Published on: April 25, 2024
Snippets : 25 APRIL 2024
Snippets : 25 APRIL 2024
- Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL) has been conferred with the ‘Outstanding Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) of the Year’ award at the All-India Management Association Managing India Awards ceremony
- Researchers at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have successfully achieved captive breeding of golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus), a high-value marine fish also known as golden kingfish. This reef-associated species, often found in the company of larger fishes like skates, sharks, and groupers, has become an ideal candidate for mariculture due to its rapid growth rates, excellent meat quality, and substantial market demand for both consumption and ornamental purposes. Observations from fish landing data in India indicate that golden trevally are predominantly landed at reef area fishing grounds in Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka, and Gujarat
- Article 244(A) of the Indian Constitution, introduced via the Constitution (Twenty-second Amendment) Act, 1969, empowers Parliament to establish an autonomous state within Assam. This autonomous entity, covering specific tribal areas such as Karbi Anglong, would have its own Legislature and Council of Ministers, surpassing the decentralization measures outlined in the Sixth Schedule. While autonomous councils under the Sixth Schedule provide some governance, they have limited legislative, law enforcement, and financial powers. Article 244(A) seeks to bolster the autonomy and self-governance of these tribal regions within the constitutional framework.
- Bengaluru marked its first Zero Shadow Day (ZSD) of the year on April 24, celebrating a phenomenon where the sun’s position causes vertical object shadows to vanish. ZSD occurs when the sun is directly overhead, a result of Earth’s 23.5-degree tilt, influencing seasonal changes and the sun’s path. ZSD in Bengaluru, Mangaluru, and Chennai happened at local noon (12.17 pm) due to their shared latitude, showcasing this unique astronomical event. The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) explained ZSD’s scientific basis, collaborating with the Aryabhat Foundation to study shadow lengths during the event
- India successfully tested the air-launched medium-range ballistic missile ROCKS (also known as Crystal Maze 2), originating from Israel and launched from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. ROCKS boasts a strike range of over 250 km, categorizing it as a medium-range ballistic missile designed to target long-range radar and air defense systems, thus bolstering India’s defensive capabilities. The missile offers versatile warhead options, including penetration or blast fragmentation warheads, enabling it to effectively neutralize various types of targets, including heavily protected underground installations. ROCKS’ capability to target surface-to-air defense systems provides a strategic advantage by neutralizing enemy defenses before engaging in aerial or ground operations, enhancing India’s overall military preparedness.
- The World Meteorological Organisation’s 2023 report on Asia’s climate highlighted floods, storms, and glacial loss affecting millions, with temperatures rising faster than before, varied precipitation patterns, and record-high sea surface temperatures in certain areas.
