part 20

[Virtual Presenter] It will raise up to Rs 5000 crore via non convertible debentures, issued in 3-4 series with maturities of up to 48 months. Key Points: i.Mankind Pharma Ltd.: It is a publicly listed company that develops, manufactures, and markets a variety of pharmaceutical products, including: Finished dosage formulations (FDFs) for acute and chronic conditions. Consumer healthcare items Active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) and packaging solutions through its subsidiaries. ii.Bharat Serums and Vaccines Limited (B-S-V--): It is engaged in: Research, development, and manufacturing of F-D-F's and apis. Biotech and biological formulations, food supplements, medical devices, and Ayurvedic medicines. Focused on therapeutic areas such as gynaecology, I-V-F--, critical care, and emergency medicine. D-G-C-A Approves Merger of A-I-X Connect and Air India Express The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (D-G-C-A-) has approved the merger of A-I-X Connect (formerly AirAsia) with Air India Express (A-I-X--), w.e.f. October 1, 2024. This strategic move aims to create a unified low cost carrier operating under the name ‘Air India Express’ with a single airline code, 9. Key Points: i.The merger was initially announced in 2022, with approval from the National Company Law Tribunal (N-C-L-T-) on June 12, 2024. ii.All A-I-X-C aircraft have been transferred to AIX’s Air Operator Certificate, ensuring uninterrupted operations. iii.The approval process involved detailed assessments of organizational structures and personnel to ensure a smooth transition and safety in operations. iv.The merger received backing from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (M-O-C-A-), Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (B-C-A-S-), and other key stakeholders. v.This merger will be followed by the upcoming integration of Vistara into Air India on November 12, 2024. D-G-C-A to roll out paperless licenses for ATCOs D-G-C-A will introduce a digital Personnel License for Air Traffic Controllers (ATCOs), enhancing operational efficiency. Key Points:i.The new electronic license will replace traditional paper licenses. ii.ATCOs can easily access and manage their licenses on mobile devices like phones and tablets. iii.This initiative aims to streamline processes and improve overall effectiveness in A-T-C operations. 201 Approved JM Financial’s 43% Stake Buy in JM Fin Credit Solutions The Competition Commission of India (C-C-I--) has approved the acquisition of 43% of the total paid up share capital of JM Financial Credit Solutions Limited (JMFCSL) by JM Financial Limited (J-M-F-L-), the operating cum holding company of the JM Financial Group, for consideration of approximately Rs 1282 crore. Following the successful completion of transaction, the stake held by J-M-F-L in JMFCSL will increase from 46.68% to 89.67%. Note: JMFCSL is a Reserve Bank of India (R-B-I--) registered systematically important Non Deposittaking Non Banking Finance Company (N-B-F-C-) J-M-F-L is a Bombay Stock Exchange (B-S-E--) and National Stock Exchange of Limited (N-S-E--)-listed entity. Report Errors in the P-D-F ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 250.

[Audio] JMFARC is an Asset Reconstruction Company (ARC) registered with the RBI under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest (SARFAESI) Act, 2002. Key Points: i.The board of CCI has also approved the acquisition of 71.79% of the total paid-up share capital of JM Financial Asset Reconstruction Company Limited (JMFARC), subsidiary of JMFL, by JMFSCL, for a consideration of Rs 856 crore. With this, the stake held by JMFSCL will increase exponentially from 9.98% to 81.77%. ii.In July 2024, JM Financial Group announced that it had decided to consolidate its holdings in the wholesale debt syndication and distressed credit businesses under a unified platform. It aims to leverage the expertise of JM Financial Group to achieve higher risk-adjusted returns and shift towards a diversified syndication model. iii.The transaction is expected to see net cash outflow of around Rs 426 crore from JMFL, which will be funded from its surplus cash. CCI Approved Rs 1100 Crore Buyout of Patanjali Ayurved's Home, Personal Care Biz The CCI has approved the proposed acquisition of Home and Personal Care (HPC) business division (nonfood business) of Patanjali Ayurved Limited (PAL), one of the promoters of Patanjali Foods by Patanjali Foods