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Delhi Ranks 350 In Oxford Global Cities Index Report 2024

The Oxford Global Cities Index Report 2024 reveals that Delhi has been ranked 350th globally.

Key Highlights

• Delhi's ranking: Delhi secured the 350th position in the latest edition of the Oxford Global Cities Index Report.
• Criteria: The ranking is based on various factors such as economic performance, cultural experience, livability, and sustainability.
• Comparison: Delhi's position can be compared to other global cities like New York, London, Tokyo, and Paris.
• Impact: This ranking signifies Delhi's standing in the global landscape and its progress towards becoming a more prominent city.

Factors Influencing Delhi's Ranking

Economic Performance:

• Delhi's economic growth rate, GDP, and overall financial stability played a crucial role in determining its position.

Cultural Experience:

• The city's rich cultural heritage, festivals, and diverse traditions contribute to its appeal as a global destination.

Livability:

• Factors like healthcare, education, infrastructure, and safety standards significantly impact how livable a city is perceived to be.

Sustainability:

• Efforts towards environmental conservation, green initiatives, and sustainable urban development play a role in global rankings.
  

Delhi's Ranking in the 2024 Oxford Economics Global Cities Index

Overview of the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index

• Analysis of global standing of 1,000 cities based on Economics, Human Capital, Quality of Life, Environment, and Governance.
• New York maintains its position as the top city globally, with Delhi leading in India at 350th place.

Performance of Indian Cities

• Delhi, Bengaluru, and Mumbai rankings: Delhi excels, Bengaluru and Mumbai at 411 and 427 respectively.
• Indian cities lag in Quality of Life and Governance compared to cities like Kyiv and Myanmar.

Detailed Rankings and Categories

• Delhi's rankings: 55th in Human Capital and 108th in Economics.
• Bengaluru and Mumbai's global economic importance not reflected in rankings.
• Sultanpur, Uttar Pradesh, ranks 1000th among cities examined.
• Reported cities contribute significantly to global GDP and population.

Insights from the Oxford Economics Global Cities Index

• Economic Growth Projections: Tokyo may decline, while Delhi and Mumbai anticipate growth.
• Employment and Income Trends: Tech cities like San Francisco and Seattle lead in income growth.
• Population Trends: Shifts in urban demographics are tracked.
• Rapid Growth in Emerging Cities: Jakarta and Manila show rapid economic progress.
• European Cities: Growing steadily with high income levels per capita.

India’s AstroSat New Discovery on Black Hole Binary System

• Indian astronomers, using India’s AstroSat satellite, made a significant discovery concerning the black hole X-ray binary system named “Swift J1727.8-1613” in August 2023.
• Observations by AstroSat from September 2 to September 14, 2023, revealed unprecedented findings in the field of astrophysics.
• Collaborative efforts from scientists at ISRO’s UR Rao Satellite Centre, IIT Guwahati, University of Mumbai, and the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research led to these discoveries.

Discovery of Aperiodic Modulation of High-Energy X-rays

• Astronomers observed irregular modulation of the black hole’s high-energy X-rays, showing a unique behavior in the system.
• A remarkable change in the frequency of quasi-periodic oscillations (QPOs) from 1.4Hz to 2.6Hz occurred within just seven days, a phenomenon never witnessed before in any black hole X-ray binary.

Insights into Accretion and Jet Formation

• The detected QPOs offer valuable insights into the extreme conditions near accreting black holes.
• High-energy X-rays resulted from low-energy photons emitted by the accretion disc, subsequently altered by hot electrons in close proximity to the black hole.
• This discovery provides crucial knowledge on gas accretion mechanisms and the formation of relativistic jets around black holes.

Black Hole X-ray Binary System

• Comprising a black hole and a normal star orbiting each other, these systems emit high-energy X-rays as the black hole accretes matter from its companion star.
• Notable examples include V404 Cygni, Cygnus X-1, and GRS 1915 105, crucial for studying black hole properties and interactions.
• Understanding these systems aids in studying black hole mass, spin, accretion processes, and relativistic jet formation.

