PREFACE

It gives us great pleasure to release the monthly edition of the PRAVAHINI – Monthly e- Compendium & Weekly e-Periodicals of Current Affairs. The magazine’s members have shown considerable cooperation as well as devotion. We at successmantra.in work tirelessly to create this magazine and bring it to you with a great sense of gratitude.

The January -2023 eBook covers the current events that happened in the month of October. Current Affairs is a crucial component of any competitive exams including CLAT, AILET, DU-LLB, HM, CAT, IAS, PCS, SSC, CUET, Banking, MBA and various other competitive examinations.

Current Affairs play the bigger role in many competitive and government exams. It holds the power of making or breaking your chance of success. Therefore, the candidates should cover the Current Affairs thoroughly and smartly.

The PRAVAHINI January -2023 eBook is divided into different sections keeping in mind the need of various exams. The sections covered namely International, National, Economy, Ecology and Environment, Science & Technology, Legal Affairs, Sports, States News Makers and few others.

We would also be pleased to receive any suggestion that could assist us with the upcoming editions.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

• National Affairs
• International Affairs
• Economic Affairs
• Awards & Honour
• Important Days and Dates
• Science & Technology
• Reports And Indexes
• Miscellaneous

NATIONAL AFFAIRS

REVIVAL OF SETHUSAMUDRAM PROJECT

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has recently moved a resolution in the state assembly seeking the revival of the Sethusamudram Project, a proposed shipping canal project in India that would connect the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.

• The project, which has been controversial since its inception, was put on hold by the Government of India in 2007.
• The Sethusamudram Project aims to construct a shipping canal through the shallow waters of the Palk Bay and the Gulf of Mannar, which would reduce the distance and time required for ships to travel between the east and west coasts of India. The project would bypass the traditional shipping route through the Palk Strait, which is considered a navigational hazard.

Controversies

• The Sethusamudram Project has been met with opposition from various groups, who raise concerns about its potential impact on the environment, the Ram Setu, and its economic viability.

            PM MODI FLAGGED OFF WORLD'S LONGEST RIVER CRUISE

Recently, the Prime Minister of India flagged off the world’s longest river cruise, MV Ganga Vilas in Varanasi.

• During the event, the Prime Minister also inaugurated Tent City in Varanasi and laid the foundation stones for several other inland waterways projects.

Ganga Vilas Cruise: What You Need to Know?

• The cruise will be managed by private operators, the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI), under which the Ministry of Shipping, Ports and Waterways (MoPSW) has supported the project.
• It will explore forty historic sites on the banks of the river Ganga including, Mahabodhi temple, Hazarduari Palace, Katra Masjid, Bodh Gaya, Chandanagar church, Char Bangla Temple and more.
• Besides connecting National Waterway 1 (NW-1) which includes Ganga and National Waterway 2 (NW-2) on Brahmaputra, the cruise will cross 27 river systems.
• The Ganga - Bhagirathi-Hooghly River system between Haldia (Sagar) and Allahabad (1620 km) was declared as NW-1 in 1986.

NOTIFICATION OF MINORITY COMMUNITIES

The Delhi government has suggested that the Centre can grant “migrated minority” status to Hindus who have moved to the national capital from places like Jammu and Kashmir or Ladakh where they are a religious minority.

• The suggestion is part of a compilation of views collected by the Centre from 24 States on whether religious and linguistic minority communities should be identified and notified by the Union or the respective States. It is part of an affidavit submitted by the Centre in the Supreme Court.
• Currently, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Jains, and Zoroastrians (Parsis) have been notified as minority communities under Section 2 (c) of the National Commission for Minorities (NCM) Act, 1992.
• As per the Census 2011, the percentage of minorities in the country is about 19.3 of the total population of the country. The population of Muslims is 14.2%, Christians 2.3%, Sikhs 1.7%, Buddhists 0.7%, Jains 0.4%, and Parsis 0.006%.

