Weekly Current Affairs (15th to 21st June 2024) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

2024 Kavli Prize Winners Announced in Science Fields

Origins of The Prize

• A businessman named Fred Kavli created the Kavli Prize to support scientific study for the benefit of people. He founded The Kavli Foundation with $340 million from his company Kavlico in 2000.

Significance and Structure of the Prize

• The Kavli Prize, created by Fred Kavli, is similar to the Nobel Prize but has a broader focus. Winners receive a medal, a scroll, and $1 million in each field biennially. The prize ceremony is elaborate, even involving the Norwegian Royal Family.

2024 Kavli Prize Winners

ASTROPHYSICS

• David Charbonneau and Sara Seager were recognized for their work in studying exoplanets and their atmospheres, aiding the search for life beyond Earth.

NANOSCIENCE

• Robert Langer, Armand Paul Alivisatos, and Chad Mirkin were honored for their contributions to nanotechnology, impacting medicine and technology.

NEUROSCIENCE

• Nancy Kanwisher, Winrich Freiwald, and Doris Tsao made progress in understanding facial recognition in the brain, offering insights into brain function and cognition.

Chinese Satellite Discovers New Solar Atmospheric Rotation Pattern

Introduction to CHASE

• China's H-alpha Solar Explorer (CHASE) is a satellite project designed to observe the sun, focusing on magnetic activity and atmospheric behavior.

Discovery of a New Solar Rotation Pattern

• Chinese scientists using the CHASE telescope unveiled a fresh perspective on the sun's atmospheric rotation, presenting the first accurate 3D depiction of this phenomenon.

Impact and Significance

• This revelation enhances our comprehension of solar physics and could lead to improved space weather forecasting, crucial for satellite safety and communication systems.

About Chinese H-alpha Solar Explorer (CHASE)

• Also known as the Kuafu-1 satellite, CHASE employs the H-alpha spectral line to monitor the solar chromosphere. Launched in 2022, this mission aids in refining our knowledge of solar dynamics and enhancing space weather predictions.

Will Asteroid 2024 LZ4 Pose a Threat to Earth?

Asteroid 2024 LZ4's Approach

• NASA is monitoring three asteroids heading towards Earth. Asteroid 2024 LZ4 will pass closer to Earth than the Moon, at a distance of 173,000 miles. Despite its proximity, it is only 72 feet long, similar in size to an airplane, and is not considered a threat.

Near-Earth Objects (NEOs)

• NEOs are asteroids that come close to Earth on their orbits. While most asteroids are found between Mars and Jupiter, those near Earth are closely monitored due to potential dangers they pose.

Potentially Hazardous Classification

• An asteroid is labeled as potentially dangerous if it is within 4.6 million miles of Earth and is over 150 meters wide. Asteroid 2024 LZ4, being relatively small, does not meet these criteria. Space agencies track such objects to determine their trajectories and assess potential impacts.

Historical Impacts

• Asteroids have impacted Earth significantly in the past. For instance, the Chicxulub impactor is believed to have caused the extinction of dinosaurs. Recent events, like the Berlin explosion in January 2023, underscore the importance of monitoring asteroids.

About the Asteroid Belt

• The asteroid belt, situated between Mars and Jupiter, contains millions of asteroids but comprises only a small fraction of Earth's mass. Ceres, the largest object, was designated a dwarf planet in 2006. Notably, four objects hold half of the belt's mass: Ceres, Vesta, Pallas, and Hygiea.

Asteroid Belt Navigation

• Contrary to common belief, the asteroid belt is sparsely populated, making it safe for spacecraft travel. The vast distances between asteroids reduce the likelihood of collisions with passing missions.

Origins and Exploration of the Asteroid Belt

• The asteroid belt is a remnant of the early solar system, prevented from forming a planet by Jupiter's gravitational influence. While no missions have solely targeted the belt, many spacecraft have traversed it en route to other solar system destinations, such as the Dawn mission.

