Published on: May 21, 2024
Snippets : 21 MAY 2024
Snippets : 21 MAY 2024
- Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian were confirmed dead on Monday after search and rescue teams found their crashed helicopter in a fog-shrouded mountain region, sparking mourning in the Islamic Republic
- Researchers at IISc developed a flood forecasting model for Bengaluru to mitigate monsoon flooding. The model includes a Digital Twin, Hydrologic Models, and a Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) Model. It combines data from BBMP and BDA to assess flood probability at the ward level. The model aids in understanding on-ground situations post-rainfall and explores future scenarios. Challenges include encroachments, blocked drains, and solid waste dumping affecting lake interconnectedness. Collaboration with KSNDMC for regular rainfall and flood forecasts is underway. AquaMap proposal submitted through IIT Madras to BBMP for further flood management. The model aims to improve Bengaluru’s resilience against monsoon flooding.
- ATCM 46 in Kochi demonstrates India’s commitment to Antarctic cooperation and environmental responsibility. The treaty, signed in 1959, has 56 Parties with India as a Consultative Party since 1983. The agenda includes sustainable management, research collaboration, and tourism regulations amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict and concerns about Russia’s surveys in Antarctica
- The Supreme Court ruled against mining within a one-kilometer radius of a critical tiger habitat near Sariska Tiger Reserve, directing the Rajasthan government to enforce this prohibition. This decision is part of the TN Godavarman case and addresses violations of previous orders. The Rajasthan government clarified that the mining ban applies to eco-sensitive zones but not tiger reserves.
- The Supreme Court ruled that mining near Sariska Tiger Reserve violated its previous orders, directing the Rajasthan government to stop mining activities within a one-kilometer radius. This case is part of a long-standing legal battle dating back to 1995. The Rajasthan government clarified the scope of the mining prohibition, noting it applies to eco-sensitive zones but not specifically to tiger reserves.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its Bacterial Pathogens Priority List (BPPL), categorizing antibiotic-resistant bacteria into Critical, High, and Medium Priority groups. Critical Priority pathogens pose major global threats due to high burden, resistance to last resort antibiotics, and the potential to spread resistance. High Priority pathogens have a significant burden in low- and middle-income countries and present challenges in healthcare settings. Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when pathogens no longer respond to medicines due to misuse and overuse, leading to increased sickness and higher disease spread risk. Other High Priority pathogens include those with persistent infections and resistance to multiple antibiotics.
- Google announced Project Astra at Google I/O, a real-time, multimodal AI assistant aimed to see, understand, and interact with the world in meaningful ways. It’s akin to a universal assistant envisioned by Google, capable of constant assistance in everyday life. During the demo, Astra showcased its abilities like identifying objects, answering questions, and assisting with tasks using visual and auditory inputs.
