UPSC QUIZ 28.10.2023

Explanation:

• ‘Interconnected Disaster Risk Report 2023’ has been prepared by the United Nations University- Institute for Environment and Human Security.

Findings of the Interconnected Disaster Risks Report 2023

• The UN Interconnected Disaster Risks Report is an annual science-based report released by the United Nations University- Institute for Environment and Human Security (UNU-EHS), (first published in 2021).
• The report analyses several concrete examples of disasters each year and explains how they are inter- connected with each other and with human actions.
• The report illustrates how seemingly stable systems can gradually deteriorate until a critical threshold is crossed, resulting in catastrophic consequences.
• It introduces the concept of "risk tipping points," moments when socio ecological systems can no longer buffer risks and face a heightened risk of catastrophic impacts.

Explanation:

• Union Cabinet has approved a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Japan on developing a semiconductor supply chain partnership.
• In recent times, India is looking to establish itself as a reliable presence in the semiconductor supply chain, especially at a time when companies are looking to diversify from China, which has been the hub of electronics manufacturing.
• The Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) between India and Japan in the semiconductor supply chain recognizes the significance of semiconductors for industry and digital advancements.
• This MoC was initially signed in July between India's IT Ministry and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry.

Explanation:

• The indigenously built Vikram-1rocket unveiled by Space start-up Skyroot Aerospace, which is expected to deliver satellites to low earth orbit early in 2024.
• The Vikram-1 is a multistage launch vehicle capable of placing approximately 300 kg of payload into low Earth orbit.
• It is an all-carbon-fiber-body rocket that can launch multiple satellites into orbit and has 3D-printed liquid engines.
• Vikram-1 will be Skyroot's second rocket after the successful launch of Vikram-S rocket on November 18, 2022.
• 'The MAX-Q Campus' has also been inaugurated by Science and Technology Minister Jitendra Singh.
• It is Skyroot's new headquarters at the GMR Aerospace and Industrial Park in Mamidipally, south Hyderabad.
• The Skyroot headquarters is spread over 60,000 square feet and is touted as the country's largest private rocket development facility under a single roof.
• The new headquarters house has integrated design, manufacturing, and testing facilities for building space launch vehicles, and design space for the 300-member, strong workforce.

Explanation:

• The vertical wind tunnel has been installed at a training school in Himachal Pradesh.
• Indian Army's first Vertical Wind Tunnel (VWT) has been inaugurated by Army Chief Gen Manoj Pande.
• This facility will simulate real-life free fall conditions, which will allow military trainees to enhance their skills in combat free fall (CFF).
• A controlled environment with specific air velocities, enabling trainees to practice different CFF scenarios will be provided by the vertical wind tunnel.
• The installation of this vertical wind tunnel is part of the Indian Army's efforts to modernize its training infrastructure and improve operational readiness.
• The VWT will be integrated into the CFF training curriculum at SFTS.
• It will assist trainees in getting used to free-fall conditions in the air and during parachute opening.

Explanation:

• Hackathon Vimarsh 2023 was conducted in New Delhi.
• Hackathon Vimarsh 2023, a national Hackathon on 5G technology use for police, was launched by the Director General, Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D), Shri Balaji Srivastava.
• The main aim of the hackathon is to develop tools for tackling the challenges faced by Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).
• Department of Telecom (DOT) with its subsidiary Telecom Centre of Excellence (TCOE) have joined hands with BPR&D to conduct a Hackathon with students, startups, and MSMEs.
• 9 Problem Statements have been formulated in this Hackathon.
• In this Hackathon, ideas screening will be conducted in three stages. Stages I and II will be done in virtual mode whereas Stage III will be held at nodal centres in physical mode.
• The winner of each problem statement will get an award money of Rs 1.5 Lakhs.
• The winners will be announced during the Valedictory Session in February 2024.
• The Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D) has been designated as the Center of Excellence of the Ministry of Home Affairs for use cases of 5G applications in the Home Ministry.