Meity Launches India’s First Graphene Centre and IoT CoE in Kerala.

Shri S Krishnan, Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, launched two programs – “Centre of Excellence in Intelligent Internet of Things Sensors” and India’s first Graphene Centre “India Innovation Centre for Graphene ” at Maker Village, Kochi, Kerala. The CoE in IIoT Sensors is a unique facility established at Makers Village Kochi by MeitY, GoI and Govt. of Kerala to accelerate the development of sensors within the realm. The India’s first Graphene Centre IICG also has been established at Makers Village Kochi by MeitY, GoI and Govt. of Kerala alongwith Tata Steel Limited. The aim to foster R&D, product innovation and capacity building in the area of Graphene and 2D material systems. 

Farsi is included as India’s 9th Classical Language.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar announced, the Government of India to include Farsi (Persian) as one of the nine classical languages in India under the New Education Policy. Tamil was the first language in India to be included classical language status in 2004. Sanskrit, Kannada, Telegu, Bengali, Marathi, Assamese and Odia are the other classical languages. This initiative will help india to boost cultural tie with Iran. India launched its new Educatin Policy in 2020.

Andhra Pradesh Govt. has unveiled world largest statute of Babasaheb Ambedkar.

The Andhra Pradesh government has unveiled the world’s tallest statue of the architect of the Indian Constitution, Dr BR Ambedkar at Swaraj Maidan grounds in Vijaywada. This statue is 206 feet tall. AP government has called it the, “Statue of Social Justice”. The statue is made of 352 tonnes of steel and 112 tonnes of brass. The project incurred a cost of ₹404.35 crore and is spread over 18.81 acres. Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar born on April 14, 1891, and died on December 6, 1956. He was the chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s most crucial Drafting Committee that earned him the moniker Architect of the Indian Constitution.

Apple overtaken Samsung to emerge as the largest smartphone maker.

Apple has overtaken Samsung as the world’s leading smartphone manufacturer worldwide. The company’s success fueled by its strategic moves in both mature and emerging markets. Apple secured a 20% market share with nearly 235 million iPhone shipments. Samsung now positioned at second place while chinese brand xiomi is at third. This marks the first time since 2010 that Samsung has loosen the top spot in the global smartphone market.

IPS GP Singh is appointed as Director General of CRPF.

senior IPS officer Gyanendra Pratap Singh appointed as the Director General of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF). Singh, a 1991-batch IPS officer from the Assam-Meghalaya cadre, is currently working as Director General of Police (DGP) of Assam. Singh will take charge from Special DG of the CRPF, Vitul Kumar, currently holding charge for the post of DG-CRPF.

Virging coconut oil from Andaman gets GI Tag.

Virgin Coconut Oil (VCO) from Andaman and Nicobar recently received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. VCO is made traditionally, unrefined, unbleached, and free of chemicals or preservatives. Previously seven products of Andaman and Nicobar Islands received Geographical Indication (GI) tags simultaneously. The products are Hodi (an outrigger canoe), Nicobari Mat (Chatrai-hileuoi), Nicobari Hut (Chanvi Pati – Nyi hupul), Padauk Wood Craft, Andaman and Nicobar Coconut, Nicobari Tavi-i-Ngaich (Virgin Coconut Oil), and Andaman Karen Musley Rice.

Uttarakhand and Iceland partnared for Geothermal Energy development.

Uttarakhand govt and Verkis Consulting Engineers, an Iceland engineering firm signed MOU for the exploration and development of geothermal energy in the Himalayan state. Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Ambassador of Iceland Benedikt Hoskuldsson were virtually present on this occasion. This collaboration, aims to achieve clean and renewable energy goals and ensure environmental security. 40 geothermal sites have been identified in Uttarakhand for potential development.