Whatsapp 93125-11015 For Details
1. Astronomers recently found "Gaia BH3," the Milky Way's second-closest black hole, 33 times heavier than the sun. Black holes are ultra-dense objects formed from collapsed massive stars, with gravity so intense that even light can't escape. Three types exist: stellar, intermediate, and supermassive, with the latter found at galaxy centers.
2. The shrinking of the Aral Sea has led to the emergence of the Aralkum Desert, increasing dustiness in Central Asia by 7%. This dust affects air quality, alters weather patterns, and accelerates glacier melting, worsening the water crisis. Similar environmental impacts are seen in other shrinking lakes like Lake Urmia and Lake Hamoun.
3. SEBI recently amended Mutual Fund Regulations to enhance oversight of Asset Management Companies (AMCs). The changes mandate AMCs to establish surveillance systems and internal controls to prevent misconduct like front-running and insider trading. Front-running involves executing trades based on advance client knowledge to manipulate market prices, while insider trading uses non-public information to buy or sell securities illegally. These measures reflect SEBI's dedication to fostering integrity and transparency in the mutual fund industry, safeguarding investor interests and overall market integrity.
4. The Government of India celebrated International Sun Day on May 3, 2024, emphasizing its commitment to sustainable energy, particularly solar power. The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy organized a 'Run for Sun' Marathon in New Delhi's Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to raise awareness. Additionally, they launched Solar Art, a nationwide intra-school competition, encouraging students to express solar energy's significance through art. Solar Stops were also established in six cities, educating citizens through interactive installations. International Sun Day highlights the Sun's importance and advocates for solar energy as a sustainable solution to climate change globally.
5. Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight test of the Supersonic Missile-Assisted Release of Torpedo (SMART) system from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island, Odisha. The SMART system represents a cutting-edge missile-based lightweight torpedo delivery system designed to enhance the Indian Navy's anti-submarine warfare capabilities. Launched from a ground mobile launcher, the canister-based system features advanced sub-systems including a two-stage solid propulsion system, electromechanical actuator system, and precision inertial navigation system. Upon nearing its target, the missile ejects the torpedo into the water, allowing it to autonomously engage the submerged submarine. Torpedoes, propelled by their power, are versatile underwater weapons deployable from submarines, surface vessels, or aircraft. Varunastra, India's first indigenous heavyweight ship-launched anti-submarine electric torpedo, underscores the nation's strides in naval weaponry development.
6. Recently, an Atlas V rocket prepared to launch with astronauts Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams aboard Boeing's Starliner crew capsule. This mission marks Starliner's third test flight and its first with crew, aiming to ferry them to the International Space Station (ISS) in low-earth orbit. Success would signify a milestone for the US, boasting two spacecraft capable of crewed launches. Currently, SpaceX's Dragon is the sole craft capable of returning significant cargo from space and the first private vehicle to transport humans to the ISS. Starliner, designed for crew transport, consists of a crew capsule for astronaut accommodation and a non-reusable service module providing life support and propulsion systems.