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Current Affairs – 28 May 2024

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Current Affairs – 28 May 2024

INS Kiltan

Indian Naval Ship Kiltan arrived at Muara, Brunei and was accorded a warm welcome by the Royal Brunei Navy.

About INS Kiltan:

  • It is an indigenously-built anti-submarine warfare stealth corvette.
  • This is the third of the four Kamorta-class corvettes being built under Project 28.
  • The ship derives its name from one of the islands in Aminidivi group of the strategically located Lakshadweep and Minicoy group of islands.
  • Designed by the Indian Navy’s in-house organisation Directorate of Naval Design and built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) in Kolkata.
  • Features
    • It is India’s first major warship to have a superstructure of carbon fibre composite material resulting in improved stealth features, lower top weight and maintenance costs.
    • The ship hosts a predominantly indigenous cutting-edge weapons and sensors suite which includes heavyweight torpedoes, ASW rockets, 76 mm caliber Medium Range gun and two multi-barrel 30 mm guns as close-in-weapon system (CIWS) with dedicated fire control systems, missile decoy rockets (Chaff), advanced ESM (Electronic Support Measure) system, most advanced bow mounted sonar and air surveillance radar.

Astronomical transients

Recently, the Indian-American astronomer Shrinivas Kulkarni was awarded the Shaw Prize for Astronomy in 2024 for his work on the physics of astronomical transients.

  • In astronomy, a ‘transient’ is any celestial object whose brightness changes in short spans of time.
  • All astronomical transients are united by phenomena that are violent to some degree.
  • Astronomers study transients to understand the origins of their violence and what it reveals about non-transient events.

Examples of astronomical transients:

  • Supernovae:
    • Occur when the outer layers of large stars explode while their cores implode due to the exhaustion of fusible elements.
    • Many supernovae become so bright that they emit more light than all the stars in their host galaxy combined.
  • Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN):
    • The centres of massive galaxies host supermassive black holes.
    • Sometimes, these black holes actively consume matter in their orbit.
    • Interactions between the black holes and the matter cause the latter to acquire energy and glow with changing brightness.
  • Fast Radio Burst (FRB):
    • Discovered in 2007.
    • Can emit more than 10 times as much energy as the Sun in a few milliseconds.

Oedocladium sahyadricum

A group of phycologists from the Department of Botany at Catholicate College in Pathanamthitta has discovered a new algal species in the Western Ghats.

  • Oedocladium sahyadricum is a new algal species.
  • Named ‘sahyadricum’ in reference to the Western Ghats (Sahyadri), known for its plant diversity and suitable conditions for terrestrial microalgae growth.

Features:

  • Dioecious and terrestrial.
  • Has a superior operculum.
  • Possesses ellipsoid oogonium and oospore.
  • Found as a thin mat of elongated strands on damp soil.
  • Resembles moss protonema.
  • Velvety green in color, turning yellowish-green as it matures.
  • Requires rainy weather for abundant growth.

Significance:

  • First recorded species in the Oedocladium category in Kerala.
  • Potential practical applications in:
    • Medicine
    • Agriculture
    • Production of astaxanthin, a natural pigment known for its unique biological activities and health benefits.
  • Algae play a significant role in ecosystems and have substantial economic importance in the global market, from high-value products to wastewater treatment.

ZiG

Recently, to address its long-standing economic instability, the Reserve Bank of Zimbabwe (RBZ) has launched a new gold-backed currency called the ZiG.

  • The Zimbabwe Gold (ZiG) is a new gold-backed currency launched by Zimbabwe.
  • ZiG has been in circulation since April 5, 2024.
  • It is now the sixth currency used by Zimbabwe.

Key Features of ZiG:

  • Backed by gold reserves, ensuring its value is supported by physical gold held by the government.
  • ZiG notes and coins are issued in denominations of 1ZiG, 2ZiG, 5ZiG, 10ZiG, 20ZiG, 50ZiG, 100ZiG, and 200ZiG.
  • The gold backing aims to provide stability and prevent currency devaluation.

Reasons for Launching a New Currency:

  • Zimbabwe has faced high inflation, with rates surpassing 500% in recent years.
  • The Zimbabwean dollar, introduced in 1980, lost its value due to hyperinflation.
  • Following the collapse of the Zimbabwean dollar in 2009, with hyperinflation peaking at 5 billion percent, the country relied on various currencies, primarily the US dollar, leading to limited control over its economy.
  • Banks in Zimbabwe have been converting the previous national currency, the Zimbabwe dollar, into ZiGs to promote simplicity, certainty, and predictability in monetary and financial matters.

Campi Flegrei

The strongest earthquake to hit Italy’s Campi Flegrei supervolcano region in decades struck recently.