About AstroSat

• Launched by ISRO on September 28, 2015, AstroSat is India’s premier multi-wavelength space telescope.
• Equipped with five key instruments like the Ultraviolet Imaging Telescope (UVIT) and the Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT), it enables observations in ultraviolet, optical, and X-ray wavelengths.
• Operating closer to Earth than Hubble, AstroSat’s discoveries include detecting ultraviolet light from galaxies billions of light-years away, expanding astronomical knowledge worldwide.

NTPC Ranks 3rd Globally at ATD BEST Awards 2024

India's largest energy company, NTPC Limited, achieved third place at the ATD BEST Awards 2024, marking it as the top-performing Indian company at this esteemed international event. Ms. Rachana Singh Bhal, CGM (Strategic HR & Talent Management), received the award on May 21, 2024, at a ceremony in New Orleans, USA.

About the ATD BEST Awards

• The Association for Talent Development (ATD), based in the USA, presents the ATD BEST Awards.
• These awards are globally recognized for honoring exceptional work in the field of Learning and Development (L&D).
• They spotlight companies that achieve significant business outcomes through strategic employee development.

NTPC's Achievement and Historical Performance

• NTPC has received the ATD BEST Awards seven times in the past eight years, demonstrating consistent excellence and commitment to HR best practices.
• This year's award marks their highest ranking yet, with NTPC being the sole Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) from India to be recognized.

NTPC's Learning and Development Strategy

• NTPC has leveraged technology and innovative approaches to establish a benchmark in learning and development.
• The company's strategy is focused and purposeful, creating numerous learning opportunities that foster a culture of continuous learning.
• This approach enhances employee skills and contributes to overall business success, evident from their consistent high rankings in the ATD BEST standings.

Additional Insights on NTPC

• Establishment and Core Focus: NTPC Limited, formerly National Thermal Power Corporation, was founded in 1975 to expedite power development in India. It is headquartered in New Delhi, with a primary focus on thermal power generation.
• Diversification and Growth: NTPC has expanded into hydroelectric, nuclear, and renewable energy sectors. The company has also delved into coal mining to ensure fuel supply for its power plants and is exploring energy storage solutions to bolster renewable energy expansion.
• Achievements and Market Presence: NTPC holds Maharatna status, recognizing exceptional performance by the Indian government. It is listed on the National Stock Exchange and Bombay Stock Exchange, offering power sector consultancy services globally.

IIT Guwahati, Columbia University Developed an Optical Nanopatterning Process

Nanopatterning has advanced significantly due to the collaboration between scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IIT Guwahati) and Columbia University in the United States. Dr. Rishi Maiti, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Physics at IIT Guwahati, played a crucial role in this research. Their findings were published in the renowned journal, Science Advances.

What is Nanopatterning?

Nanopatterning is a sophisticated technique used to create designs on materials at a very small scale, typically measured in nanometers. One nanometer is equivalent to one billionth of a meter. The production of nanoscale devices like advanced light detectors, solar cells, and LEDs relies on this method.

The Challenge with Conventional Methods

Traditional approaches such as electron beam lithography are expensive and require specialized facilities like clean rooms. These methods often involve high levels of heat and plasma, making the processes both challenging and costly.

Innovative Approach with IR Laser

Dr. Maiti and his team utilized a technique called "optical driving" to develop a more straightforward and cost-effective method. By employing an infrared (IR) laser on a table, they could alter the properties of materials at their resonance frequency without direct contact.

Breakthrough in Optical Driving

The team demonstrated that by "unzipping" two parallel lines on the material, they could create a nano-sized hole capable of trapping phonon-polaritons. These particles are generated when light interacts with matter, particularly during changes in the material. This achievement is significant as it enables the focusing of light into extremely small areas.