About Asteroid 2024 LZ4

• Asteroid 2024 LZ4, measuring 72 feet wide, will pass Earth at a distance of 173,000 miles, traveling at 77,109 kilometers per hour. This distance is notably closer than the Earth-Moon distance of about 239,000 miles.

Why Reintroduce Cheetahs to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary?

• Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh chosen as potential cheetah habitat after Kuno National Park.
• Part of wider initiative to reintroduce cheetahs in India, sourced from Namibia and South Africa.

Sanctuary Geography and Habitat

• Sanctuary spans 368.62 square kilometers in Mandsaur and Neemuch districts.
• Savanna environment suitable for cheetahs with flat, rocky plateaus and Chambal River dividing it.
• Landscape varies from open grasslands to river valleys, including Gandhi Sagar dam and reservoirs.

Preparation for Cheetah Arrival

• 64-square-kilometer area designated for cheetahs with a soft-release cage and wildlife hospital.
• Focus on herbivore and predator populations for ecosystem balance.

Challenges in Sustaining Cheetah Population

• Key challenge is ensuring sufficient food supply, addressing by relocating animals like chital, blackbuck, and chinkara.
• Collaboration with Bhainsrodgarh refuge crucial for management plans and monitoring.

About Cheetah Reintroduction in India

• India reintroducing cheetahs after 70-year absence, starting with 12 from Namibia in Kuno National Park.
• Choice of Kuno due to excellent grasslands for local environment enhancement.
• Objective is to restore natural balance and biodiversity with 50 cheetahs to be born over 5 years.

New Snake Eel Species Discovered in Odisha

Introduction

• Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Odisha identified a new species of snake eel named "Ophichthus Suryai" in various estuarine ecosystems within the state. The species was discovered multiple times across different locations in Odisha last year. The name honors Surya Kumar Mohanty, a former joint head of the state's fishery department.

Research and Analysis

• Anil Mohapatra, a senior scientist at ZSI, led the study and collected six specimens from locations like the Subarnarekha River in Paradip and the Bahuda River near Sunapur. Detailed studies, including DNA analysis, were conducted at ZSI's lab to confirm the uniqueness of this species.

Distinguishing Features

The "Ophichthus Suryai" species differs from others in several ways:

• The dorsal fin starts just above or slightly in front of the gill opening.
• It possesses a unique number of vertebrae and an exclusive arrangement of teeth.
• Teeth on both the maxilla and mandible are organized in multiple rows.

Implications of Discovery

• The identification of this new species contributes to marine biodiversity in Odisha's estuarine regions. Understanding these species aids in the conservation and management of marine environments. This discovery highlights the diversity of India's marine ecosystems and underscores the dedication of Indian scientists to ocean research and protection.

Why is Mumbai India's Most Expensive City?

Reasons for Mumbai's Expensiveness

• Mumbai is considered India's most expensive city for expats.
• It is recognized as the financial capital of India and the hub of the Hindi film industry.
• High prices are observed in key areas like personal care, transportation, and rent.
• The city's global ranking has risen, contributing to its increased cost of living for expatriates.

Cost Analysis

• Personal care items, electricity, and energy are particularly pricey in Mumbai compared to other Indian cities.
• Transportation costs, including car prices and spare parts, significantly impact Mumbai's overall cost of living.

Housing Rentals

• Rental prices have surged, especially affecting expatriates residing in Mumbai and Delhi.
• Price increases are more moderate in cities like Bengaluru, Pune, Hyderabad, and Chennai.

Comparative Analysis with Other Indian Cities

• Mumbai stands out as the most expensive city in India, surpassing Delhi and other major cities.
• Delhi has ascended in the rankings and is now the 30th priciest city in Asia.

Global Perspective

• Despite its high living costs, Mumbai ranks 21st among the costliest cities in Asia.
• Worldwide, cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, and Zurich maintain the highest cost of living standards.
• India's overall affordability remains attractive, drawing skilled individuals and multinational corporations seeking growth opportunities.

