[Newsbits] 2-9.07.2024: Zorawar Tank, GOLD Satellite, Great Nicobar Project & More
India has launched the “Fauna of India Checklist Portal,” listing 1,04,561 species, making it the first country to document all its wildlife. The portal, launched in Kolkata on the 109th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) by Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav, includes 121 checklists for 36 phyla and details on endemic, endangered, and scheduled species. This initiative aids conservation, scientific research, and policy-making. It positions India as a global leader in biodiversity documentation, with significant programs like “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” and the International Big Cat Alliance showcasing its commitment to conservation.
Ashwin Ramaswami, a 24-year-old Indian-American and first Gen-Z candidate, is running for the Georgia State Senate in District 48. He holds degrees in Computer Science from Stanford and Law from Georgetown. Ramaswami has a background in cybersecurity, having worked with the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). His political platform as a Democrat focuses on election security, healthcare, housing, education, and gun safety. Ramaswami has raised over 0,000 for his grassroots campaign and is endorsed by US Senator Jon Ossoff, highlighting the importance of election integrity. He faces Republican Shawn Still, who is linked to attempts to overturn the 2020 election results.
The India-Bangladesh Defence Industrial Partnership has significantly advanced since Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s visit to India in June. A notable outcome is the Bangladesh Navy’s purchase of an 800-ton oceangoing tug made by India’s GRSE, funded by a line of credit. This vessel, capable of towing, rescue, and pollution control, underscores the growing defense collaboration. The partnership extends to broader defense cooperation, including joint military exercises, coordinated maritime patrols, and economic support, such as a $500 million Line of Credit from India. These efforts aim to enhance regional stability and strengthen bilateral ties in South Asia.
Project Nexus, initiated by the BIS Innovation Hub, aims to revolutionize international payments by connecting local Instant Payment Systems (IPS) from various countries. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has joined this initiative, linking India's Unified Payments Interface (UPI) with the Fast Payment Systems (FPS) of Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand. The project standardizes connectivity methods, reducing integration time and costs, and enabling faster transactions, often within 60 seconds. With plans to expand to countries like Indonesia, Project Nexus promises to enhance economic efficiency and financial inclusion, supporting seamless cross-border transactions and global commerce.
SEBEX 2 is a highly advanced explosive developed by the Indian Navy in collaboration with Solar Industries and Economic Explosives Limited (EEL). It is 2.01 times more powerful than TNT, utilizing High-Melting Explosives (HMX) to significantly enhance the destructive power of various munitions without adding extra weight. This makes SEBEX 2 one of the most powerful non-nuclear explosives globally. The Indian Navy has also certified other innovative explosives like SITBEX 1, a thermobaric explosive, and SIMEX 4, which is safer for handling and storage. These developments mark significant advancements in India’s defense capabilities.
India has enacted three new laws to modernize its legal system by replacing colonial-era codes. The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) replaces the Criminal Procedure Code, updating criminal case procedures. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) replaces the Indian Penal Code, reducing sections from 511 to 358 and revising crime definitions and penalties. The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) replaces the Indian Evidence Act, modernizing evidence standards to include digital documents. These laws aim to remove colonial influences, ensure justice, protect human rights, and reduce delays in the criminal justice system.
The 16th "Nomadic Elephant" Joint Military Exercise will be held from July 3 to July 16, 2024, in Umroi, Meghalaya, involving the Indian and Mongolian armies. The exercise aims to enhance tactical and operational skills for UN peacekeeping missions, focusing on semi-conventional warfare in semi-urban and mountainous terrains. This annual event alternates between India and Mongolia, with the 15th edition held in Ulaanbaatar. The exercise underscores the strengthening military cooperation between the two nations, highlighted by the 12th Joint Working Group meeting in May 2023. The ongoing series aims to bolster strategic partnerships and regional stability.
Oran Knowlson, a UK teenager, became the first person to receive a brain implant for epilepsy control, reducing his seizures by 80%. Epilepsy, often causing jerking movements, confusion, and loss of consciousness, can be triggered by head injuries, tumors, or genetic conditions. Standard treatments include anti-seizure drugs, but 30% of patients are resistant. Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), traditionally used for movement disorders, involves an electrical stimulator implanted in the brain. Oran’s innovative treatment involved direct brain implantation, improving seizure control. However, DBS is costly, with the device and surgery totaling around 17 lakh rupees, compared to traditional surgery costing 20,000 to 30,000 rupees.
The 16th Finance Commission (FC) of India, established under Article 280 of the Indian Constitution, aims to ensure fair distribution of funds among all levels of government, including local bodies. The 73rd and 74th constitutional amendments have empowered local governments, necessitating financial support for panchayats and municipalities. Cities, contributing 66% of India's GDP and 90% of government revenue, face funding and infrastructure challenges. Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) receive only 0.5% of GDP in intergovernmental transfers (IGTs), much lower than other developing nations. The Goods and Services Tax (GST) has further reduced ULBs' revenue, increasing reliance on IGTs. Parallel agencies and schemes like MP/MLA Local Area Development distort fiscal autonomy. The delay
The Aditya-L1 mission, India’s first solar study, reached its target halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point L1 on January 6, 2024, after launching on September 2, 2023. The halo orbit, with a 178-day revolution time, crosses the Sun-Earth line and requires balanced orbital motion. The mission faces challenges from solar radiation and gravitational pulls, necessitating station-keeping maneuvers on February 22, June 7, and July 2 to correct deviations. ISRO’s advanced in-house flight dynamics software ensured accurate maneuvers. A visual representation in ISRO’s press release shows the planned and possible deviated orbits, simplifying the mission’s complex 3D dynamics.
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