NATIONAL
India-US Joint Military Exercise “EX TIGER TRIUMPH – 24”
• A joint military exercise called Tiger Triumph-24 between India and the United States started on March 18 and will continue until March 31. This exercise is taking place on the Eastern Seaboard (East Coast) of India.
• The first Tiger Triumph exercise was held in 2019 for 9 days.
• India and the US also participated in the Milan-24 multilateral naval exercise in February 2024.
• They took part in the Sea-Defenders 2024 maritime security exercise in Port Blair on March 8, 2024.
• The main purpose of this exercise is to improve cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces for humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.
1. Bilateral defence cooperation
2. Regional security issues
3. Implementing the India-US Defence Cooperation Roadmap
4. Role of the Indian Navy in anti-piracy operations
5. Repairing US naval ships in Indian shipyards
• They had last met in November 2023 for the India-US Ministerial 2+2 Dialogue in New Delhi.
India’s First Integrated Oil Palm Processing Unit by 3F Oil Palm
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated India’s first integrated oil palm processing unit, operated by 3F Oil Palm, marking a significant stride in the nation’s journey towards self-reliance in edible oils. Situated in Arunachal Pradesh’s Roing, this project aligns with Mission Palm Oil under the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oil Palm (NMEO-OP).
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the oil palm processing unit on March 9, 2024, signaling the beginning of its commercial operations.
• The integrated Oil Palm project comprises a state-of-the-art oil palm factory (Palm Oil Processing and Refinery), a zero-discharge effluent plant, and a palm waste-based power plant, alongside supporting structures and go-downs.
• 3F Oil Palm has invested Rs 100 crore in the region, with plans to invest Rs 1100 crore by 2030, generating employment opportunities for 1,700 people.
INTERNATIONAL
President Abbas Named Mohammad Mustafa As New Palestinian PM
• President Mahmoud Abbas of the Palestinian Authority (PA) has appointed Mohammad Mustafa as the new Prime Minister. Mustafa, a U.S.-educated economist, is one of the leading Palestinian business figures with a track record of overseeing Gaza’s reconstruction efforts under Hamas’ rule.
• Mustafa faces a monumental task of managing the reconstruction efforts in Gaza, where swathes of the territory lie in rubble after five months of Israeli bombardment following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7. With over 2.3 million Gazans displaced and in need of aid, he will need to oversee the distribution of billions in expected international aid.
S&T
UK tests a laser weapon that can hit a coin from a kilometer
• Britain has recently conducted successful test firings of its DragonFire Laser Directed Energy Weapon (LDEW), showcasing its capability to intercept enemy aircraft and missiles at a remarkably low cost. A January demonstration in Scotland displayed the laser’s precision in targeting and destroying aerial threats, marking a potential game-changer in air defense technology.
• The DragonFire LDEW boasts precision equivalent to hitting a target as small as a £1 coin from a kilometer away.
• Its effectiveness lies in its ability to cut through targets, potentially causing structural failure or disrupting incoming warheads, making it a formidable defensive asset.
• In comparison to other laser-based interception systems like Israel’s ‘Iron Beam’, the DragonFire offers similar capabilities at an even lower cost.
• While the Iron Beam claims a cost of $3.50 per shot, the DragonFire’s £10 per shot is significantly more affordable, making it a compelling choice for modern air defense needs.
NASA To Carry ‘Message In Bottle’ To Europa, One Of Jupiter’s Moon In October
• In October of this year, NASA will embark on its Europa Clipper mission, aiming to explore Jupiter’s moon Europa in search of signs of life. Scientists are particularly interested in a potential salty lake hidden beneath its icy crust. As part of this mission, NASA plans to send a unique message to Europa, symbolizing human curiosity and creativity.
• The spacecraft will carry a triangular metal plate engraved with “In Praise of Mystery: A Poem for Europa” by US Poet Laureate Ada Limón.
• Additionally, it will hold a silicon microchip featuring over 2.6 million names submitted by the public.
• Last year, NASA conducted a “Message in a Bottle” campaign, inviting the public to submit their names to be included on the spacecraft, further emphasizing the inclusive and participatory nature of this mission.
SPORTS
Kashmir Hosts First Formula-4 Car Racing Event Along Dal Lake
• • On March 18, a thrilling event took place near Kashmir's stunning Dal Lake. It was the first time Formula-4 car racing had been held in the area. An exciting mood was created by the svelte race cars as they raced along Boulevard Road close to the lake.
• The event was beautifully set against the backdrop of the Zabarwan Hills, and the high-speed car race demonstrated Kashmir's capacity to hold international sporting events. Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, described the occasion as a representation of the Valley's progress. He conveyed his belief that these kinds of projects would enhance Kashmir's reputation, increase tourism, and bolster the local economy.
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