India Approves National Quantum Mission
The Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission, aimed at propelling India into a leading position in the quantum technology sector and promoting economic growth through its development.
On April 19, the Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission, aimed at propelling India into a leading position in the quantum technology sector and promoting economic growth through its development. The mission seeks to expedite progress in the field and cement India’s position as a major player in the industry.
Key Points to Note About The National Quantum Mission:
The mission aims to make India a leading nation in the quantum technology sector and promote economic growth.
The total cost of the mission is over six thousand crore rupees.
The mission will run from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
Union Minister for Science and Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh said that the mission will give India a quantum jump in the world arena.
Currently, six countries including the USA, Canada, and France have quantum technology.
Significance of the National Quantum Mission:
The National Quantum Mission will have a positive impact on several industries, including communication, health, finance, energy, drug design, and space applications.
The mission aligns with national priorities such as Digital India, Make in India, Skill India, Stand-up India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India, and Sustainable Development Goals (SDG).
The mission seeks to promote scientific and industrial research and development in Quantum Technology.
It aims to create a dynamic and innovative ecosystem in the field of quantum technology.
The mission will facilitate the growth and expansion of quantum technology in India.
What is Quantum technology
Quantum technology refers to the use of the principles of quantum physics to develop new technologies that exploit the unique properties of quantum systems. It involves the manipulation and control of the behavior of particles at the atomic and subatomic level. Quantum technology has the potential to revolutionize various fields, including computing, cryptography, communication, and sensing.
China launched Fengyun-3 satellite
China has achieved a significant milestone on April 16, 2023, by successfully launching the Fengyun-3 meteorological satellite.
China has achieved a significant milestone on April 16, 2023, by successfully launching the Fengyun-3 meteorological satellite. The satellite was launched using the Chang Zheng-4B carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Cosmodrome, located in Gansu Province. The Fengyun-3 satellite has been primarily designed to monitor and provide crucial information on severe weather conditions, including heavy rainfall that can result in natural calamities like landslides and floods. This successful mission marked the 471st launch for the Chang Zheng rocket family, cementing their reputation as one of the most reliable and consistent rocket families globally.
Key Points About The Fengyun-3 satellite:
Fengyun-3 is the second generation of Polar-Orbiting Environmental Satellites that are part of China’s meteorological and climate satellite system.
Satellites in polar orbits form one of the two crucial components of operational weather forecasting and environmental monitoring, the other being high-orbiting satellites in Geostationary Orbit.
The advanced Fengyun-3 satellites are equipped with up to a dozen instruments that provide critical data to meteorologists, such as atmospheric profiles and cloud movement.
The data obtained from Fengyun-3 satellites can be used in various scientific areas, including atmospheric physics and chemistry, climate science, and space weather research.
About China: Important Facts:
China is a Unitary Marxist-Leninist One Party Socialist Republic.
The current President of China is Xi Jinping.
Beijing is the capital of China.
The currency used in China is Renminbi.
ISRO to launch Singapore’s TeLEOS-2 satellite on April 22
ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation, is gearing up for its upcoming commercial mission, which is set to launch a Singaporean Earth Observation satellite called TeLEOS-2.
ISRO, the Indian Space Research Organisation, is gearing up for its upcoming commercial mission, which is set to launch a Singaporean Earth Observation satellite called TeLEOS-2. The launch is scheduled for April 22 and will take place on board ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), marking the 55th mission for the rocket.
More About The ISRO’s launching of TeLEOS-2 satellite:
ISRO has scheduled the launch of the TeLEOS-2 satellite on April 22, to take place at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The launch, known as the C-55 mission, is planned for 2:19 PM on Saturday.
TeLEOS-2 satellite:
TeLEOS 2 is an Earth observation satellite that weighs 750kg.
It has synthetic aperture radar technology that provides data at a resolution of 1 metre.
The satellite was transported from Singapore to India in February.
It was developed by ST Engineering.
TeLEOS 2 will provide imagery that can be used for various applications, such as:
Hotspot monitoring and haze management.
Aviation accidents and search and rescue operations.
ISRO has chosen to utilize the XL variant of the PSLV launcher for the upcoming C-55 mission. This variant is a more powerful version of the PSLV and is capable of handling heavier payloads. Its enhanced capabilities will enable the successful deployment of TeLEOS-2 into the desired orbit.
City Union Bank launches India’s 1st Voice Biometric Authentication Banking App
City Union Bank Limited (CUB) has introduced a new feature that allows customers to use voice biometric authentication when logging into the bank's mobile banking app, aimed at improving security.
