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Current Affairs 1 January 2021 – IAS Current Affairs

IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 1 January  2021 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 1 January 2021  focuses on Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

  1. Export of the Akash missile
  2. Global Housing Technology Challenge.
  3. India commences exports of Moringa powder

Export of the Akash Missile

Why in News ?

Cabinet Approves Export of Akash Missile System and Creates a Committee for faster Approval of Exports. Committee would authorise subsequent exports of major indigenous platforms to various countries. 

  • The committee would also explore available options including the Government-to-Government route.

What is the export aimed at ?

  • Government of India intends to focus on exporting high value defence platforms
  • It aimed to achieve target of 5 Billion USD of defence export and improve strategic relations with friendly foreign countries.
  • Besides Akash, there is interest in other major platforms like the coastal surveillance system, radars and air platforms.
  • It would be a significant step under Atma Nirbhar Bharat

Akash Missile System

  • Akash is country’s important missile with over 96 percent indigenisation designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO)
  • Akash is a Surface to Air Missile with a range of 25 Kms having a kill probability of 90%.
  • The missile was inducted in 2014 in IAF and in 2015 in Indian Army.
  • The missile is unique in the way that it can be launched from mobile platforms like battle tanks or wheeled trucks.
  • It is a part of Integrated Guided-missile Development Programme (IGMDP)
    • IGMDP also include missiles like Nag, Agni, Trishul and Prithvi.

Source : PIB

GS III : Achievements of Indians in science & technology; indigenization of technology and developing new technology

Global Housing Technology Challenge

Why in News ?

PM laid the foundation of six Light House Projects (LHPs) as part of Global Housing Technology Challenge – India (GHTC -India) initiative, in six States. The initiative is considered to be a new era in the construction technology in India. 

Light house projects?

  • The LHPs are being constructed at
    • Indore (Madhya Pradesh)
    • Rajkot (Gujarat)
    • Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
    • Ranchi (Jharkhand)
    • Agartala (Tripura) and
    • Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh)
  • New eco- system where globally proven technologies will be adopted for cost-effective, environment friendly and speedier construction.

Global Housing Technology Challenge

  • MoHUA has initiated the Global Housing Technology Challenge
  • 3 Components of GHTC-India
    • Grand Expo and Conference : It is organized biennially to provide a platform to all stakeholders associated with housing construction for the exchange of knowledge and business.
    • Proven Demonstrable Technologies for the Construction of Lighthouse Projects : These projects demonstrate the merits of the selected technologies and serve as live laboratories for research, testing, technology transfer, increasing mass awareness and for mainstreaming them in the country.
    • Potential Future Technologies for Incubation and Acceleration Support : Potential future technologies from India that are applicable to the housing sector will be supported and encouraged through the ASHA (Affordable Sustainable Housing Accelerators) India program.

Source : PIB

GS II : Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes; mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections

India commences exports of Moringa powder

Why in News ?

India has started exports of Moringa powder, keeping in mind its rising global demand and nutritional properties.

About Moringa

  • Moringa oleifera is a fast-growing, drought-resistant tree of the family Moringaceae, native to the Indian subcontinent.
  • It is also called as Moringa, Drum Stick.
  • Importance : 
    • Used for centuries as its hasmedicinal properties and health benefits.
    • Besides it also has antifungal, antiviral, antidepressant, and anti-inflammatory properties having variety of proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

How export and production is done ?

  • Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been supporting private entities in creating necessary infrastructure.
  • With more Moringa processing units being created through support of APEDA, the exports would be increasing.
  • the demand for Moringa products, such as Moringa Leaf Powder and Moringa Oil, has been witnessing healthy growth which leads to a high potential export growth.

Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority

  • Established by the Government of India under the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority Act passed by the Parliament in December, 1985.
  • APEDA has presence in almost all agro potential states of India
    • Besides it has been providing services to agri-export community through its head office, five Regional offices and 13 Virtual offices.
  • Functions
    • Development of industries relating to the scheduled products for export.
    • Fixing of standards and specifications for the scheduled products for the purpose of exports.
    • Improving of packaging of the Scheduled products.
    • Improving of marketing of the Scheduled products outside India.
    • Promotion of export oriented production and development of the Scheduled products.

Source : PIB

GS III : Food processing and related industries in India- scope and significance, location, upstream and downstream requirements, supply chain management

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