Daily Current Capsules
05 and 06 January 2023

Intelligent Tray Retrieval System (ITRS)

What's the NEWS

• Union Minister for MSME, inaugurated virtually Intelligent Tray Retrieval System (ITRS), Manufactured by M/s SJK Innovations Pvt. Ltd, a MSME-Make in India Company at MOPA (GOA) International airport.

Know! about ITRS

• The ITRS is an Artificial Intelligence based fully automatic machine that helps in providing enhanced passenger security with advanced screening technology.
• The machine is equipped with image analysis software with advanced tools that makes it easy for the screener to take correct decisions against every baggage.
• This in turn helps the passenger to complete the screening much faster and easier when compared to the conventional machines.
• The machine also contains a dedicated module for the high threat baggage's which needs immediate attention at the airport.

 

Y20 summit

 

Know! the summit Highlights

 

• Y20 summit theme, logo and website launched
• Concerned Ministry - Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
• India is hosting the Y20 summit for the first time.
• In Youth20, India's key focus is to bring young leaders from all across the globe together and discuss ideas for a better tomorrow and draft an agenda for action.
• The activities to be undertaken by Y20 during India's presidency will focus on global youth leadership and partnership.
• For India, the G20 Presidency also marks the beginning of "Amritkaal", the 25-year period beginning from the 75th anniversary of its independence on 15 August 2022

 

Automatic Block Signalling (ABS)

What's the NEWS

• The 762 KM long Ghaziabad-Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyay section has been fully automated and has also become the longest automatic block signalling section of Indian Railways.

Know! about ABS

• In order to increase line capacity to run more trains on existing High Density Routes of Indian Railways, Automatic Block Signalling (ABS) is a cost effective solution.
• Indian Railways has been rolling out Automatic Block signalling on a mission mode.
• With implementation of Automatic Signalling, increase in capacity will accrue resulting in more train services becoming possible.
• Electronic Interlocking are being adopted on a large scale to derive benefits of digital technologies in train operation and to enhance safety.
• As of now the Electronic Interlocking systems cover 45.5% of IR.

 

 

National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS)

 

What's the NEWS

• National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous organisation under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs (MoTA), and the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) collaborated for building the capacity of the Principals and Teachers of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) through a face-to-face workshop.
• The first batch of the training program was launched in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha and will continue up till 6th January 2023.
• The four days training covers the important topics of nutrition, mental health, and general well-being of tribal school children.

 

Know! about NESTS

• NESTS, an autonomous organization has been set up under the MoTA to establish, endow, maintain, control, and manage the Eklavya Model Residential Schools and to undertake activities necessary for or conducive to the promotion of such schools.
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools provide free residential education to ST students from Class VI to XII with a total enrolment of 480 in each school.
• The partner organization, the Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) is committed to working towards a healthier India.

 

The Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI)

 

• It is a not for profit public private initiative working towards a healthier India.
• A national consultation, convened by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in September 2004, recommended a foundation which could rapidly advance public health education, training, research and advocacy.
• The Government of India enabled the setting up of PHFI in 2006

 

National Green Hydrogen Mission

 

What's the NEWS

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, has approved National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) will formulate the scheme guidelines for implementation of the respective components.

The Mission will result in the following likely outcomes by 2030:

• Development of green hydrogen production capacity of at least 5 MMT (Million Metric Tonne) per annum with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW in the country
• Over Rs. Eight lakh crore in total investments
• Creation of over Six lakh jobs
• Cumulative reduction in fossil fuel imports over Rs. One lakh crore
• Abatement of nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions

Mission benefits

 

• creation of export opportunities for Green Hydrogen and its derivatives
• Decarbonisation of industrial, mobility and energy sectors
• reduction in dependence on imported fossil fuels and feedstock
• development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities
• creation of employment opportunities

 

Other Highlights

• India's Green Hydrogen production capacity is likely to reach at least 5 MMT per annum, with an associated renewable energy capacity addition of about 125 GW.
• The Mission will facilitate demand creation, production, utilization and export of Green Hydrogen.

Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT)

• Under the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT), two distinct financial incentive mechanisms - targeting domestic manufacturing of electrolysers and production of Green Hydrogen - will be provided under the Mission.
• The Mission will also support pilot projects in emerging end-use sectors and production pathways.
• Regions capable of supporting large scale production and/or utilization of Hydrogen will be identified and developed as Green Hydrogen Hubs.
• A public-private partnership framework for R&D (Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership - SHIP) will be facilitated under the Mission

 

Know! the process of obtaining Green hydrogen

• This technology is based on the generation of hydrogen - a universal, light and highly reactive fuel- through a chemical process known as electrolysis.
• This method uses an electrical current to separate the hydrogen from the oxygen in water.
• If this electricity is obtained from renewable sources we will, therefore, produce energy without emitting carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
• This is a very different pathway compared to both grey and blue.

Grey hydrogen

• Grey hydrogen is traditionally produced from methane (CH4), split with steam into CO2 - the main culprit for climate change - and H2, hydrogen.
• Grey hydrogen has increasingly been produced also from coal, with significantly higher CO2 emissions per unit of hydrogen produced, so much that is often called brown or black hydrogen instead of grey.

Blue hydrogen

• Blue hydrogen follows the same process as grey, with the additional technologies necessary to capture the CO2 produced when hydrogen is split from methane (or from coal) and store it for long term.
• It is not one colour but rather a very broad gradation, as not 100% of the CO2 produced can be captured, and not all means of storing it are equally effective in the long term.

 

Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND)' Scheme

 

What's the NEWS

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the proposal of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting regarding Central Sector Scheme "Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development" (BIND) at a cost of ₹2,539.61 crore for infrastructure development of Prasar Bharati i.e. All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD).
• The "Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development" scheme of the Ministry is the vehicle for providing financial support to Prasar Bharati for expenses related to expansion and upgradation of its broadcasting infrastructure, content development and civil work related to the organization.

 

Prasar Bharati

• Prasar Bharati, as the public broadcaster of the country, is the most important vehicle of information, education, entertainment and engagement for the people especially in the remote areas of the country through Doordarshan and All India Radio.

 

Sunni Dam

What's the NEWS

• The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs has approved the investment for 382 MW Sunni Dam Hydro Electric Project in Himachal Pradesh by SJVN Limited
• The present proposal for setting up of 382 MW Sunni Dam HEP by SJVN shall provide various benefits to local suppliers/ local enterprises/ MSMEs
• The implementation of the project shall generate direct & indirect employment to about 4000 persons during peak construction of the project.

 

 

Purple Fest

 

What's the NEWS

• The first-of-its-kind inclusive festival in India, 'Purple Fest: Celebrating Diversity' begins in Goa.
• Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment inaugurated the festival, which aims to showcase how we can come together to create a welcoming and inclusive world for everyone.

Know! about the fest

• The Purple Fest will feature a variety of exciting live performances, sporting events, grand exhibitions, immersive experience zones, accessible movie screenings
• As part of the festival, a two days Sensitization Workshop will be conducted on 6th and 7th January in Goa.
• The workshop will feature best practices in the field of disability with a focus on improving accessibility addressing implementation related issues of various schemes and programmes for Persons with Disabilities, and innovations and action plan in the field of accessibility.

 

Savitribai Phule

 

What's the NEWS

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid homage to Savitribai Phule on her birth anniversary.
• A pioneer who challenged oppressive social norms in her quest for women's education, equality and justice, Savitribai Phule is formally recognised as India's first woman teacher.

Know! all about Savitribai Phule

• A Dalit woman from the Mali community, Savitribai was born on January 3, 1831, in Maharashtra's Naigaon village.
• Married off at the tender age of 10, her husband Jyotirao Phule is said to have educated her at home.
• Later, Jyotirao admitted Savitribai to a teachers' training institution in Pune.
• Throughout their life, the couple supported each other and in doing so, broke many social barriers.
• At a time when it was considered unacceptable for women to even attain education, the couple went on to open a school for girls in Bhidewada, Pune, in 1848. This became the country's first girls' school.
• The Phules opened more such schools for girls, Shudras and Ati-Shudras (the backward castes and Dalits, respectively) in Pune, leading to discontent among Indian nationalists like Bal Gangadhar Tilak.
• They opposed the setting up of schools for girls and non-Brahmins, citing a "loss of nationality", and believing not following the caste rules would mean a loss of nationality itself.
• Along with Jyotirao, Savitribai started the Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha (‘Home for the Prevention of Infanticide') for pregnant widows facing discrimination.
• Savitribai Phule also advocated inter-caste marriages, widow remarriage, and eradication of child marriage, sati and dowry systems, among other social issues.
• The Phules also adopted Yashwantrao, the child of a widow, whom they educated to become a doctor.
• In 1873, the Phules set up the Satyashodhak Samaj (‘Truth-seekers' society'), a platform open to all, irrespective of their caste, religion or class hierarchies, with the sole aim of bringing social equity.
• As an extension, they started ‘Satyashodhak Marriage' - a rejection of Brahmanical rituals where the marrying couple takes a pledge to promote education and equality.
• The couple also set up ‘Balyata Pratibandak Gruha', a childcare centre for the protection of pregnant widows and rape victims.
• Urging women to break free of caste barriers, Savitribai encouraged them to sit together at her meetings.
• Savitribai Phule published her first collection of poems, called Kavya Phule (‘Poetry's Blossoms'), at the age of 23 in 1854.
• She published Bavan Kashi Subodh Ratnakar (‘The Ocean of Pure Gems'), in 1892.