Migrated Minority Status for Hindus

• The Delhi government suggests that “The followers of Hinduism are not the religious minority in the NCT of Delhi but the Central government may declare the ‘migrated minority’ status to the followers of Hinduism who are the religious minority in their origin State (i.e., Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, etc) and residing in Delhi after migration from their home State,” as per the Centre’s note in court.

WHAT IS 'WOMANIYA INITIATIVE'?

The Government e Marketplace (GeM) has launched a new initiative called “Womaniya on GeM” to empower women entrepreneurs and women self-help groups (WSHGs) to sell their products directly to various government ministries, departments, and institutions.

• The initiative aims to develop women entrepreneurship on the margins of society to achieve gender-inclusive economic growth. It will spur hyper-local economic opportunities for women entrepreneurs and address the goals and objectives of United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 5.

Womaniya on Government e Marketplace:

• The CEO of GeM, S Radha Chauhan, has released a video to highlight the essence and benefits of the Womaniya initiative.
• The Womaniya initiative is particularly important because nearly 80% of women-owned establishments are self-financed and more than 60% of 8 million units are owned and or led by women entrepreneurs from socially-challenged sections of the society.

INDIAN ARMY ORDERED APACHE HELICOPTERS

The Indian Army had ordered six Apache Helicopters with the Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL). So far, six of these helicopters have been delivered and five more are being prepared. The order was placed under the GoI’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat initiative.

• The initiative aims to make India self-reliant. And therefore, GoI placed its order with the Hyderabad-based TBAL. The TBAL is a joint venture established to make India a global defense exporter.

Apache helicopter

• It is an attack helicopter with a Turbo Shaft engine. It is armed with chain guns. The helicopter has night vision systems and target acquisition systems. Also, it can carry missiles and rocket pods. The Apache model was designed and developed by the Hughes helicopter for the US Army.

WHAT IS KALASHNIKOV AK-203 ASSAULT RIFLES?

The Indo-Russian joint venture for the manufacturing of Kalashnikov AK-203 assault rifles is a testament to the strong partnership relations between the two countries.

• The move to manufacture these rifles in India through a joint venture not only lends greater firepower to the Indian armed forces but also serves as a significant step in strengthening military-technical cooperation between the two nations.

What is the Kalashnikov AK-203 Assault Rifle?

• The Kalashnikov AK-203 is a type of assault rifle that is designed and manufactured by Kalashnikov Concern, a subsidiary of the Russian Rostec State Corporation.
• The AK-203 is part of the AK-200 series of rifles, which are based on the traditional AK-47 design but feature modernized and updated components.

INDIA & RUSSIA BEGUN JOINT PRODUCTION OF AK-203 RIFLES

India and Russia have begun the joint production of AK 203 rifles at a factory in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh.

• India and Russia had inked an agreement in December 2021 for procurement of 6, 01,427 AK 203 assault rifles through Korwa Ordnance Factory in Uttar Pradesh’s Amethi district.

What are the Key Points of Joint Contract?

• More than six lakh rifles are to be manufactured in India as part of a joint venture — Indo-Russia Rifles Private Limited — established between the Indian Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), Kalashnikov Concern, and Rosoboronexport, (both subsidiaries of the Rostec State Corporation).
• The Rs 5,124 crore deal was signed between India and Russia in December 2021. It is the biggest defense deal between the two nations in recent years. The deal has a clause for complete technology transfer. The rifles will also be exported to friendly foreign nations. The idea is to have rifles made of 100 % indigenous components over a period of 128 months.

INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS

INDIA TO HOST 'THE VOICE OF GLOBAL SOUTH' SUMMIT

India will host ‘The Voice of Global South’ Summit on January 12-13, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra said. As many as 120 countries will participate in the summit.

• The virtual summit is significant as India currently holds the presidency of the G20 group and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier indicated that priorities would be shaped in consultation with developing countries.

Theme of The Voice of Global South Summit:

• The ‘Voice of Global South Summit’ under the theme ‘Unity of Voice, Unity of Purpose’ envisages bringing together countries of the Global South to share their perspectives and priorities on a common platform.

