22nd March, 2024 Current Affairs

Sakshi Education

NATIONAL
India Elected Co-Chair of ITU’s Digital Innovation Board

Dr. Neeraj Mittal, Secretary of India’s Department of Telecommunications, led a significant delegation to Geneva for strategic meetings at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Headquarters from March 18-20. The aim was to enhance collaboration and explore innovative initiatives in telecommunications and information and communication technology (ICT) sectors.

India’s First Battery Storage Gigafactory to Start Operations in J&K

GoodEnough Energy has announced that it will start operations at India’s first battery energy storage gigafactory in the northern region of Jammu and Kashmir by October 2023.
According to GoodEnough, the facility will help industries cut more than 5 million tons of carbon emissions in a year. India has set a goal to become net zero by 2070.
GoodEnough has already invested 1.5 billion rupees ($18.07 million) in the 7 gigawatts per hour (GWH) facility.
The company plans to spend an additional 3 billion rupees by 2027 to increase the capacity to 20 GWH.
These plans were revealed by GoodEnough’s founder, Akash Kaushik.
The Indian government is offering incentives worth $452 million to companies under a program to promote battery storage projects.
Battery storage systems enable the storage of energy from solar, wind, and other renewable sources. This stored energy can be released when needed, making renewable energy more reliable and consistent.
The establishment of India’s first battery storage gigafactory is a significant step towards meeting the country’s renewable energy targets and reducing its carbon footprint. The facility’s operations in Jammu and Kashmir will play a pivotal role in supporting the growth of the renewable energy sector in India.

Also Read: Economy: Weekly Current Affairs Bitbank (February 12 to 18, 2024): Which company has increased its stake in SBI Cards & Payments Services Limited on February 9, 2024?

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INTERNATIOAL
INDIA - MOZAMBIQUE - TANZANIA TRILATERAL EXERCISE IMT TRILAT- 2024

INS Tir and INS Sujata will participate in the forthcoming second edition of India Mozambique Tanzania (IMT) Tri Lateral (TRILAT) Exercise, a joint maritime exercise scheduled from 21-29 Mar 24. The first edition of IMT TRILAT exercise conducted in Oct 22, saw participation of INS Tarkash with the Tanzanian and Mozambique Navies.
The current edition of the exercise is planned in two phases. As part of the harbour phase scheduled from 21-24 Mar 24, Naval ships Tir and Sujata will engage with the respective Navies at the ports of Zanzibar (Tanzania) and Maputo (Mozambique). This phase would begin with a Planning Conference followed by conduct of joint harbour training activities like Damage Control, Fire Fighting, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, Medical Lectures, Casualty Evacuation and Diving operations. The sea phase of the exercise is scheduled from 24-27 Mar 24 covering practical aspects of countering asymmetric threats, Visit Board Search and Seizure procedures, boat handling, manoeuvres and firing exercise. A joint EEZ surveillance is also planned during the sea phase. The exercise will conclude with a joint debrief scheduled at Nacala (Mozambique).
During the harbour stay, Indian Naval ships would be open for visitors and partake in sports & cultural exchanges with host Navies. Training visits for sea trainees of 106 Integrated Officers Training Course are also planned at the respective ports.

New Zealand Bans Disposable E-Cigarettes and Vapes

The New Zealand government has announced a ban on disposable e-cigarettes or vapes. The move comes less than a month after the country repealed a law that aimed to phase out tobacco smoking.
Along with the ban, New Zealand will also raise fines for retailers and individuals who sell vapes or e-cigarettes to minors under 18 years of age.
New Zealand is not the only country taking action against disposable e-cigarettes:
United Kingdom: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak announced a ban on disposable vapes in 2022, citing concerns over their long-term impacts and potential addiction among youth.
Australia: Australia also placed a ban on disposable single-use vapes this year.

Operation Indravati: India Leads Evacuation Efforts in Haiti

Haiti, still bearing the scars of the 2010 earthquake, is embroiled in a fresh crisis fueled by armed gang violence. The situation has deteriorated rapidly, particularly in the suburbs of Port-au-Prince, prompting international intervention under Operation Indravati, a joint effort led by India and backed by the United States.

Gangs Unleash Chaos

Gang violence has reached a tipping point, with attacks targeting police stations, critical infrastructure like the airport being shut down, and audacious prison breaks freeing thousands of inmates. To quell the unrest, Haiti has been forced to declare a state of emergency and impose curfews.

Political Turmoil Deepens Crisis

At the epicenter of the crisis is gang leader Jimmy Cherizier, who has demanded the resignation of acting Prime Minister Ariel Henry. While Henry has conceded to stepping down eventually, the lack of a concrete timeline creates a power vacuum that exacerbates the situation.
Operation Indravati: Evacuation Efforts Underway
Operation Indravati prioritizes the safe evacuation of foreign nationals caught in the violence. Indian citizens, along with over 15 Americans, are being airlifted to the Dominican Republic for safety.

Shifting Alliances Cloud the Future

Haiti's political landscape remains fluid, with alliances forming and dissolving rapidly. Exiled Prime Minister Ariel Henry watches from Puerto Rico as Jean-Charles Moise joins forces with former rebel leader Guy Philippe, further destabilizing the nation.
A Beacon of Hope Amidst Uncertainty
Operation Indravati offers a glimmer of hope for a nation teetering on the brink. However, the path to recovery is fraught with challenges as the crisis deepens and the political landscape remains unpredictable.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
ISRO’s Successful Pushpak Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) LEX 02 Landing Experiment

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone with the successful landing of Pushpak, India’s first Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV), during the RLV-LEX-02 landing experiment at the Aeronautical Test Range in Chitradurga on March 22, 2024. This accomplishment marks a continuation of ISRO’s success in space exploration and technology advancement.
The RLV-LEX-02 experiment demonstrated the autonomous landing capabilities of Pushpak from non-standard initial conditions upon release from a helicopter, showcasing its advanced technology.
ISRO’s RLV-LEX-02 mission successfully simulated the approach and high-speed landing conditions of an RLV returning from space, validating essential technologies including navigation, control systems, landing gear, and deceleration systems.
The winged body and all flight systems utilized in the RLV-LEX-01 mission were reused in the RLV-LEX-02 mission after proper certification and approvals, demonstrating ISRO’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability in space exploration.

Published date : 22 Mar 2024 05:21PM