Altermagnet Spintronics
- Altermagnet Breakthrough: HKUST researchers report the first experimental observation of a 2D layered room-temperature altermagnet.
- Altermagnets Defined: Altermagnets are antiferromagnetic materials with momentum-dependent spin splitting without needing spin-orbit coupling or net magnetization.
- Unique Property: C-paired SVL: Altermagnets exhibit C-paired spin-valley locking (SVL) due to exchange interactions between crystal-symmetry-connected magnetic sublattices.
- Altermagnet Advantages: They combine the stability of antiferromagnets with spin-split energy bands, making them ideal for spintronics.
- Spintronics Explained: Spintronics uses electron spin and charge for data storage, processing, and transfer.
- Spintronics Benefits: Spintronics offers faster speeds, higher density, and lower energy use than conventional electronics.
- Spintronic Devices: Examples include spin transistors, diodes, filters, RAM, and logic gates.
- Valleytronics Defined: Valleytronics uses valley degrees of freedom (energy minima) for data storage and manipulation.
- Valleytronics Potential: Valley indices can serve as binary information units for faster, denser processing.
- Altermagnet Significance: Offer spin control without net magnetization, crucial for advanced spintronic applications.
Trading Secrets
- SEBI Investigation: SEBI alleges Pranav Adani, a director in Adani group companies and nephew of Gautam Adani, shared price-sensitive information related to Adani Green’s acquisition of SB Energy in 2021.
- Insider Trading Allegation: Pranav Adani is accused of communicating unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) to his brother-in-law, Kunal Shah, before the deal’s announcement, violating insider trading regulations.
- Trades and Gains: Kunal Shah and his brother Nrupal Shah allegedly traded in Adani Green shares based on this information, making “ill-gotten gains” of 9 million rupees ($108,000).
- Pranav Adani’s Response: Pranav Adani is seeking to settle the charges without admitting or denying the allegations, stating he has not violated any securities law.
- Shah Brothers’ Defense: The Shah brothers contend the information was already public and deny trading with knowledge of UPSI or with any malicious intent.
- Settlement Terms: SEBI had proposed that Kunal and Nrupal Shah also settle, but the brothers chose to contest the allegations as they found the terms too onerous.
- Significance of Acquisition: Adani Green’s acquisition of SB Energy for $3.5 billion was the largest in India’s renewable energy sector.
- Adani Group’s Challenges: This is the latest challenge for the Adani Group, following previous indictments in the U.S. regarding bribery allegations, which the group denies.
- SEBI’s Role: SEBI regulates insider trading to ensure fair trading practices and protect investors. Violations can result in fines and prohibitions from trading in the capital market.
- Insider Trading Definition: Insider trading involves using non-public, material information to buy or sell securities, violating a duty of trust.
Lairai Devi
- Tragic Stampede: At least six people died and over 70 were injured during the annual Lairai Jatra procession at the Shree Lairai Devi temple in Shirgaon, North Goa.
- Temple Significance: The Lairai Devi Temple is a revered spiritual site in Shirgao, dedicated to Goddess Lairai, an incarnation of Goddess Parvati.
- Cultural Harmony: The temple symbolizes religious harmony, as both Hindus and Catholics regard Lairai Devi and the Virgin Mary of Mapusa as sisters.
- Annual Jatra: The temple is best known for the annual Lairai Devi Jatra (Shirgao Jatra), featuring a dramatic fire-walking ritual (Agnidivya) performed by devotees called “dhonds.”
- Fire-Walking Ritual: The ritual involves devotees walking across burning embers, chanting the goddess’s name, believing the righteous will remain unharmed.
- Massive Gathering: The event draws tens of thousands of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.
- Lairai Devi’s Story: Lairai Devi is believed to be one of seven divine sisters who settled in different parts of Goa, choosing Shirgao as her abode and performing penance by walking on fire with her devotees.
- Seven Sisters of Goa: The seven sisters are Lairai, Kelbai, Mahamaya, Mirabai, Morjai, Shitalai, and Ajidipa, and their brother is Khetoba.
Submarine Canyon Flows
- Microplastic Transport: Turbidity currents transport microplastics into the deep sea, even in areas without river input.
- Turbidity Currents Defined: Rapid, downslope flows of sediment-laden water, denser than surrounding water, acting as underwater avalanches.
- Triggers: Earthquakes, submarine landslides, slope failures initiate turbidity currents.
- Erosion and Sedimentation: They erode the seafloor, forming and enlarging submarine canyons, and deposit graded sediment layers.
- Canyon Formation: Turbidity currents are a primary force in carving out submarine canyons, similar to rivers forming canyons on land.
- Canyon Prevalence: Approximately 9,477 submarine canyons exist globally, covering about 11% of continental slope areas.
- Active vs. Passive Margins: Canyons on active margins are steeper and shorter; passive margin canyons are more gradual.
- Canyon Instability: Canyon walls are prone to collapse, contributing sediment to turbidity flows.
- Other Submarine Features: Banks are flat-topped elevations on continental margins; Shoals are shallow sediment accumulations; Reefs are coral/algae structures, biodiversity hotspots.
ICAR: Indian Agriculture
- Genome-Edited Rice Varieties Developed: ICAR successfully developed two genome-edited rice varieties, a “first-ever” achievement using genome editing technology in India. Expected announcement date: May 4, 2025.
