India Completes Military Withdrawal From Maldives
India has completed the withdrawal of its military personnel from the Maldives, an action that fulfils one of President Mohamed Muizzu’s major campaign promises. This event marks a notable shift in Indo-Maldivian relations, especially considering his perceived pro-China stance. The final batch of troops left the Maldives a day before the deadline of May 10, 2024.
This shift is evident from Muizzu’s “India Out” campaign, which aimed to remove Indian troops from Maldivian soil. Further developments in this context are:
Military assistance from China: The recent agreement between Maldives and China regarding military assistance is a clear indication of the growing ties between the two nations. Although the specifics of the deal have not been disclosed, it is being provided free of cost by China, which suggests a strategic move to enhance its influence in the region.
Withdrawal of Indian troops: Muizzu set a deadline for the complete withdrawal of Indian military personnel from Maldives, which has been now completed in stages by May 10, 2024. This move is seen as an assertion of Maldives’ sovereignty and an attempt to distance itself from India’s influence.
Strategic location: Maldives’ geographic location in the Indian Ocean makes it a strategically important nation, as it lies along crucial shipping lanes. Both India and China have been vying for influence in the region, with India traditionally considering it as part of its sphere of influence due to their historical and economic ties.
Dubai Launches Gaming Visa to Boost Local Industry
Dubai has launched an innovative Gaming Visa, spearheaded by Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, aiming to transform the city into a global gaming hub by attracting 30,000 game developers by 2033.
The Gaming Visa is designed for game developers, designers, programmers, and content creators. Applicants must be at least 25 years old and provide documents including identity proof, a resume, and evidence of relevant work experience.
ISRO Successfully Tests 3D-Printed Rocket Engine
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a remarkable feat by successfully conducting a hot test of a 3D-printed liquid rocket engine on May 10, 2024. This test represents a crucial step forward in integrating Additive Manufacturing (AM) technologies into India’s space exploration program.
The 3D-printed Rocket Engine
The engine tested, known as the PS4 engine, is primarily used in the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Reaction Control System (RCS) of the first stage (PS1). It is developed by ISRO’s Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) and uses a combination of Nitrogen Tetroxide and Mono Methyl Hydrazine as propellants in a pressure-fed system.
Additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, is a process used to create a physical (or 3D) object by layering materials one by one based on a digital model. Unlike subtractive manufacturing, which creates its final product by cutting away from a block of material, additive manufacturing adds parts to form its final product1. Let me provide you with more details about this fascinating technology.
What is Additive Manufacturing?
Additive manufacturing (AM) involves creating an object by building it layer by layer. Instead of removing material from a solid block (as in subtractive manufacturing), AM adds material to form the final product.
Advantages of Additive Manufacturing
Additive Manufacturing, or 3D printing, offers numerous benefits over traditional manufacturing methods. To optimize for AM, the engine was redesigned based on the Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM) principles. This redesign helped reduce the number of parts from 14 to just one and eliminated 19 weld joints. The production employed a Laser Powder Bed Fusion technique, which decreased material usage drastically from 565 kg to just 13.7 kg of metal powder, and also cut down production time by 60%.
Kerala Temples Ban Oleander After Woman’s Death
Following the tragic death of a 24-year-old woman, Surya Surendran, who accidentally consumed oleander leaves, two major religious temple boards in Kerala have imposed a ban on the use of oleander flowers in temple offerings.
Oleander Plant and Its Risks
Nerium oleander, commonly known as oleander, is a highly toxic plant despite its widespread cultivation for ornamental purposes. All parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, flowers, and roots, contain potent cardiac glycosides that can cause severe poisoning.
Symptoms of oleander toxicity include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, irregular heart rate, and even death in severe cases.
What are AI Deadbots?
AI deadbots, also known as griefbots, are artificial intelligence chatbots designed to emulate deceased individuals. These digital entities simulate the language patterns and personality traits of the dead using the digital footprints they left behind during their lives. Here are some key points about AI deadbots:
Purpose and Functionality:
AI deadbots utilize machine learning algorithms to analyze and replicate the digital footprint of a person.
They craft responses that mimic the speech patterns and personality traits of the deceased.
These chatbots allow users to hold text and voice conversations with their lost loved ones.
What is Climatisation of Forests?
Recently, during the 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York, a significant report titled “International Forest Governance: A Critical Review of Trends, Drawbacks, and New Approaches” was released. Authored by the Science-Policy Programme (SciPol) of the International Union of Forest Research Organizations (IUFRO), it marks the first global synthesis on international forest governance in 14 years. The report exposes the rising trend of ‘climatisation’ of forests.