  • Campi Flegrei, known as Phlegrean Fields in English, is an active volcanic area near Naples, Italy.
  • Unlike Mount Vesuvius, Campi Flegrei is a volcanic system with several centres within a caldera.
  • The caldera has a diameter of about 12-15 km (7.5-9.3 miles).
  • Formed 39,000 years ago after a massive eruption emptied it of magma, potentially contributing to the decline of the Neanderthals.
  • One-third of the caldera lies under the Tyrrhenian Sea, between the Italian mainland and Sardinia.
  • It is the largest active caldera in Europe, larger and more active than the cone-shaped Vesuvius.
  • Campi Flegrei has been in a restless state since 1950 due to bradyseism, the gradual movement of Earth’s surface caused by underground magma chamber or hydrothermal activity.
  • Last erupted in 1538, forming Monte Nuovo after about 3000 years of dormancy.
  • Considered a supervolcano, with eruptions that can have worldwide effects.
  • Veteran of 8,000-Meter Peaks:
    • Shrestha’s triple summit on Everest highlights her expertise in challenging peaks.
    • Previously climbed eight other 8,000-meter peaks:
      • K2 (8,611 m)
      • Kanchenjunga (8,586 m)
      • Lhotse (8,516 m)
      • Makalu (8,481 m)
      • Manaslu (8,163 m)
      • Dhaulagiri (8,167 m)
      • Annapurna I (8,091 m)
  • Accolades and Congratulations:
    • Shrestha’s achievement recognized by the mountaineering community.
    • Lakpa Mountaineering extended congratulations to her and the 8K team.
    • Wishes for her safe descent and celebration of her extraordinary accomplishments.
  • Successful Everest Season:
    • More than 570 climbers and guides have reached the summit this season.
    • Kami Rita Sherpa set a record by climbing Everest for the 30th time.
  • Inspiration for Mountaineers and Adventurers:
    • Shrestha’s triple summit serves as an inspiration for aspiring mountaineers and individuals aiming to push their limits.
    • Her determination, resilience, and skill exemplify the human spirit and potential for greatness.
  • Everest Season Milestone:
    • Shrestha’s accomplishments celebrated as a milestone in mountaineering history.
    • Further cements Nepal’s reputation as a nation of extraordinary climbers and adventurers.

GAIL (India) Ltd. Commissions India’s First Green Hydrogen Plant

GAIL (India) Ltd., the nation’s leading natural gas transmission and distribution company, has achieved a significant milestone with the commissioning of its first green hydrogen plant. Located in Vijaipur, Madhya Pradesh, this plant marks GAIL’s foray into the realm of new and alternative energy sources.

  • Governmental Recognition and Support:
    • Inauguration ceremony attended by Pankaj Jain, Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas.
    • Signifies government support and recognition of the pioneering initiative.
  • Plant Specifications and Capacity:
    • Green Hydrogen plant with a capacity to produce 4.3 Tons Per Day (TPD) of hydrogen.
    • Utilizes 10 Megawatt (MW) PEM (Proton Exchange Membrane) Electrolyzer units.
    • Hydrogen production through electrolysis of water powered by renewable energy sources.
  • Initial Applications and Internal Consumption:
    • Hydrogen generated will be used as a fuel alongside natural gas for internal processes and equipment at the existing Vijaipur plant.
  • Renewable Power Integration and Solar Infrastructure:
    • To power the 10 MW PEM Electrolyzer, GAIL is installing approximately 20 MW of solar power plants at Vijaipur.
    • Includes both ground-mounted and floating solar units.
    • GAIL is also accessing renewable power through open access to enhance sustainable energy solutions.
  • Future Collaborative Efforts and Sustainable Solutions:
    • GAIL is conducting collaborative studies with Engineers India Limited and IIT Kanpur.
    • Exploring possibilities of blending hydrogen with natural gas.
    • Highlights GAIL’s commitment to sustainable energy solutions.
  • Significance of the Initiative:
    • By commissioning India’s first green hydrogen plant, GAIL takes a significant step towards renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint.
    • Aligns with the nation’s goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency.
    • Demonstrates GAIL’s commitment to environmental sustainability and innovation.
  • Static GK:
    • GAIL Headquarters: New Delhi.
    • GAIL Founded: 1984.

Charles Leclerc Makes History with Monaco Grand Prix Triumph

Charles Leclerc, the Ferrari driver, has achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Monegasque driver to win the Monaco Grand Prix since Louis Chiron in 1931, ending a drought of 92 years.

  • Chaotic Race Overcomes Hurdles:
    • Leclerc’s victory was his first since the 2022 Austrian Grand Prix.
    • The race was chaotic, with two standing starts and several first-lap collisions.
    • Despite previous struggles, Leclerc started from pole position and controlled the race throughout.
  • Dominant Performance on Narrow Street Circuit:
    • The Monaco circuit is known for its limited overtaking opportunities.
    • Leclerc capitalized on this advantage to maintain his lead.
    • McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished second, 7.1 seconds behind Leclerc.
    • Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz secured third place.