Limited (PFL) for Rs 1100 crore. The acquisition comes under related party transactions being undertaken on a fair value and arms' length basis. Also, the acquisition will strengthen the Patanjali brand's Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) product portfolio, which will further boost the food growth of PFL. Note: PFL which was acquired by PAL through an insolvency process, had registered a total revenue of Rs 31,961.62 crore in Financial Year 2023-24 (FY24) as against Rs 31,821.45 crore in FY23. About Competition Commission of India(CCI): It is a statutory body constituted under Competition Act, 2002. Chairman- Ravneet Kaur Headquarters– New Delhi, Delhi Established- 2003 LIC Increases Stake in BoM from 4.05% to 7.10% through QIP Mumbai(Maharashtra) based Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) increased its shareholding in the Pune(Maharashtra) based Bank of Maharashtra (BOM) from 4.05% to 7.10%, after being allotted 25.96 crore shares as part of the bank's Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) Process. LIC has acquired additional 3.376% at an average price of Rs. 57.36 per share. i.Among the top investors in the QIP process, LIC received 42.56% of the total issue size, followed by ICICI Prudential Life Insurance with 8.51%, and Aditya Birla Sun Life with 5.67%. ii.The allotment was made under the guidelines of Regulation 30 of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations,which was issued in July 2023. Note: Qualified Institutional Placement(QIP) is a way for listed companies to raise capital by issuing {equity.

[Audio] This stake sale aimed at attracting more investment into the company while improving its operational efficiency. This move is also part of GoI's broader strategy to enhance its revenue through disinvestment in various Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs). Disinvestment Process: i.The GoI sold up to 6,577,020 equity shares, representing a 2.50% stake, as a 'Base Offer' on October 16, 2024, for non-retail investors and on October 17, 2024, for retail investors. ii.An additional 6,577,020 shares (2.50% stake) is available as an 'Oversubscription Option', totaling 5 % of the company's total issued and paid-up equity share capital. Key Points: i.In FY25 (2024-2025), the government has already raised Rs 31.61 billion through various divestments, including Rs 23.46 billion from its stake in the General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re). ii.The Indian government held 72.86% stake in Cochin Shipyard as of June 30, 2024. About Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL): CSL is a Category I Miniratna Public Sector Undertaking(PSU) under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways(MoPS&W). Chairman and Managing Director (CMD)– Madhu S Nair Headquarters– Kochi, Kerala CCI Approved Proposed Acquisition of 24.9% Shareholding in FGIICL and 25.18% in FGILICL by Central Bank of India The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has approved the proposed acquisition of 24.9% shareholding in Future Generali India Insurance Company Limited (FGIICL), a general insurance company and 25.18% shareholding in Future Generali India Life Insurance Company Limited (FGILICL) by Central Bank of India, a scheduled commercial bank. This acquisition was approved following the bid/resolution plan submitted by the Central Bank of India under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016. Points to Note: i.FGILICL is a life insurance company, which provides savings insurance, investment plans like: Unit Linked Insurance Plan (ULIP), term insurance plans, child plans, retirement plans, among others. ii.In August 2024, Central Bank of India announced that it has emerged as the successful bidder by the Committee of Creditors (CoC) for the sale of category1 assets of debt-ridden Future Enterprises Limited (FEL) in FGIICL and FGILICL. Bharti Airtel received CCI's nod to raise stake in Indus Towers to Buy Back of Shares of Indus Towers The CCI has approved the proposal of Bharti Airtel Limited (Bharti Airtel) to increase its stake in Indus Towers Limited (Indus Towers), passive telecom infrastructure provider, to 50.005% (from previous shareholding of 48.95%) pursuant to buy back of shares by Indus Towers. On 14th August 2024, Indus Towers started the buyback process of over 5.67 crore shares at Rs 465 per share, accounting nearly 21.07% of the total number of equity shares in the.

