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By admin: March 26, 2024

Bina Agarwal and James Boyce receive the first 'Global Inequality Research Award

Tags: Awards

Bina Aggarwal and James Boyce were awarded the inaugural "Global Inequality Research Award" for their remarkable progress in addressing global inequalities, particularly in the social and environmental sectors.

An Overview of the News

• The conferences in Paris are being coordinated with the Socio-Ecological Change (SET) initiative of Sciences Po.

• Bina Agarwal's award announcement was broadcast by the Global Development Institute (GDI) of the University of Manchester.

• James Boyce's award announcement was broadcast by the Political Economy Research Institute (PERI) at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

• The World Inequality Lab (WIL) and Sciences Po's Center for Research on Social Inequalities (CRIS) have collaborated to present the inaugural edition of the Global Inequality Research Award (GiRA).

• The purpose of this award is to recognize significant contributions to the understanding of global inequalities.

• The collaboration between WIL and CRIS marks a concerted effort to highlight and honor important research efforts in the area of global inequality.

GiRA Award Objectives

Recognition of Excellent Researchers:

• The GiRA Prize aims to honor researchers from all disciplines who have made extraordinary contributions to the understanding of global inequalities.

• It will be presented biennially to acknowledge the efforts of notable scholars in this field.

Two major perspectives on inequality:

• The award seeks to recognize important scholarship related to global inequality from two different perspectives:

  • Inequality research has been conducted globally, covering different regions and contexts.

  • Understanding inequality as a multidimensional issue requires examination from different perspectives to achieve comprehensive understanding and effective mitigation strategies.

Gaia Telescope Unveils Ancient Star Streams: Shiva and Shakti

Tags: Science and Technology

The Gaia telescope, led by Khyati Malhan, reveals two ancient star streams: Shiva and Shakti.

An Overview of the News

• These streams were formed over 12 billion years ago and exhibit unique classes and compositions.

• The discovery, made by the European Space Agency's Gaia telescope, enhances our understanding of the galaxy's origins.

• Khyati Malhan is from the Max Planck Institute for Astronomy (MPIA) in Germany.

Features and Structure:

• Unique Orbits and Chemical Structures: Gaia identifies two distinct structures, Shakti and Shiva, with distinct orbitals and chemical structures.

• Mass and age: Each cluster contains about 10 million suns, ranging in age from 12 to 13 billion years, displaying similar orbits and compositions.

Galactic position and origin:

• Location and formation: Located toward the galaxy's core, these streams originated as separate fragments that merged into one galaxy early in its history, shedding light on the galaxy's formation.

• Galactic archaeology: Discovery of Gaia reveals the oldest stars in the Galaxy, which predate the formation of the galactic disk, suggesting a complex origin involving filaments of gas and dust.

Symbolism and Naming:

• Divine Inspiration: Named after the Hindu divine couple, Shiva and Shakti symbolize the creation of the universe, reflecting the distinctive characteristics of stellar streams.

• Orbital differences: Shakti stars exhibit orbits slightly more distant from the galactic center, featuring more circular paths than Shiva.

Importance and future prospects:

• Understanding early galaxies: This discovery provides insight into the early evolution of the Milky Way, indicating its origin from long filaments of gas and dust that gave rise to stars and galaxies.

• Future Insights: Upcoming Gaia data releases may deepen our understanding of these ancient components, aiding research on star clusters, galaxies, and exoplanets beyond the Milky Way.

About Gaia Space Telescope:

• Mission and operations: Launched in December 2013, Gaia, operated by the European Space Agency, surveys the sky to create a detailed 3D map of the Milky Way.

• Objectives and Contributions: In addition to mapping the Milky Way, Gaia data informs studies on a variety of astronomical phenomena, including star clusters, galaxies, and exoplanets, furthering our understanding of the dynamics of the universe.

Aviation Week Laureates Award for Chandrayaan-3

Tags: Science and Technology Awards

ISRO's Chandrayaan-3 mission received the prestigious Aviation Week Laureates Award.

An Overview of the News

• Sripriya Ranganathan, Deputy Ambassador at the Indian Embassy in the US, accepted the award on behalf of ISRO.

• The award recognizes aerospace excellence, celebrating innovation and exploration.

Aviation Week Laureates Award:

• Highly regarded accolade in the aviation and aerospace industry.

• Celebrates extraordinary achievements encompassing exploration, innovation and vision.

• Over 400 industry professionals and influencers participated, acknowledging the unprecedented achievements.

• ISRO's successful Chandrayaan-3 mission exemplifies the tradition of honoring outstanding contributions to aerospace exploration.

About Chandrayaan-3 Mission:

• Launch and craft details: Launched from Sriharikota on July 14, 2023, using a GSLV-Mark III (LVM-3) heavy-lift rocket. It consists of a lander named Vikram and a rover named Pragyan excluding an orbiter.

• Mission objectives: to perform safe landing, rover exploration and conduct in-situ scientific experiments.

• Budget: Estimated Rs 615 crore.

• Lander and Rover Specifications: Vikram, 2 meters long and weighing more than 1,700 kg, carries a 26 kg lunar rover named Pragyan for spectrometer analysis.

• Landing and deployment: Scheduled for August 23, 2023 on the Moon.

• Operational Period: Designed to operate for up to one lunar day, equivalent to 14 Earth days.

