Prelims Focus- 19th December 2023
1.Dare to Dream Scheme
Context: The Dare to Dream scheme is a competition organised by the Ministry of Defence in India, specifically by the DRDO, with the goal of promoting innovation and creativity among individuals and start-ups.
Details:
- The Dare to Dream Contest, started in memory of former President Dr APJ Abdul Kalam, is an annual initiative by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
- It was launched in 2019 and gives start-ups, innovators, entrepreneurs, and individuals above 18 years old the chance to tackle key challenges in emerging technologies and contribute to improving India’s defence and aerospace capabilities.
- Entries will be evaluated based on proposal completeness, scientific soundness, design completeness, merit, technological readiness level achieved, and innovation.
- The contest aims to bring together a diverse group of participants to encourage innovation and creativity in addressing technological challenges related to defence and aerospace.
2.Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) program
Context: The Tax Inspectors Without Borders (TIWB) program has been launched in Saint Lucia by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD).
Details:
- India has been chosen as the Partner Administration and will provide Tax Experts for a 12-18-month initiative.
- This is the seventh program supported by India through the provision of Tax Experts.
- The aim of the program is to effectively use the automatic exchange of information under the Common Reporting Standard framework.
- The program, known as TIWA, will help transfer tax audit knowledge and skills to developing country tax administrations through a practical approach.
- Saint Lucia is a Caribbean island nation known for its unique mountains and is one of two sovereign states named after a woman.
3.Yogmaya Temple
In News: The Yogmaya temple probably originated during the Mahabharata, which no longer exists.
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- Lala Sidhu Mal, also known as Sed Mal, a nobleman in the court of Mughal Emperor Akbar II, built the temple between 1806 and 1837 in the present-day Mehraul area of Delhi. The temple is believed to have been the center of Akbar II’s administration.
- An ancient Yogini temple is believed to have existed here and was protected by Prithviraj Chauhan.
- The area surrounding the temple was known as Yoginipura in ancient Jain texts.
- Importance
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- Yogmaya Temple is an integral part of Delhi’s annual Phool Walon Ki Sair, an interfaith festival.
- The temple is located near the Iron Pillar of the Qutb Complex and within the walls of Lal Kot, Delhi’s first fortified fort, built around 731 AD by the Tomar/Tanwar Rajput King Anangpal I.
4.Kaleshwaram Project
In News: The allegations of lapses in the completion of Kaleshwaram Irrigation Project were raised.
- The Kaleshwaram Lift Irrigation Project (KLIP) is a universal irrigation project on the Godavari River at Kaleshwaram, Bhupalpally, Telangana.
- The project starts from the confluence of Pranahita River and Godavari River.
- The aim of the project is to produce irrigation water for a large area of farmland and to meet the need for drinking water.
5.Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB)
In News: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), the world’s largest and most modern center for international diamond and jewelery trade.
- It plans to shift the diamond trade from Mumbai to Surat, a diamond cutting and polishing center with thousands of factories across the city.
- It will become a global center for trading both rough and polished diamonds and jewelry.
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