20 JANUARY 2023 DAILY DEFENCE EXAM CURRENT AFFAIRS

1. National Level Multistate Cooperative Export Society?

Nano fertilizers produced by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) and dairy products from Amul will be among the first few products that are expected to be exported by the first-ever National Export Co-operative Society that was approved by the Union Cabinet recently.

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet, recently approved the setting up of a National Level multistate cooperative export society under the Multi State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002.

About National Level multistate cooperative export society:

This will be the largest of the three proposed national cooperative societies to be established under the Multi State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002. Other being National multi-state cooperative organic society; and national level multi-state seed cooperative.
It will act as an umbrella organization for export of surplus goods/services produced by various cooperative societies across the country.
It will also help cooperatives in getting benefits of various export related schemes and policies.
The society will have an authorized share capital of ₹2,000 crore with the area of operation all over the country.
It will have its registered office in Delhi.
It will open foreign bank accounts and complete all the formalities, including necessary permissions for exporting a product.
Dividends will be shared with the manufacturer instantly and without any brokerage fee.

Source : National Export Co-operative Society to export farm, non-farming products in three months

2. What is Hakku Patra?

The Prime Minister recently launched the 'Hakku Patra' (land title deed) distribution drive by distributing title deeds (hakku patra) to about fifty thousand beneficiaries of newly declared revenue villages in Kalaburagi, Karnataka.

What is Hakku Patra?

The word ‘Hakku’ means “the right”, and ‘Patra’ means a “paper” or “document”.
It is a legal document that states an individual's rightful inheritance of a property.
It is issued to the nation's underprivileged section, including scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, urban slum dwellers, handicapped, and other disadvantaged populations.
In most cases, the land on which the Hakku Patra is issued is government-owned with a specific set of conditions attached.

Hakku Patra distribution drive:

It is a part of the Ambedkar Rural Housing Scheme of Karnataka.
Under this, the government offers free registration of Hakku Patra land in the beneficiary's name.
Any house built on the Hakku Patra land should be used as the beneficiary’s house and not for rental purposes.

Benefits of Hakku Patra:

It makes you the legitimate owner of your land or property by giving an up-to-date and official record of who owns the land.
It is a state-guaranteed document.
The title deeds enable owners to avail of bank loans with the said document.
Hakku Patra registration resolves all types of disputes regarding the ownership or rights over the land.
The document helps in preventing any encroachment via trespassing on the boundaries.

Source : PM distributes title deeds (hakku patra) to about fifty thousand beneficiaries of newly declared revenue villages in Kalaburagi, Karnataka

3. What is the International Energy Agency?

The lifting of COVID-19 restrictions in China is set to boost global oil demand this year to a new record high, the International Energy Agency (IEA) said recently, while price cap sanctions on Russia could dent supply.

About the International Energy Agency:

What is it? It is an international intergovernmental organization based in Paris that was established in 1974.
Mandate: To maintain the stability of the international oil supply.
It was founded in response to the 1973 oil crisis, in which the supply chain for oil temporarily broke down.
IEA operates within the broader framework of the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD).
As of 2022, the IEA has 31 member nations.
India became an associate member of IEA in 2017.
According to the IEA, a member country must maintain "crude oil and/or product reserves equivalent to 90 days of the previous year's net imports, to which the government has immediate access (even if it does not own them directly) and could be used to address disruptions to global oil supply".

Source : China's COVID-19 reopening set to push 2023 oil demand to new high -IEA

4. Chamundi Hills

The citizens’ committee to save Chamundi Hills and its environment has resolved to press for clearance from the heritage committee before the implementation of development works at the hilltop under Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD).

About Chamundi Hills:

It is located in the city of Mysore, Karnataka.
The average elevation is 1,060 meters.
The famous Sri Chamundeshwari Temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Chamundeshwari is situated on top of Chamundi hills.
In the earlier days, the Hill was identified as ‘Mahabaladri’ in honour of God Shiva who resides in the ‘Mahabaleswara Temple’. This is the oldest temple on the hills.
These hills have been mentioned in the ancient Hindu scriptures such as ‘Skanda Purana’.