PERU FACING WORLD OUTBREAK OF VIOLENCE

Peru is currently facing its worst outbreak of violence in over 20 years, as clashes between security forces and protesters have left at least 40 people dead. The protests, which began in December 2022, have been sparked by calls for fresh elections and government accountability.

• The latest round of protests began in December 2022, following the impeachment and arrest of former president Pedro Castillo on multiple corruption charges and for an attempted “coup.”
• Castillo’s impeachment and arrest was followed by the ascent of his former vice-president, Dina Boluarte, to the presidency.
• However, many Peruvians view Boluarte as an illegitimate leader, and have called for fresh elections to allow the people to choose their own leader. Boluarte has so far been unwilling to step down, and has only agreed to hold “early” elections in 2024, rather than the scheduled 2026.

Government response adding fuel to fire

• The Boluarte government’s response to the protests has only served to fuel the anger of the protesters. Allegations of undue and excessive force by the government have been widespread, with reports of live rounds being fired at protesters and smoke bombs being dropped from helicopters.

                                INDIA BANGLADESH FRIENDSHIP PIPELINE PROJECT

The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline Project, signed in 2018, will connect Siliguri in West Bengal in India and Parbatipur in Dinajpur district of Bangladesh.

• The Friendship pipeline from India will start supplying diesel to Bangladesh from June. The 131.5-kilometer-long pipeline has been constructed for importing diesel from India, 126.5 km of which is in Bangladesh and 5 km in India.
• The IBFPL project aims to facilitate the transportation of imported fuel oil and reduce its transport costs for Bangladesh

Project Background

• The groundbreaking ceremony for the India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline (IBFPL) was held in September 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
• The pipeline has a capacity of one million metric tonne per annum (MMTPA) and is being built under grant assistance from the government of India. It will enable fuel oil products to be exported from India’s Siliguri Marketing Terminal in West Bengal State to Bangladesh.

NAVAL EXERCISE BETWEEN INDIA & FRANCE: VARUNA

The 21st edition of the bilateral naval exercise between India and France, Exercise Varuna, began on the Western Seaboard on January 16th, 2023.

• The bilateral exercise, which was initiated in 1993, was named ‘Varuna’ in 2001 and has become a defining feature of the India-France strategic bilateral relationship.
• This edition of the exercise will see the participation of the Indian Navy’s indigenous guided missile stealth destroyer INS Chennai, guided missile frigate INS Teg, maritime patrol aircraft P-8I and Dornier, integral helicopters, and MiG29K fighter aircraft.
• The French Navy will be represented by the aircraft carrier Charles De Gaulle, frigates FS Forbin and Provence, support vessel FS Marne, and maritime patrol aircraft Atlantique.

MEXICO IMPOSED WORLD'S STRICTEST ANTI-TOBACCO LAWS

• Mexico has recently imposed one of the world’s strictest anti-tobacco laws, setting in force a total ban on smoking in public places, including hotels, beaches, and parks.
• The new law, which is part of the country’s General Law for Tobacco Control reform, came into force on Sunday and will also see the total ban on the promotion, advertising, and sponsorship of tobacco products.
• The new blanket ban extends on an existing federal and state tobacco control law which came into place in 2008, banning smoking in indoor spaces such as bars, restaurants, and workplaces.
• Mexico — where the most sold cigarette brand is Marlboro — now joins nations such as Ireland, Greece, Hungary, and Malta as those with the most stringent smoke-free environments.

GIVING TO AMPLIFY EARTH ACTION (GAEA) INITIATIVE

• The World Economic Forum, in partnership with over 45 organizations, has launched the Giving to Amplify Earth Action (GAEA) initiative.
• The goal of GAEA is to fund and grow new and existing public, private, and philanthropic partnerships (PPPPs) to unlock the $3 trillion of financing needed each year to reach net zero, reverse nature loss, and restore biodiversity by 2050.

