Indigenous heavy weight torpedo hits bull’s eye in live test by Indian Navy

Varunastra

• It is ship launched, heavy weight, electrically-propelled anti-submarine torpedo capable of targeting quiet submarines, both in deep and shallow waters in an intense counter-measures environment.
• It was designed and developed by Vizag-based Naval Science and Technological Laboratory (NSTL) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and is manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd (BDL).
• Varunastra can be fired from all Anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships capable of firing heavy weight torpedoes.
• Features:
  • It has a length of 7.78 meters (25.5 feet) and a diameter of 533.4 mm (21.00 in).
  • It is capable of being launched from surface ships and submarines.
  • It can achieve speeds in excess of 40 knots (74 km/h; 46 mph) and has a range of 40 km (25 mi).
  • Weighing around 1.5 tonnes, it can carry a 250 kg (550 lb) high-explosive warhead and has a maximum operating depth of 600 metres (2,000 ft). It has long range with multi manoeuvring capabilities.
  • The torpedo’s guidance system uses active-passive acoustic homing, wire guidance, and GPS/NavIC satellite guidance.
  • It has conformal array transducers that allow it to look at wider angles than most common torpedoes.
  • It also has an advanced autonomous guidance algorithm with low drift navigational aids, an insensitive warhead that can operate in various combat scenarios, and a GPS-based locating aid.

Homo naledi, long-lost human species, buried their dead and carved cave symbols, say scientists

Homo Naledi

• Homo naledi is a previously-unknown species of extinct hominin.
• Fossil of Homo Naledi were first discovered in the Dinaledi Chamber of the Rising Star Cave system in South Africa during an expedition led by Lee Berger beginning October 2013.
• This excavation remains the largest collection of a single hominin species that has been found in Africa.
• Where Lived: South Africa
• When Lived: 335,000 - 236,000 years ago
• Height: Approximately 4 ft 9 in (1.44m
• Weight: Estimates range from 88 – 123lbs (39.7 – 55.8kg).
• Homo naledi appears to have lived near the same time as early ancestors of modern humans.
• Homo naledi shared some similarities with humans, like walking upright and manipulating objects by hand, but members of the species had smaller heads, a shorter stature, and were thinner and more powerfully built.
• Homo Naledi’s shoulders — which were oriented for better climbing — and teeth shared similarities with earlier hominins like Australopithecus.
• They had human-like hands and feet but a brain a third of the size of humans.
• Anatomic features that H. naledi had in common with other members of Homo include reduced cheek teeth and similar jaws and feet.

Defibrillators used in just one out of ten cardiac arrests

• Defibrillators are devices that send an electric pulse or shock to the heart to restore a normal heartbeat.
• They are used to prevent or correct an arrhythmia, an uneven heartbeat that is too slow or too fast.
• If the heart suddenly stops, defibrillators can also help it beat again.
• There are three types of defibrillators: AEDs, ICDs, and WCDs.
  • Automated External Defibrillators (AED):
    • An AED is a lightweight, battery-operated, portable device that checks the heart’s rhythm and sends a shock to the heart to restore normal rhythm.
    • The device is used to help people having cardiac arrest.
• Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICDs):
  • ICDs are placed through surgery in the chest or stomach area, where the device can check for arrhythmias.
  • Arrhythmias can interrupt the flow of blood from your heart to the rest of your body or cause your heart to stop.
  • The ICD sends a shock to restore a normal heart rhythm.
• Wearable Cardioverter Defibrillators (WCDs):
  • WCDs have sensors that attach to the skin.
  • They are connected by wires to a unit that checks your heart’s rhythm and delivers shocks when needed.
  • Like an ICD, the WCD can deliver low- and high-energy shocks. The device has a belt attached to a vest that is worn under your clothes.
  • Your provider fits the device to your size. It is programmed to detect a specific heart rhythm.

Fattah: Iran unveils its first hypersonic missile

Fattah Missile

• It is an intermediate range ballistic missile developed by Iran.
• It can travel at hypersonic speeds of up to 15 times the speed of sound and can penetrate missile defence system.
• It has a range of 1,400 kilometres and uses solid propellants, allowing high manoeuvrability.
• This missile has the capability to utilize various warheads for different missions.

Hypersonic Missiles

• Hypersonic missiles travel at speeds of at least Mach 5 — five times the speed of sound — and can manoeuvre mid-flight, making them harder to track and intercept.
• Unlike conventional ballistic missiles, hypersonic ones fly on a trajectory low in the atmosphere, enabling them to reach their targets more quickly and with less chance of being intercepted by modern air defences.

Ramanathapuram DFO wins Unesco award for Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve management

Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park

• Designated as a Biosphere Reserve, the Gulf of Mannar is one of the biologically richest coastal regions in all of mainland of India.
• It is the first Marine Biosphere Reserve in the South and South East Asia.
• Location: It is located 160 km between Dhanushkodi and Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu.
• This Marine Biosphere Reserve encompasses a chain of 21 islands (2 islands already submerged) and adjoining coral reefs off the coasts.
• Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park, established in 1980, boasts three surreal aquatic ecosystems – mangroves, seagrass, and coral reef.
• Flora:
  • The intertidal areas are dominated by mangroves belonging to the Rhizophora, Avicennia, Bruguiera genus.
  • Seagrass is another prolific species, about 12 species exist here.
  • About 150 species of seaweeds to are found in the waters. There is one endemic plant, a flowering herb called Pemphis acidula on the parklands.
• Fauna:
  • Dugong, an endangered marine mammal, is the main attraction of the Gulf of Mannar Marine National Park.
  • It has recorded some 117 species of hard Coral. It is home to different vulnerable whales like humpback whales, blue whales, fin whales, etc.