More About Nanopatterning

Techniques in Nanopatterning:

• Offers high precision by directing a beam of electrons to form nanoscale patterns.
• Utilizes a physical mold to shape materials at the nanoscale.
• Employs self-assembling polymer phases for pattern creation.

Recent Advances:

• A breakthrough has simplified the manipulation of light at the nanoscale.
• Nanopatterning plays a crucial role in enhancing the functionality of electronics.
• It contributes to the development of novel materials with versatile applications.

Applications and Impact:

• Nanopatterning enhances the efficiency of solar cells.
• It is instrumental in the production of quantum dots, crucial for emerging display technologies.
• The impact of nanopatterning extends across various fields, from electronics to biology, underscoring its significance in diverse domains.

Impact of COVID-19 on Global Life Expectancy

COVID-19's Toll on Life Expectancy

• The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly reduced life expectancy worldwide, erasing nearly a decade of progress in prolonging life spans.
• Previously, the average global life expectancy stood at 71.4 years, a sharp decline from previous years and the lowest recorded since 2012.
• Between 2019 and 2021, life expectancy plummeted by 1.8 years globally, now resting at 71.4 years, while healthy life expectancy also dropped by 1.5 years to 61.9 years.

Regional Variations in Life Expectancy Loss

• The Americas and Southeast Asia witnessed the most substantial declines in life expectancy, around three years lower than before.
• These regions experienced a rapid decrease in life expectancy, with a notable drop of 1.8 years globally over the same period.

Shift in Leading Causes of Death

• Noncommunicable diseases were the predominant causes of death worldwide before the pandemic, comprising 74% of all mortalities in 2019.
• COVID-19 emerged as the third most common cause of death in 2020 and escalated to the second spot in 2021, with approximately 13 million global fatalities since its onset.

Impact on Malnutrition and Obesity

• The pandemic exacerbated issues related to obesity and poor nutrition, affecting over a billion individuals aged five and above who were classified as obese in 2022.
• Furthermore, more than 500 million people were deemed underweight, while young children suffered from stunted growth, wasting, or obesity due to inadequate diets.

Progress Towards Health Goals

• While some advancements have been achieved regarding the WHO's health-related objectives, the overall pace of progress remains sluggish.
• Concerns linger regarding the attainment of health-related Sustainable Development Goals by 2030, necessitating accelerated efforts to bolster global health security and equity.

Global Life Expectancy Overview

Current Trends and Discrepancies

• In 2019, the average global life expectancy soared to 72.6 years, marking a significant increase from previous years.
• Nations like Monaco and Japan boast the lengthiest life expectancies, exceeding 84 years, while countries such as Lesotho and the Central African Republic witness shorter life spans, slightly surpassing 50 years.
• On average, women outlive men by five years across the globe.

Factors Influencing Life Expectancy

• National prosperity correlates closely with heightened life expectancies, primarily due to improved healthcare accessibility.
• Advancements in public health, sanitation, and disease control, coupled with medical innovations and reduced infant mortality rates, play pivotal roles in extending life spans.

COVID-19's Influence on Life Expectancy

• Estimations suggest that the global outbreak of COVID-19 may have triggered a decline in life expectancy worldwide.
• The pandemic strained healthcare systems globally, impacting mortality rates and potentially reversing recent progress in life expectancy improvements.

Environmental Activists Sue Norway Over Its Deep-Sea Mining Plans

• Norway recently approved a controversial initiative to explore minerals on the ocean floor, spanning an area larger than Britain. This decision, sanctioned by Norway's parliament in January, followed a governmental study indicating minimal environmental impact from such activities.
• Environmentalists have taken legal action, contending that the environmental impact assessments were insufficient. They have brought their concerns to court in Oslo, highlighting potential adverse effects on the environment.

What is Deep-Sea Mining?