GAEA’s Partners and Objectives

• GAEA’s growing body of philanthropic partners includes organizations such as the African Climate Foundation, Bezos Earth Fund, and the Rockefeller Foundation.
• Over the next 12 months, GAEA will work with these partners and McKinsey Sustainability as a knowledge partner, to build momentum around three clear objectives:
• Convene leaders from the public, private, and philanthropic sectors to identify and target climate and nature solutions where they are best positioned to play a catalytic role.
• Pilot and refine funding models that can support PPPP interventions. Scale up funding for targeted climate and nature solutions, leveraging philanthropy as a catalyst for attracting and deploying other forms of financing.

FIRST MOVERS COALITION LEADERSHIP MEETING

The World Economic Forum recently conducted the First Movers Coalition Leadership Meeting deliberating the need for clean energy technologies. India participated in the meeting.

First Movers Coalition

• The FMC was launched by US President Joe Biden in 2021. He launched it at the Climate Change Conference held in Glasgow. The aim of the coalition is to create a robust market for clean energy technologies.
• The FMC aims to aid high-emitting industries like aviation, steel, shipping, and chemicals to decarbonize. This is to be achieved by leveraging their purchasing power.

ECONOMIC AFFAIRS

TRADE B/W CHINA & INDIA REACHED ALL TIME HIGH

The trade between India and China reached an all-time high of USD 135.98 billion in 2022, even as New Delhi’s trade deficit with Beijing crossed the USD 100 billion mark for the first time, according to data released by the Chinese customs.

• This marks a significant increase from the USD 125 billion recorded in 2021. Despite border tensions following the military standoff in eastern Ladakh in May 2020, the trade between the two countries continues to boom.
• The trade deficit for India stood at USD 101.02 billion, crossing the 2021 figure of USD 69.38 billion. This is the first time the trade deficit, a serious concern constantly expressed by India, has crossed the USD 100 billion mark.
• According to an official brief on trade posted on the Indian Embassy website in Beijing, the rapid expansion of India-China bilateral trade since the beginning of this century has propelled China to emerge as India’s largest goods trading partner by 2008.
• Since the beginning of the last decade, bilateral trade between the two countries has recorded exponential growth. From 2015 to 2021, India-China bilateral trade grew by 75.30 per cent, an average yearly growth of 12.55 per cent.

ALIBABA GROUP SOLD STAKE IN INDIAN DIGITAL FIRM 'PAYTM'

China’s Alibaba Group sold a 3.1% stake in Indian digital payments firm Paytm for a total of $125 million through a block deal. Shares of the company fell as much as 8.8% to 528 rupees in afternoon trading, and were last down 5.8%.

• Alibaba, which held a 6.26% stake in Paytm as of end-September, sold the stake at 536.95 rupees apiece. Paytm’s stock has risen about 9% this year up to last close, after reporting strong preliminary figures for the third quarter.
• It closed 2022 with a 60% loss, despite the company announcing a share buyback in December. In November last year, Softbank Group Corp sold a 4.5% stake in the e-payments firm worth $200 million. SoftBank had a 17.5% stake in Paytm as of Sept. 30.

About The Paytm’s IPO Journey:

• Formally known as One97 Communications, Paytm listed in 2021 after a mega $2.5 billion initial public offer (IPO).
• Since then, the stock has plunged around 75% from its IPO offer price as investors started questioning the company’s monetization plans amid worries about sky-high valuations of tech companies and fears of a global economic recession.

53RD EDITION OF WORLD ECONOMIC FORUM

• The 53rd edition of the World Economic Forum (WEF) Kicks Off in Davos, Switzerland. The meeting will continue from January 15th to January 20th.
• The WEF meeting provides a platform for global leaders to share their insights on the prevalent economic conditions across the globe and to discuss the challenges that the world is facing today.It is also an opportunity for leaders to discuss the future of the global economy.
• WEF 2023 Theme: The theme for 2023 meet is “Cooperation in a Fragmented World. The theme of this year is particularly important in today’s political and economic climate.
• The world is facing multiple challenges such as economic recession, climate change, geopolitical conflicts and many more. The WEF is an opportunity for leaders to come together and find solutions to these problems.
• The goal of the WEF is to promote innovative solutions and encourage cooperation between governments and the business sectors to create conditions for a strong and durable recovery.
• According to the WEF’s annual Global Risks Report, the threat of recession, cost-of-living crisis, and debt distress is likely to dominate the outlook for at least two years.