What is Climatisation of Forests?
Climatisation of forests refers to the trend where the emphasis has shifted primarily towards their valuation as carbon sinks, overshadowing their crucial ecological and social roles. This shift largely stems from increasing political and financial orientations aimed at carbon sequestration to combat climate issues, frequently sidelining long-term sustainability and socio-ecological justice.
World Migration Report 2024
The World Migration Report 2024, released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) underscores that while migration remains an integral part of the solution for many economies, societies, and families worldwide, significant challenges persist in the rapidly changing global context.
Migration and Displacement Shaped by Intensifying Global Transformations
The report highlights how the impacts of geopolitical, environmental, and technological transformations have intensified in the last two years. Hardening geopolitics, evidenced by conflicts such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the conflict in Gaza, have led to profound consequences for global migration and displacement.
NHAI Explores New Self-Healing Road Technologies
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is exploring new technologies aimed at creating pothole-free highways. This includes innovative development towards self-healing roads, encapsulating technologies that allow the roads to repair themselves automatically under specific conditions.
Understanding Self-Healing Road Technologies
Numerous technologies are under different stages of development for achieving self-repairing capabilities in roads. These include:
Microencapsulation:Utilises microcapsules mixed into the asphalt that contain healing agents. When cracks form, these capsules break and release the agent to seal the cracks. This technology has been researched extensively by the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.
Induction Heating:Involves integrating steel fibres into the asphalt mix. When cracks form, an induction machine heats these fibres, melting the surrounding asphalt and sealing the crack. This technology is in the testing phase in the Netherlands and China.
Bacteria-Based Self-Healing:Uses bacteria to produce calcium carbonate, which can seal cracks in concrete roads. This type of research is ongoing at Binghamton University in New York.
Rejuvenator Capsules:Similar to microencapsulation, these capsules contain a rejuvenating agent that softens the surrounding asphalt when released, thereby sealing cracks. This technology is currently being tested on roads in Cambridgeshire, UK.
NHAI’s Approach to Self-Healing Roads
NHAI is particularly focusing on a technology that incorporates infused bitumen and steel fibres into the asphalt mix. This approach ensures that gaps or potholes on the road surface can spontaneously fill and repair themselves through the combined action of the bitumen and steel threads. This technology not only enhances road durability but also minimises traffic disruptions caused by potholes.
World Bank Report on Agri-food System
The World Bank’s recent report, “Recipe for a Livable Planet: Achieving Net Zero Emissions in the Agrifood System”, has emphasized on significant potential for reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the agrifood sector, which currently accounts for about a third of all global emissions. The report outlines actions that countries can take to enhance food security, improve the food system’s resilience to climate change, and protect vulnerable populations during the transition to a low-carbon economy.
India’s Potential for Emission Reduction
In India, replacing a quarter of the country’s 8.8 million diesel irrigation pumps with solar pumps could reduce agrifood emissions by 11.5 million tonnes per year. The report also highlights that 80% of the mitigation potential for agriculture in India could be achieved through cost-saving measures alone.
Top Agrifood System Emitters
The World Bank report identifies the top ten agrifood system emitters, which include China, Brazil, India, the United States, and Indonesia, among others. These countries are responsible for 55% of global agrifood emissions, with the top 20 emitters accounting for 67%.
Role of High-Income and Middle-Income Countries
The report suggests that high-income countries can lead the way by supporting low- and middle-income countries in adopting low-emission farming methods and technologies, while middle-income countries have the potential to curb up to three-quarters of global agrifood emissions through greener practices.
Glyptothorax punyabratai: New Catfish Species Discovered in Arunachal Pradesh
India’s leading institute for fish genetic resources ICAR-NBFGR has identified a new species of catfish, Glyptothorax punyabratai, in the Tung Stream of Brahmaputra River drainage system. It has been named in honour of Dr. Punyabarata Das, the founding director of ICAR-NBFGR.
This species is part of the genus Glyptothorax, known for their adapted bodies enabling them to cling onto rocks in fast-flowing waters.
Glyptothorax punyabratai distinguishes itself by specific body shapes, sizes, and armor-like skin features, which help in identification. Like other members of its genus, it plays a role in the aquatic ecosystem by contributing to the food web and has ecological significance in its native habitat.
About ICAR-NBFGR
The ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources, located in Lucknow, was established in 1983. It is focused on the conservation, management, and study of fish genetic resources in India. It aims to strengthen fish breeding, develop sustainable aquaculture, and perform genetic characterization of fish species.
