Defense
India-US tie up for Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle
India and the United States had signed a Project Agreement for the ‘Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’ at the end of July 2021.
The Air-Launched Unmanned Aerial Vehicle will be launched under the ambit of Defense Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI).
The agreement highlights the collaboration between the Indian Air Force, Air Force Research Laboratory, and DRDO for the design, development, demonstration of systems to co-develop the ALUAV prototype.
Science and Technology
NASA’s Mars Rover collects its first rock sample
NASA’s Mars rover ‘Perseverance’ has successfully collected the first rock sample for the return to Earth.
Perseverance’s Chief Engineer Adam Steltzner has termed the rock as the perfect core sample.
Perseverance arrived at the Jezero Crater of Mars in February 2021.
Quick Fact: Mars 2020 is a ‘Mars rover mission’ under NASA’s Mars Exploration Program which comprises of rover ‘Perseverance’ and a small robotic, coaxial helicopter ‘Ingenuity’.
National Affairs
Shikshak Parv 2021 to be observed from September 5
The Shikshak Parv 2021 will be observed from September 5 to honor the contribution of teachers.
During the Shikshak Parv 2021, PM Narendra Modi will address teachers, students, and other stakeholders of the education sector on September 7.
Five initiatives will be launched namely- the Indian sign language dictionary, Talking books, SQAAF of CBSE, NISTHA teachers’ training program for NIPUN Bharat & Vidyanjali Portal.
Quick Fact: Shikshak Parv-2021 will be celebrated by the Ministry of Education (MoE) from September 5 to 17, 2021.
International Affairs
New Development Bank approves UAE, Bangladesh and Uruguay as new members
New Development Bank has approved the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, and Uruguay as its new member countries.
UAE, Uruguay, and Bangladesh have been admitted as the first new member countries of the NDB since 2020.
NDB was established by the BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa).
Quick Fact: Venkateshwara Gowtama Mannava is the Founder of BEL.
Sports
Avani Lekhara becomes first Indian woman to win two medals in Tokyo Paralympics
Avani Lekhara won the bronze medal in the women’s 50 m rifle 3 positions SH1 event becoming the first Indian woman to win two medals at the Paralympics.
Lekhara had previously won gold in the 10m air rifle standing SH1 event.
India’s current medal tally stands at 12 medals- two golds, six silver, and four bronze.
Quick Fact: The Indian Army has 7 commands- Kolkata, Chandigarh, Udhampur, Pune, Lucknow, Jaipur, and Shimla.
Defense
Gujarat to host Defense Expo 2022
CM Vijay Rupani announced that the next Defense Expo 2022 will be hosted by Gujarat in Gandhinagar from March 10th to 13th.
An MoU has been signed between the Department of Defense Production and the Gujarat Government in this regard.
The event will boast around 100 countries and aims to make India a Defense manufacturing hub.
National Affairs
I&B inistry to form a committee to review Journalist Welfare Scheme
The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has decided to form a committee to review the Journalist Welfare Scheme (JWS).
The 12-member committee will be chaired by Ashok Kumar Tandon, a Member of the Prasar Bharti Board.
The terms of reference (ToR) of the committee include revising the quantum of ex-gratia payment in case of death as well as in other cases, under the scheme.
Quick Fact: Anurag Singh Thakur is the Minister of Information and Broadcasting.
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