IIT-Delhi’s First International Campus in UAE
On 2nd September, 2024, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi inaugurated IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi, marking the prestigious Indian Institute of Technology’s first international campus in the UAE capital.
Key Points
- Strategic Partnerships Launched: During the event, Sheikh Khaled also oversaw the launch of partnerships between IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi and prominent higher education institutions in Abu Dhabi.
- Collaboration with Leading Universities: IIT-Delhi Abu Dhabi will collaborate with institutions like Khalifa University, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, and Zayed University.
- Focus on Joint Research: The partnerships will foster joint research, academic programs, and student and faculty exchanges, enhancing academic collaboration.
- Sorbonne University Partnership: The collaboration with Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi includes joint research projects, postgraduate student exchanges, and scientific seminars.
Aero-Engines
On 2nd September, 2024, the Cabinet Committee on Security has approved the procurement of 240 aero-engines for the Indian Air Force’s Su-30MKI aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), valued at over Rs. 26,000 crore.
Key Points
- Strategic Importance of Su-30MKI; The Su-30MKI is one of the most powerful and strategically significant fighter jets in the Indian Air Force’s fleet.
- Procurement Details: The approved proposal includes the procurement of 240 AL-31FP aero-engines from HAL, under the Buy (Indian) category, at a cost exceeding Rs. 26,000 crore, including all taxes and duties.
- Indigenous Content: Over 54% of the engines’ components will be indigenously sourced, thanks to the indigenization of key components.
- Manufacturing and Delivery Timeline: The engines will be manufactured at HAL’s Koraput division, with deliveries starting in a year and completion expected over eight years.
- Boost to Defence Preparedness: This procurement will ensure the continued operation and fleet sustenance of the IAF’s Su-30MKI jets, strengthening India’s defense preparedness.
Cabinet Approves Seven Agricultural Schemes
On 2nd September, 2024, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved an outlay of approximately Rs. 14,000 crore for seven major agricultural programs aimed at enhancing food security and advancing the farming sector.
Key Points
- Digital Agriculture Mission: A Rs. 2,817-crore Digital Agriculture Mission was approved to modernize farming practices through technology integration.
- Crop Science Scheme: The Cabinet allocated Rs. 3,979 crore for a scheme focused on advancing crop science and research to improve agricultural productivity.
- Agricultural Education and Management: A Rs. 2,291-crore program was approved to strengthen agricultural education and management, enhancing the skill set of the farming community.
- Sustainable Livestock Health: A Rs. 1,702-crore scheme was cleared to promote sustainable livestock health and increase production.
- Horticulture Development: The Cabinet approved Rs. 860 crore for a scheme aimed at the sustainable development of horticulture.
- Krishi Vigyan Kendra Strengthening: An allocation of Rs. 1,202 crore was made to strengthen the Krishi Vigyan Kendra network, which plays a crucial role in disseminating agricultural knowledge.
- Natural Resource Management: Rs. 1,115-crore scheme for Natural Resource Management was approved to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
- Total Allocation: The total allocation for these seven schemes amounts to over Rs. 13,960 crore, aimed at boosting the agricultural sector and ensuring food security across the country.
Hayao Miyazaki Wins Magsaysay Award
On 2nd September, 2024, Japanese filmmaker and Studio Ghibli co-founder Hayao Miyazaki has been honored with the Ramon Magsaysay Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the world of animation and storytelling.
- Hayao Miyazaki, co-founder of Studio Ghibli, is among the five recipients of this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Award, often referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize.
- The award citation highlighted Miyazaki’s use of art to help children understand complex issues, including environmental protection and the promotion of peace, through his films.
- Miyazaki’s journey began in Tokyo, where he was born on January 5, 1941, into a family involved in the aeroplane part-manufacturing business, sparking his lifelong interest in aviation.
- Miyazaki’s early works at Tōei included collaborations on iconic series like Heidi, Girl of the Alps and Wolf Boy Ken, and his first feature-length film, Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro.
UN Releases $100 Million for Underfunded Humanitarian Crises
On 30th August, 2024, the United Nations allocated $100 million from its Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to address critical underfunding in 10 humanitarian crises across Africa, the Americas, Asia, and the Middle East.
- The funding is aimed at alleviating the impacts of underfunded humanitarian emergencies, where a lack of resources has hindered aid agencies from providing essential life-saving assistance.
- More than one-third of the CERF allocation is directed toward Yemen and Ethiopia, with $20 million and $15 million respectively, where populations are severely affected by hunger, displacement, disease, and climate disasters.
- Additional funds have been allocated to support humanitarian operations in conflict-ridden and climate-affected countries, including $12 million for Myanmar, $11 million for Mali, $10 million for Burkina Faso, $9 million for Haiti, $7 million each for Cameroon and Mozambique, $5 million for Burundi, and $4 million for Malawi.