[Audio] CCI Approved Proposed Acquisition of Aavas Financiers Limited by AHPL The CCI has approved the proposal of Aquilo House Pte. Limited (AHPL) to acquire Aavas Financiers Limited (AFL) (Target), registered with the National Housing Bank (NHB) as a non-deposit taking housing finance company. AHPL (Acquirer) is a newly incorporated body, wholly and indirectly, held by the relevant CVC funds, which are certain investment funds or vehicles managed and/ or advised by members of the CVC Network. Note: i.CVC Network or CVC Group: It is an international alternative investment manager focused on private equity, credit, secondaries, and infrastructure, comprising of CVC Capital Partners plc. (CVC PLC) and each of its subsidiaries from time to time. ii.CVC PLC: It is a public limited company with shares listed and added to trading on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange. Key Points: i.Target business activities in India include, a provision of home loans, Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) business loans, loans against property and distribution of life, health, and general insurance products to for target's customers only. ii.The proposed transaction includes acquisition of shares and control by the Acquirer in the Target pursuant to: the share sale agreements executed amongst the Acquirer, the Target and certain existing promoters/ promoter group of the Target; and the compulsory open offer in accordance with the SEBI (Substantial Acquisition of Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2011. About Competition Commission of India(CCI): It is a statutory body constituted under Competition Act, 2002. Chairman- Ravneet Kaur Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi Established- 2003 SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY China Successfully Launched 6 new satellites On 20th September 2024, China successfully launched six new satellites – "Jilin-1 Kuanfu 02B (01-06)" into space from the Taiyuan Satellite Launch Center in north China's Shanxi Province. Jilin-1 Kuanfu (wideband) 02B satellites numbers 1-6 were launched aboard a Long March-2D carrier rocket. This marked the 536th flight mission of the Long March carrier rocket series This satellite features a high resolution and wide-field-of-view telephoto range imager for highresolution land observation. Chandrayaan-3 Vikram Lander Landed Within a Buried Impact Crater Scientists from the Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) and Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) stated that India's Lunar Mission, Chandrayaan-3 with the Vikram-lander and the Pragyan rover, has landed within a buried impact crater of diameter 160 kilometres (Km) and 4.4 km deep. The crater is expected to be one of the oldest craters on the Moon (older than the South Pole Atkin (SPA) basin, an ancient and the largest impact basin in the Solar System). i.The details of the study titled, 'Chandrayaan-3 landing site evolution by South Pole-Aitken basin and other impact craters', published in the peer-reviewed journal Icarus. Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com.

[Audio] ii.The study was based on an analysis of images obtained by Navigation Cameras on Chandrayaan-3 Pragyan rover and Chandrayaan-2 Orbiter's Optical High Resolution Camera. iii.The lunar mission was landed on the high latitude highland region near the south pole of the Moon located ~350 km from the SPA basin rim. iv.The geomorphological and topographical analysis shows that this semi-circular structure is a heavily degraded crater structure or a buried impact crater. This semi-circular structure encompassed the station, Shiv Shakti (yellow star). Earth Gets a Temporary 'Mini-moon': Asteroid 2024 PT5 to Orbit Earth for 2 Months Earth has gained a temporary "mini-moon", an asteroid named '2024 PT5', which will revolve around Earth from 29th September 2024 until 25th November 2024. This will revolve in a horseshoe shape for around 55 days and then escape Earth's gravitational pull without completing the full revolution. 2024 PT5, captured by Earth's gravitational pull, is around 10 meters in diameter. This won't be visible to the naked eye. It originates from the Arjuna asteroid belt, which comprises a collection of space rocks that share similar orbits with our planet. i.The 2024 PT5 was discovered with the help of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)-funded Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). ii.This Near Earth object (NEO) is the 5th detected mini-moon of Earth. The 1st mini-moon, 1991 VG, was spotted in 1991. iii.The findings about this mini-moon was published in the journal "Research Notes of the American Astronomical Society". IIA Astronomers map the Differential Rotation of the Sun's Chromosphere using 100 Years of Kodaikanal Data Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics(IIA) in Bengaluru, Karnataka, have discovered that the Sun's outer layer "the chromosphere" rotates at different speeds from its equator(25 days) to its poles(35 days). The discovery was made using the 100 years of daily records from the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu(TN). i.This study marks the 1st time that chromospheric network cells have been used to map the Sun's rotation across latitudes. ii.The analysis revealed that the Sun's rotation is fastest at the equator (13.98 degrees per day) and slows down towards the poles (10.5 degrees per day at 80 degrees latitude). iii.The findings, published in the Astrophysical Journal, provide critical insights into the Sun's magnetic field and its activity cycles. Zen Technologies Unveils Next-Generation Remote Weapon Systems Hyderabad(Telangana) based-Zen Technologies Limited has launched a series of advanced remotecontrolled weapon and surveillance systems to enhance the defence capabilities of India. These innovations were developed in collaboration with AI Turing Technologies Private Limited. The newly launched systems include RCWS – 7.62 x 51 MMG (Parashu), Tank Mounted RCWS – 12.7 x 108 HMG (Fanish), Naval RCWS – 12.7 x 99 HMG (Sharur), and Artillery Rugged Camera (Durgam). This marks a significant step in modernising India's defence sector. Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com.

