Daily News Analysis : 26 July 2024

Birth anniversary of Lokmanya Tilak

Birth anniversary of Bal Gangadhar Tilak commonly known as Lokmanya Tilak was observed on July 23. He was a prominent Indian Nationalist, freedom fighter, social reformer and political leader. He gave the slogan “Swaraj is my Birthright and I shall have it”. He was termed as Father of Indian Unrest by the British government.  

Key Points:

A) He was a visionary who tirelessly worked to ignite the spirit of nationalism and, at the same time, emphasised on education and service.B) The father of our nation, Mahatma Gandhi, called him “The Maker of Modern India”.C) The Prime Minister, Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Lokmanya Tilak on his birth anniversary 

Magnetofossils discovered

Researchers from Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow (BSIP) have recently discovered fossil remains of magnetic particles known as Magnetofossils produced by magnetotactic bacteria in rock varnish layers in Ladakh. Magnetotactic bacteria are mostly prokaryotic organisms present in freshwater and marine habitats. 

Key Points:

A) A new study revealed that the biotic procedure that led to the formation of the rock on Ladakh could help in understanding how life can exist in space or extreme environments.B) This revelation will provide great insights into astrobiology as well as for planning future space missions.C) Rock varnish, a thin layer of minerals deposited on rock surfaces, often contains microbial life and organic compounds, making it a valuable indicator of past and present life.

Tinzaparin reduce damage to Human cells due to Cobra bite

Researchers have recently discovered that Tinzaparin significantly reduced damage to human cells due to spitting Cobra venom. The drug is used to treat serious blood clots and it is a low-molecular-weight heparin with antithrombotic properties. 

Key Points:

A) Many cobras have tissue-damaging venoms that can’t be treated with current antivenoms.B) Using CRISPR gene-editing technology we learned more about how these venoms attack our cells, and found out that a common class of drugs called heparinoids can protect tissue from the venom.C) In the regions where cobras live, serious snakebites can have devastating effects such as amputation, leading to life-changing injuries and a loss of livelihood. 

Abhinav Bindra bestowed with Olympic Order

The International Olympics Committee (IOC) recently bestowed legendary Indian shooter Abhinav Bindra with Olympic Order. He has been given the highest recognition for his outstanding contribution to the Olympics movement. Abhinav Bindra won India’s first ever individual gold Medal in the Olympics.

Key Points:

A) The awards will be presented during the 142nd International Olympic Committee meeting in Paris on August 10, the day before the Olympic Games.B) He was a member of the Athlete Committee of the International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) from 2010 to 2020, serving as its Chair from 2014.C) It has been a member of the International Basketball Association since 2018.

Llama 3.1

Meta had recently unveiled its new open source AI Model Llama 3.1. It is the largest open source AI model and it can converse in eight languages, write higher-quality computer code and solve more complex maths problems. Open Source AI model is an AI technology available for both commercial and non-commercial use.

Key Points:

A) Llama 3.1 405B is the first openly available model that rivals the top AI models when it comes to state-of-the-art capabilities in general knowledge, steerability, math, tool use, and multilingual translation.B) According to the company, the model has already surpassed the performance level of the latest model of ChatGPT.C) Llama models were always intended to work as part of an overall system that can orchestrate several components, including calling external tools.

INS Triput

The first indigenously built Talwar class frigate “Triput” was recently launched by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL). It is a 124 m long ship propelled by four gas turbines and it consists of an Integrated Platform and Bridge Management System. The frigate is armed with Russian made Klub-N anti-ship missiles or Brahmos Supersonic cruise missiles.

Key Points:

A) The contract for building two Triput class Advance Frigates was signed between the Ministry of Defence and Goa Shipyard Limited on 25 Jan 19.B) The ship is designed for combat operations against enemy surface ships, submarines and air crafts.C) The Triput class ships are 124.8 m long and 15.2 m wide, with a draught of 4.5 m. 

Death Valley Ultramarathon

A 48 hour annual ultramarathon billed as the world’s toughest foot race -the Badwater 135 was recently launched. Death valley is a desert valley located in the Southeastern part of California, USA. 97 Runners including men and women ranging in age between 19-69 participated in the race. The participants were from 21 countries and 26 US states. 

Key Points:

A) The race, which started in 1987, is always held in mid-July, when temperatures are highest in Death Valley National Park.B) The park saw record temperatures this month, with nine consecutive days of 125 degrees Fahrenheit (51.6 degrees Celsius) or higher.

State of the World’s Forests 2024 Report

The Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the UN recently released the State of World’s Forests 2024 report. The world comprises 4.1 billion hectares which is 31% of land. The top 4 countries with 54% of the world’s Forest Area are the USA, Canada, Russia and China. 

Key Points:

A) The report, titled The State of the World’s Forests, provides a comprehensive analysis of forest conditions and trends.B) It highlighted a decline in deforestation rates compared to previous decades, with several countries showing significant improvements.C) However, the data also reveals a disturbing picture of the challenges forests face due to climate change. 

Nita Ambani re-elected as International Olympic Committee member

The founder of Reliance Foundation Shrimati Nita Ambani was unanimously re-elected as an International Olympic Committee member. The announcement was made at the 142nd session. She was first appointed to join the prestigious body in 2016 at Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.

Key Points:

A) Nita Ambani was first appointed to join the prestigious body in 2016, at the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games.B) Since then, as India’s first woman to join the IOC, Nita Ambani has already made great strives for the association, whilst also championing India’s sporting ambitions and Olympic vision.C) As part of a long-term partnership with the Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Reliance Foundation is opening the first-ever India House at the Paris Olympics 2024 this summer. 

Second phase of key ballistic Missile defence system tested

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight tested the second phase of India’s Ballistic missile defence system off the Odisha coast. The target Missile was launched from LC-IV Dharma. India is getting better at protecting itself against ballistic missiles with lengths upto 5000 kilometres. 

Key Points:

A) India conducted a successful test of its ballistic missile from LC-IV Dhamra. The missile was designed to mimic adversary ballistic missiles and was detected by radars on land and sea.B) The missile tested, known as the AD Endo-atmospheric missile, is a two-stage solid-propelled ground-launched system. It is designed to neutralize various types of enemy ballistic missile threats within the endo to low exo-atmospheric regions.C) The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has integrated state-of-the-art indigenous technologies into the missile system.
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