Daily News Analysis : 28 June 2024

Largest Leopard Safari Inaugurated at Bannerghatta Biological Park (BBP)

The country’s largest Leopard Safari was recently inaugurated at Bannerghatta Biological Park, Karnataka. The Bannerghatta Biological Park was established in 2002 and it was the first Biological Park in India to have a fenced, forested elephant Sanctuary. The Biological Park is a part of Bannerghatta National Park located in the hills of Anekal Range, Karnataka. It is South India’s first Leopard Sanctuary.

Key Points:

A) The safari has been designated and enclosed within a 20-hectare area, following the regulations set by the Central Zoo Authority. Presently, a total of eight leopards have been set free in the expansive forest region for the safari experience.
B) Emphasizing the significance of these apex predators, BBP officials affirm that Bannerghatta houses a substantial population of freely roaming leopards (Panthera pardus).
C) The establishment of this facility has incurred a cost of ?4.5 crore.

IAF to Purchase 10 Indigenous TAPAS Drones

The Indian Air Force recently proposed to the Union Government to purchase 10 indigenously developed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle “TAPAS”. It is a medium altitude, long endurance (MALE) Drone developed indigenously by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE) of DRDO. It can operate at an altitude of 30000 feet up to a range of 250 km and carry a maximum payload of 350kg. 

Key Points:

A) Manufacturing is to be undertaken by a consortium comprising Bharat Electronics Limited and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. 
B) The Tactical Airborne Platform for Aerial Surveillance Beyond Horizon-201 (TAPAS BH-201), formerly known as Rustom-II, is being developed to meet the surveillance needs akin to those of the General Atomics MQ-1 Predator. 
C) The IAF currently operates a fleet of Israeli-origin Searcher, Heron Mark-1, and Mark-2 drones and plans to induct American Predator MQ-9B drones as part of a tri-services acquisition. 

Kalibr Cruise Missiles

The Russian Black Sea Fleet (BSF) attacked Ukrainian infrastructure using its sea-launched Kalibr Cruise Missiles. The Kalibr Cruise Missiles can be launched from Ships, Submarines, Containers, Airplanes etc. The missile has a range of 200 km to 2500 km and is developed by Russias Almaz-Antey Corporation.  

Key Points:

A) This was the first time this is said to have occurred. 
B) The firing of sea-launched Kalibr land attack missiles by the Russian Navy at Ukraine from the Black Sea had posed a significant threat. However, the situation became increasingly perilous for them due to the repeated assaults by Ukrainian missiles, as well as aerial and sea drones.
C) This marks a significant turning point because the Russians consider it a safer area compared to the Black Sea.

Five Young Star Clusters Discovered

A team of Astronomers from Stockholm University along with collaborators from European Countries, US and Japan have discovered 5 star clusters from the era when the Universe was infant. A Star Cluster is a stellar assemblage held together by mutual gravitational attraction of its members. These clusters are of two types namely Open (Galactic) clusters and Globular clusters. 

Key Points:

A) The international astronomer’s team at NASA has used the James Webb Telescope to discover the star clusters in the “Cosmic Gems” arc that came into existence just 460 million years after the Big Bang.
B) Using the Webb telescope new discovery of five young massive star clusters in the Cosmic Gems arc (SPT0615-JD1) was made. 
C) These galaxies are situated approximately 13.3 billion light-years distant from Earth.

Exercise HOPEX 2024

Indian Air Force and Egyptian Air Force recently held joint drills under the Exercise HOPEX 2024. It is the 4th Joint exercise held in Egypt from June 21 to 26, 2024. The major objective of the Exercise is to strengthen bilateral and regional cooperation between the two countries. The Indian Air Force contingent included Rafale fighters along with C-17 Globemaster and IL-78 Tankers.

Key Points:

A) India’s Ambassador to Egypt, Ajit Gupte, visited Berighat Air Base to interact with the Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent.
B) The two countries have worked closely together in international organizations and were among the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement.
C) India and Egypt marked the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2022.

Operation Azm-e-Istehkam

The Government of Pakistan recently approved Pakistan Army’s Operation Azm-e-Istehkam aimed at eradicating extremism and terrorism from the country. The government is trying to get nationwide consensus before it launches the operation. The major objective of the operation is to improve nationwide security by eliminating militants. 

Key Points:

A) The campaign will also include socioeconomic measures to address the population’s concerns and create an environment discouraging extremist tendencies.
B) The campaign will be complemented by socioeconomic measures aimed at addressing genuine concerns of the people and creating an environment that discourages extremist tendencies.
C) The military campaign will also ensure legal support from all law enforcement agencies, addressing voids that hinder prosecution and award exemplary punishments to terrorists. 

Paraguay becomes 100th member of ISA

The South American Nation Paraguay becomes the 100th Nation to join the International Solar Alliance. Earlier Spain became the 99th member to join ISA in May 2024. The international Solar Alliance was launched alongside COP 21 to UNFCCC in 2015 and it is a Joint initiative of France and India. The ISA follows the Philosophy of “One Sun One World One Grid”.

Key Points: 

A) The alliance has gained significant traction since its inception, with 119 countries now signatories to the ISA Framework Agreement.
B) The ISA’s primary goal is to contribute to the implementation of the Paris Climate Agreement through rapid and massive deployment of solar energy technologies.
C) This collaborative effort is seen as crucial in the global fight against climate change and the push towards renewable energy sources.

Rhisotope Project

Under Project Rhisotope, scientists in South Africa introduced a radioactive substance into rhinoceros horns to combat illegal poaching. The radioactive material, which poses no risk to the animals, renders the horns undesirable for traditional medicine use and detectable at international checkpoints. This innovative approach aims to protect rhinos, which are targeted for their horns in illegal wildlife trade driven by Asian demand.

Key Points:

A) Led by James Larkin, director of the University of the Witwatersrand’s radiation and health physics unit, the project involves inserting two tiny radioactive chips into the horns of 20 rhinos.
B) The low-dose radioactive material is designed to be detectable by radiation sensors at international borders without harming the animals or the environment.

UAE-INDIA CEPA Council

The Indian Chamber of Commerce in collaboration with UAE-INDIA CEPA Council held a business roundtable in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. UAE-INDIA CEPA Council was established in 2024 with the objective of advancing goals of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, thereby attracting multi-billion dollar investments. The UAE Ambassador to India, H.E. Abdulnaseer was in charge of the event. 

Key Points:

A) The meeting brought together nearly 30 businesses from Odisha and a high-level UAE delegation.
B) The UICC, in partnership with the ICC, is committed to supporting businesses in Odisha to achieve their international trade and investment ambitions.
C) Odisha is India’s largest producer of steel, stainless steel, ferroalloys, alumina, and aluminium.

Muguruza to Head WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia

Recently retired two-time Grand Slam champion Garbiñe Muguruza has been appointed as the tournament director of the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia from 2024 to 2026. This is a historic move as she is the first former player to hold this position. The tournament, featuring the top eight singles and doubles teams, is being held in Riyadh for the first time this year.

Key Points:

A) During her playing career, Muguruza qualified for the WTA Finals on four occasions, capturing the Billie Jean King Trophy at Guadalajara, Mexico in 2021. 
B) Muguruza will work with the WTA, the Saudi Tennis Federation and Ministry of Sport on strategic planning and delivery, as well as helping grow the profile of tennis in the Middle East.
C) The Saudi Tennis Federation has announced its ambition to inspire 1 million into tennis by 2030.