Daily News Analysis : 19 July 2024

The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) commemorates its 73rd Foundation Day

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) – Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) celebrated its 73rd Foundation Day in New Delhi, with Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, the first woman DG of CSIR, inaugurating the ‘AcSIR PhD Scholar Lab’ and emphasizing future policy development. The event highlighted CRRI’s contributions, from Bullock cart technology to modern innovations. Keynote lectures, MoUs with industries, and activities for over 200 school children under the CSIR Jigyasa Scheme marked the celebration, promoting scientific innovation and collaboration.

Key Points:
A) The 73rd Foundation Day celebration served as a platform to promote scientific innovation and inspire the next generation of scientists in the field of road and transport research.
B) The event concluded with a vote of thanks, recognizing the enthusiasm and dedication of all participants and contributors.
C) More than 200 School children attended in open day under CSIR Jigyasa Scheme.

ADB maintains its GDP growth forecast for India at 7% for FY25

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) maintained India’s GDP growth projection at 7% for FY25, citing a stronger-than-expected fiscal position but cautioning against risks from weather events and geopolitical shocks. The industrial sector is expected to grow robustly, driven by manufacturing and construction, while agriculture should rebound with an above-normal monsoon. The IMF also raised India’s GDP growth projection to 7% for FY25. The Reserve Bank of India forecasts 7.2% growth, anticipating a major structural shift in the economy.

Key Points:
A) The “stronger-than-expected fiscal position of the central government could provide a further boost to growth” to the Indian economy.
B) With 7 per cent projected growth, India will maintain its position as the fastest growing economy in the region. For the financial year 2025-26, ADB has pegged India’s GDP growth at 7.2 per cent.
C) The economic growth projection for the current financial year as well as 2025-26 by ADB in the July report is the same as estimated in the April edition of Asian Development Outlook report.

Paul Kagame secures a fourth presidential term

Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has been re-elected to a fourth term with 99.18% of the vote, according to the National Electoral Commission. Facing only two challengers, Kagame’s victory surpasses his 98.7% win in 2017. Eight other candidates were barred from running. Kagame, 66, thanked voters from the Rwandan Patriotic Front headquarters, emphasizing the trust reflected in the results. Despite criticism for his authoritarian rule, Kagame remains popular due to Rwanda’s economic growth and infrastructure development. A 2015 referendum allows him to potentially stay in power until 2034.
 

Key Points:
A) With 65 percent of the population under 30, Kagame is the only leader most Rwandans have ever known.
B) Kagame is among African leaders who have prolonged their time in office by pursuing changes to term limits.
C) Kagame is popular for overseeing economic growth rates of an average of 7.2 percent between 2012 and 2022 and the development of critical infrastructure including hospitals and roads.

Zen Tech Unveils Made-in-India Anti-Drone and Defence Solutions

Zen Technologies and its subsidiary AI Turing Technologies have launched four new products: Hawkeye, Barbarik-URCWS, Prahasta, and Sthir Stab 640. Hawkeye is an advanced anti-drone camera with 15 km tracking. Barbarik-URCWS is the world’s lightest remote-controlled weapon station, enhancing battlefield effectiveness. Prahasta, an automated quadruped, offers real-time 3D terrain mapping for mission planning. Sthir Stab 640 is a stabilized sight for vehicles and boats, providing exceptional situational awareness. Zen’s Chairman Ashok Atluri emphasized these innovations’ role in advancing autonomous defence operations.

Key Points:
A) Among these is Prahasta, an AI-powered robotic quadruped that uses LiDAR (light detection and ranging) and reinforcement learning to create real-time 3D terrain maps for superior mission planning, navigation, and threat assessment.
B) The company also launched the Hawkeye anti-drone camera system, the Barbarik-URCWS remote-controlled weapon station, and the Sthir Stab 640, a durable stabilized sight mainly designed for armored vehicles, ICVs, and boats.

BTS’ Jin carries the Olympic torch in Paris for the 2024 Games

BTS’ Jin carried the Olympic flame through Paris as the first torchbearer for the 2024 Paris Olympics on Bastille Day. Departing from Seoul on July 11, Jin joined the torch relay that began in Olympia, Greece, and will travel through 400 cities in France. Recently discharged from military service on July 12, Jin is set to release a solo album and has filmed an MBC variety show, The Half-Star Hotel in Lost Island. His BTS bandmates celebrated his return on social media

Key Points:
A) Jin’s relay drew a significant crowd.
B) Approximately 10,000 individuals were selected to transport the torch through France from Marseille, a southern port city, where it landed on May 8, to the commencement of the opening ceremony on July 26.
C) The Olympic cauldron will be lit after the opening ceremony on the River Seine on July 26.
 