[Audio] i.Parashu is a Remote-Controlled Weapon System(RCWS) integrated with advanced thermal imaging and anti-drone. It is a Medium Machine Gun (MMG). ii.Fanish is a RCWS that enhances firepower with its 12.7 mm heavy machine gun. It is a Heavy Machine Gun (HMG). iii.Sharur built to strengthen naval defence can target aerial and surface-based threats up to 2 kilometres away, even in low-visibility environments. It is a Heavy Machine Gun (HMG). iv.Durgam is a rugged surveillance camera system designed for extreme conditions. Iran Unveils Powerful Suicide Drone 'Shahed-136B' Iran, for the first time, showcased "Shahed 136B", a one-way attack drone which is also known as a 'kamikaze' drone or 'suicide' drones , and "Jihad", a single-stage liquid-fuel ballistic missile, at the Armed Forces military parade held in September 2024, marking the anniversary of the start of the 1980-88 war with Iraq. i.Shahed 136B, the latest Iran-made drone, is an upgraded version of the Shahed-136, with new features and an operational range of more than 4,000 kilometres(Km). ii.Jihad is a ballistic missile with a high-explosive detachable warhead and a range of 1,000 km. The missile was designed and manufactured by the aerospace arm of Iran's Revolutionary Guards. National Space Commission Clears India's 5th Lunar Mission 'Lupex' The National Space Commission, India's apex body on space missions, has approved the Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (Lupex), India's 5th Lunar mission. This will be conducted in collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Japan's Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). This is a part of India's broader lunar ambitions, which include sending an astronaut to the Moon and returning safely. Key Points: i.Mission Duration: Lupex aims for a lunar surface duration of up to 100 days, significantly longer than Chandrayaan-3's 20 days. ii.Lander and Rover: JAXA will develop the rover and rocket, while ISRO will create the lander system. The Lupex rover will weigh about 350 kg, much larger than the 26 kg Pragyan rover from Chandrayaan3. iii.Lunar South Pole Target: The mission will land at the Moon's south pole to investigate water and other resources, as well as analyze the interaction of water with lunar regolith. iv.Future Developments: A new lander engine, designed for potential human landings on the Moon, will be developed as part of Lupex by ISRO's Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC). v.Cabinet Approval: Following the Union cabinet's clearance of Chandrayaan-4, Lupex is set to seek cabinet approval soon, enabling ISRO to begin preparations. ISRO Gears up for 'Space Handshake' SPADEX; Private Firm Delivers two Satellites The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has acquired two 400kg satellites that are part of an important upcoming mission known as Space Docking Experiment (SPADEX). As part of this mission, these two satellites will be ejected into slightly different orbits by a single rocket. Ananth Technologies Private Limited (ATL), has facilitated the integration of two 400kg satellites for ISRO and were provided to them at ISRO's.