AWARDS & HONOUR

RRR AT 80TH GOLDEN GLOBE AWARDS

The 80th Golden Globe Awards were held on Wednesday in Beverly Hills, California. Due to the ongoing pandemic and recent revelations about the lack of diversity and alleged ethical lapses among the awards’ organizers, the gala did not have its usual star-studded and raucous atmosphere that typically kicks off the annual movie awards season.

• In the motion picture categories, Steven Spielberg’s The Fablemans won for Best Motion Picture (Drama) and Banshees of Inisheer won for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.
• On the television side, HBO’s Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon won for Best TV Series Drama, Kevin Costner won for Best Actor – Television Series, Drama for Yellowstone, and Abbott Elementary won for Best Television Series – Musical or Comedy.
• Evan Peters won for Best Actor – Limited Series, Anthology Series or TV Movie for Dahmer: Monster-The Jeffrey Dahmer Story, and Amanda Seyfried won for Best Actress – Limited Series, Anthology Series or TV Movie for The Dropout.
• Best Director went to Steven Spielberg for The Fablemans, and Best Picture Non English went to 1985 from Argentina, while RRR was among the nominees in the category.

RRR at the Golden Globes

• One of the films in contention at the Golden Globe awards was Telugu title RRR, directed by SS Rajamouli.
• The film ultimately won the award for Best Original Song for “Nattu Nattu” out of the two categories it was nominated for. It missed out on the award for Best Non-English Language Film, which was won by Argentina’s 1985.

THE KASHMIR FILES SHORTLISTED FOR OSCARS 2023

Vivek Agnihotri’s film ‘The Kashmir Files’ has been shortlisted for Oscars 2023. That means now this film has qualified to get an Oscar.

• Actors Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborthy, Darshan Kumar and Pallavi Joshi are also shortlisted for the best actor category.
• The story of Kashmir Files revolves around the mass exodus of Kashmiri Pandits in the year 1990 following systematic killings of people from the community by Pakistan-backed terrorists. The film was released in theaters in March 2022.
• The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has announced its list of films that are eligible for a nomination at the Oscars 2023.

Other shortlisted movies:

• Rishabh Shetty’s ‘Kantara’, Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, Pan Nalin’s ‘The Cello Show’ and SS Rajamouli’s ‘RRR’ have also made it to the Oscar shortlist.
• Originally made in Kannada with a budget of less than Rs 16 crore, ‘Kantara’ went on to become one of the highest-grossing Kannada films with Rs 400 crore at the box office.
• Marathi films Me Vasantrao, Sathi Khai Hi, Kannada film ‘Vikrant Rona’ and R Madhavan’s ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’ have also been shortlisted for Oscars 2023.
• The film ‘Rocketry: The Nambi Effect’ is a biopic of ISRO scientist Nambi Narayanan, who was accused of spying for ISRO and was later acquitted.
• Apart from these, Shaunak Sen and Kartiki Gonsalves’ documentary ‘All That Breathes’ ‘The Elephant Whispers’ is also a part of the list.

SPORTS

 15TH EDITION FIH MEN'S HOCKEY WORLD CUP

The 15th edition of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup is set to begin on January 13th in India. The tournament, which is held every four years, will feature 16 teams from around the world competing for the coveted title.

• India, who is the host nation, will be looking to secure a podium finish after a 48-year hiatus. The tournament has a rich history, with Pakistan being the most successful team with four titles, followed by Netherlands and Australia with three titles each, and Germany with two titles.
• India has only won the World Cup once, back in 1975. The home team will be looking to change that this year and secure a podium finish.
• The Indian team has been preparing for the tournament for the past year and will be looking to make the most of the home advantage.
• The opening match of the tournament will see Argentina take on South Africa, followed by Australia playing against France and England taking on Wales.

