ISRO launches LVM3-M3/Oneweb India-2 Mission in Sriharikota
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its heaviest rocket, LVM3, which placed 36 satellites belonging to the UK-based OneWeb group.
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched its heaviest rocket, LVM3, for the sixth consecutive time from the Sriharikota spaceport. The rocket successfully placed 36 satellites belonging to the UK-based OneWeb group company into their intended orbits.
More About The ISRO’s OneWeb Satellite Launch:
The launch took place at 9 a.m. from the second launch pad situated approximately 135 kilometres away from Chennai, following a 24.5-hour countdown.
This marks the 18th launch for the OneWeb Group, while it is ISRO’s second mission of 2023, with the SSLV/D2-EOS07 mission in February being the first.
Significance of This launch:
The upcoming launch will be the 18th for OneWeb, and it will expand the UK-based company’s existing constellation of 582 satellites.
As per the contract signed between ISRO’s commercial arm NSIL and OneWeb, a total of 72 satellites are set to be launched in two phases. The first phase, which included 36 satellites, was successfully launched on October 23, 2022, in the LVM3-M2/OneWeb India-1 mission.
This marks the second OneWeb fleet that India is launching, paving the way for the country’s foray into the commercial heavy lift-off space.
About OneWeb Constellation:
The OneWeb Constellation operates in a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) Polar Orbit, where the satellites are arranged in 12 rings, also known as orbital planes.
Each orbital plane consists of 49 satellites, and they are inclined to be near-polar at an inclination of 87.9 degrees.
The satellites are placed at an altitude of 1200 km above the Earth’s surface, and each satellite completes a full trip around the Earth every 109 minutes.
PM Modi launched ‘Call Before u Dig’ app
Prime Minister Modi has recently launched an app called "Call Before You Dig" to prevent uncoordinated digging.
Prime Minister Modi has recently launched an app called “Call Before You Dig” to prevent uncoordinated digging that can cause damage to underground utility assets, such as optical fibre cables.
More About The ‘Call Before u Dig’ app:
The app has been developed jointly by the Department of Telecommunications and the Bhaskaracharya Institute for Space Applications and Geoinformatics, which operates under the Gujarat government. Its primary aim is to protect the country’s underground public infrastructure.
Significance of The ‘Call Before u Dig’ app:
The “Call Before You Dig” app will facilitate coordination between excavators and asset owners through SMS/email notifications and click-to-call options.
This will help in executing planned excavations and ensure that the concerned authorities are informed before any digging takes place.
By using the app, excavators can get information about the location of underground utility assets and their depth, which will help them plan their work accordingly and avoid any damage to these assets.
Need of the ‘Call Before u Dig’ app:
This kind of damage can cost the government thousands of crores each year. The app is designed to help avoid these costly accidents by allowing people to get in touch with the concerned authorities before starting any excavation work.
It is expected that this app will help reduce the cost of damages caused by uncoordinated digging, and ensure that the country’s underground utility assets are better protected.
World Theatre Day 2023 is celebrated on 27th March
Every year on March 27, World Theatre Day is celebrated worldwide to promote the significance of theatrical forms. Theatre not only provides entertainment but also serves as an art form that educates
World Theatre Day 2023
Every year on March 27, World Theatre Day is celebrated worldwide to promote the significance of theatrical forms. Theatre not only provides entertainment but also serves as an art form that educates and inspires individuals. Many plays are performed on a variety of topics, including social issues, entertainment, and comedy. This day aims to increase public understanding of the importance of theatre in our lives. World Theatre Day promotes the importance of theatre to the public and encourages people to participate in theatre events. It serves as a reminder of the significant role that theatre plays in our communities, and how it contributes to our cultural heritage. Overall, World Theatre Day is a celebration of the power of theatre and its ability to transform and enrich our lives.
World Theatre Day 2023: Theme
The theme of World Theatre Day is “Theatre and a Culture of Peace” set by the International Theatre Institute.
World Theatre Day 2023: Significance
World Theatre Day is an essential celebration as it highlights the significance of theatre in our lives. Theatre is an art form that not only entertains but also educates and inspires individuals. It provides a platform for artists to express themselves creatively and enables them to explore different aspects of life.
Through plays, theatre brings awareness to social issues, promotes cultural diversity, and encourages empathy and understanding. It also helps individuals develop critical thinking skills by challenging their perspectives and providing a space for dialogue and discussion.
World Theatre Day: History
World Theatre Day was first observed in 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI). ITI is a worldwide organization that promotes international exchange in theatre arts and promotes the values of UNESCO. The idea of World Theatre Day was proposed by the ITI founder, Arvi Kivimaa, during the organization’s ninth world congress in Helsinki, Finland. The proposal was unanimously accepted, and the first World Theatre Day was celebrated on March 27, 1962. Since then, World Theatre Day has been celebrated every year on March 27 to promote theatre arts and to bring attention to its importance in our lives. The day is celebrated by organizing theatre events, performances, and workshops worldwide.
WPL 2023 Final: Mumbai Indians defeated Delhi Capitals by seven wickets
WPL 2023 Final: In the WPL 2023 final, held at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, the Mumbai Indians won against the Delhi Capitals by seven wickets.
WPL 2023 Final
In the Women’s Premier League (WPL) 2023 final, held at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, the Mumbai Indians won against the Delhi Capitals by seven wickets. The Delhi Capitals chose to bat first after winning the toss, and set a target of 132 runs. In response, the Mumbai Indians achieved the target by scoring 134/3 in 19.3 overs. Nat Sciver-Brunt played exceptionally well and remained unbeaten after scoring 60 runs off 55 balls, while the team’s captain Harmanpreet Kaur contributed 37 runs off 39 balls. The Harmapreet Kaur-led side scripted history by becoming the winners of the 2023 edition of the tournament.
