1.Science and Technology
NASA selects Nokia to build 4G LTE Mobile Network on the Moon
Nokia was selected by NASA to build the first cellular network on the moon.
Under its Artemis programme, NASA aims to return humans to the moon by 2024 and dig in for a long-term presence.
NASA will partner with a Texas-based private spacecraft design company, Intuitive Machines, to deliver the equipment to the moon on their lunar lander.
The first wireless broadband communications system in space is to be built on the lunar surface in late 2022.
Quick Fact: The administrator of National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is Jim Bridenstine.
2.Miscellaneous
Police Commemoration Day: 21st October
The Police Commemoration Day is celebrated on October 21 every year around the country.
The day is observed every year to honour the martyrs who sacrifice their lives in this service to the nation.
This year, the day was observed in honour of the police officers from across the country who have been working day and night to ensure COVID-19 norms are followed properly.
The Police Commemoration Day Parade was held at the National level at the Police Memorial, Chanakyapuri.
3.National Affairs
Anemia Mukt Bharat Index
Anemia Mukt Bharat is an initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and UNICEF.
Haryana topped the index with a score of 46.7.
The state had also achieved 93% immunization in the year 2019-2020.
The Anaemia Mukt Bharat scheme was launched in order to reduce the prevalence of anemia across India.
Quick Fact: Haryana is among the 11 states in the country that have achieved National Health Policy targets well before 2020.
4.International Affairs
Singapore to use facial recognition for taxpayers
Singapore becomes world’s first country to attach facial verification in the National Identification Database.
This function is called “SingPass Face Verification”.
The technology is being rolled out to the city-state’s SingPass digital identity scheme, offering access to more than 400 online services, including tax declarations and public housing applications.
The technology will help ensure that the right person is genuinely present in front of their screen, rather than a photograph, a video, a replayed recording or a deepfake.
Quick Fact: Prime Minister of Singapore is Lee Hsien Loong.
5.India and the World
India ranks 2nd in OECD International Migration Outlook report
India has ranked second in terms of the number of migrants going to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries and acquiring the citizenship of those countries.
China retained its top spot with a total of 4.3 lakhs migrants.
The data was released by the OECD in its 2020 edition of the annual International Migration Outlook report.
The report analyses the recent developments in migration movements and policies in its countries.
Quick Fact: This is the 44th edition of the International Migration Outlook report.
6.National Affairs
AYUSHMAN SAHAKAR scheme launched
Union Agriculture Minister, Narendra Singh Tomar has launched “AYUSHMAN SAHAKAR” scheme.
The scheme is a unique way to assist cooperatives in playing an important role in the creation of healthcare infrastructure in the country.
As per the scheme, the NCDC would extend term loans to prospective cooperatives to the tune of 10 thousand crores in the coming years.
The scheme aims at bringing transformation in the health services primarily in the rural areas.
Quick Fact: The scheme has been formulated by the National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC).
7.Science and Technology
OSIRIS-REx spacecraft successfully touches Asteroid Bennu
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) had launched the OSIRIS-Rex spacecraft to the Asteroid Bennu in 2016.
The spacecraft has finally touched the asteroid after two years of circling.
The mission aims to study the Asteroid Bennu and return with at least 60 grams of the sample.
The asteroid Bennu is a hazardous object that has a 1/2700 chance of hitting the Earth in the year 2175 and 2199.
Quick Fact: The Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security, Regolith Explorer (OSIRIS-Rex) spacecraft was launched by NASA on the Atlas V rocket.
8.International Affairs
Microsoft collaborates with SpaceX to connect Azure platform to satellites
Microsoft has partnered with SpaceX Starlink to provide high-speed and low latency satellite broadband for Microsoft’s Azure Modular Datacenter.
The partnership aims to target the space customers.
Microsoft has brought together a team of space industry veterans in order to work alongside its product engineers and scientists to build the cloud capabilities that will suit the needs of space exploration.
With this partnership, Microsoft aims to make Azure a platform and ecosystem of choice for the space community.
Quick Fact: SpaceX was founded and is headed by Elon Musk.
