National
ISRO launches India's heaviest rocket Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3)-M2
⇒ The Indian Space Research Organisation on 23 October 2022 successfully launched its heaviest rocket Launch Vehicle Mark III (LVM3)-M2, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, putting in orbit 36 satellites of UK-based OneWeb satellite communications company.
Important Points:
- The LVM3-M2 launched into low earth orbit (LEO).
- All 36 satellites are operational, bringing OneWeb’s total Gen 1 LEO constellation to 462 satellites.
- India’s heaviest rocket the Launch Vehicle Mark III launched its heaviest payload of 5,796 kg to space.
- The rocket can launch 10,000 tonnes of payload into the low earth orbit.
- The 43.5-metre 644-tonne rocket —LVM3-M2 previously called GSLV Mk3.
About LVM3-M2:
- The LVM3-M2, a three-stage rocket, is emerging as the workhorse for the larger missions: Its four previous missions have been successful.
- Its first two stages carry liquid fuel, and the third is the cryogenic engine. The two strap-on motors are powered by solid fuel.
Other Points:
- The launch of the LVM-3 also marked India’s entry into the global commercial launch service market. India marked the first dedicated commercial launch for NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) using LVM3 rocket.
- This launch by ISRO and NSIL is one of the biggest commercial orders by India’s premier space organization, and the first using the LVM3 rocket.
- With this successful launch, the LVM3 has become a catalyst for the Indian Space Programme, opening new vistas for heavy payloads to the low earth orbit (LEO).
About OneWeb:
- UK-based OneWeb, also known as Network Access Associates Ltd is a communications company that aims to build broadband satellite Internet services.
- OneWeb Ltd is the UK-based customer of New Space India Ltd (NSIL), Isro’s commercial arm, and a global communication network powered from space, enabling internet connectivity for governments and businesses.
- India’s Bharti Enterprises is a major investor in OneWeb.
Two more Indian Beaches enter the coveted list of Blue Beaches
⇒ The globally recognized and the coveted International eco-label “Blue Flag”, has been accorded to two new beaches – Minicoy Thundi Beach and Kadmat Beach- both in Lakshadweep.
- Minicoy Thundi Beach, Lakshadweep, India
- Kadmat Beach, Lakshadweep, India
» This takes the number of beaches certified under the Blue Flag certification to twelve (12).
About Beaches:
» The Thundi Beach is one of the most pristine and picturesque beaches in the Lakshadweep archipelago where white sand is lined by turquoise blue water of the lagoon.
- It is a paradise for swimmers and tourists alike.
» The Kadmat Beach is especially popular with cruise tourists who visit the island for water sports.
- It is a paradise for nature lovers with its pearl white sand, blue lagoon waters, its moderate climate and friendly locals.
Both the beaches have designated staff for beach cleanliness and maintenance; and for safety and security of swimmers. Both the beaches comply with all the 33 criteria as mandated by the Foundation for Environment Education (FEE).
Other Indian beaches in the Blue Flag list:
The other Indian beaches in the blue list are Shivrajpur-Gujarat, Ghoghla-Diu, Kasarkod and Padubidri-Karnataka, Kappad-Kerala, Rushikonda- Andhra Pradesh, Golden-Odisha, Radhanagar- Andaman and Nicobar, Kovalam in Tamil Nadu and Eden in Puducherry beaches.
Background:
- Foundation for Environment Education in Denmark (FEE) accords the globally recognized eco-label – Blue Flag certification.
- In order to qualify for this prestigious award, a series of stringent environmental, educational, safety-related and access-related criteria must be met and maintained.
- The mission of Blue Flag is to promote sustainability in the tourism sector, through environmental education, environmental protection and other sustainable development practices.
International
7th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank
⇒ Union Minister of Finance & Corporate Affairs Smt Nirmala Sitharaman attended the 7th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) via video conference from New Delhi on 26 October 2022.
Theme:
The theme of the 7th Annual Meeting was “Sustainable Infrastructure Toward a Connected World”.
Highlights:
» The Finance Minister shared her thoughts in the Governor’s Roundtable Discussion on the theme “Financing Infrastructure in a Crisis-Prone World”.
- Smt Sitharaman stated that, despite exogenous threats, India’s well-targeted policy mix, accompanied by major structural reforms and sound external balance sheet, have aided its growth to remain resilient.
- The Finance Minister suggested that in order to ensure meaningful impact is achieved and resources are not scattered in multiple areas; AIIB needs to scale-up investments in key priority areas including clean energy and energy efficiency, disaster resilient infrastructure, social infrastructure with a special focus on education and health, and digital infrastructure.
- In conclusion, the Finance Minister assured AIIB of India’s continued collaboration in achieving its mandated mission.
Key Points:
- Every year at the Annual Meeting, the Board of Governors meets to take key decisions on important matters relating to AIIB, and its future vision.
- India is a Founding Member and the second largest shareholder in AIIB. India also has the largest project portfolio within AIIB.
Sports
2022 ICC Men's T20 World Cup
⇒ The 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was played from 16 October to 13 November 2022 in Australia. The 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup was the 8th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup tournament.
Semi-finals:
- New Zealand and Pakistan played the semi-final match on 09 November at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Sydney. Pakistan won this match by 7 wickets.
- India and England played the semi-final match on 10 November at the Adelaide Oval, Adelaide. England won this match by 10 wickets.
Key Points:
» Star Indian batter Virat Kohli on 10 November 2022 became the first player in history to cross the 4,000-run mark in T20I cricket.
- Virat Kohli accomplished this landmark during his side’s second semi-final match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against England at Adelaide Oval.
Final Match:
» The final match of ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 was held on 13 November 2022 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, Melbourne.
- In the final, England defeated Pakistan by 5 wickets to win their 2nd ICC Men’s T20 World Cup title.
» England became the first men’s team to hold both the ODI (50-over) and T20 World Cups simultaneously.
Important Points:
- Most Runs: Virat Kohli (India) (296 runs)
- Most Wickets: Wanindu Hasaranga (Sri Lanka) (15 wickets)
- Player of the series: Sam Curran (England)
2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Host:
- The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is scheduled to be played in June 2024 in the West Indies and the United States. It will be the first ICC World Cup tournament to feature matches played in the United States.
- The 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup will be the 9th ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.