[Newsbits] 11-19.06.2024: Nagastra Drone, Global Gender Gap Report, 2024 & More

Aditya-L1, India’s first mission to study the Sun, launched on September 2, 2023, and reached the L1 Lagrange point on January 6, 2024. Equipped with instruments like SUIT and VELC, it observed high solar activity in May 2024, including X- and M-class flares from AR13664. A major geomagnetic storm on May 11, 2024, highlighted the mission’s importance in protecting technology infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, after being re-elected for a third term, approved the 17th installment of the PM-KISAN scheme, disbursing Rs 20,000 crore to aid 9.3 crore farmers. The PM-KISAN scheme, launched in 2019, provides Rs 6,000 annually to eligible farmers in three installments. The scheme aims to support farmers financially, improving their productivity and living standards. The government allocated Rs 1.27 lakh crore for agriculture in 2024-25, emphasizing its commitment to farmers’ welfare and sustainable farming.

India welcomed Egypt, Iran, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Ethiopia as new BRICS members at a meeting in Russia. The BRICS ministers reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening their strategic partnership across politics, economy, and culture. They emphasized multilateralism, UN reforms, and the importance of the G20. The ministers also addressed global conflicts, counterterrorism, and climate action. The expansion aims to diversify BRICS and increase its global influence.

Since the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, there has been a strong push for Andhra Pradesh to be given Special Category Status (SCS). The idea of SCS was created in 1969 to help states with geographic and socioeconomic issues. However, Andhra Pradesh did not meet the criteria. The 14th Finance Commission’s review and the dissolution of the Planning Commission complicated matters. Instead, a special package was introduced. Recent developments and political influence may renew the SCS conversation, crucial for the state’s economic and infrastructure growth.

Apple Intelligence, introduced at WWDC 2024, is a personal AI system integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. It uses generative AI and user-specific data to provide customized features, enhancing productivity and enjoyment. Key capabilities include advanced writing tools, email management, and creative expressions like Image Playground and Genmoji. Privacy is ensured through Private Cloud Compute. Initially available to developers, the public rollout coincides with the iPhone 16 launch in September 2024.