INDIAN CRICKET TEAM ACHIEVED HISTORIC VICTORY

Indian cricket team achieved a historic victory over Sri Lanka in the third and final match of the series at the Greenfield Stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. India defeated Sri Lanka by 317 runs, breaking New Zealand’s 15-year-old record for the largest victory margin in ODI cricket.

• The previous record was held by New Zealand, who achieved a win of 290 runs against Ireland in 2008. This victory not only secured a 3-0 series whitewash for India, but also solidified their position as a dominant force in the world of ODI cricket.

The top 5 on the list :

• 317 – India vs Sri Lanka, 2023
• 290 – New Zealand vs Ireland, 2008
• 275 – Australia vs Afghanistan, 2015
• 272 – South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 2010

IMPORTANT DAYS & DATES

NATIONAL YOUTH DAY OBSERVED ON 12TH JANUARY

Every year on January 12, India observes National Youth Day to commemorate the birthday of Swami Vivekananda, one of the country’s most influential leaders. This national event honors the country’s youth and encourages them to embrace Vivekananda’s ideas and philosophies.

• This year, the National Youth Day 2023 theme is “Viksit Yuva-Viksit Bharat.

Why is National Youth Day Observed on January 12?

• National Youth Day is observed on January 12 to mark the birth anniversary of Swami Vivekananda, who has always been an inspiration to the country’s youth and advocated for the proper use of youth in the country’s development.
• The Indian government first declared Swami Vivekananda’s birthday, January 12, as National Youth Day in 1984. Since then, the day has been observed as National Youth Day throughout the country.

INDIA CELEBRATES ARMY DAY ON JANUARY 15^TH

India celebrates Army Day on January 15 every year to commemorate the achievements of the first Indian Commanders in Chief of the Indian Army, General (later Field Marshal) K.M. Cariappa.

• This day marks the day when Cariappa, who led Indian forces to victory in the 1947 war, took over the command of the Indian Army from General Sir FRR Bucher, the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949 and became the first Indian Commanders-in-Chief of Independent India. The Army Day is celebrated every year to honor Cariappa and the defense forces.
• Until last year, the main Army Day parade was held at the Cariappa Parade ground in Delhi where Service Chiefs paid homage to the Indian Army.
• However, this year as part of an initiative to take major events to other parts of the country, away from the national capital region, the 75th Army Day will be held in Bengaluru. The rationale behind the move is to bring about increased visibility of these events and secure greater engagement with the local population.

REPORTS & INDEXES

INDIA RANKED 85TH IN THE HENLEY PASSPORT INDEX

For frequent travelers, the strength of a passport can mean more access and mobility to foreign markets and economies. The latest Henley Passport Index, which ranks passports based on their power and mobility, has some good news for Indian passport holders.

• India now stands at 85th position, two places ahead of last year’s 87th spot. According to the index, an Indian passport holder now has visa-free access to 59 countries, compared to 60 last year while Iraq and Afghanistan are in the last spot.
• According to the index, the strongest passport is defined by the number of countries people with a passport can visit visa-free or visa-on-arrival.

The top 10 strongest passports in the world are:

• Japan (193)
• Singapore/South Korea (192)
• Germany/Spain (190)
• Finland/Italy/Luxembourg (189)
• Austria/Denmark/Netherlands/Sweden (188)
• France/Ireland/Portugal/United Kingdom (187)
• Belgium/Czech Republic/New Zealand/Norway/Switzerland/United States (186)
• Australia/Canada/Greece/Malta (185)
• Hungary/Poland (184)
• Lithuania/Slovakia (183)

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

INDIA SUCCESSFULLY TEST LAUNCH PRITHVI-II MISSILE

India successfully carried out a test launch of the tactical ballistic missile Prithvi-II from a test range off the Odisha coast on January 10. The missile successfully struck its target with “high accuracy”, according to the Defence Ministry.

