Protection is the idea to preserve the <\/span>biospheres of the earth<\/b> and the body against <\/span>contamination by \u2018alien\u2019 microbial life, <\/b>during an interplanetary mission.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Significance: <\/b>The principle is essential for maintaining the biosphere of both Earth and other celestial bodies.<\/span>\n
      \n
    • It ensures that the planetary biosphere remains <\/span>‘pristine’ and unaffected by external influences<\/b> from space missions.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Legal Basis:<\/b> The principle has a legal basis <\/span>in Article IX of the Outer Space Treaty (1967).\u00a0<\/b>\n
        \n
      • It<\/span> requires countries to <\/span>avoid \u201charmful contamination\u201d and adverse changes<\/b> in the environment of Earth and other planets..<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
      • Method of Compliance:<\/b> Spacecraft are cleaned by <\/span>baking them at 120\u00b0C for three days<\/b>, a procedure that ensures minimal microbial contamination.<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Impact on Mission Costs and Design: <\/b>This rigorous cleaning process increases both the technical demands and costs of space missions but is necessary to maintain biosphere purity.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

NIDHI i-TBI<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"NIDHI<\/td>\n

Context:<\/b> The Union Minister, while celebrating the <\/span>8 years of the Department of Science and Technology\u2019s initiative (DST-NIDHI)<\/b>, inaugurated eight new NIDHI i-TBIs.<\/span><\/p>\n

About NIDHI initiative:<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  • It is an <\/span>umbrella programme<\/b> conceived and developed by the <\/span>Innovation & Entrepreneurship division<\/b>, Department of Science & Technology.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Launched:<\/b> The <\/span>National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing innovations<\/b> (NIDHI) program was launched in <\/span>2016.<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Aim:<\/b> To nurture start-ups through scouting, supporting and scaling innovations.<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Funding<\/b>:\u00a0 National Science & Technology Entrepreneurship Development Board (NSTEDB).<\/span><\/li>\n
  • Key Components of the Program:\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n
  • \n
      \n
    • NIDHI- PRAYAS<\/b> (Promoting and Accelerating Young and Aspiring Innovators and Startups)<\/span><\/li>\n
    • NIDHI Entrepreneurs-In-Residence (EIR) Program<\/b> provides fellowships to the students opting for entrepreneurship.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • NIDHI Seed Support Program<\/b> provisions availability of early-stage seed support funding to startups<\/span><\/li>\n
    • NIDHI Accelerator:<\/b> An accelerator is typically a 3-6 months fast track structured program helping ideas get accelerated to the next orbit.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

      About NIDHI-iTBI<\/b><\/p>\n

        \n
      • The 8 new NIDHI Inclusive- Technology Business Incubators (i-TBIs) have been set up at different locations across the country.<\/span><\/li>\n
      • i-TBIs is a <\/span>three-year initiative<\/b> aimed at <\/span>fostering innovation and entrepreneurship<\/b> in educational institutions, benefiting students, faculty, entrepreneurs, and nearby communities.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Agrometeorology Advisory<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Agrometeorology<\/td>\n

Context:<\/b> Recently, India Meteorological Department (IMD) is planning to revive District Agro-Meteorology Units (DAMUs) under the Gramin Krishi Mausam Sewa (GKMS) scheme.<\/span><\/p>\n

About District Agro-Meteorology Units:<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Establishment:<\/b> The IMD established 199 DAMUs in 2018 in collaboration with the Indian Council of Agricultural Research.<\/span>\n
      \n
    • The DAMUs were located within<\/span> Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs)<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Objective:<\/b> To<\/span> prepare and disseminate sub-district level agricultural advisories<\/b>. In March, DAMUs were shut down following an order issued by the IMD.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Functioning:\u00a0<\/b>\n
        \n
      • Preparing Advisory:<\/b> Meteorology and agriculture experts at DAMUs use IMD weather data to prepare advisories on <\/span>sowing, harvesting, and input use like fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Advisory Dissemination: <\/b>Advisories were shared with millions of farmers in local languages via text messages, WhatsApp, newspapers, and in-person communication.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
      • Benefits:<\/b>\u00a0<\/span>\n
          \n
        • Early Warning Systems:<\/b> DAMUs provided early warnings for extreme weather events like droughts and heavy rainfall, helping farmers adapt.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • Positive Impact on Farmers: <\/b>Numerous studies have highlighted the advantages of agro-met advisories, especially for small and marginal farmers.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Clade-2 Strain<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Clade-2<\/td>\n

Context:<\/b> A travel-related Mpox (monkeypox) case has been confirmed, with lab tests detecting the West African clade 2 virus in the patient.<\/span><\/p>\n