[Audio] manner where they can perform a space handshake and dock (mechanically attach themselves) to form a single orbiting unit. ii.ISRO has always builds their satellites at the URSC, but this is the first time that ISRO is has got their satellites completely assembled, integrated and tested by the Indian private industry at a private facility. Key Highlights i.SPADEX is a mission which will show independent engagement and docking, which is the ability of two spacecraft to work as one unit, move itself in control etc. Docking is important for building and maintaining a space station. SPADEX is important for the country as it is going to establish an Indian space station from 2028 onwards. ii.If the technologies are developed as demonstrated by SPADEX, it will be possible to robotically assemble the modules (large components) of the space station. India's Chandrayaan-4 mission which will be returning with lunar samples will also involve autonomous docking while circling the moon. About Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman – Sreedhara Panicker Somanath Headquarters – Bengaluru, Karnataka Founded– 15 August 1969 PSLV-37 Upper Stage Makes Safe Re-Entry after 8 Years in Earth's Atmosphere The successful re-entry of Indian Space Research Organization's (ISRO) upper stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle C-37 (PSLV C-37) into Earth's atmosphere was made on October 6, 2024. This marks a significant milestone in ISRO's efforts and aim to achieve a Debris Free Space Mission (DFSM) by 2030 through ongoing proactive measures. Space debris consists of defunct human-made objects in Earth's orbit, including non-functional satellites, spent rocket stages, and fragments from satellite collisions. Key Points: i.The orbital altitude had decayed to 134×148 km, and re-entry occurred at the North Atlantic Ocean. ii.The re-entry within eight years aligns with international debris mitigation guidelines of Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) specifically limiting the post-mission lifespan of defunct objects in Low-Earth orbit (LEO) to 25 years. iii.ISRO is actively working to reduce the residual orbital lifetime of PSLV upper stages to 5 years or less through controlled de-orbiting techniques. Future PSLV missions will include planned controlled re-entries for upper stage disposal. Background: i.PSLV-C37, launched on 15th February 2017, set a record by deploying 104 satellites, including the primary payload Cartosat-2D and 103 co-passengers. ii.After completing its mission, the upper stage was left in an orbit of approximately 470×494 km, where it was tracked by ISRO and the Colorado, United Stated (US)-based US Space Command (USSPACECOM). Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 256.

[Audio] NASA's Spacecraft Europa Clipper Blasts off to Find out if Jupiter Moon Can Support Life On 14th October 2024, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) launched its Europa Clipper spacecraft under the Europa mission to study Jupiter and its moon Europa, one of Jupiter's 95 known moons. The spacecraft aboard a Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX)'s Falcon Heavy rocket and was lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, Florida, the United States of America (USA). This marks NASA's 1st mission dedicated to studying an ocean world beyond Earth. The primary objective of the mission is to determine whether icy shell of Europa and its ocean underneath could support life. Europa Mission: i.NASA's Europa mission is part of its Artemis program, which aims to send astronauts back to the Moon and eventually to Mars. The cost of the mission is USD 5.2 billion. ii.It is being managed by Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), managed by Caltech in partnership with Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL). Time line of the Mission: i.The Europa Clipper spacecraft will cover the distance of 1.8 billion miles (2.9 billion kilometer (km)) and will enter into Jupiter's orbit by April 2030 and will begin its scientific operations in 2031. The mission will conclude in 2034 with a planned crash into Ganymede, largest moon of Jupiter. ii.During the mission, the spacecraft will make nearly 50 flybys of Europa at closest –approach altitudes as low as 16 miles (25 kms) above the surface. About Europa Clipper Spacecraft: i.Europa Clipper is the largest spacecraft ever built by NASA for a planetary mission, mainly due to its massive solar arrays. ii.The main function of these large solar arrays is to collect enough light to meet its power requirements as it operates in the Jupiter system, which is more than 5 times as far from the Sun as Earth. iii.The spacecraft includes 9 instruments such as: sensitive electronics stored in a vault with dense zinc (Zn) and aluminum (Al) walls will protect the spacecraft against radiation. iv.The payload of spacecraft will include cameras and spectrometers to produce high-resolution images and composition maps of the surface of Europa and thin atmosphere, an ice –penetrating radar to search for subsurface water. Also, the magnetometer and gravity measurements will used to explore its ocean and deep interior. Thermal instrument will be used to map temperature variations across Europa's surface. While, other instruments of the spacecraft will be used to examine surface composition for potential salts and organic molecules. Points to Note: Other missions for Jupiter planet: Juno mission of NASA, has been orbiting Jupiter since 2016; and the European Space Agency (ESA)'s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE), launched in April, 2023. Recent Related News: The European Space Agency (ESA) has announced to launch its new mission named Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (Ramses), by.

[Audio] About National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA): Administrator– Bill Nelson Headquarters– Washington DC, the United States of America (USA) Established– 1958 SpaceX Launches Mega Starship Rocket on 5th test flight On 13th October 2024, Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX) successfully launched the 5th test flight of the Starship, the 2-stage fully reusable super heavy-lift launch vehicle, from Starbase near Boca Chica, Texas, The United States of America(USA). Highlights of the Test Flight: i.The empty Starship blasted off from Texas near the Mexican border at a height of around 400 feet (121 meters). ii.The rocket arched over the Gulf of Mexico like the other previous 4 Starships. iii.The retro-looking spacecraft launched by the booster continued to move up to more than 130 miles (212 kilometres) high. iii.Following a successful liftoff, ascent, stage separation, boost back burn, and coast, the 71m Super Heavy booster performed its landing burn and was caught by the chopstick arms of the launch and catch tower at Starbase. iv.Starship spacecraft made a controlled landing in the Indian Ocean. Starship spacecraft and Super Heavy Booster: i.This can carry up to 150 metric tonnes fully reusable and 250 metric tonnes expendable. ii.Super Heavy is powered by 33 Raptor engines using sub-cooled liquid methane (CH4) and liquid oxygen (LOX). iii.Starship is powered by six engines, three Raptor engines, and three Raptor Vacuum (RVac) engines, which are designed for use in the vacuum of space. About Space Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX): Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – Elon Musk Headquarters -Hawthorne, California, The United States of America (USA) Founded – 14 March 2002 HAL delivers first AL-31FP aero engine to IAF for Su-30MKI aircraft Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over the first AL-31FP Aero Engine manufactured under a 240-engine contract to the Indian Air Force(IAF) at Koraput, Odisha in the presence of Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary (Defence Production), Ministry of Defence(MoD) and Dr D K Sunil, Chairman and Managing Director (CMD) of HAL. The MoD signed a Rs.26,000 crore contract with HAL for 240 AL-31FP Aero Engines for Su30MKI aircraft in September 2024 and these engines would be delivered in 8 years. This highlights HAL's aero engine manufacturing competency and dedication to supporting the Su-30MKI fleet of IAF. Sukhoi Engine Division, Koraput, was created by HAL to manufacture engines of Su-30MKI aircraft from the raw material stage to the final engine. Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 258.

[Audio] Small rocky planet 'Barnard b' detected by ESO's VLT Astronomers have discovered an exoplanet orbiting Barnard's star, a red dwarf star, the closest single star to our Sun using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope (ESO's VLT). The discovery of this new exoplanet was published in the journal Astronomy & Astrophysics(A&A). This new exoplanet is known as 'Barnard b', it is estimated to have a diameter about 6,000 miles (9,700 kilometre/km), or roughly three-quarters that of Earth. i.Barnard b is twenty times closer to Barnard's star than Mercury is to the Sun. It orbits its star in 3.15 Earth days and has a surface temperature around 125 °C. It is one of the lowest-mass exoplanets known and one of the few known with a mass less than that of Earth. ii.With respective masses ranging from 20 to 30 % of Earth's mass, the three other potential planets around Barnard's star all appear to be rocky and smaller than our planet. Google made AI-led collaborations for India's Health, Sustainability, & Agriculture Sectors Google made a series of Artificial Intelligence (AI)-led collaborations aimed at enhancing India's healthcare, sustainability, and agriculture sectors. This initiative was unveiled during a roundtable event in Bengaluru, Karnataka, coinciding with the fifth anniversary of Google's Research Lab in the city. The partnerships focus on utilizing AI to address challenges in these critical areas. Collaborations i.Forus Health (Bengaluru, Karnataka): Focus: Diabetic retinopathy screening. Objective: Conduct AI-assisted screenings to prevent blindness in diabetic patients. ii.AuroLab (Madurai, Tamil Nadu/TN): Focus: AI-driven healthcare solutions. Objective: Support diabetic retinopathy screenings in resource-constrained communities. iii.Perceptra (Thailand): Focus: Diabetic retinopathy screening. Objective: Collaborate on AI-assisted screenings alongside Indian partners. iv.Saahas Zero Waste/SZW (Bengaluru): Focus: Urban waste management. Objective: Implement the CircularNet model for sorting plastic waste and improving recycling rates. Key Points: i.Google is working on diabetic retinopathy screenings through AI-assisted technologies, aiming to provide 6 million screenings over the next decade at no cost to patients. ii.It's CircularNet model will help improve urban waste management by automating the sorting of plastic waste, thereby enhancing recycling efforts and reducing landfill strain. iii.Google is opening its Agricultural Landscape Understanding (ALU) API (Android Programming Interface) to developers, which will provide insights for more efficient farming practices based on satellite imagery and Machine Learning (ML). James Webb telescope discovers Carbon Dioxide, Hydrogen Peroxide on Pluto's moon Charon The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) detected Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2) on the surface of Charon, Pluto's largest moon. The discoveries were made using Webb's Near-Infrared Spectrograph(NIRSpec). i.This marks the first identification of these compounds on Charon, which is approximately 1,200 kilometers(km) in diameter and orbits Pluto at a distance of about 19,640 km. Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 {@.

