Published on: May 24, 2024

Snippets : 23-24 MAY 2024

Snippets : 23-24 MAY 2024

  • Norway, Ireland and Spain announced that they will recognise a Palestinian state
  • The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and Fujitsu Limited are set to bring together researchers with diverse theoretical and systems backgrounds in the field of data science
  • Sixteen-year-old Kaamya Karthikeyan from Mumbai became the youngest Indian and the second-youngest girl to summit Mt Everest
  • Ademola Lookman scored a stunning hat-trick as Atalanta ended Bayer Leverkusen’s 51-match unbeaten run to win the Europa football League final 3-0  and claim their first trophy for 61 years
  • The International Cricket Council has launched an all new anthem and music piece, composed by Grammy-award winning composer Lorne Balfe, to be played across ICC world events. The anthem, encapsulating the dynamic spirit of the sport across its different formats, will debut in the opening match of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup between USA and Canada in Dallas, Texas
  • Fifteen-year-old Preetismita Bhoi became the first weightlifter of India from the country to win a title with a clean and jerk World record and led an unprecedented Indian 1-2 finish in the women’s 40kg in the World youth championships in Lima (Peru)
  • The recently published report, “Global Land Outlook Thematic Report on Rangelands and Pastoralists” by the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification highlighted that rangelands are facing a ‘silent demise’. The rangelands are category of Earth’s land cover consists mostly of the natural grasslands used by livestock and wild animals to graze and forage. The vegetation of ranges may include tallgrass prairies, steppes (shortgrass prairies), desert shrublands, shrub woodlands, savannas, chaparrals and tundras. Rangelands are the “Wild Open Spaces” that cover about half of the earth’s land surface and half of western North America
  • The Karnataka Health Department has issued strict measures under the state PCPNDT Act to prevent illegal sex determination, prompted by a recent female foeticide racket. The circular mandates pregnant women to enter ultrasound rooms alone, prohibits attenders, and directs scanning centres to display no-entry boards. This action aims to enforce the PCPNDT Act, address concerns of gender-based violations, and ensure compliance with legal provisions.
  • A report on Bengaluru Urban’s lake areas highlights extensive planting of invasive species, leading to increased forest cover (49-57%) but also causing challenges such as invasive species problems, transition to woodlands, and riparian buffer zone issues. Regional analysis shows tree and shrub cover ranging from 35% to 57% in different districts.
  • The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) is now open to new members and observers, enhancing its legal status and diplomatic dialogue capabilities. Established in 1997, BIMSTEC comprises seven member states, focusing on trade, technology, energy, and regional connectivity. Its significance lies in representing a significant portion of the world’s population and economy, while also serving strategic and diplomatic interests, particularly for India in countering Chinese influence and promoting regional peace and cooperation.
  • India’s global ranking in the World Economic Forum’s Travel & Tourism Development Index 2024 has surged to 39th, highest in South Asia, a significant jump from 54th in 2021. Reasons include rich cultural heritage, investments in tourism infrastructure, sustainability efforts, and growing appeal. Strengths lie in price competitiveness, air transport, and infrastructure, but challenges include inflation, supply issues, price competition, and air transport recovery post-COVID-19.