Goa Affairs
Goa becoming a plastic sink, state needs to act fast: Ex-WII scientist
Though Goa is not a source of plastic production, the tourist hotpot is unwittingly becoming a sink for plastic waste, retired scientist of the Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun, B C Choudhary, said while underscoring the urgency in putting some mechanisms in place to tackle the menace.
The retired scientist said awareness that plastics are not welcome in Goa should begin at places like the , with clear and loud messaging for tourists setting foot into Goa.
Goa Environment minister Nilesh Cabral said that smaller and smaller items are being wrapped in plastic packaging, which is making it difficult for even ragpickers to pick them.
National and International Affairs
Microsofthas signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) withDirectorate General of Training (DGT)under the Ministry of Skills Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) to train 6,000 students and 200 educators in digital and cyber-security skills in the country. As part of this collaboration with, Microsoft will offer a wide range of courses, including training in AI, cloud computing, web development and cybersecurity skills for students and 200 faculty members at government-led Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and National Skills Training Institutions (NSTIs).
The training will empower young students with -relevant skills, enhancing their employability, and connecting them to relevant job opportunities. In addition, trained faculty members can then train ITI students attending computer operator and programming assistant (COPA) training.
The CyberShikshaa programme focusing on basic and intermediate cybersecurity skills training will also be expanded to students and educators at 10 NSTIs for Women. Trends such as demographic transitions and technological changes such as Industry 4.0, Web 3.0, and extended reality technology are introducing immense possibilities for our youth that will change their lives forever.
India Conducts Asias First Demonstration of Performance-Based Navigation for Helicopters
India recently achieved a significant milestone in the field of aviation as it conducted Asias first demonstration of performance-based for helicopters. The successful flight from Juhu to Pune showcased the utilization of GAGAN satellite technology, a joint development by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI). This groundbreaking achievement highlights Indias innovation and expertise in the aviation sector.
The Significance of Performance-Based Navigation:
Performance-Based Navigation (PBN) is a modern navigation concept that enables precise and efficient aircraft operations. By utilizing satellite-based technologies, PBN enhances accuracy, safety, and capacity in air traffic management. This demonstration marked a significant step forward for the Indian aviation sector, showcasing its commitment to adopting advanced navigation systems
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) countrieshave kicked off military exercises with a pledge to defend their newest member, Finland, which is hosting its first joint training in the Arctic region since becoming part of the Western alliance in April. Nearly 1,000 allied forces from Norway, the United Kingdom and the United States as well as NATO applicant Sweden joined approximately 6,500 Finnish troops and some 1,000 vehicles for exercises this week, which mark Finlands biggest modern-time land-force drill above the Arctic Circle.
Overseeing NATO exercises just a two-hour drive from the Russian border at one of Europes largest artillery training grounds in Rovajarvi, northern Finland, US Army Major-General Gregory Anderson from the 10th Mountain Division said his country stood ready to defend Finland.Some 150 aircraft from 14 NATO members and partner countries are also participating in Arctic Challenge 2023 exercises, according to NATO Air Command.