• The test validated all operational and technical parameters of the missile, which is an integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence capabilities.
• Capabilities of Prithvi-II: Prithvi-II is a short-range ballistic missile, with a range of around 350 kilometers.
• It is a well-established system that has been an integral part of India’s nuclear deterrence. This missile system will enable India to target enemy’s assets with high accuracy, and it will make the country’s defense more robust.

WHAT IS 'SKYHAWK' A 5G ENABLED DRONE?

Startup firm IG Drones, which was born out of Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology (VSSUT) campus in Odisha’s Sambalpur has developed a 5G-enabled drone that is capable of vertical take-off and landing.  

• The drone, named Skyhawk, can be used in defense and medical applications, among other sectors.

Key Features

• Skyhawk drone can carry a 10 kg payload and has an endurance of around five hours. As it’s a VTOL (Vertical Take-off and Landing), it can be operated from any terrain without the need of a conventional runway.
• With the addition of Artificial intelligence and thermal imaging capabilities, the drones can be used in monitoring border intrusion and also during regular patrolling by the defense forces, according to the company.
• It is IP67 rated and can be controlled via a combination of NavIC + GPS navigational satellites which remain connected in the upper range of 50 to 60 in case of failsafe activation.

INDIAN SCIENTISTS MAKE UNIQUE DISCOVERY ON MARS

The first instance of solo electromagnetic waves has been discovered by Indian researchers. The results were established using information from the Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution (MAVEN) mission of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

• Using high-resolution electric field data from MAVEN’s captured by Langmuir Probe and Waves sensors, scientists have detected the lone waves in the Martian magnetosphere.

Indian scientists make unique discovery on Mars: Key Points

• Pulses in the Martian magnetosphere cause the solitary waves. Through wave-particle interactions, these fluctuations regulate other particle activities such as particle energization, plasma loss, and transport.
• Mars only has a mild magnetic field from its crustal magnetic sources, in contrast to Earth, which has a strong magnetic field to shield it from the Sun’s ionizing solar winds.
• As a result, single flows can be produced by the solar winds as they interact with the Martian atmosphere. Teams had previously been unable to find these waves, despite scientists’ theories that they may be spotted.

EVIDENCE OF SOLITARY WAVES AROUND MARS

Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has found evidence of "solitary waves" in the weak magnetic field around Mars for the first time.

• Scientists used high-resolution electric field data from NASA's MAVEN spacecraft to make the discovery of solitary waves.

What are the Key Highlights of the Discovery?

• Unlike Earth, the planet Mars does not have any intrinsic magnetic field. This allows the high-speed solar wind to interact directly with the Mars atmosphere, like an obstacle in flow.
• It has been suggested that even in a weak and thin magnetosphere as that of Mars, frequent occurrences of solitary waves can be observed. However, despite several missions to Mars, the presence of solitary waves in the Martian magnetosphere has never been reported earlier.
• The waves were found mostly in the morning and evening on Mars, at altitudes of 1000-3500 km, and their exact cause is still unknown.
• What are Solitary Waves?
• Solitary waves are the distinct electric field fluctuations (bipolar or monopolar) that follow constant amplitude-phase relations.

MISCELLANEOUS

COUNTRY'S FIRST CONSTITUTION LITERATE DISTRICT

In a historic achievement, the Indian district of Kollam has become the country’s first constitution literate district. The announcement was made by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

• The district’s success is the result of a seven-month campaign launched by the Kollam district panchayat, District Planning Committee, and the Kerala Institute of Local Administration (KILA) to educate citizens about the country’s laws and their rights.

About the Constitution Literacy Campaign

• The campaign aimed to provide constitutional literacy to 23 lakh citizens belonging to 7 lakh families in the district.
• To achieve this goal, awareness classes were organized for around 90% of the people in Kollam. Around 16.3 lakh people above the age of 10 were educated by 2,200 trainers called “senators,” who visited schools, offices, auto stands, and tribal councils to create awareness.