Sri Chamundeshwari Temple:

It is dedicated to the Goddess Chamundeshwari (Chamundi), deity of the Mysore Royal Family.
This temple is about 1000 steps from the foot of the Chamundi hills.
It is built in the Dravidian style of temple architecture.
The temple has a quadrangular structure.
It has an impressive seven-tier tower called ‘gopuram’ or ‘gopura’ and an equally imposing entrance which is known as ‘dwara’.

What is Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD) Scheme?

The Government of India launched the PRASHAD scheme in the year 2014-2015 under the Ministry of Tourism.
Is a Central Sector Scheme with complete financial assistance by the Government of India.
This scheme focuses on developing and identifying pilgrimage sites across India for enriching the religious tourism experience.
It aims to integrate pilgrimage destinations in a prioritized, planned and sustainable manner to provide a complete religious tourism experience. The growth of domestic tourism hugely depends on pilgrimage tourism.

Source : Citizens to press for heritage committee’s approval, stakeholders involvement in implementing PRASHAD scheme on Chamundi Hills.

5. AH-64E Apache Attack Helicopter

The first fuselage for the Indian Army’s contract for six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters has recently been rolled out of the Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) facility in Hyderabad.

Why in News?

The first Apache is scheduled to be delivered to the Army in February 2024 and training of Army Aviation pilots and technicians commenced in the U.S. recently.

About AH-64E Apache:

It is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.
Country of Origin: United States
Manufacturer: Boeing
It is also known as Apache Guardian.
The AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the AH-64, used by the US Army.
Other purchasers: India, Egypt, Greece,Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait,Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore,UAE, UK.
Features:
- It is designed and equipped with an open systems architecture to incorporate the latest communications, navigation, sensor, and weapon systems.
- Has greater thrust and lift, joint digital operability, improved survivability and cognitive decision aiding.
- The AH-64E includes a new integrated infrared laser that allows for easier target designation and enhanced infrared imagery that blends infrared and night vision capabilities.
Apache for Indian defence forces: The Indian Air Force has a fleet of 22 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, and in 2020, Boeing signed an agreement with the Government of India for the acquisition of six more Apache helicopters for the Indian Army.

Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL):

It is a joint venture between Tata Advanced Systems Limited and aircraft manufacturer Boeing.
Boeing’s first equity joint venture in India.
TBAL manufacturing facility is located in Hyderabad.
TBAL is the sole global producer of fuselages for AH-64 Apache helicopters

Source : Army to get first Apache attack helicopter in February 2024

6. Ken-Betwa Link Project

Recently, the Third Meeting of the Steering Committee of the Ken-Betwa Link Project (SC-KBLP) was held under the Chairmanship of the Secretary, DoWR, RD & GR, Ministry of Jal Shakti.

About Ken-Betwa Link Project:

Under this, the transfer of excess water from the River Ken to the Betwa basin through the use of a concrete canal is proposed.
It is the first project under the National Perspective Plan for the interlinking of rivers.
It aims to provide irrigation to the Bundelkhand region, which is one of the worst drought-affected areas in India.
A Tripartite Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Centre and the governments of UP and MP for the project.
Implementing Agency: A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) called Ken-Betwa Link Project Authority (KBLPA) will be set up to implement the project.
The National Interlinking of Rivers Authority (NIRA) has the power to set up SPV for individual link projects.

Source : Third Meeting of Steering Committee of Ken-Betwa Link Project

7. What is Titanosaur?

Recently, a group of Indian researchers found rare cases of fossilised dinosaur eggs - an egg within an egg - among 256 newly discovered eggs from the Narmada Valley.

Why in news?

The discovery suggests that Titanosaurs displayed a notable reproductive trait unique to modern-day birds.
Fossilised eggs provide clues on reproductive biology, nesting behaviour and parental care.
This region falls between the easternmost Lametta exposures at Jabalpur in the upper Narmada Valley (central India) and Balasinor in the west in the lower Narmada Valley (western central India), according to the document.
Lametta exposure is a sedimentary rock formation known for its dinosaur fossils. These sedimentary rocks are mostly exposed along the Narmada Valley.
The fossil records here are largely concealed by Deccan volcanic flows, which prevents their removal by erosion.