Nvidia Becomes the World's Most Valuable Company

Nvidia Overview

• Nvidia, a renowned technology company known for producing graphics processing units (GPUs), achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the most valuable company globally. This milestone signifies a significant achievement in the technology sector, surpassing giants like Microsoft and Apple.

Recent Market Surge

• Nvidia's market value peaked at $3.326 trillion on June 18 following a 3.2% increase in stock price to $135.21 per share. This surge came shortly after Nvidia overtook Apple to become the second most valuable company. The company's shares have surged by 173% within a year, outperforming peers like Microsoft, primarily driven by the high demand for its premium chips.

Impact of AI and Tech Competition

• Nvidia's stellar market performance is largely attributed to its prominent role in the artificial intelligence (AI) realm. The company's GPUs play a crucial role in AI technologies, placing Nvidia at the forefront of a competitive landscape involving major tech players such as Microsoft, Meta Platforms, and Alphabet. These tech giants are intensifying their efforts to enhance their AI capabilities to lead in this evolving field.

Stock Market Dynamics and Investor Appeal

• June 18 witnessed a substantial $103 billion increase in Nvidia's market value, setting a historic record. Nvidia's ten-for-one stock split on June 7 further enhanced its appeal to individual investors, making shares more accessible and affordable for small buyers. Analysts like Sam North from eToro highlight that such splits facilitate easier share acquisition for small investors.

Rapid Market Value Surge

• Nvidia's market value soared rapidly and significantly, escalating from $1 trillion to $2 trillion within nine months, reaching this milestone in February. Subsequently, the value surged to $3 trillion in slightly over three months, demonstrating a faster growth rate and reinforcing investor confidence in Nvidia's offerings.

Ancient Pearl City Tu’am Discovered in UAE

Discovery of Tu’am on Siniyah Island

• Archaeologists found the remains of the ancient city of Tu’am on Siniyah Island in the UAE. Tu’am was known for its thriving pearl trade.

Historical Context of Tu’am

• Tu’am was a significant city from the fourth to the sixth century, renowned for its pearl trade. The city's prosperity declined due to regional unrest and the bubonic plague.

Archaeological Significance

• Excavations revealed densely packed ancient homes on Siniyah Island, confirming Tu’am's location. The findings align with early Islamic geographic descriptions, highlighting Tu’am's historical importance.

Implications of the Discovery

• The archaeological progress on Siniyah Island sheds light on Tu’am's lost city, offering insights into the region's history and culture. Discoveries, including a Christian monastery, provide valuable information about trade, faith, and daily life during that era.

Cabinet Approves Rs 76,200 Cr Vadhavan Port in Maharashtra

• The Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the construction of a new deep-draft port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra.
• The project costs about Rs 76,200 crores and will enhance India's shipping services.

Project Specification and Features

• The Vadhavan Port will include four multipurpose berths, a coastal berth, and nine container ports of 1000 meters each.
• Additionally, there will be berths for liquid goods, a Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) berth, and a Coast Guard berth, showcasing the port's versatility in handling various maritime goods.

Economic Corridors and Global Rankings

• Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlights the port's significance for trade within the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor and the International North South Transportation Corridor.
• Upon completion, the Vadhavan Port is expected to rank among the world's top 10 ports, underscoring its economic and strategic importance.

Capacity and Construction

• The port will have a capacity of 23 million TEU and 298 million tonnes of goods, potentially creating around 12 lakh job opportunities.
• Vadhavan Port Project Limited (VPPL), a special purpose vehicle (SPV), will oversee the port's construction, jointly owned by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority (JNPA) and the Maharashtra Maritime Board (MMB).

Thailand Legalizes Same-Sex Marriage – First in Southeast Asia

• The Thai Senate recently approved the Marriage Equality Bill on June 18th, potentially making Thailand the first country in Southeast Asia to allow same-sex marriages.
• The lower house unanimously passed the law on March 26, paving the way for this historic decision.
• King Rama X's support for the Bill is expected at this stage.