Simon Harris: Ireland's Youngest Prime Minister

Tags: Person in news International News

37 year old Simon Harris is going to become the youngest Prime Minister of Ireland.

An Overview of the News

• He came into limelight after the unexpected demise of Leo Varadkar.

• Harris, a prominent figure in Irish politics, emerged as the only candidate to be the next Prime Minister of Ireland.

• At 37, he is set to make history as Ireland's youngest Prime Minister.

Simon Harris's Political and Ministerial Experience:

• A member of Fine Gael, Harris has been actively involved in politics since his youth, and has risen through the ranks of the party's youth organisation.

• Despite not completing her undergraduate degree, she increasingly demonstrated her commitment to politics, holding various positions within Fine Gael.

• Notably, Harris held the position of Health Minister of Ireland from 2016 to mid-2020, and played a key role in managing the country's response to the COVID-19 pandemic during that period.

• Currently serving as Minister for Further and Higher Education, her time in these ministerial roles has honed her leadership skills and policy acumen.

Strategic Approach and Social Media Presence:

• With 92,000 followers and 1.8 million likes, Harris' skillful use of TikTok has attracted attention.

• It serves as a platform to promote their political agenda and connect with voters.

• Harris aims to rejuvenate Fine Gael's appeal by taking advantage of his youth and crisis management skills.

• His campaign will emphasize key policy priorities while addressing internal concerns of the party.

AUKUS Partnership: Australia building SSN-AUKUS Submarines

Tags: International News

The AUKUS partnership has been established by the United States, the United Kingdom, and Australia to enhance trilateral security and develop nuclear-powered submarines for the Royal Australian Navy.

An Overview of the News

• This historic agreement represents a major step in defense cooperation between the three countries.

Submarine Construction:

• Collaboration between Australia's ASC and UK-based BAE Systems to build submarines.

• Based on British design incorporating American weapons systems.

• Australia aims to operate eight nuclear-powered submarines by 2050.

• Capabilities:

  • Submarines equipped for intelligence, surveillance, undersea warfare and attack operations.

  • Increased privacy and quiet compared to Australia's existing diesel-powered fleet.

  • Focus on maximizing interoperability between AUKUS partners.

• Funding:

  • Australia has pledged 4.6 billion Australian dollars to British industry for the SSN-AUKUS submarines.

  • Significant investment from all AUKUS partners to ensure the success of the programme.

  • Trilateral industrial bases will be converged and integrated to support SSN cooperation.

Regional Concerns:

• China has expressed concern over a potential arms race in the Asia-Pacific region due to the AUKUS agreement.

• China's military modernization and assertiveness towards the South China Sea and Taiwan are highlighted.

General Information:

• This is the first time that a country has acquired the capability to build nuclear-powered submarines and continue production indefinitely.

• The Australian funding for British industry comes after a defense and security agreement with the UK aims to tackle issues such as growing Chinese involvement in the South China Sea and the South Pacific.

• Taiwan has spotted 36 Chinese military aircraft around the island, representing the highest number in 2024, which coincides with the unveiling of the AUKUS partnership.

Maryam Mammen Mathew assumes role of DNPA Chairperson

Tags: Person in news

Maryam Mammen Mathew has been appointed as the Chairperson of DNPA for a two-year term starting from April 1, 2024.

An Overview of the News

• Mariam Mammen Mathew, who currently serves as CEO of Manorama Online, will take over the role of Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) Chairperson in place of Tanmay Maheshwari, managing director of Amar Ujala.

New leadership and roles:

• Chairperson: Mariam Mammen Mathew, CEO, Manorama Online, will take over as DNPA Chairperson in place of Tanmay Maheshwari.

• Vice Chairman: Puneet Gupta, COO of Times Internet, was appointed as the new Vice Chairman.

• Continuity: Punit Jain, CEO of Digital HT Media, continues in the role of treasurer.

Role and Members of DNPA:

• Umbrella Organization: DNPA serves as an important umbrella organization covering various digital media entities including print and broadcast.

• Member Organizations: DNPA includes 18 leading media organizations like Dainik Jagran, Dainik Bhaskar, The Indian Express.

• Efforts: DNPA's objectives include democratizing the digital news landscape and supporting regulatory efforts to ensure fairness in the operation of major technology platforms in India.

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day - 24 March

Tags: Important Days

World Tuberculosis (TB) Day is an annual event observed on 24 March.

An Overview of the News

• TB is an infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

• Transmission occurs through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or spits.

• It is possible to prevent and cure TB with a regimen of antibacterial drugs for a period of 6 to 12 months.

• Untreated TB can have fatal consequences, underscoring the importance of early detection and appropriate treatment.

Theme of World Tuberculosis Day

• The theme of World Tuberculosis Day 2024 is "Yes! We can end TB".

• This theme emphasizes global efforts to eliminate the disease through awareness and action.

History of World Tuberculosis Day

• World TB Day, observed every year on 24 March, commemorates the discovery of the bacteria causing TB by Dr. Robert Koch in 1882.

• Proposed by the International Union against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease (IUATLD) in 1982 on the centenary of Koch's discovery, it became an official day of observance in 1983.

• The day aims to raise awareness about tuberculosis globally and advocate for prevention, treatment and research efforts.