About Clade-2 Strain:<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Mpox<\/b>, an infectious <\/span>zoonotic disease, <\/b>is one of the species of<\/span> pox virus<\/b> (such as smallpox and cowpox) characterized by a rash followed by bumps that appear on the skin.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • There are two strains of mpox namely:\u00a0<\/span>\n
      \n
    • Clade I:<\/b> It is the dominant strain with mortality rate between 3-6%, mostly among young children and immunocompromised individuals.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • Clade II:<\/b> It is far less dangerous with a case fatality rate of about 0.1 per cent.<\/span>\n
        \n
      • Clade II is still <\/span>not part of the current public health emergency.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
      • The emergence of a new virus strain, <\/span>Clade 1b<\/b>, spreading mainly through <\/span>sexual contact<\/b>, is particularly concerning.<\/span><\/li>\n
      • Transfer Agent:<\/b> Animals like<\/span> squirrels, dormice and certain types of monkeys and rats<\/b> carry the virus and transmit through bites, scratches or bush meat preparation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Anti-Submarine Warfare Vessels Launched<\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Anti-Submarine<\/td>\n

Context:<\/b> Two anti-submarine warfare shallow water crafts vessels (ASW-SWC) of the Indian Navy were launched at Cochin Shipyard, recently.<\/span><\/p>\n

About Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts (ASW-SWC)<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  • These new shallow water crafts are part of a contract with Cochin Shipyard (CSL) for eight ASW-SWCs to <\/span>replace the Abhay-class ASW Corvettes<\/b> of the Indian Navy<\/span><\/li>\n
  • The vessels are the <\/span>fourth and fifth ships<\/b> in the series of the Mahe-class vessels, to be named as <\/span>INS Malpe and INS Mulki.<\/b><\/li>\n
  • Features:\u00a0<\/b><\/li>\n
  • \n
      \n
    • The vessels can sail at a maximum speed of<\/span> 25 knots<\/b> and have an endurance of <\/span>1,800 nautical miles<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\n
    • The ships, with a <\/span>displacement about 900 tons,<\/b> are designed to fit the indigenously developed sonar for underwater surveillance.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
    • Capabilities:<\/b> Each vessel has a total <\/span>installed propulsion power of about 12 MW<\/b> and is equipped with <\/span>light-weight torpedoes, ASW rockets and mines<\/b>, close-in weapon system (30mm gun) and <\/span>12.7mm stabilised remote-control<\/b> guns.<\/span>\n
        \n
      • ASW-SWC vessels are capable of <\/span>anti-submarine operations<\/b> in coastal waters, <\/span>low-intensity maritime operations (LIMO)<\/b>, and <\/span>mine-laying operations.<\/b><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

NSA Ajit Doval to visit Russia for BRICS meet<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"NSA<\/td>\n

Context: <\/b>National Security Advisor Ajit Doval is visiting Russia amid discussions about India’s potential role in resolving the Ukraine conflict.<\/span><\/p>\n

More About the News:<\/b><\/p>\n

    \n
  • Ajit Doval is visiting Russia primarily to attend a <\/span>conclave of National Security Advisors of the BRICS<\/b> grouping for renewed dialogues over peace talks between Ukraine and Russia.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  • At the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, the Russian President suggested <\/span>India, Brazil, and China<\/b> as potential mediators for resolving the Russia-Ukraine conflict.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    About the BRICS:<\/b><\/p>\n

      \n
    • BRICS is an acronym for the grouping of the world\u2019s leading emerging economies, namely <\/span>Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.<\/b><\/li>\n
    • New members,<\/span> Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates<\/b> have confirmed the invitation to join BRICS.<\/span>\n
        \n
      • Argentina<\/b> has decided to not join BRICS.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n
      • First BRIC summit was <\/span>held in Russia in 2009<\/b>. It became BRICS with the <\/span>inclusion of South Africa in 2010<\/b>.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

        Key Initiatives of BRICS<\/b><\/p>\n

          \n
        • New Development Bank (HQ: Shanghai):<\/b> To\u00a0 mobilize resources for infrastructure and sustainable development.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement:<\/b>To stop short-term liquidity crises and further strengthen financial stability.<\/span><\/li>\n
        • BRICS Payments Task Force: <\/b>cooperation on national payments systems.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
\n

Joint Doctrine For Amphibious Operations<\/strong><\/span><\/h2>\n

\"Joint<\/td>\n

Context:<\/b> Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) released the joint doctrine for amphibious operations during the Chiefs of Staff Committee (COSC) meeting.<\/span><\/p>\n

About the Joint Doctrine for Amphibious Operations:<\/b><\/p>\n