UPSC QUIZ 28.06.2024

Explanation:

• Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) spacecraft, jointly developed by China and France, was launched into orbit on June 22 from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center in Sichuan province.

Space Variable Objects Monitor

• China-France cooperation: The Space Variable Objects Monitor (SVOM) is the first astronomy satellite jointly developed by China and France. The two countries also jointly developed and launched an oceanography satellite in 2018
• Payload: The satellite weighs 930 kg and carries four payloads, two of which are developed by France and two by China.

Explanation:

• The government of India-owned Coal India Limited subsidiary company, Eastern Coalfields Limited, has launched a pilot project for in situ underground coal gasification at the Kasta coal block in Jamtara District, Jharkhand.
• The coal will not be removed from the mine, and the coal gasification process will take place within the mine.
• If the project is successful, it will create transformative opportunities for India's energy sector, showcasing the sustainable and efficient use of the country's coal resources.

Underground coal gasification Pilot project

• The Union Ministry of Coal approved an underground coal gasification policy for the country's coal and lignite-bearing areas in 2015.
• Kasta coal block was chosen as a pilot project area.
• The project is funded by the Coal India Limited Research and Development Board.
• Eastern Coalfields Limited is implementing the project in association with Central Mine Planning and Design Institute (CMPDI) Ranchi and the Canadian company Ergo Exergy Technologies Inc.
• The pilot project, which was started on 22 June 2024, will be implemented in two phases over a two-year period.

Explanation:

• Srinagar has become the fourth Indian city to be recognised as a 'World Crafts City- WCC' by the World Crafts Council (WCC).
• Jaipur, Malappuram and Mysore are the other three Indian cities that have been recognised as World Crafts Cities earlier.
• In 2021, the city of Srinagar was designated a creative city as part of the UNESCO Creative City Network (UCCN) for crafts and folk arts. Paper pulp, walnut wood carving, carpets, sozni embroidery and pashmina and kani shawls are some of the crafts of Srinagar.

WCC-World Crafts City Programme

• It was launched in 2014 by the World Crafts Council AISBL (WCC-International) to recognise the important role of local authorities, craftsmen and communities in craft development around the world.
• WCC-International was established in the year 1964 and Smt. Kamaladevi Chattopadhyay, being one of the founding members, attended the first WCC General Assembly.

Explanation:

• A one day international workshop on ‘Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based Electronic Toll Collection in India’ was organized by Indian Highway Management Company Limited (IHMCL), an NHAI promoted company in New Delhi.
• It was organised to provide seamless and hassle-free tolling experience to the motorists on National Highways.
• This international workshop provided a unique platform to both industry and global experts to discuss various aspects related to the smooth implementation of free-flow tolling system based on GNSS technology in India.
• Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari was the chief guest on the occasion.
• The day-long workshop saw several panel discussions.
• These covered topics such as On-Board Units (OBUs), commercial vehicle and national highway fee rules, toll charger software, role of issuing entity and road infrastructure requirements for successful implementation of multi-lane free flow Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) based electronic toll collection in India.
• NHAI plans to implement GNSS-based electronic toll collection (ETC) system within the existing FASTag ecosystem.
• It will initially use a hybrid model, where both RFID-based ETC and GNSS-based ETC will operate simultaneously.
• Dedicated GNSS lanes will be available at toll plazas, allowing vehicles using GNSS-based ETC to pass through smoothly.
• As GNSS-based ETC becomes more widespread, all lanes will eventually be converted to GNSS lanes.

Explanation:

• MP government has approved the setting up of one Prime Minister College of Excellence in all districts of state.
• On 1 July, the Prime Minister College of Excellence will be inaugurated ceremonially in all 55 districts of Madhya Pradesh.
• MP CM Dr Mohan Yadav said that a drone policy will also be made in the state.
• CM directed officials to make sure better teaching arrangements keeping in mind the rising employment opportunities in aviation, agriculture, and artificial intelligence.
• The setting up of Prime Minister College of Excellence has been approved by MP government under the National Education Policy.
• MP CM said that ‘Bhartiya Gyan Parampara Kendra’ will also be set up in each PM College of Excellence. It will be the Centre of Traditional Indian Knowledge.
• Vidyavans, or educational gardens, will be developed in all government, non-government, and aided colleges.
• They will be developed to increase awareness about environmental protection amongst students in Madhya Pradesh.