The Bill’s Features

• The Marriage Equality Bill will replace gender-specific terms like "men" and "women" with gender-neutral terms like "spouse" and "person," allowing individuals to marry regardless of gender.
• Same-sex couples will now enjoy rights previously reserved for heterosexual couples, including adoption, inheritance, and tax benefits.
• Thai society has shown growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights, supported by public opinion and media representation, leading to significant progress in legal rights for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Comparison with Other Asian Countries

• Thailand's move towards legalizing same-sex marriage contrasts with more conservative stances in other Asian nations.
• For example, the Indian judiciary has not strongly influenced the decision on legalizing same-sex marriage.
• Some Asian countries still criminalize same-sex relationships, with severe penalties in some cases.

Global Contexts

• 36 countries worldwide permit same-sex marriage, reflecting a diverse range of legal perspectives on LGBTQ+ rights.
• Thailand's progressive step stands out in Asia, setting a positive example for other nations in the region.

IIIT-Delhi Wins Prize for Antimicrobial Resistance Project

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

• AMR occurs when microorganisms evolve and become resistant to medications. This resistance makes infections harder to treat, increasing the risk of severe illness or death. Global efforts to combat AMR involve enhanced monitoring, data integration, and community-based initiatives.

Project Collaboration and Objectives

• Key stakeholders in healthcare, including CHRI-PATH, online pharmacy 1mg.com, and the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), collaborated on the 'AMRSense' project led by Tavpritesh Sethi at IIIT-Delhi. The project addresses gaps in community-level data analytics and integration to support effective health interventions.

Key Components of the AMRSense Project

• Community Engagement:

  Empower community health workers (CHWs) with AI tools for accurate data collection.

• Data Integration:

  Establish a unified data ecosystem for AMR by integrating antibiotic sales and usage data and implementing a WHONet-compliant monitoring system.

• Predictive Analytics:

  Utilize analytics across health systems to gain comprehensive insights into AMR patterns and trends.

• AMRaura Scorecard:

  Monitor and assess AMR trends to develop targeted interventions and demonstrate the efficacy of data-driven approaches.

IPBES and the 2024 Blue Planet Prize

IPBES Awarded 2024 Blue Planet Prize

• The Blue Planet Prize, presented annually by Japan's Asahi Glass Foundation, acknowledges significant scientific and practical contributions to addressing global environmental challenges. The award carries a prize of $500,000.
• The 2024 award ceremony will take place on October 23 in Tokyo, Japan, with additional events and lectures in Tokyo and Kyoto.

Recipient of the 2024 Award: IPBES

• In 2024, the Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) received the Blue Planet Prize. IPBES aims to enhance the link between science and policy concerning biodiversity and ecosystem services, playing a pivotal role in advancing sustainable development.
• IPBES evaluations guide policymakers in aligning with global initiatives like the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).

Significance of IPBES's Contributions

• IPBES is globally recognized as a crucial information source on environmental matters, particularly biodiversity and ecosystem services. Its research and findings inform policy decisions across various levels and sectors, aiding businesses in enhancing their ESG performance and sustainability strategies.

Who is IPBES?

• Established in 2012 in Germany, IPBES delivers policymakers with scientific assessments, reports, and recommendations to steer decisions on biodiversity conservation and sustainable utilization.

Functions and Goals of IPBES

• IPBES conducts assessments on biodiversity status, ecosystem services, and their linkages, emphasizing trends and drivers of change. It equips policymakers with tools and methodologies for biodiversity-related decision-making.
• Key assessments and reports by IPBES underscore the rapid decline in global biodiversity, with numerous species facing extinction risks. These reports offer insights on biodiversity and ecosystem services tailored to different regions worldwide.

Importance of IPBES

• IPBES provides a scientific foundation for policy decisions and international agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity. By amalgamating diverse scientific, indigenous, and local knowledge, IPBES delivers comprehensive assessments.