Nelson Mandela International Day Observed on July 18

Nelson Mandela International Day, observed on July 18, celebrates Nelson Mandela’s life and legacy as South Africa’s first black president. Mandela, a key figure in ending apartheid, spent 27 years in prison before becoming president in 1994. His leadership emphasized reconciliation, equality, and forgiveness. The United Nations established the day in 2009 to honour his contributions to peace and justice. The theme for 2024 is ‘Combating poverty and inequality is in our hands.’ Mandela passed away on December 5, 2013.
 

Key Points:

A) Nelson Mandela was chosen as the initial President of South Africa following democratic elections.
B) He is regarded as the ‘Father of the Nation’ in South Africa.
C) Nelson Mandela was an embodiment of faith, compassion, empathy, love, and faith in the goodness of people.

India Leads in Electronic Waste Growth: UNCTAD Report

According to the UNCTAD’s ‘2024 Digital Economy Report,’ India experienced the highest global growth in electronic waste generation, with a 163% increase from 2010 to 2022. India’s share of electronic waste from screens, computers, and IT equipment grew from 3.1% to 6.4% of global waste. The report highlights the environmental and health risks associated with electronic waste, noting that much is managed informally in developing countries. It also praises India’s efforts in reducing packaging waste and promoting sustainable delivery methods.
 

Key Points:

A) Digitalisation-related waste contains hazardous materials which, if not properly handled and treated, can have damaging effects on the environment and human health.
B) The report notes that in 2023, nearly one-third of global mobile data traffic originated from Northeast Asia, with the next largest share coming from the group formed by Bhutan, India, and Nepal.

 Prof. Anil Bhardwaj Awarded 2024 COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal

Prof. Anil Bhardwaj, Director of PRL, Ahmedabad, was awarded the 2024 COSPAR Vikram Sarabhai Medal for his exceptional contributions to India’s Planetary Exploration Program. The award, presented at the 45th COSPAR Scientific Assembly in Busan, Korea, on July 15, 2024, by COSPAR President Prof. Pascale Ehrenfreund and Vice-Presidents Profs. Catherine Cesarsky and Pietro Ubertini, honours his work on instruments for Indian space missions and multi-wavelength observations of solar system bodies.
 

Key Points:

A) Prahlad Chandra Agrawal and Anil Bhardwaj received awards from the Committee on Space Research.
B) Anil Agrawal received an award that included a medal, a citation, and the naming of a minor planet in his honour; he was also renowned for his contributions to X-ray astronomy.
C) Prahlad Chandra Agrawal is a senior Indian space scientist and retired professor originating from the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research.

RPF Rescued 84,119 Children Through Operation Nanhe Farishte

Over seven years (2018-May 2024), the Railway Protection Force (RPF) rescued 84,119 children under ‘Operation Nanhe Farishte,’ protecting them from harm in stations and trains. This mission addresses runaway, missing, destitute, kidnapped, mentally challenged, and trafficked children. Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, RPF adapted and maintained their efforts. Significant rescues occurred in 2018, with 17,112 children saved. The operation raised awareness about vulnerable children, established child help desks at over 135 stations, and used the Track Child Portal for comprehensive details.
 

Key Points:

A) ‘Nanhe Farishte’ is more than just an operation; it is a lifeline for thousands of children who find themselves in precarious situations.
B) The data between 2018 and 2024 showcases a tale of resolute determination, flexibility, and tenacity.
C) Each rescue is a testament to the RPF’s commitment to safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.

PM Modi Inaugurates India’s Longest Urban Tunnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation for India’s longest urban tunnel, the Thane-Borivali Twin Tunnel project. Costing Rs. 16,600.40 crores, this 11.8 km tunnel will cut travel time between Thane and Borivali to 12 minutes, reducing the journey by 12 km and saving over an hour. It aims to ease congestion and improve East-West connectivity, while minimizing environmental impact and carbon emissions. Completion is expected by May 2028.

Key Points:
A) The country’s longest urban tunnel, spanning 11.8 km, will include a bored section of 10.25 km with cross passages every 300 meters for connectivity.
B) Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) plans to use India’s largest tunnel-boring machine for this project.
C) The Thane Borivali Twin Tunnel project aims to ease traffic on Ghodbundar Road and the Western Express Highway.