In order to boost domestic production, Government removes ceiling for procurement of Tur, Urad and Masur under Price Support Scheme (PSS) for 2023-24; Farmers free to sell any amount of their produce of Tur, Urad and Masur under PSS this year

Price Support Scheme

• It is being implemented by the Government of India in the state.
• It is one of the components of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay Sanrakshan Abhiyan (AASA) scheme.
• Implemented by: The Department of Agriculture & Cooperation implements this scheme for procurement of oil seeds, pulses and cotton, through NAFED which is the Central nodal agency, at the MSP declared by the government.
• Main crops covered: Bajra, Jowar, Maize, Paddy, Cotton, Tur, Moong, Urad, Groundnut, Sesamum Wheat, Gram, Mustard, Sugarcane etc.

Benefits

• Farmers get the benefit of the scheme through the sale of their produce at support price in APMC centres opened by the Nodal procurement agency.
• When prices of commodities fall below the MSP, State and central notified procurement nodal agencies purchase commodities directly from the farmers at MSP, Under specified FAQ (fair Average Quality).
• In this way, prices of the main commodities are procured and protect the farmers against economic loss in farming.

Nyaya Vikas Portal created for monitoring the implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes

Nyaya Vikas Portal

• This portal helps in empowering stakeholders with seamless access to information about funding, documentation, project monitoring and approval.

Nyaya Vikas Scheme

• The Department of Justice has been implementing the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) for the Development of Infrastructure Facilities for Districts and Subordinate Judiciary since 1993-94.
• Under the Scheme, central assistance is provided to the State Government / UT Administrations for the construction of court halls and residential units for Judicial Officers / Judges of District and Subordinate Courts.
• The funds sharing pattern under the Scheme for Centre and State is 60:40 in respect of States other than North Eastern and Himalayan States.
• The fund’s sharing pattern is 90:10 in respect of North Eastern and Himalayan States and 100% in respect of Union Territories.
• The portal has been created for monitoring the implementation of this Scheme.

Govt To Allow 2000 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies To Open Jan Aushadhi Kendras

Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendras

• These are set up under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana, which was launched by the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers in November 2008.
• Objective: To provide quality medicines at affordable prices for all, particularly the poor, to reduce out-of-pocket expenses in healthcare.
• These Jan Aushadhi Kendras provide generic drugs, which are available at lesser prices but are equivalent in quality and efficacy to expensive branded drugs.
• Jan Aushadhi stores also sell allied medical products commonly sold in chemist shops to improve the viability of running the Jan Aushadhi store.
• Pharmaceutical & Medical Devices Bureau of India (PMBI) has been established under the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Govt. of India, with the support of all the CPSUs for co-coordinating procurement, supply, and marketing of generic drugs through the PMBKs.
• The incentive amount of Rs.5 lakh will be provided to set up Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Jan Aushadhi Kendra.

Jan Aushadhi Kendra

• State Governments or any organization / reputed NGOs/ Trusts / Private hospitals / charitable institutions / Doctors / Unemployed pharmacists/ individual entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for the new Jan Aushadhi Kendra.
• The applicants shall have to employ one B Pharma / D Pharma degree holder as Pharmacist in their proposed store.

SAT Grants Relief for Brickwork Ratings

Securities appellate tribunal

• It is a statutory body established under the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
• It hears and disposes of appeals against orders passed by the Securities and Exchange Board of India, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) and the Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India (IRDAI).
• Composition:
  • It consists of a Presiding Officer & Two other members.
  • The Presiding officer shall be appointed by the Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India or his nominee.
• It has the same powers as vested in a civil court under the code of civil procedure while trying a suit.

SEBI

• It is a statutory regulatory body established by the Government of India in 1992.
• It was given statutory powers through the SEBI Act, of 1992.
• Objective: To regulate the securities market in India and protect the interests of investors in securities.

‘Extending deposit insurance cover to bank PPI needs examination’

Prepaid Payment Instruments

• These are instruments that facilitate the purchase of goods and services, conduct of financial services and enable remittance facilities, among others, against the money stored in them. PPIs can be issued as cards or wallets.
• There are two types of PPIs – small PPIs and full-KYC (know your customer) PPIs.
• Further, small PPIs are categorized as – PPIs up to Rs 10,000 (with cash loading facility) and PPIs up to Rs 10,000 (with no cash loading facility).
• PPIs can be loaded/reloaded by cash, debit to a bank account, or credit and debit cards.
• The cash loading of PPIs is limited to Rs 50,000 per month subject to the overall limit of the PPI.

PPI instruments

• PPIs can be issued by banks and non-banks after obtaining approval from the RBI.
• Some of the approved PPI issuing banks are; Airtel Payments Bank, Axis Bank, Bank of Baroda, Jio Payments Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank etc.

Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation

• It is a statutory body established under the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation Act, of 1961.
• It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• It provides deposit insurance that works as a protection cover for bank deposit holders when the bank fails to pay its depositors.
• The agency insures all kinds of deposit accounts of a bank, such as savings, current, recurring, and fixed deposits up to a limit of Rs. 5 lakh per account holder per bank.
• In case an individual''s deposit amount exceeds Rs.5 lakh in a single bank, only Rs.5 lakh, including the principal and interest, will be paid by DICGC if the bank becomes bankrupt.

What DICGC Does Not Cover?

• Deposits of state or Central governments, foreign governments, Inter-bank deposits, and state land development banks depositing with the state cooperative bank.
• Funds that are due on account of India and deposits received outside India and funds exempted by the corporation with the previous approval from RBI.