National
Indian Navy declares 2024 as 'Year of Naval Civilians'
⇒ Indian Navy has declared 2024 as ‘Year of Naval Civilians’ to improve administration, efficiency and well-being of Naval Civilians by addressing all facets of Civilian HR Management in a time bound manner.
Focus:
Major focus areas towards maximising administrative efficiency, digital initiatives, generic and specific training programmes and welfare activities have been identified for implementation in 2024.
Background:
- Naval Civilian Personnel constitute about a third of the Indian Navy’s total workforce and contribute significantly to its operational effectiveness across all domains.
- Civilian personnel impact the overall performance of Naval formations such as Command Headquarters, Dockyards, Material Organisations, Naval Armament Depots, Naval Armament Inspectorates, Training Establishments and several other types of support units.
- However, it is imperative that impetus be provided to their administration, training, welfare etc. so that they effectively contribute towards ensuring that the Indian Navy always remains a combat ready, credible, cohesive and future proof force.
- Declaring 2024 as a year dedicated to them is a step in this direction.
Green Propulsion System successfully demonstrates in-orbit functionality
⇒ A Green Propulsion System, developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme of DRDO, has successfully demonstrated in-orbit functionality on a payload launched by PSLV C-58 mission.
- This project – 1N Class Green Monopropellant thruster for altitude control and orbit keeping of micro satellite – was sanctioned to a Bengaluru-based start-up Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd (Development Agency).
Key Points:
- The Telemetry Data from PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) at ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC), Bengaluru has been validated with ground level solution and is found to have exceeded all performance parameters.
- This innovative technology has resulted in non-toxic and environment-friendly propulsion system for low orbit space.
- The system consists of indigenously developed Propellant, Fill and Drain Valves, Latch Valve, Solenoid Valve, Catalyst Bed, Drive Electronics, etc. It is ideal for space mission with high thrust requirements.
- The complete project has been carried out by the Development Agency under guidance of Project Monitoring & Mentoring Group of DRDO.
Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India
⇒ Vice Admiral Lochan Singh Pathania assumed charge as the Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India on 01 February 2024.
About Vice Admiral Pathania:
- Commissioned in the Executive branch of the Indian Navy in 1990, he is a Hydrography Specialist. The Flag Officer has commanded IN Ships Darshak and Sandhayak.
- The Flag officer is a graduate of Naval Academy and alumni of International Maritime Academy (IMO), Trieste, Italy, Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington and College of Defence Management (CDM), Secunderabad.
- The Admiral is an expert on International maritime laws pertaining to maritime boundary delimitation and has immensely contributed in addressing issues pertaining to maritime boundaries and settlement of Extended continental shelf beyond Exclusive Economic Zone.
Important Day
World Leprosy Day 2024
⇒ World Leprosy Day is celebrated worldwide on the last Sunday of January. World Leprosy Day 2024 was observed on 28 January.
- But in India, World Leprosy Day is celebrated every year on 30 January. It holds a special significance in India as it coincides with Mahatma Gandhi’s Punyatithi.
The primary objective of observing World Leprosy Day is to raise awareness among the general public about the stigma associated with this disease and to educate people that leprosy is caused by a type of bacteria and can be easily treated.
Theme:
» The theme for World Leprosy Day 2024 was “Beat Leprosy”.
- This theme encapsulates the dual objectives of the day: to eradicate the stigma associated with leprosy and to promote the dignity of people affected by the disease.
- The theme of “Beat Leprosy” serves as a powerful reminder of the need to address the social and psychological aspects of leprosy, alongside the medical efforts to eliminate the disease.
- It calls for a world where leprosy is no longer a source of stigma but rather an opportunity to demonstrate compassion and respect for all individuals.
History:
» In 1954, French Journalist Raoul Follereau established World Leprosy Day to be celebrated to campaign to create awareness about this disease and explore the treatment options available that can provide the patients with a better life.
About Leprosy:
- Leprosy is a disease that affects skin and nerves. Also known as Hansen’s Disease, Leprosy is a chronic infectious disease.
- It also affects the upper respiratory tract and the eyes. The symptoms of Leprosy are blisters, loss of colour, rashes, reduced sensation of touch, loss of temperature sensation, nerve injury, weight loss and pain in the joints.
- Leprosy, caused by the infection of bacterium Mycobacterium leprae, is curable in nature.