• Deep-sea mining involves extracting minerals from the seabed. The process encompasses three primary methods: retrieving polymetallic nodules from the seabed, mining extensive sulphide deposits on the seafloor, and extracting cobalt crusts from deep-sea rocks.
• These minerals play a crucial role in manufacturing various technological components essential for everyday items like cellphones and batteries powering green energy sources.
• While deep-sea mining offers economic benefits, it poses significant environmental challenges. Activities such as noise, vibrations, light pollution, and sediment discharges can disrupt marine ecosystems, potentially harming coral reefs, sponges, and other marine life forms.

The Rise of Climate Litigation

• Climate litigation has emerged as a vital mechanism for holding governments and businesses accountable for their actions—or inactions—regarding climate change mitigation.
• This approach involves leveraging legal frameworks to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and commitments outlined in agreements like the Paris Agreement and other global accords.
• The global landscape has witnessed a substantial increase in climate-related litigation cases, soaring from 884 instances in 2017 to over 2,180 by the close of 2022. Various stakeholders, including children, women, local communities, and Indigenous Peoples, frequently participate in these legal proceedings.

Notable Cases and Outcomes

• An impactful instance of successful climate litigation unfolded in April when Europe's top human rights court ruled in favor of a group of elderly Swiss women who sued their government for inadequate climate change action.
• In a significant development, a Montana judge in August 2023 declared that the state government's authorization of fossil fuel projects without considering their climate impact violated citizens' constitutional right to a healthy environment.
• While not every case concludes favorably, such as the dismissal of a claim by a young girl from Uttarakhand, India, in 2017, the trend of climate litigation underscores a growing global reliance on legal avenues to address climate change challenges.

Adani Ports Joins Sensex

• Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) from the Adani Group will be part of the Sensex on June 24, replacing Wipro.
• APSEZ faced challenges, including a drop in stock prices due to financial allegations by Hindenburg Research, which were denied by Adani.

Criteria for Sensex Inclusion

• Companies in the Sensex must meet specific criteria ensuring financial stability and market liquidity.
• Requirements include six months of BSE listing, regular trading, swap contract, top 75 market capitalization, and 0.50% free-float market capitalization.
• Reviews for inclusion occur biannually in June and December.

About Adani Enterprises

• Gautam Adani founded Adani Enterprises in 1988, evolving from a trading business to a diverse conglomerate.
• The company undertook significant projects like India's first private rail, supercritical power plant, Carmichael Coal Mine, Mundra Port, and Navi Mumbai International Airport.
• Adani Enterprises expanded its presence into energy, logistics, and agribusiness industries.
• Forbes ranked Gautam Adani as the third richest individual globally in 2022.

India, France Set to Negotiate Rafale Marine Jet Deal

• India is in discussions with France to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets, valued at Rs 50,000 crore.
• The Indian government has approved the acquisition of these advanced fighter jets for deployment on the INS Vikrant aircraft carrier.

Rationale Behind Choosing Rafale Marine

• After extensive testing in Goa, the Rafale Marine (Rafale M) was selected over the American F/A-18 Super Hornets.
• The Rafale M's compatibility with the Indian Air Force's existing Rafale fleet is a significant advantage, enabling interchangeability of spare and maintenance parts, resulting in cost savings.
• The aircraft features reinforced components designed to withstand the demanding conditions of carrier operations.

Specifications of Rafale Marine

• The Rafale M, a single-seat multi-role fighter aircraft by Dassault Aviation, measures 15.30m in length, 10.90m in width, and 5.30m in height.
• It can take off with a maximum weight of 24.5 tonnes, reaching a top speed of 750 knots (1,389 km/h) and a maximum altitude of 50,000 feet.
• The aircraft can carry external payloads of up to 9.5 tonnes.

Operational Capabilities

• Besides air defense, nuclear deterrence, intelligence, and deep strike missions, the Rafale Marine is equipped for various other tasks.
• It can deploy a range of weapons including Meteor and MICA missiles, SCALP, HAMMER, AM39 EXOCET missiles, and laser-guided bombs.
• The aircraft is armed with an internal cannon capable of firing 2,500 shots per minute.
• Dassault Aviation labels the Rafale as an "omnirole aircraft" due to its versatility across different warfare scenarios.

