DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS 4 November 2021
Smart Anti-Airfield Weapon Successfully Tested
- Two flight tests of indigenously-developed smart anti-airfield weapon have been carried out jointly by Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Air Force (IAF).
- The two different configurations based on satellite navigation and electro optical sensors have been successfully tested. Electro optical seeker-based flight test of this class of bomb has been conducted for the first time in the country.
- The electro optic sensor has been developed indigenously. The weapon was launched by an IAF aircraft from Chandan ranges at Jaisalmer, Rajasthan on October 28, 2021, and November 03, 2021.
- Electro optical configuration of the system is equipped with Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) Seeker technology enhancing the precision strike capability of the weapon. In both the tests, the intended target was hit with high accuracy.
- The system is designed for a maximum range 100 kilometres. The newly adapted launcher ensured smooth release and ejection of the weapon. Advanced guidance and navigation algorithms, software performed as per the mission requirements.
- The telemetry and tracking systems captured all mission events throughout the flight. All the mission objectives were achieved.
42 companies selected under PLI Scheme for White Goods
- In pursuance of Prime Minister’s clarion call for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ to bring manufacturing at the center stage and emphasize its significance in driving India’s growth and creating jobs, the Government of India has given approval to introduce the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for 13 key sectors with total outlay of Rs. 1,97,291crore.Department for Promotion of Industry & Internal Trade (DPIIT) is coordinating the implementation of all PLI Schemes. DPIIT is also the nodal department for the PLI Scheme for White Goods – Air Conditioners and LED lights sector – with an outlay of Rs. 6,238 crore.
- The proposal of DPIIT for the PLI Scheme for White Goods for manufacture of components and sub-assemblies of ACs and LED Lights was approved by the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on 7.04.2021. The Scheme is to be implemented over a seven-year period, from FY2021-22 to FY2028-29 and has an outlay of Rs. 6,238 crore. The Scheme was notified by DPIIT on 16.04.2021.The Scheme Guidelines were published on 04.06.2021. Some modifications to the Scheme Guidelines were issued on 16.08.2021. Applicants were given flexibility to choose the gestation period either up to March 2022 or up to March 2023.
- Applications for the Scheme were invited from 15.06.2021 to 15.09.2021. Total 52 companies filed their application with committed investment of Rs. 5,858 crore under the PLI scheme.
India-Bhutan to have seven additional entry/exit points for trade
- Since 2014, trade between India and Bhutan has more than doubled from USD 484 million in 2014-15 to USD 1083 million in 2020-21
- India-Bhutan Commerce Secretary Level meeting held in New Delhi.
- The Commerce Secretary Level meeting was held between India and Bhutan on trade and transit issues, here today.
- The Indian delegation was led by Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India and the Bhutanese delegation was led by H.E. Dasho Karma Tshering, Secretary, Ministry of Economic Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan.
- The two sides held extensive discussions on the current trade and transit issues including measures to further strengthen bilateral trade relations and issues of mutual interest, on ways to increase trade connectivity between the two countries. Through Letters of Exchange (LOE), the following seven additional entry/exit points for trade between India and Bhutan were formalized.
WHO grants Emergency Use approval to Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin vaccine for Covid-19
- The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Wednesday granted approval for Emergency Use Listing (EUL) to Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin vaccine for COVID-19.
- At G-20 summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi pushed for WHO nod for Covaxin, saying India to produce five billion Covid vaccine doses by 2022.
- The Technical Advisory Group of WHO, which met today, has recommended the Emergency Use Listing status for Covaxin. The World Health Organization’s panel had last week sought additional clarifications from the Hyderabad-based firm.
- Covaxin vaccine was also reviewed by WHO’s strategic advisory group of experts on immunization (SAGE) and recommended use of this vaccine in two doses, with a dose of interval of four weeks, in all age groups of 18 and above.
Indian Oil to install Electric Vehicle charging facilities at 10,000 fuel stations
- Indian Oil will install Electric Vehicle charging facilities at ten thousand fuel stations in the next three years. The proposed charging network will facilitate an un-interrupted driving experience for Electric vehicle users and boost the country Electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem.
