Science & Technology Oct-23

Andhra Pradesh Government Introduces Doubt Clearance Bot

As part of its digital transformation initiatives, the government of Andhra Pradesh is embracing smart learning in state-run schools by deploying the ‘Doubt Clearance Bot,’ an AI-powered app developed by ConveGenius AI Solutions. The Doubt Clearance Bot is designed to assist students outside of regular school hours by addressing their questions and concerns in subjects like physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics, English, and TOEFL preparation. The app will be installed on tablets provided to teachers and students, as well as on Interactive Flat Panels (IFPs) in classrooms. The bot’s responses will be limited to the specified subject areas, ensuring that it provides accurate and relevant assistance. Questions falling outside the designated subjects will not be addressed.

CBSE develops Vidya Samiksha Software- Saagar se Saraansh

The Central Board of Secondary Education has set up Vidya Samiksha Kendra (VSK) in its headquarters to ensure every child studying in a school should get quality education. The IT department of CBSE has prepared “Sagar Se Saransh – Vidya Samiksha Software”, through which real time data can be obtained and the performance of more than 28,000 CBSE schools can be monitored. Not only will the board results of the students be analyzed at every level, now all the information about the infrastructure of the schools will also be available on a single platform. The schools will be sent notices/ alerts at whatever level its school falls short, and it will be asked to take corrective measures. This is also expected to help solve the problem of drop out in schools. This monitoring will enable to track children on a real time basis as to from which district/ school a child has dropped out and whether he/ she has enrolled elsewhere.

CBSE:

Founded: 1929
Headquarters: New Delhi
Chairperson: Nidhi Chhibber

IAF to Upgrade Sukhoi-30 MKI Fighters with ‘Virupaaksha’ Radar

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is working to upgrade its fleet of Sukohi-30 MKI fighters with indigenous weapon systems and radar named Virupaaksha. This to plan to upgrade the Sukohi-30MKI fighter fleet with a lot of Indian equipment and weapon systems.One of the most important parts of the upgraded plane would be the indigenous Virupaaksha radar which will enhance the capability of the jets. The Virupaaksha radar takes its name from a deity revered by Hindus worldwide, Lord Mahadev. Notably, the IAF currently operates a fleet of more than 250 Sukohi-30MKI fighters. The Virupaaksha radar is being developed indigenously, keeping in view the requirements of IAF in different sectors and would be the most advanced one among all the Sukohi-30 variants being flown around the globe.

Investing in Indigenous Defense:

The IAF’s upgrade program for the Su-30 MKI fleet is a significant endeavor, with a budget exceeding Rs 65,000 crore. Under this program, 84 aircraft will undergo indigenous upgrades, featuring advanced radar systems and weapon technology developed in India. The introduction of the Virupaaksha radar represents a notable stride in India’s pursuit of selfreliance in the military sector.

SUKOHI-30MKI JETS:

The Su-30MKI is a multi-role air dominance fighter that can carry a versatile array of weapons including the Astra Mk-1 long-range air-to-air missile, Brahmos Air Launched missile, and an array of bombs, among others. It is a 4. 5 generation aircraft that can carry out complex manoeuvres at both high speeds and low speeds, which includes the iconic vertical Charlie maneuver. The Su-30 fighter jets constitute a vital component of the Indian Air Force, with over 260 of them currently in service.

IAF successfully tests longer range air-launched BrahMos cruise missile

In the Bay of Bengal, the Indian Air Force (IAF) successfully tested the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile. This air-launched missile is a longer-range variant of the already formidable supersonic weapon system, and it represents a one-of-a-kind collaboration between India and the Russian military sector. The BrahMos missile is highly versatile, capable of being launched from a range of platforms, including fighter jets, submarines, ships, and land-based systems. Already inducted into the Indian Armed Forces, the missile’s operational prowess is well-established. Ongoing tests aim to extend its range from 250 kilometers to up to 450 kilometers, and even up to 600 kilometers.

Pakistan successfully tests medium range ‘Ababeel Weapon System’

Pakistan successfully conducted the flight test of Ababeel Weapon System to further strengthen its deterrence. The objective was to ensure the survivability of Pakistan’s ballistic missiles in an increasing regional ballistic missile defense (BMD) environment. Ababeel is Pakistan’s surface-to-surface medium-range ballistic missile. Its range is said to be 2200 kilometers. This missile is capable of conventional and nuclear attacks.