Key facts about the Titanosaur:

They belong to the sauropod group.
It is a humongous plant-eating lizard with a long neck and tail.
A recently discovered 20-meter Ninjatitan Zapata may be the oldest titanosaur to be ever discovered.
It was found in the Neuquen province of southwest Argentina in 2014.
It may have lived approximately 140 million years ago at the initial stages of the Cretaceous period.

Source : Rare dinosaur eggs found in Narmada Valley show how ancient reptiles shared traits with today’s birds: Study

8. Red-Billed Quelea

Recently, experts have cautioned that the Kenyan government's effort to exterminate the red-billed quelea birds that have infested farms will have unintended negative consequences for other raptors and wild species.

Why in news?

Kenya's government began to kill up to 6 million red-billed quelea birds, the world's most populous bird species which are also known as 'feathered locusts'.
The preferred method for eradicating pests in Africa has been to spray fenthion, which is an organophosphate pesticide, but scientists have noted that the substance is toxic to people and other non-target organisms.
Fenthion has been listed in Annex III of the Rotterdam convention which aims to reduce risks from hazardous chemicals in agriculture.

Key facts about Red-Billed Quelea:

It is a small, short-tailed weaver with a mottled back and a yellow or reddish bill.
Large flocks are resident and nomadic in arid savanna, grassland, and cultivated areas.
Conservation status:
- IUCN: Least Concerned

Source : 6 Million Red-Billed Quelea Birds Feasting on Rice Fields Prompt for Pesticides in Kenya Farms

9. What is International North–South Transport Corridor (INSTC)?

Recently, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in association with India Ports Global Ltd, conducted a workshop on the ‘Linking Chabahar Port with INSTC’ in Mumbai.

Key facts about International North-South Transport Corridor:

It is a multimodal transportation agreement formed with a trilateral agreement between India, Iran and Russia at the Euro-Asian Conference on Transport in 2000.
It links the Indian Ocean to the Caspian Sea via the Persian Gulf onwards into Russia and Northern Europe.
The corridor encompasses sea, road and rail routes.
The main purpose of the corridor was to reduce carriage costs and transit time between India and Russia. The transit time is expected to reduce to almost half, once the corridor becomes fully functional.
The agreement has been ratified by 13 countries namely, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Bulgaria, Armenia, India, Iran, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Oman, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Ukraine.

About Chabahar Port:

It is located off the Gulf of Oman in Iran’s southeastern province of Sistan-Baluchistan & is the only Iranian port with direct access to the ocean.

Source : Workshop conducted on ‘Linking Chabahar Port with INSTC

10. Painted Bat

Recently, a rare orange-coloured bat, also known as ‘painted bat’ was spotted at a banana plantation in Parali Bodal village of Chhattisgarh’s Kanger Valley National Park in Bastar.

About Painted bat:

These are often found in unusual roosting sites such as suspended nests of weaver finches and sunbirds, and banana leaves, these bats have been known to roost in pairs.
It is an aerial hawker, catching insects mid-flight.
It is generally found in Bangladesh, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
Conservation status:
- IUCN: Near Threatened

Key facts about Kanger Valley/ Ghati National Park:

This National Park derived its name from the Kangar river, which flows in its length.
Flora: This park is a typically mixed humid deciduous type of forest, in which the Sal, Saugaun, teak and bamboo trees are available in abundance.
Fauna: The most popular species in this area is Bastar Maina which emulates everyone with its human voice.
It is home to exceptional caves and is famous for its amazing geological structures of Stalagmites and Stalactites.
Also, Tirathgarh Waterfall is located in this National Park.

Source : Chhattisgarh: Rare ‘orange bat’ spotted in Bastar’s Kanger Valley National Park

20 JANUARY 2023 DAILY DEFENCE EXAM CURRENT AFFAIRS | UPSC CDS CAPF NDA AFCAT SSB

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19 JANUARY 2023 DAILY DEFENCE EXAM CURRENT AFFAIRS | UPSC CDS CAPF NDA AFCAT SSB

21 JANUARY 2023 DAILY DEFENCE EXAM CURRENT AFFAIRS | UPSC CDS CAPF NDA AFCAT SSB

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