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23rd January, 2025 Current Affairs

23rd January, 2025 Current Affairs

NATIONAL
Centre Hikes MSP on Jute, Promises 66.8% Returns for farmers

  • The Centre has made a significant decision to increase the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for raw jute by Rs 315, setting it at Rs 5,650 per quintal for the 2025-26 marketing season. This move, approved by the Union Cabinet, aims to provide farmers with a return of 66.8 per cent over the all-India weighted average cost of production, thus encouraging farmers to invest in jute cultivation.
  • Since the 2014-15 marketing season, the MSP for raw jute has seen a consistent upward trend, increasing by 2.35 times. This reflects the government’s sustained efforts to support jute farmers, ensuring they are adequately compensated for their efforts and incentivizing them to continue producing this essential crop.
  • The 2025-26 MSP hike is significant as it surpasses the increase made during the 2024-25 season, when the MSP was increased by Rs 285, reaching Rs 5,335 per quintal. The decision to increase the MSP by Rs 315 for the upcoming season is expected to encourage higher jute production, addressing India’s low jute output.

INTERNATIONAL
Stargate AI Project, announced by US President Donald Trump

  • The Stargate AI Project, announced by US President Donald Trump at the White House, marks a monumental step in the evolution of artificial intelligence (AI). Touted as the largest AI infrastructure initiative in history, this ambitious project has garnered support from some of the world’s biggest tech and business names.
  • With an investment of $500 billion over the next four years, the Stargate AI Project aims to develop world-class AI infrastructure, create jobs, and boost the US economy.
  • The Stargate AI Project is a collaborative effort led by some of the most influential entities in technology and business.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Sarla Aviation Unveils India’s First eVTOL Air Taxi ‘Shunya’

  • Sarla Aviation, a Bengaluru-based aerospace startup, has unveiled ‘Shunya,’ India’s first electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) air taxi prototype. This marks a significant advancement in urban air mobility, aiming to alleviate traffic congestion and pollution in Indian cities.
  • Shunya’ is designed for short trips of 20-30 kilometers, accommodating up to six passengers with a maximum payload of 680 kg. This makes it the highest payload eVTOL vehicle currently on the market.
  • The aircraft can reach speeds of up to 250 km/h, offering a rapid alternative to traditional ground transportation.
  • Sarla Aviation plans to launch ‘Shunya’ in Bengaluru by 2028, targeting the city’s traffic congestion issues.
  • Sarla Aviation has partnered with precision manufacturing firm Sona SPEED, which will design and manufacture critical components such as motors and landing gear for ‘Shunya.’ This collaboration leverages Sona SPEED’s expertise from previous projects with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

Cabinet approves the establishment of “Third Launch Pad” (TLP) at Satish Dhawan Space Centre of ISRO at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh

  • The Third Launch Pad project envisages the establishment of the launch infrastructure at Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh for the Next Generation Launch Vehicles of ISRO and also to support as standby launch pad for the Second Launch Pad at Sriharikota
  • The TLP is designed to have configuration that is as universal and adaptable as possible that can support not only NGLV but also the LVM3  vehicles with Semicryogenic stage as well as scaled up configurations of NGLV
  • The total fund requirement is 3984.86 Crore and includes the establishment of the Launch Pad and the associated facilities
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AWARDS
Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), Hyderabad, selected for Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2025

  • The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has been selected for the Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar-2025, in the Institutional Category, for its excellent work in Disaster Management.
  • The Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has instituted an annual award known as Subhash Chandra Bose Aapda Prabandhan Puraskar to recognize and honour the invaluable contribution and selfless service rendered by individuals and organizations in India in the field of disaster management. The award is announced every year on 23rd January, the birth anniversary of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. The award carries a cash prize of Rs. 51 lakh and a certificate in case of an institution and Rs. 5 lakh and a certificate in case of an individual.
  • Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) was established in 1999, Hyderabad, Telangana. The INCOIS is integral to India’s disaster management strategy, specializing in early alerts for ocean-related hazards. It established the Indian Tsunami Early Warning Centre (ITEWC) which provides tsunami alerts within 10 minutes, serving India and 28 Indian Ocean countries. It has been recognized by UNESCO as a top Tsunami Service Provider.
Published date : 24 Jan 2025 10:17AM

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