Daily News Analysis : 30 July 2024

Tell Umm Amer Heritage Site included in UNESCO World Heritage List

The World Heritage Committee included Tell Umm Amer, also known as the Monastery of Saint Hilarion, in both the UNESCO World Heritage List and the List of World Heritage in Danger during its 46th session in New Delhi. Located in the Gaza Strip, it remains affected by Israel’s relentless assault. 

Key Points:

A) This was announced during the ongoing 46th session of the World Heritage Committee at New Delhi.B) This decision recognizes both the site’s value and the need to protect it from danger.C) Amid the ongoing Gaza conflict, the Palestinian heritage site of Saint Hilarion Monastery/Tell Umm Amer received the UNESCO tag on July 26 and was simultaneously put on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Rajbhasha Gaurav Samman Award for 2023-24

For the year 2023-24, the ‘Rajbhasha Gaurav Samman’ was awarded to Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) in Visakhapatnam by the Town Official Language Implementation Committee (TOLIC) at an event organised by NTPC. This award recognized their outstanding efforts in promoting Hindi as the official language, highlighting their commitment to language excellence. 

Key Points:

A) In each of the “3” categories, three offices were awarded first, second and third place awards, as well as recognition awards for their performance.B) In category I, HPCL-Visakha Refinery, NTPC Simhadri and Airports Authority of India bagged the first, second and third prizes respectively while in category II, GAIL, HPCL-Visakha Regional Office, SAIL – Branch Transportation and Forwarding Office and FCI Regional Office and in category III, MSTC, HPCL LPG and ECGC (Export Credit Guarantee Corporation of India) bagged the first, second and third prizes respectively.

SearchGPT

OpenAI has launched SearchGPT, its new search engine, aiming to compete in Google’s dominant search market. Leveraging advanced language models, SearchGPT promises enhanced query understanding and contextually relevant results, positioning itself as a significant player in the evolving search landscape.

Key Points:

A) OpenAI has opened sign-ups for the new tool, which is currently in the prototype stage and is being tested with a small group of users and publishers.B) The company plans to integrate the best features from the search tool into ChatGPT in the future.C) AI-powered search tools from OpenAI and Perplexity re-affirm search as a content engagement model but pressure Google to be better at its own game.

World’s first death from Oropouche Virus

The Oropouche virus, first detected in 1955, is transmitted by midges and mosquitoes and causes symptoms similar to dengue, such as fever, joint pain, and rash. Recent fatal cases in Brazil highlight the urgent need for enhanced surveillance and research. Effective public health responses may include vector control, public awareness, and potential vaccine development. 

Key Points:

A) Two women under the age of 30 from the Brazilian state of Bahia are the first known deaths from the virus, Brazil’s health ministry said.B) They showed symptoms similar to dengue, another mosquito-borne virus which is often confused with Oropouche.C) The virus was first detected in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955.

Technology Security Initiative launched by UK-India

The Technology Security Initiative (TSI), launched by the Prime Ministers of India and the United Kingdom, aims to bolster the strategic partnership between the two nations. Building on the India-UK Roadmap 2030, the TSI focuses on critical and emerging technologies (CET) in key sectors. It seeks to enhance existing collaborations, expand current mechanisms, and create new channels for cooperation in technology and national security. 

Key Points:

A) The Technology Security Initiative (TSI) is a collaborative effort launched by the Prime Ministers of India and the United Kingdom to enhance the strategic partnership between the two nations.B) Recognizing the pivotal role of technology in national security and economic development, the TSI builds upon the India-UK Roadmap 2030 and focuses on collaboration in critical and emerging technologies (CET) across priority sectors. 

CITES eases export of Agarwood from India

India has successfully prevented the inclusion of Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) in the CITES Review of Significant Trade (RST). Additionally, CITES has announced a new export quota for this valuable resinous wood and oil from India, starting April 2024. This development will benefit numerous farmers in Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura, where agarwood is cultivated. 

Key Points:

A) The CITES also notified a new export quota of highly valuable and aromatic resinous wood and oil of Aquilaria malaccensis (agarwood) from India from April 2024.B) Since agarwood is cultivated in different parts of India, especially in the northeast, the development is going to benefit lakhs of farmers in certain districts of Assam, Manipur, Nagaland, and Tripura.C) Aquilaria malaccensis was listed in Appendix II of CITES for the first time in 1995 based on India’s proposal at CoP9 in 1994. 

Scientists create Livermorium

In a groundbreaking effort to discover the heaviest element on Earth, scientists at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory have successfully produced two atoms of element 116, known as Livermorium. Using a titanium particle beam, the researchers aimed to pave the way towards the identification of element 120, or Unbinilium, which remains an unconfirmed element in the periodic table. This achievement marks a significant step in the quest to explore the limits of the periodic table and the properties of superheavy elements. 

Key Points:

A) Berkeley Lab researchers completed 116 processes using titanium 50, laying the foundation for the synthesis of 120 products.B) This achievement is a major step forward in understanding superheavy elements and their potential stability.

JUICE probe set to close encounter with Earth

The European Space Agency’s Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) will fly past Earth on August 20, 2024, coming within 4,200 miles (6,800 kilometres) of our planet. Launched in April 2023, JUICE is Europe’s inaugural mission to Jupiter, set to explore the gas giant and its major moons.

Key Points:

A) At present, the spacecraft is situated 10 kilometres away from Earth.B) By harnessing the gravitational forces of both the Moon and Earth, the fuel will be conserved for a lengthy voyage to the gas giant, resulting in a mission duration of approximately 8 years.C) The mission is to study three moons that are of particular interest to scientists because they believe there is a lot of liquid beneath their ice that could lead to alien life.

Periyar Tiger Reserve instals Wind Turbine

Periyar Tiger Reserve has installed a wind turbine within its forests to generate power. This renewable energy source will support the reserve’s operations, including the functioning of real-time monitoring cameras and Wi-Fi connectivity. The turbine represents a significant step towards sustainable energy use in conservation efforts, enhancing both surveillance and communication within the reserve while reducing reliance on traditional power sources. 

Key Points:

A) Periyar Tiger Reserve (PTR) in Thekkady has installed a wind turbine to generate power for real-time monitoring cameras and Wi-Fi connectivity within its forests.B) The PTR East Division comprises 17 forest sections where mobile network connectivity is currently unavailable.C) Until now, these sections have relied on solar power for wireless communication and for operations at the forest section offices. However, the foggy climate and heavy rain often impede efficiency of these solar panels.

India to host 2025 Asia Cup in T20 format

India will host the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup in T20 format, and Bangladesh will stage the 2027 edition in the 50-over format. The 2023 Asia Cup, held by Pakistan and Sri Lanka, was also a 50-over tournament, with India emerging victorious. Future venue details are subject to the Asian Cricket Council’s Invitation for Expressions of Interest (IEOI) for sponsorship from 2024 to 2027.

Key Points:

A) While the dates are yet to be finalised, sources have indicated that it could be held sometime in September, once the monsoon season is over in the country.B) As per International Cricket Council’s (ICC) Future Tours Program (FTP) 2023-27, India has a packed calendar next year, as it will have a limited overs series against England in January-February, followed by the Champions Trophy in February-March.C) While there will be no men’s Asian tournament in 2026, the Women’s Asia Cup will be played that year in a T20 format, followed by the men’s U-19 and Emerging Teams Asia Cup tournament.

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