- Indian Oil Chairman S M Vaidya informed that presently, Indian Oil has 448 Electric Vehicle Charging Stations and 30 Battery Swapping Stations across the country. He said, the company will focus on nine cities in the first phase, including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Surat, and Pune.
ISRO will soon provide the world a solar power calculator application
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Indian Space Research Organisation- ISRO will soon provide the world a solar power calculator application that can measure solar energy potential of any region across the globe.
- Speaking at the session on ‘Accelerating Clean Technology Innovation and Deployment at Glasgow, Mr Modi said, through this calculator, solar power potential of any place in the world can be calculated based on satellite data. Mr Modi said, this application will be useful in deciding the location of solar projects and will strengthen ‘One Sun, One World and One Grid’ initiative. He said, Solar energy is totally clean and sustainable, and the challenge is that this energy is only available during daytime and dependent on the weather. He said, One Sun, One World and One Grid’ is solution to this problem and through a worldwide grid, clean energy can be transmitted to anywhere and anytime. The Prime Minister said, this creative initiative will not only reduce the carbon footprint and cost of energy but will also open a new avenue of cooperation between different regions and countries.
National Sports Awards 2021 Announced
- Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award 2021 will be given to 12 Sports persons
- 35 Sports persons will receive Arjuna Awards for outstanding performance in Sports and Games 2021
- Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced the National Sports Awards 2021 today. The awardees will receive their awards from the President of India at a specially organized function at the Darbar Hall of Rashtrapati Bhavan on 13th November 2021(Saturday) at 1630 hrs. National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports.
- ‘Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award’ is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of previous four years.
- ‘Arjuna Award for outstanding performance in Sports and Games’ is given for good performance over a period of previous four years and showing qualities of leadership, sportsmanship and a sense of discipline.
- ‘Dronacharya Award for outstanding coaches in Sports and Games’ is given to coaches for doing outstanding and meritorious work on a consistent basis and enabling sportspersons to excel in International events.
- ‘Dhyan Chand Award for Lifetime achievement in Sports and Games’ is given to honour sportspersons who have contributed to sports by their performance and continue to contribute to promotion of sports event after their retirement.
- ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puraskar’ is given to corporate entities (both in private and public sector), sports control boards, NGOs including sports bodies at the State and National level who have played a visible role in the area of sports promotion and development.
- Overall top performing university in inter-university tournaments is given Maulana Abul Kalam Azad (MAKA) Trophy.
- Neeraj Chopra (Athletics), Ravi Kumar (Wrestling), Lovlina Borgohain (Boxing), Sreejesh P.R (Hockey), Avani Lekhara (Para Shooting), Sumit Antil (Para Athletics), Pramod Bhagat (Para Badminton), Krishna Nagar (Para Badminton), Manish Narwal (Para Shooting), Mithali Raj (Cricket), Sunil Chhetri (Football), Manpreet Singh (Hockey).
REVIEW QUESTIONS
- Defence Research and Development Organisation was formed in
- 1958
- 1968
- 1978
- 1988
ANSWER: A
- Current Minister responsible for DRDO
- Satish Reddy
- Rajnath Singh
- Piyush Goyal
- Dr. Jitendra Singh
ANSWER: B
- Motto of DRDO
- Strength’s Origin is in science
- Country’s Defence at top
- Service and Courage
- Science for Defence
ANSWER: A
- Which of the following is not a White Good
- Refrigerators
- Ovens
- Freezers
- televisions
ANSWER: D
- Capital of Bhutan
- Kathmandu
- Thimphu
- Itanagar
- Rangoon
ANSWER: B
- Which of the following animal is featured in Flag of Bhutan
- Lion
- Tiger
- Dragon
- Kiwi
ANSWER: C
- Only country whose national flag is not rectangular
- Saudi Arabia
- Gambia
- Nepal
- Maldives
ANSWER: C
- Bhutan is also known as Land of
- Thunder Dragon
- Roaring Dragon
- Peaceful Dragon
- None
ANSWER: A
- Bhutan is a constitutional monarchy with ______ Buddhism as the state religion.
- Theravada
- Vajrayana
- Mahayana
- Hinayana
ANSWER: B
- ______ is Bhutan’s highest peak and may also be the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.
- Gangkhar Puensum
- Mount Everest
- Lhotse
- Gasherbrum
ANSWER: A
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