The bureau’s work helps safeguard endangered species and contributes to the enhancement of fish production to meet dietary needs and boost economic growth in the aquaculture sector.
Russia’s Batagaika Crater Expands Rapidly Due to Thaw
The Batagaika Crater, also spelled as Batagay, often referred to as the “gateway to the underworld,” is in the permafrost regions of Siberia, Russia and is known for its significant size and rapid expansion. Recent studies have shown that the crater is growing at an alarming rate of 35 million cubic feet every year due to the thawing of the permafrost.
Discovery and Initial Studies
Originally identified in 1991 via satellite imagery, the Batagaika Crater was formed after a section of hillside in the Yana Uplands of northern Yakutia, Russia, collapsed. This event revealed ancient permafrost layers that have been frozen for as long as 650,000 years, making it the oldest known permafrost in Siberia and the second oldest globally.
EU Adopts First Law Against Violence Towards Women
On May 7, the European Union formally adopted groundbreaking legislation designed to combat violence against women across its 27 member states. This legislation includes measures against forced marriages, female genital mutilation, and cyber violence, marking a significant step in enhancing women’s rights and safety within the EU.
Key Provisions of the Legislation
The newly enacted law aims broadly to protect women from gender-related violence, encompassing a variety of offenses. Notably, it criminalises acts such as online stalking and harassment, the non-consensual sharing of intimate images, and incitement to violence or hatred. Offenses under this law are punishable by imprisonment, with terms ranging from one to five years, depending on the severity of the crime. Additionally, if the victim is a minor or has a close familial relationship with the perpetrator (such as a spouse or ex-spouse), the law allows for enhanced penalties.
Support and Protection for Victims
The legislation places a strong emphasis on providing support and improving protections for victims of domestic abuse, including children. Specific measures are mandated for cases where a child reports a crime committed by someone with parental responsibilities. Authorities are required to ensure the safety of the child before informing the alleged perpetrator, prioritizing the child’s immediate security and well-being.
Implementation and Impact
EU member states are required to incorporate these new rules into their national laws within three years. The harmonisation of these laws across the EU is expected to bolster the legal response to gender-based violence, ensuring that perpetrators face significant penalties while providing comprehensive support for victims.
Gagan Strike-II: Indian Army, IAF Conduct Joint Exercise in Punjab
The Indian Army’s Kharga Corps, part of the Army’s Western Command, recently concluded a three-day joint military exercise Gagan Strike-II with the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Punjab.
The primary goal of Gagan Strike-II was to refine the processes involving the Indian Army’s mechanised units and to validate the employment of attack helicopters in developed terrain. The exercise focused on integrating Apache and ALH-WSI helicopters, Unarmed Aerial Vehicles, and the Army’s special forces. This array of forces participated in various combat simulation scenarios to emphasize the synergy between ground operations and aerial support.
Border Roads Organisation (BRO) Marks 65th Raising Day
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) celebrated its 65th Raising Day recently, with an emphasis on embracing modern technology and techniques to accelerate project completions.
BRO is responsible for developing and maintaining road networks in India’s border areas. Established on May 7, 1960, it operates under the Ministry of Defence. BRO plays a crucial role in the strategic infrastructure of India, contributing to national security and economic development in remote regions. It constructs and maintains roads, bridges, and airfields, particularly in challenging terrains like the Himalayas. BRO’s work facilitates the movement of armed forces and also boosts connectivity to enhance the lives of border communities.
Since its inception,
BRO has constructed over 62,214 km of roads, 1,005 bridges, seven tunnels, and 21 airfields, not only within Indian borders but also in friendly nations like Bhutan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
Sun Releases Two Powerful Solar Flares, Causes Blackouts
In the past week, the Sun has emitted two significant solar flares from a newly identified sunspot, AR3663, causing impacts such as radio blackouts in several parts of the world. These flares occurred within six hours of each other, signaling an increase in solar activity as part of the Sun’s 11-year magnetic cycle, during which it experiences a polar reversal.
About Solar Flares
Solar flares are powerful bursts of energy emitted from sunspots, which are temporary phenomena on the Sun’s surface. These flares are caused by the sudden release of magnetic energy due to changes in the magnetic field lines near sunspots. The intensity of solar flares is ranked by scientists from the weakest (B-class) to the strongest (X-class).
Impact of Recent Flares
The first of the recent flares, an X-class flare, occurred on May 2 and had significant consequences, including widespread radio blackouts across Australia, Japan, and China. Following closely, an M-class flare struck on May 3. This activity highlights the direct effect such solar phenomena can have on Earth, particularly when the Earth faces the active sunspot.
