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.

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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