Current Affairs

HUMANOID SKULL

Why in the News?

The Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) has finalized the skull design for Vyommitra, a humanoid robot for the Gaganyaan mission. Made from high-strength aluminum alloy to withstand pressure and vibration, Vyommitra will be sent into space before the 2025 astronaut launch to test spacecraft safety. The robot, resembling the upper human body with movable arms, face, and neck, is equipped with sensors to perform human-like functions and assess space travel impacts.

About Gaganyaan Mission

• It is a mission by ISRO.
• Under the Gaganyaan schedule
  • Three flights will be sent into orbit.
  • There will be two unmanned flights and one human spaceflight.
• The Gaganyaan system module, called the Orbital Module will have three Indian astronauts, including a woman.
• It will circle Earth at a low-earth-orbit at an altitude of 300-400 km from earth for 5-7 days.
• GSLV Mk III, also called the LVM-3 (Launch Vehicle Mark-3,) the three-stage heavy lift launch vehicle, will be used to launch Gaganyaan as it has the necessary payload capability.
• It will help in enhancement of science and technology levels in the country and help inspire youth.
  It will help in the improvement of industrial growth and in the development of technology for social benefits.
• It will help in improving international collaboration.

About ISRO

• Founded: 15 August 1969
• Headquarters: Bengaluru
• Founder: Vikram Sarabhai
• Chairman: Dr S. Somanath
• It is the space agency under the Department of Space of Government of India, headquartered in the city of Bengaluru, Karnataka.
• Its vision is to harness space technology for national development, while pursuing space science research and planetary exploration.

Logo of ISRO

GURU GRANTH SAHIB

Why in the News?

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that Qatar has returned two Saroops (copies) of the Guru Granth Sahib to the Indian Embassy in Doha. These sacred texts were earlier seized by Qatari authorities due to their connection with a religious establishment operating without the necessary approvals.

About Saroop's of Guru Granth Sahib

• Saroop is a physical copy of Sri Guru Granth Sahib, also called Bir in Punjabi.
• Every Bir has 1,430 pages which are referred to as Ang.
• The Sikhs consider the saroop of Guru Granth Sahib a living guru and treat it with utmost respect.
• The Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) has the sole rights to publish the Birs of the Guru Granth Sahib and this is done at Amritsar.
• The installation and transportation of Guru Granth Sahib is governed by a strict code of conduct called Sikh Rahit Maryada.
• Gurdwaras have a separate resting place for the Saroop, called ‘Sukh Asan Sthan or Sachkhand where the Guru rests at night.
• In the morning, the saroop is again installed in a ceremony called ‘Prakash’.

About Sikhism

• The word Sikh in the Punjabi language means disciple.
• Sikhs believe in one God (Monotheism). The Sikhs call their faith Gurmat (the Way of the Guru).
• Sikhism was established by Guru Nanak (1469–1539) and subsequently led by a succession of nine other Gurus.
• The development of Sikhism was influenced by the Bhakti movement and Vaishnava Hinduism.
• The Islamic era persecution of Sikhs triggered the founding of the Khalsa, as an order for freedom of conscience and religion.
• Guru Gobind Singh established the Khalsa order (meaning 'The Pure'), soldier-saints.
• It preaches that people of different races, religions, or sex are all equal in the eyes of God.
• Sikh Literature
  • Adi Granth or Guru Granth Sahib.
  • Dasam Granth

Note:

Capital of Qatar: Doha

Currency of Qatar: Qatari Riyal

Language of Qatar: Arabic

Prime minister: Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani

Map of Qatar

TYPHOON SHANSHAN

Why in the News?

Typhoon Shanshan, moving at a slow, bicycle-like pace, has started bringing heavy rain to southern Japan. The storm is anticipated to affect much of the country with strong winds, high waves, and substantial rainfall. Japanese weather officials have issued the highest-level warnings as the typhoon nears southern Kyushu, forecasting up to 60 centimeters (23.6 inches) of rain.

About Japan

• Location: Island nation in East Asia
• Main Islands: Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shikoku
• Capital: Tokyo
• Currency: Japanese yen (¥)
• Official language: Japanese
• Political System: Constitutional Monarchy with a Parliamentary government
• Emperor: Naruhito
• Prime Minister: Fumio Kishida
• It is on the Pacific Ring of Fire, making it highly susceptible to earthquakes and tsunamis.
• Major Brands: Toyota, Sony, and Nintendo

Location of Japan

FATEMEH MOHAJERANI

Why in the News?

Iran appointed Fatemeh Mohajerani as first female Government Spokesperson. She was the former head of Technical and Vocational Training University of Shariati (for women) in Iran’s 11^th government. Prior to this, she is a noted academician and administrator, had served as the chief of Center for Brilliant Talents by then-Education Minister Seyyed Mohammad Bat’hai in 2017 and has also held other positions in the country’s Education Ministry.

Fatemeh Mohajerani

About Iran

• Capital: Tehran
• Language: Persian
• Government: Theocracy, Islamic republic, Unitary state, Parliamentary system, Presidential system
• Supreme Leader: Ali Khamenei
• President: Masoud Pezeshkian
• Borders: North by Azerbaijan, Armenia, Turkmenistan and Caspian Sea; East by Pakistan and Afghanistan; South by the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman; West by Turkey and Iraq.

Location of Iran

NATIONAL SPORTS DAY 2024

• It is annually observed on 29th August and was first celebrated in 2012.
• The day marks the birth anniversary of hockey legend Major Dhyan Chand, known as the Wizard of Hockey, played a key role in helping India win three Olympic gold medals in 1928, 1932 and 1936.
• The day serves as a reminder of the value of sports in promoting overall wellbeing, mental health, and physical fitness.

General Knowledge

EMINENT PERSONALITIES IN THE NEWS TODAY

Name	Designation	Image
Naomi Osaka	Japanese professional tennis player
Stefan Edberg	Swedish tennis player
Darwin Núñez	Uruguayan footballer
Avani Lekhara	Indian athlete
Arun Jaitley	Former Minister of Information and Broadcasting of India
Annie Raja	Indian Politician
Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu	Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh