PM launches historic support and outreach initiative for MSME sector

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched a historic support and outreach programme for the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector.
  • Twelve key initiatives will help the growth, expansion and facilitation of MSMEs across the country.
  • Five key aspects of facilitating the MSME sector are access to credit; access to market; technology upgradation; ease of doing business; and a sense of security for employees.

India’s first indigenous microprocessor ‘Shakti’ created by IIT-Madras

  • The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has created India’s first and indigenous microprocessor, which has been named ‘Shakti’.
  • The chip can be used for wireless and networking systems, as well as for mobile computing.
  • An open-source high-level synthesis language, Bluespec, was used in making the chip.

Indian Coast Guard launches new Offshore patrol vessel ICGS Varaha

  • The Indian Coast Guard has launched a new offshore patrol vessel named ICGS Varaha from a corporate shipyard near Chennai.
  • ICGS Varaha has been designed and built indigenously.
  • ICGS Varaha will soon be fitted with advanced navigation and communication equipment, sensors and machineries.
  • The weapons fitted on board will include 30 mm guns with Fire Control Systems.
  • ICGS Varaha will also be capable of carrying a twin-engine helicopter and four high-speed boats for Search and Rescue and Maritime Patrol.
  • It also carries pollution response equipment to contain the oil spill at sea.

INS Viraat to be turned into floating museum

  • The Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the conversion of decommissioned carrier INS Viraat into a floating museum.
  • The project will be implemented through public-private-partnership (PPP).
  • The aim of the project is to generate interest among the school and college students in the marine sector.

Super 30 founder Anand Kumar to be honoured with education award

  • Founder of Super 30, mathematician Anand Kumar will be awarded for his pioneering contributions to the field of education and for illuminating the lives of many talented students.
  • Kumar will be given with ‘Global Education Award’ by Malabar Gold & Diamonds, the flagship company of Malabar Group.
  • Super 30 has helped students from poor backgrounds crack IIT entrance exams by providing free food, lodging and coaching.
  • More than 500 such students have made it to different IITs since inception of Super 30 in 2002.

Signature bridge, double Qutub Minar’s height, to cut travel time in Delhi

  • The Signature bridge over the Yamuna has been inaugurated with a 154-metre pylon in Delhi.
  • The bridge is double the height of the Qutub Minar and will reduce the travel time between north and northeast Delhi.
  • The bridge will reduce travel time from 45 minutes to just 10 minutes, saving fuel and helping to curb pollution.

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