Published on: June 21, 2024
Snippets : 21 JUNE 2024
Snippets : 21 JUNE 2024
- In a move to adapt to evolving technology, Bescom is revving up Bengaluru’s EV infrastructure by setting up the city’s first 20 battery-swapping stations.
- Dr S Tripathy, professor, Department of Geology and Geophysics at Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, has been appointed as the first director of University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE), Bengaluru.
- Former Indian pacer David Johnson dead
- K-RIDE’s project review mission, aimed at facilitating a loan for the Bengaluru Suburban Rail Project (BSRP), was conducted from June 18 to 20. The mission was held in collaboration with KfW Development Bank, Germany, and the European Investment Bank (EIB)
- Bhartruhari Mahtab appointed pro temSpeaker of Lok Sabha
- A limbless amphibian has been added to the fauna in the 1,307.49 sq. km Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve. Assam’s wildlife officials said a team of herpetologists recorded the striped caecilian (Ichthyophis spp) in the tiger reserve for the first time during a rapid herpetofauna survey conducted from June 14-17. Reptiles and amphibians, collectively called herpetofauna, are the least studied but most vulnerable to climate change
- Researchers have discovered a new genus of the Gomphonemoid diatom found in the clean water river of the Eastern Ghats. The genus which has an interesting suite of features, distinguishing it from the other members in the group Gomphonemoid in terms of valve symmetry and other certain valve features, has been named Indiconema to value its restricted distribution in the country. The research underlines the importance of diatoms in shaping the biodiversity of India’s diverse landscapes.
- The Karnataka administration is exploring “value capture” models to mobilize resources from land assets, considering monetizing 25,000 acres near Bengaluru, focusing on equitable economic growth, and developing idle lands for continuous revenue. They are studying Value Capture Financing (VCF) methods from other states, unlocking private land value through infrastructure development, and exploring non-tax revenue sectors like mining and advertisements.
- The Karnataka cabinet approved the establishment of DCRE Police Stations to protect the civil rights of SCs and STs. The Directorate of Civil Rights Enforcement (DCRE) was initially established in 1974. The new developments include designating 33 DCRE units as DCRE police stations and recruiting 450 personnel. Each district will have one DCRE police station, with two in Bengaluru, led by a DySP/ACP. The objectives are to ensure timely and quality investigations for atrocity cases and improve coordination between the Home and Social Welfare departments. The historical context includes the enactment of the SCs and STs (Prevention of Atrocities) Act in 1989, with previous challenges of delays in investigations, witness issues, and low conviction rates. The expected improvements focus on specialized investigation efforts and improving conviction rates for justice delivery.
- The government has issued draft guidelines to regulate unsolicited business messages and calls, defining business communication and its scope while emphasizing compliance with recipient consent and Trai rules. The guidelines aim to curb unauthorized conditions, improve effectiveness of the DND registry, and protect consumer rights against invasive marketing.
- The Indian Railways conducted a successful trial run of an eight-coach MEMU train on the electrified line section between Sangaldan and Reasi, covering a distance of 46 km. The iconic Chenab Bridge, with a length of 1,315 meters, an arch span of 467 meters, and a height of 359 meters above the river bed, was a key highlight. This trial paves the way for future rail services from Reasi to Baramulla as part of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link project, marking a significant milestone in India’s railway infrastructure development.
- Researchers at IISc developed a device converting short infrared light to visible light, vital in defence and communications. Utilizing a 2D material and non-linear optical mirror stack, it efficiently up-converts light with wide-field imaging. Advantages include compactness, efficiency over traditional methods, and potential for broader applications. The device mixes input signals using nonlinear optical properties, converting 1,550 nm to visible light at 622 nm. Future plans include extending capabilities to longer wavelengths and enhancing efficiency. The impact spans across defence, telecommunications, and imaging sectors, offering a revolution in infrared imaging.
- India and Sri Lanka inaugurated the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) in Colombo, funded by a $6 million grant from India and built by Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL). The MRCC’s strategic importance lies in enhancing India’s regional power projection and addressing security concerns, especially regarding the Hambantota port. It aims to foster cooperation in various sectors and play a crucial operational role in coordinating maritime operations in Sri Lanka’s vast Search and Rescue Region.
- The Energy Transition Index (ETI), published by the World Economic Forum, monitors global energy transition focusing on sustainability, security, access, and institutions. In ETI-2024, European countries lead, while India ranks 63rd. Despite progress in energy transition, challenges like slow pace and balancing sustainability persist. India’s clean energy infrastructure, with 42% renewables, is lauded.
