Daily News Analysis : 8 July 2024
Water Level in Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam Breaches 100 ft Mark
Recent heavy rains raised the Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) dam’s water level above 100 feet, nearing its 124.8 feet capacity. Located in Mandya, Karnataka, this gravity dam on the Cauvery River supplies irrigation and drinking water to Mysore, Mandya, and Bengaluru, and generates power for the Shivanasamudra station. Built between 1911 and 1931, it was designed by Sir M. Visvesvaraya.
Key Points:
A) At 8 a.m. on July 5, the water level was 100.30 feet and the inflow rate was 9.686 cubic seconds.
B) This contrasts with the dam hanging at 78.4 feet on the same day last year.
C) Exactly a week ago (June 28), the reservoir level was hovering at 90.28 ft.
[Image Source: India Today]
A Lone Female Gharial Offered Hope for Repopulating the Brahmaputra River
A lone female gharial, spotted in Kaziranga National Park, is crucial for repopulating the Brahmaputra river. This species, extinct in the region since the 1950s, was rediscovered in 2021. Wildlife officials propose reintroducing gharials, leveraging Kaziranga’s suitable habitat and lack of fishing pressure, to ensure their survival. Gharials, scientifically identified as Gavialis gangeticus, are freshwater crocodiles that are critically endangered, with only a small population remaining in the wild.
Key Points:
A) Wildlife officials and specialists are not sure how this gharial came to inhabit a stretch of the Brahmaputra river within the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve.
B) But they are certain that the reptile, presumed almost an adult by its size, is the key to repopulating the river with gharials.
[Image Source: India Today]
Kalamkari’s Fight For Relevance
Kalamkari, a traditional hand-painted or block-printed textile art from Andhra Pradesh, is facing challenges due to power looms and rising costs. Dating back to the 16th-17th century under the Qutb Shahis, Kalamkari includes two styles: Srikalahasti, featuring brush-drawn designs for religious use, and Pedana/Machilipatnam, known for block-printed textiles using natural dyes and Persian-inspired motifs.
Key Points:
A) In 1981, M. Durga Malleswara Rao, a skilled artisan from Pedana, started a business selling block-printed Kalamkari clothes.
B) Pedana, 15 km from Machilipatnam, is famous for its handmade saris and the famous Kalamkari art and textile tradition.
C) Over 70% of his products are distributed to well-known clothing brands in the country, such as FabIndia and Aurelia.
[Image Source: Mint]
Earth Reaches Aphelion in early July
In early July, Earth reached aphelion, the point in its elliptical orbit where it is farthest from the Sun. This occurs annually when Earth is approximately 152.1 million kilometres away from the Sun, about 3.3% farther than its average distance. Aphelion’s minimal impact on temperatures contrasts with its historical importance in Kepler’s laws and understanding Earth’s orbital dynamics.
Key Points:
A) This is most likely true for worlds around other stars, too.
B) Earth reaches aphelion every July.
C) That Earth has an aphelion is a result of its orbit being elliptical, rather than circular.
[Image Source: Wikipedia]
SpaceX Plans to Launch the First Commercial Spacewalk Mission
SpaceX is preparing for the Polaris Dawn mission, a significant step in civilian space exploration, with a focus on conducting the first commercial spacewalk and high-altitude scientific research. Funded by Jared Isaacman, it aims to conduct scientific research in space and test new technologies like Starlink WiFi aboard the Crew Dragon capsule, marking a milestone in private space initiatives.
Key Points:
A) This distance is greater than any crewed space trip since the 1966 Gemini 11 mission and the 1972 Apollo 17 mission.
B) The launch date of Polaris Dawn is scheduled for July 31, 2024, at the latest, though it may occur before.
C) In addition to testing in-orbit communications, the crew will carry out high-altitude exercises, the first-ever commercial spacewalk, and health-related research.
[Image Source: NASA]
Mercer’s Cost of Living Cities Rankings 2024
The recently released 2024 Cost of Living City rankings by Mercer highlight Hong Kong, Singapore, and Zurich as the three most expensive cities for expats, respectively. Conversely, cities like Islamabad, Lagos, and Abuja are among the least expensive. Factors include currency fluctuations, inflation, and costs for housing, education, and utilities, influenced by global economic and geopolitical conditions.
Key Points:
A) The 2024 Mercer City Cost of Living Rankings analyze 226 cities around the world to provide insight into global displacement.
B) Hyderabad retained its 202nd position from the previous year; Pune climbed eight spots to 205, while Kolkata rose four places to 207 in the ranking of the most costly cities for expatriates worldwide.
C) Chennai dropped five positions, and Bengaluru fell six spots to 189 and 195, respectively.
[Image Source: Mint]
World Zoonoses Day Observed
World Zoonoses Day, celebrated on July 6th, commemorates Louis Pasteur’s successful administration of the first rabies vaccine in 1885. The day raises awareness about zoonotic diseases—illnesses that are transmitted from animals to humans, such as swine flu, rabies, and bird flu. Zoonotic diseases comprise 60% of existing diseases and pose significant risks to human health. The day aims to promote preventive measures such as pet vaccinations and education.
Key Points:
A) Zoonotic diseases can be classified based on the source of infection, which includes viruses, fungi, parasites, and bacteria.
B) The best way to observe this important day is by understanding how zoonotic diseases can spread.
C) Studies by the CDC indicate that approximately 60 percent of all known diseases are zoonotic in nature, and around 70 percent of emerging infections originate from animals.
[Image Source: Mint]
Keir Starmer Takes Charge as the New Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
In recent UK elections, the Labour Party secured a substantial victory, winning 410 seats out of 650 and ousting the Conservative Party. Keir Starmer, known for his human rights work and past role as Director of Public Prosecutions, has become the new Prime Minister, marking a significant political shift.
Key Points:
A) Soon after meeting King Charles III at Buckingham Palace, the 61-year-old politician assumed charge as the 58th Prime Minister of Britain.
B) The Liberal Democrats secured 71 seats, while the Scottish National Party bagged nine seats.
C) The right-wing Reform UK, led by Brexit champion Nigel Farage, won in four constituencies.
Sampoornata Abhiyan
The recently launched ‘Sampoornata Abhiyan’ by NITI Aayog aims to achieve full coverage of key indicators in 112 Aspirational Districts and 500 Aspirational Blocks across India. It focuses on improving healthcare, nutrition, education, and agricultural practices through targeted initiatives and community participation over a three-month period.
Key Points:
A) As part of the initiative, district and block officials, along with elected representatives, will conduct awareness activities like Gram Sabhas, Nukkad Natak, Paushtik Aahar Mela, Health camps, Exhibitions, Poster making, and Poem competitions on 12 themes identified in all aspirational blocks and districts.
B) The aspirational districts and blocks pledged their commitment to the Sampoornata Abhiyan by reiterating its principles through the Sampoornata Pledge committing to fulfil the campaign’s goals and accelerating progress towards full saturation of the identified indicators.
Vinesh Phogat Wins Spanish Grand Prix Gold
Vinesh Phogat triumphed in the women’s 50 kg category at the Grand Prix of Spain, securing gold ahead of the Paris Olympics. Defeating Mariia Tiumerekova 10-5 in the final, Phogat, a former Asian Games champion, showcased dominance throughout the tournament, further preparing for Paris after a successful competition and training stint in Spain.
Key Points:
A) In the semifinals, Vinesh beat another Canadian Katie Dutchak 9-4 on points.
B) Mariia is a former Russian wrestler who is now competing as an Individual Neutral Athlete.
C) Vinesh is set to embark on a 20-day training program in France as part of her preparations for the upcoming Paris Games.
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