Ababeel Weapon System:

The Ababeel missile has a length of 21. 5 meters and a diameter of 1. 7 meters and is designed to carry both conventional and nuclear warheads.
It carries multiple independently targetable reentry vehicles (MIRVs), marking South Asia’s first MIRV payload.
The Ababeel missile has a maximum range of 2,200 kilometers (1,400 mi).
In such a situation, this will be Pakistan’s first missile with this capability.
It can carry a total of 1,500 kg (3,307 lb) of weapons, including three standard weapons of 500 kg (1102. 3 lb) or 5 of 300 kg (661. 4 lb) or 8 maximum weapons of 185 kg (408 lb).

ISRO launches test flight of the Gaganyaan mission at Sriharikota

The Indian Space Agency has emerged victorious after testing the crucial crew escape system of its rocket Gaganyaan. The demonstration of the TV-D1 mission was conducted successfully as the Space Agency is on its way to a manned space mission in 2025 and an unmanned mission next year. The objective of the mission is to test the vehicle, crew escape and the crew module. Test Vehicle Abort Mission (TV-D1) will launch the crew escape system and crew module at an altitude of 17 km which are expected to make a safe touchdown in the sea, about 10 km from Sriharikota on India’s eastern coast. They would later be retrieved by the Navy from the Bay of Bengal. Through this campaign, scientists aim to ensure the safety of the crew who would actually be sent in the crew module on an LVM-3 rocket during the Gaganyaan mission. The Indian Navy was stationed at the destined place for the recovery of the module. The module was retrieved by Naval divers and was taken to a Naval ship. It will be brought to Madras Harbour.

Gaganyaan Mission:

Under the Gaganyaan Mission, ISRO will be sending three humans to an orbit of 400 km for a 3-day mission and bring them back safely to Earth. The Gaganyaan project has been developed at the cost of ?90 billion. If it succeeds, India will become only the fourth country to send a human into space after the Soviet Union, the US, and China.

Taiwan unveils first domestically-made submarine

Taiwan has unveiled its first domestically built submarine, demonstrating its determination to push back against growing military pressure from China. Completion of the vessel, which has taken almost seven years at a cost of $1. 5bn, is a milestone for Taiwan, which has struggled for decades to buy submarines and acquire the technology to build them. Beijing has pressured other countries not to make such sales. Taiwan plans to build up to eight of the vessels, which national security and military officials said would strengthen its ability to counter China’s rapidly growing naval forces. Taipei only has two old Dutchmade submarines, which it acquired in the 1980s, and has been pursuing new underwater capabilities since the 1990s.

Taiwan

Capital: Taipei City
Currency: New Taiwan dollar
President: Tsai Ing-wen

First-ever mobile tower in Siachen Glacier, the world’s highest battlefield

The first-ever mobile tower has been installed at the Siachen Glacier, which is the highest battlefield in the world at more than 15,500 feet. Indian Army in collaboration with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) set up the tower. It is located in the eastern Karakoram range in the Himalayas. The small change holds immense significance as it bridges the gap between those selflessly defending India’s borders and their families. This small symbol of connectivity serves as a testament to the dedication and bravery of our Jawans.

HAL hands over twin seater variant of LCA Tejas fighter aircraft to IAF

The Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, HAL handed over the twin seater variant of LCA Tejas fighter aircraft to Indian AirForce in the presence of Union Minister of state for Tourism and Defence Ajay Bhat in Bengaluru. LCA Tejas twin seater is a light weight all weather, multi-role 4. 5 generation aircraft. The aircraft developed indigenously has static stability, qudraplex fly by wire flight control, carefree manoeuvring, advanced glass cockpit, integrated digital avionics systems and advanced composite mateirals for the airframe. The induction of the aircraft into Indian Airforce, marks an important milestone when India joins the list of a very few elite countries who have created such capability and have them operational in their defence forces. The induction of Tejas fighter Aircraft into the Air Force has created a new chapter in history also it has increased its performace and power.