[Audio] ii.The detection of CO2 and H2O2 adds to previously known materials on Charon's surface, such as crystalline water ice and ammonia. These findings were published in Nature Communications. iii.The team was led by Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) in Texas, the United States of America (USA). Note: Charon was discovered in 1978 by James Christy and Robert Harrington at the US Naval Observatory in Arizona. DEFENCE EXERCISE KAZIND-2024 : Joint Military Exercise Between India & Kazakhstan Begins at Auli, Uttarakhand The 8th edition of India-Kazakhstan Joint Military 'Exercise KAZIND', an annual bilateral exercise, commenced on 30th September 2024 at Surya Foreign Training Node, Auli, Uttarakhand. The exercise is being held from 30th September to 13th October 2024. The Exercise KAZIND 2024 is based on the theme of conducting Joint Subconventional Operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate. The objective of the exercise is to strengthening interoperability and cooperation, particularly in the context of counter-terrorism operations. Note : Last edition of the Exercise KAZIND was held at Otar, Kazakhstan from 30th October to 11th November 2023. Background : i.In 2016, joint exercise between India and Kazakhstan was instituted as " Exercise Prabal Dostyk". ii.The exercise was renamed as "Exercise KAZIND" after the second edition. In 2023, the exercise includes Air Force personnel, making it a Bi-service Exercise. Participants: i.120 personnel, represented by a battalion of the KUMAON Regiment of Indian Army(IA), along with personnel from Indian Air Force, have participated in the exercise. ii.The Kazakhstan contingent is represented by personnel from Land Forces and Air Borne Assault Troopers. Significance: i.The India-Kazakhstan joint military exercise KAZIND is a key defense collaboration aimed at enhancing counter-terrorism capabilities, improving interoperability between the armed forces, and strengthening strategic relations between the two nations. ii.The broader objectives include improving physical fitness, rehearsing and refining drills for operations at tactical level and sharing of best practices. iii.In the KAZIND exercises, tactical drills include securing helipads for safe landing zones during joint operations, deploying troops via helicopters (Special Heliborne Operations), and conducting cordon-andsearch missions to neutralize threats. iv.Both the Contingents have so far participated in Yoga, Army Martial Arts routine, Rock Craft Training for strengthening interoperability and cooperation. Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 260.