Effects of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs)
Accompanying some solar flares are Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) which involve the expulsion of plasma and magnetic fields into space. If directed towards Earth, CMEs can disrupt power grids, telecommunications, and satellite operations. They also pose radiation risks to astronauts in space.
Broader Implications
These solar events underscore the dynamic and interconnected nature of celestial and terrestrial systems. Agencies like NASA continue to monitor solar activity closely to better predict and mitigate the effects of these solar emissions on our technology-dependent society.
About Coronal Mass Ejection (CME)
A Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) is a significant release of plasma and accompanying magnetic field from the Sun’s corona, the outer atmosphere of the Sun. These solar phenomena can eject billions of tons of coronal material into space at speeds ranging from 250 to 3000 kilometers per second. CMEs can influence Earth’s space weather significantly; they can cause solar storms, disrupt satellite operations, induce electrical blackouts, and enhance auroral displays (northern and southern lights). CMEs are monitored closely due to their potential impact on technology and communication systems on Earth.
Marine Heatwaves Trigger Widespread Coral Bleaching in Lakshadweep Sea
Researchers at the Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) reported widespread bleaching of coral reefs in the Lakshadweep Sea due to marine heatwaves.
Extensive surveys across Lakshadweep islands revealed a significant percentage of hard coral species undergoing serious bleaching due to prolonged marine heatwaves since late October 2023.
Marine heatwaves, considered rare extreme weather events, are extended periods of abnormal ocean temperatures exceeding the 90th percentile of regional ocean temperatures based on historical data. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), such heat levels massively risk coral bleaching, endangering the region’s diverse marine ecosystems.
Goldene: Swedish Scientists Create First Freestanding 2D Gold Sheet
Scientists at Sweden’s Linköping University have recently made a significant scientific breakthrough by creating the first free-standing sheet made of gold, which is only one atom thick. This 2D sheet, named “goldene,” is similar to graphene and marks the first time a metal has been transformed into a 2D sheet.
Production Process
To create goldene, the scientists first sandwiched a silicon atomic layer between layers of titanium carbide. Gold was then deposited onto this structure, allowing gold atoms to replace the silicon atoms. Finally, the titanium carbide layers were removed through a chemical process, resulting in an extremely thin, free-standing layer of gold.
Potential Benefits
Electronics Industry Gold is widely used in the electronics industry due to its high electrical conductivity. The development of goldene could revolutionize this industry by significantly reducing the amount of gold required in devices.
Energy-Efficient Catalysis Goldene could also be used in energy-efficient catalysis processes, such as carbon dioxide conversion, hydrogen production, and water purification.
Future Research
Scientists are now exploring the possibility of creating 2D sheets of other metals, such as iridium and platinum, using the same method. If successful, this could lead to an unprecedented revolution in material engineering
FLiRT: New COVID-19 Variants Increase Concern in US
A series of COVID-19 variants within the Omicron JN.1 lineage, known as FLiRT, including the KP.2 and KP 1.1 variants, is rapidly spreading in the United States, exhibiting new mutations which increase their contagiousness.
According to media reports, the symptoms are largely similar to those of other Omicron infections and hospitalisation rates remain low. KP.2 has reportedly become more prevalent than the JN.1 variant, and while KP.1.1 is present in the US, it is less widespread.
The Infectious Disease Society of America detailed that “FLiRT” derives from the scientific names of the mutations.
India, Kenya to Discuss Cheetah Sourcing for Wildlife Sanctuary
India has expressed interest in sourcing cheetahs from Kenya for the next stage of Project Cheetah. A delegation of Kenyan officials is due to visit India later this month to discuss the possible translocation, including the number of cheetahs they might be willing to part with.
The Gandhi Sagar wildlife sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh has been selected as a location for this phase of the project. The plan under Project Cheetah is to introduce 8 to 14 cheetahs annually over five years, depending on availability. Currently, there are 27 cheetahs in Kuno – 13 adults and 14 cubs. Since the start of the project, 10 cheetahs have died due to illnesses and infections. Because of this high mortality rate, India is looking to Kenya as another potential source of the predators.
This visit by the Kenyan delegation may also include an assessment of the preparations made by the Madhya Pradesh forest department at the Gandhi Sagar sanctuary.
About Project Cheetah
Project Cheetah is a groundbreaking initiative of the Government of India to reintroduce cheetahs to the country after their local extinction in 1952. In September 2022, eight African cheetahs were translocated from Namibia to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in wildlife conservation efforts.
05-10 May 2024 Daily Current Affairs
Comments