WPL 2023 Final: Brief Score
Delhi Capitals: 131 for 9 in 20 overs (Meg Lanning 35; Hayley Matthews 3/5, Issy Wong 3/42).
Mumbai Indians: 134 for 3 in 19.3 overs (Nat Sciver-Brunt 60 not out, Harmanpreet kaur 37; Radha Yadav 1/24).
WPL 2023 Final: Orange Cap
After an outstanding performance throughout the tournament, Meg Lanning was crowned the winner of the WPL 2023 Orange Cap. The captain of the Delhi Capitals was the top scorer for her team in the final, contributing 35 runs in the first innings. Throughout the season, Lanning scored a total of 345 runs and finished with an impressive average of 49.29 and a strike rate of 139.11 in nine matches.
WPL 2023 Final: Purple Cap
Hayley Matthews, who plays for Mumbai Indians, was awarded the Purple Cap for her excellent performance in the WPL 2023 final. Matthews, who is an all-rounder from the Caribbean, triggered the collapse of the Delhi Capitals by taking three wickets for just five runs in her four overs. With this performance, her total wicket tally in the tournament reached 16, which led her to clinch the Purple Cap.
NGT slaps ₹10 crore penalty on Kerala government for failure to protect Ramsar sites
The Kerala government has been fined Rs 10 crore by the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for their failure to protect Ramsar sites.
The Kerala government has been fined Rs 10 crore by the Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for their inability to prevent the uncontrolled pollution of the designated Ramsar sites.
Why NGT slaps Penalty on Kerala Govt:
The order by NGT was made in lines with a petition alleging failure of statutory and administrative authorities in taking remedial action for protection of the Vembanad and Ashtamudi lakes hit by illegal waste dumping.
The penalty was imposed on the basis of the ‘polluter pays principle’ which had to be deposited in a ring-fenced account to be operated under the authority of the Chief Secretary.
The penalty of ?10 crore has been imposed which had to be made within a month.
The penalty will be utilised for conservation/restoration measures by preparing an action plan to be preferably executed within six months.
About Vembanad Lake:
This is the largest lake in Kerala and the longest Lake in India.
The lake has its source in four rivers, Meenachil, Achankovil, Pampa and Manimala
In 2002, it was included in the list of wetlands of international importance, as defined by the Ramsar Convention.
It is the second-largest Ramsar site in India only after the Sundarbans in West Bengal.
The Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary is located on the east coast of the lake.
In 2019, Willingdon Island, a seaport located in the city of Kochi, was carved out of Vembanad Lake.
National Green Tribunal (NGT):
It is a special body established under the National Green Tribunal Act (2010).
Aim: To effectively and expeditiously deal with cases related to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources.
What is Ramsar Sites:
These are wetlands deemed to be of “international importance” under the Ramsar Convention. It is named after the city of Ramsar in Iran, where the convention was signed in.
Ramsar sites are trans-boundary in which case more than one Contracting Party is responsible for their conservation and management.
Amit Shah inaugurated Vedic Heritage portal in New Delhi
The Vedic Heritage Portal was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. The main objective of the portal is to provide a deeper understanding of the Vedic knowledge tradition.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah inaugurated the Vedic Heritage portal in New Delhi. The primary aim of the portal is to communicate the messages enshrined in the Vedas and make it more accessible to the common people.
More About The Vedic Heritage portal:
According to Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy, the Vedic Heritage portal now has audio-visual recordings of the four Vedas. These recordings contain over 18,000 mantras of the four Vedas, with a total duration of over 550 hours.
Significance of The Vedic Heritage portal:
The portal will act as a one-stop solution for anyone who wants to search for information about the Vedic heritage, making it easier for them to understand the messages and teachings of the Vedas.
The portal is expected to be a valuable resource for researchers, scholars, and anyone interested in Vedic heritage, providing them with access to a wealth of information on this important aspect of Indian culture.
Its launch is a significant step towards preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural heritage.
Project “Vrihattar Bharat”:
Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) Member Secretary Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi informed that IGNCA is currently working on a project titled “Vrihattar Bharat,” which aims to document the cultural linkages of India with 40 other countries, including Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, and Mongolia.
New species of Moray eel discovered off Cuddalore coast named after Tamil Nadu
A team of scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has discovered a new species of Moray Eel fish from the Cuddalore coast in Tamil Nadu.
A team of scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has discovered a new species of Moray Eel fish from the Cuddalore coast in Tamil Nadu. The new species has been named “Gymnothorax Tamilnaduensis” after Tamil Nadu and has been given the common name of “Tamil Nadu brown moray eel”.
About The Discovery of Moray eel:
A team of scientists from the Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR) have discovered a new species of moray eel fish in the Cuddalore coast, which has been named Gymnothorax Tamilnaduensis or Tamil Nadu brown moray eel.
After conducting an extensive exploration survey and analysis of the fish’s morphology, skeleton radiography and molecular markers, the researchers concluded that it is a distinct species of the genus Gymnothorax.
Significance of This Discovery:
This discovery increases the number of Gymnothorax species in Indian waters from 28 to 29, and is the first to be found in the south-eastern coast of India in the Bay of Bengal.
The holotype of the new species is registered at the National Fish Museum and Repository of ICAR-NBFGR Lucknow, and the species name is registered in the Zoobank, the online registration system for the international commission on Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN).
About Moray Eels:
Moray Eels occur in all tropical and subtropical seas, they live in shallow water among reefs and rocks.
They are known for two types of jaws: one is regular (oral) jaws with big teeth and the second jaw is called the pharyngeal jaw (which drags prey inside the eels stomach).
There IUCN red list status is Least Concern.