Indigenously Developed MPATGM for Minimum Range

In a major push for AatmaNirbhar Bharat and the strengthening of the Indian army, DRDO successfully conducted flight tests on the indigenously developed low-weight, firepower and forget Man Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM).

The test successfully validated the minimum range.

The maximum range of the missile has already been successfully flight tested.

The missile is equipped with the most advanced miniature infrared imaging seeker and advanced avionics.

The test made the development of an indigenous third-generation MPATGM nearly completed.

New Generation of Akash Surface-to-Air missile

The DRDO successfully flight-tested a new generation of Akash surface-to-air missiles from an integrated test range off the coast of Odisha, enhancing air DEFENCE capabilities. Compared with the original version, the new variant of Akash-NG has a slightly better range and can strike targets at a distance of about 25 kilometers. During testing, the missile demonstrated the high manoeuvrability required to eliminate rapid and agile aerial threats.

Akash is India’s first indigenously manufactured medium-range Surface-to-Air missile capable of engaging multiple targets from multiple directions.

It is capable of being launched from mobile platforms such as battle tanks or wheeled trucks. It has a kill Probability of nearly 90%.

The missile is aided by an indigenously developed radar known as ‘Rajendra,’ which is capable of handling multiple targets from multiple directions in group or autonomous mode.

Updation of Motto of the Olympics

The Motto of Olympics was updated to Faster, Higher, Stronger Together from Faster, Higher, Stronger, on 20th July 2021. Motto updation was done to show solidarity around the globe at the time of the Covid-19 pandemic. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has approved the change.

The Olympic motto was Citius, Altius, Fortius (in Latin) or Faster, Higher, Stronger (in English), from 1894, when it was adopted at the suggestion of Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the IOC (International Olympic Committee).
Citius, Altius, Fortius, Communiter is the Latin version of the new motto.

Ski mountaineering was approved as an extra sport for the Milan-Cortina Winter Games which is to be in 2026. Ski mountaineering sport involves climbing Mountains either by carrying the skies or on them and then descending on skies. Ski mountaineering is a prevalent sport in Italy. Five medal events for this category were planned at the 2026 Games.

First Human Case of Monkey B Virus

China has reported the 1st human infection case with the Monkey B virus (BV). Monkey B virus is an alphaherpesvirus enzootic (endemic) in macaques, and it was initially isolated in 1932.

Highlights:

Alphaherpesviruses are pathogens or neuroinvasive viruses that establish lifelong infections in the peripheral nervous system of humans and many other vertebrates.

B virus is commonly referred to as herpes B, herpes virus simiae, and herpesvirus B.

B virus can survive for hours on surfaces, exceptionally when moist.

India lifted the Intercontinental Cup

India beat Lebanon 2-0 in the Intercontinental Cup final at the Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar to win the title.

The Intercontinental Cup is a four-nation football tournament organized by the All India Football Federation (AIFF) in India, from 2018 to present. The tournament is held in the month of June, and is used as a preparation tournament for the India national team for the upcoming AFC Asian Cup qualification matches.

The Personnel Ministryannounced that the central government has launched a new collection of courses calledDakshta(Development of Attitude, Knowledge, Skill for Holistic Transformation in Administration) on theiGOT Karmayogi Platform.

The Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) has established Karmayogi Bharat, a government-owned not-for-profit special purpose vehicle, to steer the missions fundamental goals.

Mission Karmayogi (National programme for civil Services capacity building), in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modis vision of building a Viksit Bharat, plays an important role in nurturing a smart, citizen-friendly, and future-ready public workforce.

This platform is a comprehensive guide for government officials seeking to develop their capacity-building skills.

The Dakshta collection contains 18 courses designed to equip learners with the necessary knowledge and skills required to perform their duties effectively.

Indi 2nd Indian lime variety to earn GI tag

Indi lime, belonging to the Kagzi variety, has earned a geographical indication (GI) tag for eight years from the Union Government. This is the second lime after theAssamlime to be accorded this recognition.

TheKarnatakaState Lime Development Board (KSLDB), University of Horticultural Sciences Bagalkot (UHSB) and the Department Vijayapura had worked relentlessly for the last five years to get this tag, with which growers can now expect exports of lime to about 25 countries.
Vijayapura district accounts for 58% of all lime produced in Karnataka, which ranks fourth among the states in lime cultivation.

Estonias parliament passed a law legalising same-sex marriage, making it the first central European nation to do so. While much of western Europe has already legalised same-sex marriage, it remains prohibited in many former communist central European countries that were once part of the Soviet-led Warsaw Pact.

The bill was passed with 55 votes in the 101-seat parliament, with support from the coalition of liberal and social democratic parties led by Prime Minister Kallas, who won the 2023 election.

The new law will become effective in 2024. A recent poll by the Centre for Human Rights found that 53% of Estonians support same-sex marriage, compared to 34% a decade ago.

44% ‘partnered’ women in 68 countries dont have right over their body: UN Report

A staggering 44% of partnered Women in 68 countries do not have the right over their body to make informed decisions when it comes to havingsex, usingcontraceptionand seeking Health care. Also an estimated 257 million women worldwide have an unmet need for safe, reliable contraception.

Around 24% of partnered women are unable to say no to sex and 11% are unable to make decisions specifically about contraception, according to data from 68 countries cited inUNFPAs State of World Population Report 2023.

Qatar & Bahrain to Continue Diplomatic Bonds

It was declared by both the countries Qatar and Bahrain that they will reopen their diplomatic relations after a gap of 2 years.

This was decided in the 2nd conference – Bahraini-Qatari Follow-Up Committee held at GCC Central Secretariat Office in Riyadh, Saudi. This is the first step taken after the 2021 boycott of Qatar.

Leaders have recently visited each other and the agreement is done to support and enhance joint Gulf action.