[Audio] About Kazakhstan : President- Kassym-Jomart Tokayev Prime Minister (PM)- Oljas Bektenov Capital- Astana Currency- Kazakhstani Tenge India, Japan, US & Australia hold 28th Malabar Naval Exercise off the Indian Coast The 28th edition of the multi-national maritime exercise MALABAR(2024) commenced off the coast of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh(AP) under the Eastern Naval Command (ENC). The exercise saw participation from the Indian Navy (IN), the United States Navy (USN), the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) and the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) from October 8-18, 2024. The MALABAR 2024 Exercise is hosted by the IN to enhance interoperability and strengthen maritime cooperation. About MALABAR Exercise : i.The MALABAR Exercise began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the United States of America (USA). ii.Over the years, it has expanded to include Japan, which became a permanent member in 2015, and Australia, which joined permanently in 2020, made it a four Quad coalition. ii.In 2023, it was hosted by RAN at the East coast of Australia off Sydney. Representatives from India: i.Indian Naval Ship (INS) Delhi (D 61)– The first-in-class guided-missile destroyer leads India's fleet in the exercise. ii.The IN's contingent includes at least four other surface combatants and various aircraft, showcasing its maritime strength and capabilities in regional defense. Representatives from other Nations: i.The USN is represented by the P-8 Poseidon, the Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer USS Dewey (DDG 105), and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 15, the largest DESRON and the principal surface force of the U.S. 7th Fleet, is also participating. ii.The JMSDF is represented by the Murasame-class destroyer JS Ariake (DD 109). iii.The RAN has deployed the Anzac-class frigate HMAS Stuart (FFH 153). A Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. MALABAR 2024: The MALABAR -2024 is conducted in two phases, Harbor and Sea i.The Harbor Phase takes place at Visakhapatnam, focusing on planning sessions, cultural exchanges, and briefings for operational coordination. ii.The Sea Phase occurs in the Bay of Bengal, where participating navies engage in anti-submarine warfare (ASW) exercises, surface and air defense operations, and joint tactical maneuvers. Recent Related News: The 22nd edition of India-France Naval Exercise 'Varuna' was held in the Mediterranean Sea from 2nd September to 4th September 2024, showcasing the deepening defense collaboration between two nations. About Andhra Pradesh(AP): Chief Minister (CM)- N. Chandrababu Naidu Governor– S. Abdul Nazeer Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com 261.

[Audio] Capital- Amaravati National Park– Rajiv Gandhi National Park and Sri Venketeswara National Park INS Talwar Arrives in South Africa to Join IBSAMAR VIII On 6th October 2024, Indian Naval Ship (INS) Talwar, frontline stealth frigate of Indian Navy (IN) arrived at Simon's Town in South Africa (SA) to participate in the 8th edition of India-Brazil-South Africa Maritime (IBSAMAR VIII), a joint multinational maritime exercise among the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa. The trilateral maritime exercise ,which commenced on 6th October 2024, will run till 18th October 2024. The exercise aims to improve interoperability and strengthen ties between the navies of 3 countries. This exercise takes place right before the upcoming 2024 BRICS Summit in Russia. Note: The 7th edition of IBSAMAR was held at Port Gqeberha (also known as Port Elizabeth) in South Africa in 2022. About IBSAMAR VIII: i.The exercise is based on Blue Water Naval Warfare, covering the dimensions of Surface and Anti-Air Warfare. ii.The harbour phase of exercise includes professional exchanges, Damage Control & Firefighting drills, Visit, Board, Search and Seizure drills (VBSS), cross-boarding, aviation safety lectures, joint diving operations, an Ocean Governance seminar, sports interactions, cross-deck visits, and interaction among Special Forces and Junior Officers. Significance: i.The defence cooperation between India and South Africa is on an upward trajectory, for instance: Operational Sea Training and Submarine Rescue Support have been commenced between the navies of both countries since the 12th edition of Navy-to-Navy talks held on 26th-28th August 2024 at New Delhi, Delhi. ii.The participation of INS Talwar in IBSAMAR VIII aims to bolster the ties between two countries and reaffirm India's commitment to constructive collaboration and mutual growth. Point to Note: INS Talwar (F40) was commissioned in IN on 18th June, 2003, is part of the IN's Western Fleet based in Mumbai, Maharashtra under the Western Naval Command. The ship is commanded by Captain Jithu George. About Indian Navy (IN): Chief of Naval Staff (CNS)- Dinesh Kumar Tripathi Headquarters- New Delhi, Delhi Established– 1950 About South Africa: President– Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa Capital- Pretoria (executive), Cape Town (legislative), and Bloemfontein (judicial) Currency- South African Rand (ZAR) India & Oman conducted Naseem Al Bahr, Bilateral Naval Exercise Off Goa' coast The Indian Navy(IN) and Royal Navy of Oman(RNO) successfully conducted 'Naseem Al Bahr', the Indo-Oman bilateral naval exercise off Goa's coast from 13th to 18th October 2024. The exercise enhanced interoperability and understanding of each other's best practices. 'Naseem Al Bahr' is also known as "Sea Breeze". Report Errors in the PDF - ebooks@affairscloud.com Copyright 2014-2024 @ AffairsCloud.com.