Current Affairs – 24 May 2024 - SAMUNDRAGYAAN EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Current Affairs – 24 May 2024

GSAP SKILLS Platform

Recently, the GSAP SKILLS Platform was launched at the Fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation, Convention on Biological Diversity.

GSAP SKILLS Platform:
- Brings Global Species Action Plan (GSAP) content online.
- Facilitates real-time updates of technical tools and resources.
- Aims to promote global collaboration and partnership.
- Connects decision-makers, species conservation practitioners, and experts at all levels.
- Provides real-time updates on tools and resources, ensuring accessibility and relevance.
- Each Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) target includes:
  - A brief summary.
  - Rationale for species conservation interventions.
  - Actions and sub-actions.
  - Actors involved.
  - Technical tools and resources for those actions.
- Managed by IUCN to meet the needs of governments and stakeholders for species conservation.
- Supported primarily by the Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea.
- Additional support from the Tech4Nature Initiative by IUCN and Huawei (launched in 2020).
Global Species Action Plan (GSAP):
- Developed to support the implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF).
- Addresses increasing biodiversity loss worldwide.
- Outlines strategic interventions and actions for species conservation and sustainable management.
- Ensures equitable benefits from conservation efforts.

Project Udbhav

The Indian Army, under its initiative Project Udbhav, is delving into the epic battles of the Mahabharata and the strategic brilliance of past Indian dynasties, shaping India’s rich military heritage.

Project Udbhav:
- A collaboration between the Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India (USI), a defence services think tank.
- The name ‘Udbhav’ translates to ‘origin’ or ‘genesis’, signifying the deep knowledge in India’s historical texts.
- Aims to combine ancient insights with modern military practices for a comprehensive approach to current security challenges.
- Objective:
  - Bridge the gap between ancient wisdom and contemporary military education.
- Significance:
  - Draws from India’s 5000-year-old civilizational legacy, rich in intellectual texts and manuscripts.
  - Facilitates understanding of ancient systems and their relevance in the modern era.
- Inspirational Literature:
  - Chanakya’s Arthashastra:
    - Emphasizes strategic partnerships, alliances, and diplomacy.
    - Aligns with modern practices like international cooperation and soft power projection.
    - Chanakya’s teachings on statecraft and warfare are studied globally.
  - Thirukkural by Thiruvalluvar:
    - Advocates ethical conduct in all endeavors, including warfare.
    - Aligns with modern military ethics, just war principles, and the Geneva Convention.

Mount Ibu

Recently, Mount Ibu erupted again, sending ash 4 km high, as streaks of purple lightning flashed around its crater.

Mount Ibu:
- An active stratovolcano located along the NW coast of Halmahera Island in Indonesia.
- Part of a series of eruptions by various volcanoes in Indonesia.
- Indonesia is situated on the Pacific “Ring of Fire” and has 127 active volcanoes.
Stratovolcano (Composite Volcano):
- Characteristics:
  - Conical shape formed by layers of volcanic material from successive eruptions.
  - Gentle slopes at the base rising steeply near the summit to form tall mountain peaks.
  - Typically found above subduction zones.
  - Often part of large, volcanically active regions like the Pacific “Ring of Fire.”
  - Built up by layers of lava, ash, and tephra.
  - Alternating layers of pyroclastic material and lava.
- Examples:
  - Nevado del Ruiz Volcano (Andes Mountains, Colombia).
  - Ubinas Volcano (Andes Mountains, Colombia).

Neanderthals

Neanderthals who lived 50,000 years ago were infected with three viruses that still affect modern humans today, researchers have discovered recently.

