CURRENT AFFAIRS 27 September, 2024
- INDIA’S DRDO, IIT DELHI DEVELOP ABHED LIGHTWEIGHT BULLET PROOF JACKETS-
- India’s Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), along with researchers of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has developed Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets named ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat).
- These jackets have been created from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material.
- The design configuration is based on characterisation of various materials at high strain rate followed by appropriate modeling and simulation in collaboration with DRDO.
- The armor plates for the jackets have passed all necessary R&D trials as per the protocols.
- The jackets meet the highest threat levels, and are lighter than the maximum weight limits stipulated in respective General Staff Qualitative Requirement of the Indian Army.
- With minimum possible weight of 8.2 kgs and 9.5 kgs for different BIS Levels, these modular-design jackets having front and rear armours provide 360o protection.
- “OCEAN-24” RUSSIA AND CHINA MASSIVE NAVAL EXERCISES –
- Russia and China have started a large-scale naval exercise called “Ocean-24” in the Sea of Japan. This military collaboration is a clear sign of closer ties between the two nations and could indicate shifts in global power and alliances.
- The “Ocean-24” exercises from September 10 to 16, 2024, and are considered the biggest in the last 30 years. Here are the key details about the forces involved:
- 400+ warships (including submarines and support vessels).120+ aircraft, such as planes and helicopters.About 90,000 military personnel.
- These operations are not limited to the Sea of Japan but also cover the Pacific, Arctic, Mediterranean, Caspian, and Baltic Seas.
- BILATERAL INVESTMENT TREATY SIGNED BY INDIA AND REPUBLIC OF UZBEKISTAN –
- This treaty will ensure protection for Uzbekistan and Indian investors.
- Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman represented India in the summit.
- Uzbekistan is a Central Asian nation and former Soviet republic.Capital: Tashkent.Currency: Uzbekistani Som.Official language: Uzbek.President: Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
- INDIA’S FIRST CO2-TO-METHANOL PILOT PLANT IN PUNE –
- India has taken a major step towards combating climate change with the development of its first CO2-to-methanol pilot plant, focusing on Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies.
- This initiative reflects India’s dedication to sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions.
- The pilot plant is located at Thermax Limited in Pune, Maharashtra, and can process 1.4 tonnes of CO2 per day. This plant is one of the first of its kind in India, aiming to capture carbon dioxide and convert it into methanol, a useful chemical. The project showcases India’s pioneering efforts in carbon reduction technology.
- INDIAN ARMY SET TO RECEIVE APACHE HELICOPTERS –
- The Indian Army is set to receive its first three AH-64E Apache attack helicopters from Boeing in December 2024, after a delay of more than six months caused by supply chain problems.
- The helicopters were originally expected to be delivered between May and July, but the schedule was revised after discussions between India and the U.S. to prioritize delivery.
- The Apache helicopters are designed mainly for operations in desert areas and are highly effective against armored threats like tanks. However, they have limitations when used in high-altitude regions, such as mountainous terrain.
- To address this, India has developed the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. The LCH is better suited for high-altitude operations and is planned to be deployed in Ladakh between 2024 and 2025.