DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: May 10, 2024

New Green Lynx Spider Species Peucetia chhaparajnirvin Found in Rajasthan

Tags: Environment

Atul Bodkhe, an arachnologist based in Daryapur, has unveiled a new species of green lynx spider known as Peucetia chhaparajnirvin.

An Overview of the News

• The species was discovered in the Tal Chhapar Wildlife Sanctuary located in Churu District, Rajasthan.

• Named after its place of discovery, "chhaparajnirvin" pays homage to the Tal Chhapar region where it was found by Nirmala Kumari and Vinod Kumari.

• This new spider species was found inhabiting the green leaves of the Babul Tree, scientifically known as Vachellia nilotica.

• It exhibits nocturnal behavior and sustains itself by preying on small insects.

• Specimens of the spider have been preserved in the entomology lab at the University of Rajasthan, Jaipur.

• The identification and description of the species were conducted at the Spider Research Lab (SR-Lab) situated in J.D. Patil Sangludkar Mahavidyalaya, Daryapur, Amravati district, Maharashtra.

About Rajasthan

• Established on - 30 March 1949

• Capital - Jaipur (Executive Branch)

• Chief Minister - Bhajan Lal Sharma

• State Flower - Rohida

Google Introduces Google Wallet for Android Users in India

Tags: Science and Technology

Google Wallet has been introduced by Google for Android users in India, providing a secure digital storage space.

An Overview of the News

• Users can conveniently store cards, passes, tickets, keys, or IDs in one central location.

• The platform is designed to integrate digital documents with QR codes for swift access.

• Notably, Google Wallet in India will not facilitate payment functionalities.

• Google Pay, the dedicated mobile payment application, will remain the primary solution for users' payment requirements in India.

Google Wallet:

• The Google Wallet app debuted in 2011, but in 2015, it was supplanted by Android Pay.

• Google unified Google Wallet and Android Pay in 2018, forming the new app called Google Pay.

• The Google Wallet app can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.

• Notably, Google Tez, renamed Google Pay, premiered in India on September 18, 2017.

Distinctions of Google Wallet in India

• Version Discrepancy: The Indian iteration of the app diverges slightly from its international counterparts.

• Android Exclusivity: Google Wallet functions solely on Android smartphones within India, lacking compatibility with smartwatches or wearables, unlike its global availability.

Climeworks launches world's largest DAC+S plant “Mammoth” in Iceland

Tags: International News

On May 8th, 2024, Climeworks AG, a Swiss startup, inaugurated Mammoth, the largest operational Direct Air Capture and Storage (DAC + S) facility globally, located in Iceland. 

An Overview of the News

• Mammoth's purpose is to extract carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere and sequester it underground in rock formations.

• Mammoth can capture up to 36,000 tons of CO2 annually, representing a substantial advancement in carbon capture technology.

Regarding Mammoth:

Scale and Progress

• The second DAC + S facility by Climeworks, Mammoth, is ten times larger than its predecessor, Orca, established in Iceland in 2021.

• Mammoth's modular design allows for scalable growth and is set to be completed by the end of 2024.

Infrastructure

• Comprising a total of 72 collector containers, with 12 already operational on-site, indicating its phased deployment strategy.

Cost Reduction Projections

• Mammoth aims to drive down the cost of CO2 removal significantly:

• Projections target USD 400 to 600 per ton by 2030.
• A further reduction to USD 200 to 350 per ton is anticipated by 2040.

Renewable Energy Integration

• Mammoth harnesses geothermal energy as its primary renewable energy source, facilitating the low-temperature heat required for the air capture process.

Carbon Transformation Process

• Captured CO2 is transported underground, where it undergoes a natural process of reacting with basaltic rocks, ultimately transforming into stone.

Important Points:

• Co-Chief Executive Officers of Climeworks AG: Jan Wurzbacher and Christoph Gebald.

• Headquarters: Zurich, Switzerland.

• Iceland's capital: Reykjavik.

• Prime Minister of Iceland: Bjarni Benediktsson.

R. Shankar Raman Promoted to President Position at L&T

Tags: Person in news

R Shankar Raman has been promoted to the position of President at Larsen and Toubro (L&T), the engineering and construction conglomerate.

An Overview of the News

• Alongside his new role, Raman will retain his positions as whole-time Director and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the company.

• Subramanian Sarma, the Senior Executive Vice President (EVP) of Energy at L&T, has also been promoted to the role of whole-time Director and President of Energy.

• Sarma's responsibilities now extend to overseeing hydrocarbon, power, and green manufacturing and development businesses within the company.

• Raman originally joined the L&T Group in November 1994 to establish L&T Finance Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary, and later transitioned into the CFO role before joining the board in October 2011.

• Larsen & Toubro is a prominent Indian multinational enterprise with a revenue of USD 27 billion, engaged in Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) projects, hi-tech manufacturing, and services across various regions.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T):

• It is a leading Indian multinational enterprise valued at USD 27 billion.

• L&T focuses on Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) projects, advanced manufacturing, and diversified services.

• The company operates across various global regions, contributing to its diverse portfolio of businesses.

• Recent leadership appointments highlight L&T's commitment to bolstering its management team.

• These appointments aim to position L&T for ongoing growth and success in the engineering and construction industry.

India Surpasses Japan to Claim Third Spot in Global Solar Power Generation Race

Tags: Reports

According to Ember, India surpassed Japan in 2023 to become the world's third-largest solar power generator. This significant achievement reflects India's rapid growth in renewable energy.

An Overview of the News

• The Global Electricity Review 2024 provided a comprehensive analysis of global power generation systems in 2023.

• It included data from 80 countries, covering 92% of global electricity demand.

Record Solar Power Share:

• Solar power's contribution to global electricity production reached a record 5.5% in 2023.

• India experienced the fourth-largest increase in solar generation globally, with a rise of 18 TWh.

Leading Countries in Solar Growth:

• China, the United States, Brazil, and India accounted for 75% of the overall solar power growth in 2023.

• India's remarkable growth trajectory propelled it into the top ranks of solar power generation.

India's Solar Capacity Expansion:

• India has significantly expanded its solar generation capacity since 2015.

• Its share of solar power surged from 0.5% in 2015 to 5.8% in 2023.

Global Solar Power Acceleration:

• Solar power generation globally increased sixfold between 2015 and 2023.

• India experienced a seventeen-fold increase in solar generation capacity during the same period.

Future Projections:

• The International Energy Agency (IEA) predicts that solar power will constitute 22% of global electricity generation by 2030.

• Achieving this goal requires substantial efforts, including tripling global renewable capacity by 2030, as set at COP28.

India's Renewable Capacity Goals:

• India aims to triple its renewable capacity by 2030, aligning with global targets.

• However, Ember's analysis emphasizes the need for significant annual capacity additions to meet this ambitious target.