Neanderthals:
- Extinct relatives of modern humans, once found across Europe and into Central and Southwest Asia.
- Species: Homo neanderthalensis
- Closest Extinct Relative:
  - Separated from modern human lineages at least 500,000 years ago.
  - Last populations died out roughly 40,000 years ago, after modern humans migrated deeper into Europe.
- Genetics:
  - Neanderthal genes are still present in modern human DNA.
- Physical Features:
  - Skull: Large middle part of the face, angled cheekbones, and a large nose for humidifying and warming cold, dry air.
  - Body: Shorter and stockier than modern humans, adapted to cold environments.
  - Brain: As large as, or often larger than, modern humans, proportional to their robust bodies.
  - Strong and muscular, with frequent injuries indicating hard lives.
  - Lacked a prominent chin.
- Behavior and Culture:
  - Made and used sophisticated tools.
  - Controlled fire, lived in shelters, and made and wore clothing.
  - Skilled hunters of large animals, also ate plant foods.
  - Created symbolic or ornamental objects.
  - Deliberately buried their dead, sometimes marking graves with offerings such as flowers.
  - Practiced sophisticated and symbolic behaviors not seen in other primates or earlier human species.

ASMPA Missile

France has marked a significant milestone in its defence capabilities by successfully testing the updated ASMPA supersonic missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

ASMPA Missile:
- Name: Air-Sol Medium Range (ASMP/ASMP-A)
- Type: Air-launched land-attack supersonic cruise missile
- Payload: Nuclear
- Role: Central component of France’s nuclear deterrent
Versions:
- ASMP-A:
  - Entered French service in 2009.
  - Extended range of up to 500 km.
  - Supports a 300 kt thermonuclear warhead.
- ASMPA-R:
  - Renovated version of the ASMP-A.
  - Intended to add additional range and support further advancements in its warhead.
Features:
- Guidance:
  - Inertial-guided.
  - Directed by terrain-mapping and a pre-programmed onboard computer.
- Motor Assembly:
  - Solid-propellant engine fires after release from the aircraft.
  - Accelerates to Mach 2.0 in five seconds.
  - Booster cartridge ejected from the ramjet exhaust nozzle.
  - Liquid (kerosene)-powered ramjet motor takes over.
  - Accelerates to a maximum speed of Mach 3.0, depending on altitude.

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport Leads Nation with Zero Waste to Landfill Accolade

Thiruvananthapuram International Airport has made history as the first airport in India to achieve the prestigious recognition of zero waste to landfill (ZWL). This commendation comes from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII-ITC) Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development, confirming the airport’s commitment to environmentally responsible practices.

Achievement: Thiruvananthapuram International Airport is the first in India to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill (ZWL).
Recognition: Awarded by the CII-ITC Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Development.
Waste Diversion: Successfully diverted 99.50% of waste from landfills.
Strategies: Implemented cutting-edge waste management practices.
Commitment: Demonstrates strong commitment to sustainable development.
Leadership: Sets a precedent for other airports and organizations in India.

Australia to Host AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed Australia as the hosts for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. The continental football governing body made this announcement after the AFC Executive Committee ratified the recommendations of the AFC Women’s Football Committee at its meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.

Host Nation: Uzbekistan selected to host AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2029, first Central Asian country to do so.
Bidding Process: Australia won hosting rights for 2026, beating bids from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Uzbekistan.
Australia’s Record: Hosted Women’s Asian Cup in 2006, co-hosted FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023.
Tournament Format 2026: 12 teams, grouped into three, matches across New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia.
Previous Winners: China won 2022 edition hosted by India; Australia’s Matildas won in 2010, runners-up in 2006, 2014, and 2018.

Jenny Erpenbeck’s ‘Kairos’ Wins International Booker Prize

German author Jenny Erpenbeck and translator Michael Hofmann have won the prestigious International Booker Prize for their novel “Kairos.” The book, which tells the story of a tangled love affair during the final years of East Germany’s existence, beat out five other finalists from a pool of 149 submitted novels.

International Booker Prize: Recognizes translated fiction published in the UK/Ireland, £50,000 prize split between author and translator.
Winning Novel: “Kairos” by Erpenbeck set in GDR’s final days, explores personal and national transformations.
Judging Panel: Eleanor Wachtel praises novel’s rich texture and translator David Hofmann’s capture of its eloquence.
Translator’s Perspective: Hofmann describes his translation as blending Erpenbeck’s order with his chaos.
Purpose of the Prize: Boosts global fiction’s visibility, honors literary translators often overlooked.
Impact: Shines light on East German history and experiences during the GDR’s collapse, reflecting on societal optimism and disillusionment.