Proven Track Record

• Introduced in 2004, the Rafale has been a key asset for the French military.
• Successive variants such as the Standard F1 for air-to-air combat, Standard F3 for diverse air-to-ground roles, and the latest Standard F4 version since 2023, demonstrate its evolving operational capabilities.

An Overview of the AMRUT Scheme

• India's urbanization is rapidly increasing, with over half of the population expected to reside in cities by 2047.
• The World Bank emphasizes the necessity for significant investments, estimating urban infrastructure needs at $840 billion over the next 15 years.

Introduction to the AMRUT Scheme

• The Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) was initiated by the NDA-1 government in June 2015 to address critical urban challenges.
• Main objectives include enhancing urban life by improving water and sewer connections, promoting green public spaces, and fostering eco-friendly transportation methods.
• AMRUT focuses on cities and towns with populations exceeding 100,000.
• The initial phase of the mission, costing ₹50,000 crore, spanned five years, concluding in 2020.

Expansion under AMRUT 2.0

• AMRUT 2.0, succeeding the original program in October 2021, prioritizes making towns "water secure."
• The new budget allocates ₹2,99,000 crore over the next five years, primarily directed towards sewage management and ensuring functional tap connections in urban areas.
• By May 2024, ₹83,357 crore had already been utilized to enhance urban services and infrastructure significantly.

Challenges and Realities

• Despite substantial investments and infrastructure upgrades, Indian cities continue to face severe water and sewage issues.
• Poor water quality and sanitation lead to numerous deaths and illnesses annually.
• Groundwater depletion is a major concern, with inadequate water access and sanitation facilities for many urban dwellers.
• Environmental degradation due to improper planning exacerbates urban sprawl and related problems.

Critique of the AMRUT Approach

• Critics argue that AMRUT's implementation suffered from top-down management, lack of a holistic plan, and insufficient involvement of city governments.
• The bureaucratic and private sector-driven nature of the plan sidelines local elected representatives, contradicting decentralization goals.
• Environmental considerations are often disregarded in water and waste management practices, leading to adverse outcomes.
• Emphasis on real estate gains over urban planning exacerbates urban sprawl and environmental challenges.

IISc Develops Safer Protein Production Using MSG

Introduction to Safer Protein Production:

• The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has devised a safer method for producing recombinant proteins by substituting methanol with monosodium glutamate (MSG).

Recombinant Protein Production Process:

• Recombinant proteins are created by cultivating genetically modified cells in large bioreactors. These proteins are crucial for producing substances like insulin, vaccine antigens, and monoclonal antibodies.
• The yeast Pichia pastoris (now known as Komagataella phaffii) is commonly utilized due to its efficient protein expression capabilities.

Role of Methanol and Risks Involved:

• Methanol, previously used to activate a special promoter in yeast for producing hybrid proteins, poses dangers such as fires and protein damage through oxidation.

Utilization of MSG for Safer Protein Production:

• IISc researchers have implemented MSG to activate a different promoter in yeast, specifically the one responsible for encoding phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK).
• This innovative approach not only mitigates risks associated with methanol but also maintains optimal levels of protein production.

Applications and Future Prospects:

• The MSG-based expression method is both secure and effective, offering significant implications for biotechnology.
• This advancement opens avenues for the efficient production of diverse proteins essential in medicine, infant nutrition, and various other sectors.
• If successful, this study could revolutionize global biotechnological practices, promoting safer and more environmentally friendly methodologies.

Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) Overview:

• MSG, a flavor enhancer derived from glutamic acid, was discovered by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda in 1908.
• Contrary to common misconceptions, MSG does not possess a distinct taste but amplifies existing flavors.
• Regulatory bodies like the FDA affirm the safety of MSG, with rare and mild reported side effects.
• Scientific research has not conclusively linked MSG to conditions like asthma or headaches.
• MSG's flavor-enhancing properties can aid in reducing salt consumption.