NATIONAL:
1. Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in India
Why in news: Women’s representation in Indian academia in STEM are very low, as per a new Study
Key points:
• While India produces the highest percentage of women STEM graduates in the world (about 40%), their share in STEM jobs in the country is very low at 14% (CSIR report 2022).
• The gradual dropping of women out of the workforce in STEM is referred to as the ‘Leaky Pipeline'.
• Key reasons for ‘Leaky Pipeline’ include marriage, childbirth, lack of family support, gender-blind institutional structures, etc.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Legal Person
Why in news: New Zealand and the Cook Islands signed a treaty to recognize whales as legal persons
Key points:
• Earlier, New Zealand declared the Whanganui River as a legal entity.
• A legal person is a human or a non-human legal entity that is treated as a person for legal purposes.
• A legal person is capable of engaging in all usual legal business that a real person can participate in, such as suing, being sued, owning property, and entering into contracts.
2. Operation Iron Shield
Why in news: Israel's successful interception of drones and missiles launched by Iran, has been officially named operation “Iron Shield”
Key points:
• Israel is protected by a multi-layered defence array, which includes Arrow-2, Arrow-3, David's Sling, and Iron Dome active defence systems.
• Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 intercepts medium to long-range missiles while David’s Sling intercepts short to medium and medium to long range missiles.
• Iron Dome is world’s first missile defense system developed to tackle threat of short-range rockets and UAVs.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:
1. Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC)
Why in news: Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) annual meeting held
Key points:
• In the meeting, the ISRO Chief announced that India aims to achieve debris-free space missions by 2030.
• Space debris refers to all non-functional, artificial objects, in Earth's orbit or re-entering into Earth’s atmosphere.
• Collisions with debris can disable an operational spacecraft, smaller debris can scour components like optics and solar panels, etc.
• Established in 1993 as an international forum for space agencies, organizations, and governmental bodies.
• Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC) was established in 1993 as an international forum for space agencies, organizations, and governmental bodies.
BOOKS & AUTHORS:
1. “Just a Mercenary”
Why in news: Duvvuri Subbarao’s Memoir Unveils the Tensions Between the RBI and the Government
Key points:
• “Just a Mercenary: Notes from My Life and Career,” is a recently published memoir of the former Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor Duvvuri Subbarao.
• Subbarao’s memoir offers a candid and insightful exploration of the challenges he faced, the lessons he learned.
• It also deals with the profound impact his experiences had on shaping his perspective on the complex relationship between the government and the central bank.
AWARDS/HONOURS:
1. TIME’s 100 Most Influential People of 2024 List
Why in news: Alia Bhatt on TIME's list
Key points:
• Alia Bhatt’s inclusion in TIME Magazine’s ‘100 Most Influential People of 2024’ underscores her remarkable ascent as a global icon.
Notable Indians Recognized:
• Sakshi Malik: India’s pioneering female wrestler, advocating for justice amid allegations of harassment in the wrestling community.
• Dev Patel: Renowned actor of Indian origin, acknowledged for his impactful performances in the global entertainment industry.
• Alia Bhatt: Versatile Bollywood actress making waves internationally, recognized for her talent and influence on the global stage.
• Satya Nadella: CEO of Microsoft, instrumental in shaping the future of technology and AI, emphasizing its empowering potential for humanity.
• Ajay Banga: President of the World Bank, contributing to global economic development and financial stability.
Global Icons:
• Motaz Azaiza: Palestinian photographer, recognized as the youngest individual on the list, showcasing exceptional talent and vision.
• Sofia Coppola: Acclaimed filmmaker, celebrated for her cinematic achievements and artistic vision.
• Hayao Miyazaki: Legendary animation film director, revered for his groundbreaking contributions to the world of animation.
DEFENCE:
1. SPACE (Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation)
Why in news: A state-of-the-art facility called the Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) recently inaugurated by DRDO in Kulamavu, Idukki, Kerala
Key points:
• This cutting-edge facility, set up by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO, is designed to serve as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems.
• It will cater to the diverse needs of the Indian Navy.
IMPORTANT DAY:
1. World Heritage Day 2024
Why in news: World Heritage Day, also known as the International Day for Monuments and Sites, is observed annually on April 18.
Key points:
• It aims to raise awareness about the diversity and importance of the world’s cultural heritage, and the need to protect and preserve it for future generations.
• Theme World Heritage Day 2024: “Disasters & Conflicts Through the Lens of the Venice Charter”.
SPORTS:
1. Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack
Why in news: Pat Cummins and Sciver-Brunt Named Wisden’s Top Cricketers
Key points:
• In the 2024 edition of the prestigious Wisden Cricketers’ Almanack, two exceptional talents have been crowned as the Wisden Leading Cricketers in the World.
• These two talents are Australian captain Pat Cummins and England all-rounder Nat Sciver-Brunt.
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