Today's Current Affairs 29th July 2023

NATIONAL

India to home South Asia’s first-ever Center for Species Survival

• With a vision to create a just world that values and conserves nature, IUCN Species Survival Commission has partnered with Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) to set up the first-ever Center for Species Survival in South Asia.
• In this regard, an MoU has been signed between Prof. Jon Paul Rodríguez, Chair—IUCN SSC and Vivek Menon, Executive Director, Wildlife Trust of India to set up the first-ever regional Center for Species Survival (CSS) in India. This will be the 10th Centre for Species Survival in the world and the first of its kind in South Asia.
• The Center hopes to provide a platform for conservation practitioners to network and share best practices. It will also contribute to species status assessments using the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and amplify the impact of species recovery efforts across the country. The Centre will further act as a bridge between the national and international efforts to save species.

India’s first online gaming academy set up in MP

• Madhya Pradesh is set to launch its first online gaming industry named “MP State Esports Academy” to provide the young esports player an opportunity and platform to advance to a professional level.
• The academy focuses on training aspiring gaming and esports professionals. An esports tournament will be held, selecting the top players for admission. 80% of the seats are reserved for gamers from Madhya Pradesh, while the remaining seats are open to gamers from all over the country. Anyone can participate in the tournament to compete for a spot at the academy.
• The state-wide MP Junior Esports Championship is scheduled to take place between July 27 and August 7, specifically focusing on esports enthusiasts aged between 12 and 17 years. The sports department will be responsible for organizing the 10-day tournament, providing a platform for young participants to engage and showcase their skills in the games.

SCIENCE & TEHNOLOGY

World’s largest private communications satellite ‘Jupiter 3’ launched

• SpaceX, Elon Musk’s space exploration company, launched the world’s largest commercial communications satellite from LC-39A, Kennedy Space Center, Florida, USA. The Falcon Heavy rocket was used for the launch, carrying Maxar Technologies’ biggest satellite to date, named Jupiter 3.
• About: JUPITER 3 - Also referred to as ‘EcoStar XXIV’, is a satellite of Hughes, an EchoStar company. As the next-generation Ultra High Density Satellite (UHDS), it is designed to provide gigabytes of connectivity to customers across North and South America.
• EchoStar Corporation, an American company, serves as a global provider of satellite communication and Internet services through its business segments, namely Hughes Network Systems and EchoStar Satellite Services.

 APPOINTMENS & RESIGNATIONS

Cambodian PM Hun Sen to step down after four decades; hands over power to son

• Hun Sen has run kingdom since 1985, eliminating all opposition to his power, with parties banned, challengers forced to flee and freedom of expression stifled.
• Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen, one of the world's longest-serving leaders, said on July 26, 2023 he will resign and hand power to his son, after almost four decades of hardline rule.
• The former Khmer Rouge cadre has run the kingdom since 1985, eliminating all opposition to his power, with opposition parties banned, challengers forced to flee and freedom of expression stifled.
• His Cambodian People's Party (CPP) won a landslide victory in an election on Sunday with no meaningful opposition, taking 82 percent of the vote, paving the way for a dynastic succession to his eldest son that some critics have compared to North Korea.

IPORTANT DAYS

International Tiger Day

• International Tiger Day is observed globally on July 29 every year, International Tiger Day is celebrated to raise awareness about one of the most majestic and endangered creatures on our planet: the tiger. This day provides a platform for people all around the world to emphasise the value of tiger conservation and the immediate need to save these majestic big cats from extinction.
• Since they represent strength, elegance, and beauty, tigers have attracted the attention of people for millennia. They have a particular place in our hearts and ecosystems and are revered in many cultures and mythology. However, a number of reasons seriously jeopardise their continued survival. The occasion of International Tiger Day offers us a chance to unite as a global society and consider the importance of protecting these iconic animals and their natural habitats.
• History - Global Tiger Day, commonly referred to as International Tiger Day, was first established in 2010 during the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit by nations that are home to tigers. The Global Tiger Initiative (GTI), a grouping of nations, international organisations, and conservation organisations committed to tiger conservation, organised the summit, which took place in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Tiger Range Countries (TRCs), or nations with wild tiger populations, gathered during this summit to discuss the worrying global drop in tiger numbers. The 29th of July was chosen as International Tiger Day because it represents the halfway point between the first and last days of the Saint Petersburg Tiger Summit and the ongoing international campaign to rescue tigers.

SUMMIT'S & MOU's

TMS the Germany-based leading naval company has signed a MoU with Indian defence PSU MDL to modernize INS Shankush

• Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TMS), the Germany-based leading naval company, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian defence PSU Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) for the overhaul and modernisation of submarine INS Shankush to extend its operational capability.
• The Indian Navy is seeking extension of its seven submarines to fill the void in its required strength which once was close to 22. The Ministry of Defence had signed a ₹2,725-crore contract with Mumbai-based MDL for the Medium Refit with Life Certification (MRLC) of INS Shankush, a HDW-class submarine, to extend its life. The first submarine in this class is undergoing MRLC and is likely to be back on sail by August.
• Over the next three years, INS Shankush will be modernised in close partnership with the state-owned shipyard MDL, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems said in a statement on Thursday. While Thyssenkrupp will be responsible for supplying material packages of selected systems, equipment and components as well as for on-site technical support and pressure hull inspection, MDL will act as general contractor up till on-time delivery of the submarine, the German naval company stated.

Tata Technologies signs MoA with Chhattisgarh worth Rs 1,188 crore

• The Chhattisgarh government has signed an agreement worth Rs 1,188.36 crore with Tata Technologies for transforming 36 government Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into an Industry 4.0 Technology Hub.
• Under the agreement, Tata Technologies will offer six new trades and 23 new short-term courses in the 36 ITIs, with state-of-the-art technical workshops and trainer arrangements, a state government spokesperson said. The company will also provide two trainers.
• The project aims to train over 10,000 youth annually in advanced skills, fostering better employment opportunities and will also provide employment opportunities to the skilled youth.
• The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by Awanish Sharan, the director of skill development, technical education and employment department, and Pawan Bhageria, president of Tata Technologies Limited, in the presence of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

PM inaugurates Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam

• The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam at Bharat Mandapam in Delhi today 29 Juy. It coincides with the 3rd anniversary of National Education Policy 2020. He also released the first installment of funds under the PM SHRI Scheme. 6207 schools received the first installment with a total amounting to 630 crore Rupees. He also released education and skill curriculum books translated into 12 Indian languages. The Prime Minister also took a walkthrough of the exhibition showcased on the occasion.
• Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister underlined the primacy of education among the factors that can change the destiny of the nation. “Our education system has a huge role in achieving the goals with which 21st century India is moving”, he said. Emphasizing the importance of the Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam, the Prime Minister said that discussion and dialogue are important for education. The Prime Minister mentioned the coincidence of the last Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam taking place in the newly constructed Rudraksha convention center of Varanasi and this year’s Akhil Bhartiya Shiksha Samagam taking place in the brand new Bharat Mandapam. This is the first event at the Mandapam after its formal inauguration.