Current Affairs

Isro working on semi-cryogenic engine that uses liquid oxygen kerosene

Isro on Monday said it is developing a 2,000 kN (kilonewton) thrust semi-cryogenic engine working on a Liquid Oxygen (LOX) Kerosene propellant combination for enhancing the payload capability of Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3) and for future launch vehicles.

Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is the lead centre for the development of semi-cryogenic propulsion systems with the support of other launch vehicle centres of Isro.

The successful ignition of a semi-cryo pre-burner is a major accomplishment of Isro in the development of semi-cryogenic propulsion systems, the space agency said.

The assembly and testing of the propulsion modules were done at the Isro propulsion complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri.



IIT Madras-backed startup launches India's first indigenously designed microcontroller chip

Moving one step closer to a fully homegrown chip, an Indian startup has successfully designed country’s first indigenously-built microcontroller semiconductor that can offer a cheaper option to consumer electronics goods makers and digital infrastructure in India, providing a boost to New Delhi’s Make-in-India push in the electronics sector.

Mindgrove Technologies, which is backed by Peak XV Partners-backed and incubated by IIT Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation and IIT Madras Incubation Cell, launched India’s first commercial high-performance SoC (system on chip) named Secure IoT, the firm said in a statement on May 6.



Piyush Chawla becomes second highest wicket-taker in Indian Premier League history

Mumbai Indians bowler Piyush Chawla became the second-highest wicket-taker in the history of Indian Premier League during the match against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Wankhede Stadium on Friday.

The 35-year-old had 183 wickets under his belt before the clash and needed a solitary wicket to achieve this feat.

Chawla claimed the wicket of Rinku Singh in the very first ball he bowled in the match to get to his 184th IPL wicket. He overtook former Chennai Super Kings pacer Dwayne Bravo to sit second in the leaderboard.

Rajasthan Royals’ Yuzvendra Chahal sits comfortably at the top with a whopping 200 wickets, a feat he achieved against Hardik Pandya’s men last month at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. RR went on to win the game by nine wickets.



Washington boy becomes world's first person to receive newly approved sickle cell therapy

Kendric Cromer from Washington has become the first person in the world to receive commercially licensed gene therapy for sickle cell disease.

Kendric Cromer, a 12-year-old kid from a suburb of Washington, has become the first person in the world to receive commercially licensed gene therapy for sickle cell disease.

According to the New York Times, Kendric's successful therapy provides hope to around 20,000 people in the United States who suffer from sickle cell disease. However, it also emphasises the difficulties patients confront in obtaining novel sickle cell medications.



Bhavesh Gupta, Paytm COO and President, resigns

Paytm's President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) Bhavesh Gupta has resigned from the company, citing personal reasons.

In a regulatory filing, One97 Communications, Paytm's parent company, said on Saturday that Gupta decided to take a career break due to personal reasons. He was overseeing Paytm's payments and lending businesses.

As part of the company reshuffle, Gupta will be transitioning to an advisory role, offering guidance for Paytm’s growth initiatives until the end of the year.



ASBC Asian U-22 And Youth Championships: Five Indian Youth Boxers Strike Gold

Five youth Indian boxers Brijesh Tamta, Aryan Hooda, Yashwardhan Singh, Laxmi and Nisha put up impressive performances to clinch gold medals at the ASBC Asian U-22 & Youth Boxing Championships on Monday. (More Boxing News)

Brijesh gave India its first gold medal of the tournament with a unanimous 5-0 win over Tajikistan's Muminov Muinkhodzha in the men's 48kg final.

Aryan (51kg) continued the momentum with an equally dominant 5-0 victory against Kyrgyzstan's Kamilov Zafarbek.



Ministry of Tourism participates in Arabian Travel Mart 2024 in Dubai

Ministry of Tourism, Government of India is participating in Arabian Travel Mart 2024, being held in Dubai from May 6th to 9th May, 2024. The event marks a significant step in strengthening India's presence in the Middle East tourism market.

Incredible India pavilion was Inaugurated today by Mr. Satish Kumar Sivan, Counsul General of India to Dubai. The pavilion has made a resounding entry, aiming to capture the entirety of the UAE market. Leading a delegation comprising tour operators, luxury hotels, wellness resorts, and the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation, India is poised to showcase itself as a 365-day destination.

Highlighting lesser-known yet refreshing destinations, the Ministry of Tourism has launched the ‘Cool Summers of India’ campaign at Arabian Travel Mart. This digital campaign challenges the notion of India being too hot for summer travel, emphasizing its offerings in hill resorts, including the Himalayas. The campaign seeks to promote India as a holistic destination throughout the year.



'Titanic' actor Bernard Hill dies at 79

Veteran English actor Bernard Hill, best known for his powerful performances in 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy and 'Titanic,' has died at the age of 79.

Barbara Dickson shared this news on X (previously Twitter) where she wrote, "It’s with great sadness that I note the death of Bernard Hill. We worked together in John Paul George Ringo and Bert, Willy Russell marvellous show 1974-1975. A really marvellous actor. It was a privilege to have crossed paths with him. RIP Benny x (sic)."



World Asthma Day 2024

World Asthma Day (WAD) is an annual event organised by the Global Initiative for Asthma (GINA), a collaborative organisation founded in 1993 under the World Health Organization (WHO). World Asthma Day is held annually on the first Tuesday in May. This year, it will be observed on May 7.

WAD aims to raise global awareness about asthma, a chronic lung disease that affects individuals of all ages. Asthma is characterised by inflammation and constriction of the airways, leading to difficulties in breathing. Common symptoms include coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath and chest tightness, which can vary in severity and frequency.

While asthma is a serious condition, it can be effectively managed with proper treatment. Individuals experiencing asthma symptoms are advised to seek medical advice promptly.



World Athletics Day 2024

World Athletics Day 2024: The dedication and hard work of the athletics need to be celebrated. They do not give up in the face of adversity, they hold on to their love for the sport and they go till the finish line, no matter what. Their dedication and love for the sport is inspiring, and athletes all over the world should be honoured and respected for their hard work. Every year, World Athletics Day is observed to honour the athletes and reinstate the lessons of dedication and motivation in us, that we learn from sports. As we gear up to celebrate the special day for this year, here are a few things that we should keep in mind.