Published on: October 11, 2024
Snippets : 10-11 OCTBER 2024
Snippets : 10-11 OCTBER 2024
- Bengaluru’s traffic management is poised for a significant upgrade with the integration of AI technology at traffic signals, aiming to reduce travel time and enhance traffic flow. The Bengaluru Adaptive Traffic Control System (BATCS) utilizes camera sensors and adaptive signals to dynamically adjust timings based on real-time traffic conditions. Already implemented at 60 key junctions, the system operates automatically 90% of the time, with plans to expand to 165 junctions by January 2025 and 250 signals by March 2025. Notably, a 33% reduction in vehicle travel time was achieved at Hudson Circle after installing new traffic signals. The long-term vision is to achieve fully automated signalling across all junctions, enhancing efficiency during peak hours.
- The Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers (GRSE) Ltd recently delivered INS Nirdeshak to the Indian Navy, marking the second in a series of four Survey Vessels (Large). With a displacement of around 3400 tons and a length of 110 meters, the vessel is capable of speeds exceeding 18 knots. Powered by two marine diesel engines and fixed-pitch propellers, it is built using Integrated Construction technology in compliance with Classification Society (IRS) standards. INS Nirdeshak is equipped with advanced hydrographic systems including autonomous underwater vehicles, digital side scan sonar, and DGPS positioning systems. Impressively, over 80% of its content is indigenous, reinforcing India’s push for self-reliance in defense manufacturing.
- The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), located at the historic site of Lothal, Gujarat, part of the Indus Valley Civilization, has been approved for development by the Cabinet. Spearheaded by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, the NMHC aims to showcase India’s rich maritime heritage from ancient times to modern-day advancements, utilizing edutainment elements and advanced technologies. It is poised to become the world’s largest maritime museum complex, designed as an international tourist destination and part of the Sagarmala Programme. The complex will include unique features such as a Lothal Mini Recreation, theme parks, and a Coastal States Pavilion highlighting maritime history across India. Lothal itself is a significant site, believed to have been a trade center around 2200 BC, with evidence of ancient maritime activity. It is also nominated for UNESCO World Heritage Site status, emphasizing its historical importance.
- The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John M Jumper for their groundbreaking work in protein design and protein structure prediction, integrating biological sciences with artificial intelligence. Proteins, essential for biological processes like oxygen transport and glucose absorption, are key to understanding human health at the molecular level. Hassabis and Jumper’s work with DeepMind’s AlphaFold model revolutionized protein structure prediction, while Baker’s Rosetta software enabled the design of new proteins with tailored functions. Their contributions are pivotal for advancing pharmaceuticals, vaccine development, and environmental sustainability.
- Han Kang, a South Korean author, won the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature for her intense poetic prose that explores historical traumas and the fragility of human life. Her work is known for its physical empathy and metaphorical style. Kang began her career in 1993, publishing poems in Literature and Society, and debuted in prose with Love of Yeosu (1995). Her internationally recognized novel, The Vegetarian (2007), tells the story of a woman who defies societal norms by refusing to eat meat, sparking violent reactions. Born in Gwangju in 1970, Kang grew up in a literary family and has a deep interest in art and music, which influences her writing. She is the first South Korean to win this prestigious award, which comes with a prize of 10 million Swedish krona ($915,000).
- The Indian government will continue providing free fortified rice under various welfare schemes until 2028, allocating Rs 17,082 crore. The Union Cabinet approved the extension, maintaining the current format under schemes like Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) from July 2024 to December 2028. Fortified rice will contain added micro-nutrients like iron, folic acid, and Vitamin B12 to combat anaemia and malnutrition, benefiting 65% of India’s population who consume rice as a staple.
- The Opening Ceremony of MALABAR 2024 under the aegis of Eastern Naval Command was held onboard Indian Naval Ship Satpura at Visakhapatnam on 09 Oct 24. The 28th edition of the multi-national maritime exercise that commenced on 08 Oct 24, would extend till 18 Oct 24. MALABAR, which was initiated in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the US, gained further traction as a significant maritime engagement, with Japan and Australia joining in subsequently.
- A group of researchers recently discovered a new species of damselfly, Agasthyamalai Bambootail, from Manjadininnavila in Thiruvananthapuram district, Kerala.
- The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is launching an AI-powered system to monitor and address municipal and infrastructure issues across Bengaluru, utilizing smart devices installed on 250 vehicles to collect data on daily ground realities. This three-year initiative, contracted to Nayan Science and Technology Ltd at Rs 1 crore per year, aims to enhance the city’s infrastructure management. Interestingly, the Electronics City Township Authority (ELCITA) has already implemented similar technology to maintain its roads, showcasing its effectiveness. However, some citizen groups have raised concerns about the initiative’s impact.