City Union Bank Limited (CUB) has introduced a new feature that allows customers to use voice biometric authentication when logging into the bank’s mobile banking app, aimed at improving security. The bank plans to extend this feature to net banking users as well, and the development process is currently underway. The voice biometric login option will join other existing authentication methods such as User ID/PIN, face ID, and fingerprint authentication, giving customers multiple choices. CUB has stated that customers can select the authentication method that best suits their needs and preferences.
M/s Kaizen Secure Voiz Private Limited, a start-up based in Chennai, has collaborated with the 5G Use Case Lab of the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), with support from the Department of Telecommunications and the Department of Financial Services, to develop this technology. The launch of the voice biometric authentication feature by the bank came a day after it reported its provisional business figures via an exchange filing, showing an increase in total business from Rs 88,846 crore to Rs 96,347 crore.
Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar launches SATHI Portal & Mobile App
The Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, has unveiled a new online platform and mobile application called SATHI.
The Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Narendra Singh Tomar, has unveiled a new online platform and mobile application called SATHI (Seed Traceability, Authentication, and Holistic Inventory) to address the issues of seed production, quality identification, and certification. The platform has been developed under the Uttam Beej – Samriddh Kisan scheme.
Key Points About SATHI Portal:
The Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar, launched the SATHI portal and mobile app to tackle issues in the agriculture sector.
Mr. Tomar highlighted that the government is committed to overcoming challenges faced by agriculture through schemes and programmes.
The SATHI portal is considered a revolutionary step towards addressing issues related to seed production, quality identification, and certification.
Seeds, pesticides, fertilizers, and irrigation are essential factors in agriculture, and inferior quality or spurious seeds can negatively impact growth and production.
The use of the SATHI portal and mobile app will help in ensuring quality seed production, and certification.
Chennai ranks among top 5 in digital payment transactions in 2022: Report
According to a report by payment services firm Worldline India, Chennai has become one of the leading cities for digital payment transactions in 2022 in the country.
According to a report by payment services firm Worldline India, Chennai has become one of the leading cities for digital payment transactions in 2022 in the country. As per the report, the capital city has made 14.3 million transactions with a total value of USD 35.5 billion.
Bengaluru has emerged as the top city for digital payment transactions:
The report by payment services firm Worldline India also stated that Bengaluru has emerged as the top city for digital payment transactions in 2022, with 29 million transactions worth USD 65 billion.
New Delhi came in second with 19.6 million transactions worth USD 50 billion, followed by Mumbai with 18.7 million transactions worth USD 49.5 billion and Pune with 15 million transactions valued at USD 32.8 billion.
Main points from the report by Worldline India:
Chennai has emerged as one of the top digital payment transactions cities in 2022 in the country, according to a report by payment services firm Worldline India. Chennai made 14.3 million transactions with a value of USD 35.5 billion.
Bengaluru topped the list with 29 million transactions worth USD 65 billion, followed by New Delhi with 19.6 million transactions worth USD 50 billion, Mumbai with 18.7 million transactions worth USD 49.5 billion, and Pune with 15 million transactions valued at USD 32.8 billion.
Frequently visited physical merchant categories such as grocery stores, restaurants, clothing and apparel, pharmacy, and household appliances together accounted for over 43 percent of the total transaction volume and about 40 percent in terms of value across the country.
E-commerce space, gaming, utility, and financial services contributed to over 85 percent of the total transaction volume and 25 percent in terms of value.
Education, travel, and hospitality sector accounted for 15 percent of the total volume and 75 percent in terms of value.
Central Government notified the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023
The Central government has recently issued the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, which are designed to comply with the guidelines set by the Supreme Court.
The Central government has recently issued the Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023, which are designed to comply with the guidelines set by the Supreme Court in a writ petition involving the Animal Welfare Board of India (AWBI) and the People for Elimination of Stray Troubles. The Supreme Court had issued several orders emphasizing that the relocation of dogs was not permissible.
Key Points To Note About Animal Birth Control Rules, 2023:
The rules mandate the implementation of Animal Birth Control programmes for stray dogs by local bodies, municipalities, municipal corporations, and panchayats.
Effective implementation of the rules can help reduce the stray dog population and address animal welfare issues.
Municipal corporations must jointly implement the Animal Birth Control and Anti Rabies Programmes.
The rules provide guidelines on how to deal with human and stray dog conflicts without relocating dogs.
The Animal Birth Control programme must be carried out by AWBI-recognized organizations specifically recognized for the said programme.
A list of such organizations will be available on the AWBI website and updated regularly.
The Central Government has sent letters to all State Chief Secretaries and Principal Secretaries of Animal Husbandry and Urban Development Departments.