Current Affairs – 13 May 2024 - SAMUNDRAGYAAN EDUCATION FOUNDATION

Current Affairs – 13 May 2024

Kamikaze drone

In the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Russia’s utilization of the Lancet Kamikaze drone, which incorporates American AI technology, highlights complex global supply chain issues.

Lancet-3 drone is a type of loitering munition, meaning it is designed to hover or loiter around a target area until a target is detected and engaged.
It integrates the Jetson TX2, which is described by Nvidia as the most power-efficient embedded AI computing device. This suggests that the Lancet-3 drone likely incorporates advanced artificial intelligence capabilities for target identification and engagement.
Like kamikaze drones, loitering munitions such as the Lancet-3 can be used for precision strikes against enemy targets.
The use of advanced AI technology allows the Lancet-3 to potentially autonomously identify and engage targets, reducing the need for constant human control or intervention.
The inclusion of AI computing in the Lancet-3 likely enhances its ability to navigate complex environments and adapt to changing battlefield conditions.

Mammoth carbon capture Plant

Recently, the world’s largest facility designed to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere started operations in Iceland.

Direct air capture (DAC) is a process that involves extracting carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere at any location.
Unlike traditional carbon capture methods, which capture CO2 emissions at the point of release, such as from industrial facilities or power plants, DAC can be deployed virtually anywhere.
DAC technology typically involves large structures or facilities equipped with specialized filters or sorbents that selectively capture CO2 from the air.
Once captured, the CO2 can be stored underground in deep geological formations, where it is permanently sequestered.
Alternatively, the captured CO2 can be utilized for various applications, such as in carbon-neutral fuel production, greenhouse agriculture, or industrial processes.
Direct air capture is considered a promising technology for mitigating climate change by removing CO2 directly from the atmosphere, thereby reducing its concentration and mitigating its impact on global warming.

Indian Ocean basin-wide (IOBW) Index

According to a study, Indian Ocean basin-wide (IOBW) index exhibits a close association with dengue outbreaks in both the Northern and Southern hemispheres.

Indian Ocean basin-wide (IOBW) Index:

Represents average sea-surface temperature variations across the tropical Indian Ocean.
Key indicator for predicting magnitude and timing of dengue epidemics.
Stronger association with Southern Hemisphere compared to Northern Hemisphere.
More pronounced impact on temperatures in tropical regions.
Positive index correlates with higher dengue incidence; negative index correlates with lower incidence.
Influence on regional temperatures through teleconnections, transferring heat and moisture across vast distances.

Key facts about Dengue:

Caused by the dengue virus (DENV), transmitted by infected female mosquitoes, primarily Aedes aegypti.
Severe form (dengue hemorrhagic fever) can cause serious bleeding, sudden drop in blood pressure, and death.
Common in tropical and subtropical climates.
Symptoms include high fever, headache, body aches, nausea, and rash.

Pench Tiger Reserve

A leopard cat has been spotted in Maharashtra’s Pench Tiger Reserve for the first time, a senior forest official said recently.

Leopard Cat:

Forest-dwelling cat species noted for leopard-like coloring.
Widely distributed across Asia, from Russian Far East to Indonesia.
Prefers forested habitats, found in tropical evergreen rainforests and plantations.
Solitary, nocturnal carnivores with varying sizes and appearances.
IUCN Red List status: Least Concern.

Pench Tiger Reserve:

Location: Southern Satpura hills, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
Named after Pench River, featured in Rudyard Kipling’s “The Jungle Book”.
Vegetation: Diverse, ranging from moist valleys to dry deciduous forests.
Flora: Includes teak, saag, mahua, grasses, and shrubs.
Fauna: Home to Chital, Sambar, Gaur, wild boar, tigers, leopards, wild dogs, wolves.
Rich birdlife with over 325 species, including Malabar Pied Hornbill, Indian Pitta, Osprey.

Zero-Day Vulnerability (ZDV)

Google Chrome has been hit with another zero-day vulnerability, which has set the alarm bells ringing among users and cyber experts.

Zero-Day Vulnerability (ZDV):

System or software flaw unknown to vendor, no patch available upon discovery.
Zero-day attack: Attack exploiting ZDV with no delay between discovery and first attack.
Zero-day exploit: Technique hackers use to leverage ZDV, often via malware.
Zero-day attack occurs when malware targets ZDV.
Higher risk to users due to cybercriminal exploitation and exposed vulnerable systems.
Once made public, known as n-day or one-day vulnerability.

ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement

The 4th Joint Committee meeting for the review of AITIGA (ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement) was held in Putrajaya, Malaysia from 7-9 May 2024.

ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA):

Trade deal between ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and India.
Signed in 2009 at the 7th ASEAN Economic Ministers-India Consultations in Bangkok.
Also known as ASEAN-India Free Trade Agreement.
Came into effect in 2010, covers trade in physical goods; does not include services.
Separate ASEAN-India Trade in Services Agreement signed in 2014.

ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations):

Established in 1967 with the signing of the Bangkok declaration.
Founding members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand.
Presently comprises 10 member states: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, Vietnam.
Promotes intergovernmental cooperation and integration in various spheres including economic, political, security, educational, and sociocultural aspects.