 

Rani Velu Nachiyar

What's the NEWS

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Rani Velu Nachiyar on her birth anniversary.

 

Know! all about Rani Velu Nachiyar

• Rani Velu Nachiyar - an 18th-century warrior who belonged to the Sivagangai estate in present-day Tamil Nadu - was the only daughter of the royal couple of the Sethupathi dynasty.
• Trained in martial arts, archery, and horseback riding, she also knew several languages, including French.
• The turning point in Velu's life was when the British - led by the son of the Nawab of Arcot - killed her husband Muthu Vaduganatha Thevar in the Kalaiyar Koil War'.
• Following this event, Velu and her daughter were forced to flee from their land.
• After fleeing, she reached Dindigul - where she spent eight years under its ruler Gopal Naicker.
• There she also met Haider Ali, the Sultan of Mysore, and earned his favour 'as she had impressed him with her fluent Urdu and intellect'
• With the support of Naicker and Sultan's forces, Velu set out to regain control over her kingdom in 1780.
• This historic event is also believed to have given India 'the first-ever instance of suicide bombing' devised by Velu and her military commander, Kuyuili.
• They located the armoury chambers in the fort captured by the British.
• On Vijayadashmi, a team of women under Kuyuili reached the fort where 'they poured ghee on Kuyuili on her command, who then set herself on fire and walked into the chamber', in a bid to destroy the British weapons.
• Kuyuili's sacrifice helped pave the way for Velu to launch an attack and win her kingdom back.
• She fought the British, the Nawab of Arcot, and earned the title 'Veeramangai', or 'the brave one'.

 

The ‘Eat Right Station' certification

 

What's the NEWS

• Indian Railways' Varanasi Cantt Railway Station has been awarded a 5- star 'Eat Right Station' certification for providing high-quality, nutritious food to passengers.
• This certification is granted by FSSAI to railway stations adhering to standard food storage and hygiene practices.
• The 'Eat Right Station' certification is awarded by FSSAI to railway stations that set benchmarks in providing safe and wholesome food to passengers.
• The station is awarded a certificate upon a conclusion of an FSSAI-empanelled third-party audit agency with ratings from 1 to 5.
• The 5-star rating indicates full compliance by the station to ensure safe and hygienic food is available to passengers.
• The certification is part of the 'Eat Right India' movement- a large-scale effort by FSSAI to transform the country's food system to ensure safe, healthy and sustainable food for all Indians.
• Eat Right India adopts a judicious mix of regulatory, capacity building, collaborative, and empowerment approaches to ensure that our food is suitable both for the people and the planet.

 

1st All India Annual States' Ministers Conference on "Water Vision@2047"

What's the NEWS

• The 1st All India Annual States' Ministers Conference on "Water Vision@2047" began in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.
• The two days conference began with the auspicious ‘Jal Kalash' ceremony by the Chief Guest and Dignitaries.
• The theme of the conference is ‘Water Vision @ 2047' and the objective of the forum is to bring together key policymakers for discussions on ways to harness water resources for sustainable development and human development.
• The objective of the conference is to deliberate on Water Vision for India for the next 25 years i.e., till 2047 as part of the larger plan of India@2047 as envisioned by Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.
• The forum aims to bring together key policymakers for debating and deliberating on ways to optimally utilise water resources for holistic economic and human development in a sustainable manner.

 

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