- DRR Dhan 100 Kamala: Derived from Samba Mahsuri, this variety matures 15-20 days earlier, boasts a 25% higher yield (eight tonnes more per hectare), and produces 450-500 more grains per panicle. It’s also climate-friendly, water and mineral efficient, temperature tolerant and can be cultivated by direct seeding method.
- Pusa DST Rice 1: Developed from MTU1010, this variety exhibits tolerance to salinity. Yields are significantly higher than MTU1010 under salinity, alkaline, and salinity tension conditions (9.66%, 14.66%, and 30.36% respectively).
- ICAR’s Role: ICAR is the apex body in India for agricultural research and education, operating under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. It coordinates, guides, and manages research and education in agriculture and allied sciences.
- Historical Impact: Established in 1929, ICAR has been crucial in increasing India’s agricultural production, contributing significantly to food and nutritional security.
Abdali Missile
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Pakistan Conducts Training Launch: Pakistan announced a successful training launch of the Abdali (Hatf-II) Weapon System. This is the primary news event.
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Short-Range Ballistic Missile: Abdali is a short-range, road-mobile, solid-fuel ballistic missile. This provides context about the type of weapon system.
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Developed by SUPARCO: The missile was developed by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). This identifies the developer.
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Tactical Battlefield Use: Designed for tactical battlefield use with both conventional and nuclear warhead delivery capability. This highlights its intended purpose.
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Increased Range (Claimed): The latest test claims a range of 450 km, a significant increase from the previously reported 180-200 km. This range extension is a key development.
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Advanced Navigation: Equipped with an advanced inertial navigation system, offering high accuracy (CEP of 100-150 meters). This points to improved precision.
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Road-Mobile Launcher: Launched from a Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL) for rapid deployment and mobility. The road mobility enhances survivability and flexibility.
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Payload Capacity: Can carry a single payload (high explosive, submunitions, or conventional warhead) weighing between 250-500 kg. This gives insight into the missile’s destructive potential.
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Solid Propellant Engine: The solid-propellant engine allows for quick reaction and storage. The solid fuel enhances battlefield utility.
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Operational Since 2005: Already in operational service with Pakistan’s Army Strategic Forces Command since 2005. The system has been integrated into Pakistan’s military for almost two decades.
Angola: Unveiled
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Angolan President’s State Visit to India: President João Lourenço of Angola made his first State visit to India. Hosted by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
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40th Anniversary of Diplomatic Ties: The visit marks the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and Angola.
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India-Africa Partnership: India is committed to mutually beneficial and sustainable partnerships with all African countries.
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African Union’s Role: President Murmu congratulated President Lourenço on Angola assuming the Chair of the African Union. India supported the inclusion of the African Union as a full member of the G20 during its presidency.
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Shared Global South Goals: Both leaders agreed to collaborate for the progress of their nations and the broader Global South.
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Condemnation of Terrorism: President Murmu acknowledged Angola’s support following the terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Jammu & Kashmir, and reiterated that terrorism should be unequivocally condemned.
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Indian Diaspora in Angola: The Indian Diaspora in Angola serves as a cultural and economic bridge between the two nations.
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Angola’s Strategic Location: Angola is located on the southwestern coast of Africa, has a strategic Atlantic Ocean coastline and key maritime hub, Luanda
IICT
- Establishment of IICT: The Indian government has announced the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai.
- Modeled After IITs and IIMs: IICT is designed to emulate the success of IITs and IIMs, setting high standards for education and research in creative technology.
- Focus on AVGC-XR: The institute will specialize in Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR).
- National Centre of Excellence: IICT is positioned as a National Centre of Excellence to foster talent and innovation in the digital content industry.
- Industry Support: Seven leading technology companies – JioStar, Google, Adobe, Meta, Apple, NVIDIA, and Microsoft – have provided Letters of Intent to support the institute.
- Partnership Goals: These partnerships aim to jointly develop contemporary skills, tools, and platforms, strengthening the institute’s foundation.
- Location: The permanent campus will be located at Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari (Film City), Goregaon, Mumbai, with initial operations starting at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).
- Mission: To create Indian intellectual property, leverage cultural heritage, and cultivate talent for the global digital content industry.
- Infrastructure: IICT will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including immersive studios, animation and gaming labs, virtual production setups, and editing and sound suites.
- Objective The institute will focus on the convergence of creativity, technology, and innovation, providing opportunities for Indian youth.
- Waves 2025 Launch IICT’s launch at WAVES 2025 aims to make India a global creative powerhouse by developing quality talent.
- JioStar CEO Quote: According to Sanjog Gupta, CEO of JioStar, IICT’s launch marks a step towards making India a global creative powerhouse.
Phlegraean Fields
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Unrest:
Campi Flegrei is experiencing cyclical episodes of unrest (1982-1984 & 2011-2024), marked by ground uplift, seismic activity, and underground rumbling. -
Location & Nature: It’s an active volcanic region near Naples, Italy, unlike a single volcano. It is a large volcanic system spread across a large caldera.
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Caldera Size: The caldera is 12-15 km in diameter, formed by a massive eruption ~39,000 years ago.
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Supervolcano Status: Campi Flegrei is classified as a supervolcano, meaning a major eruption could have global climate impacts.
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Last Eruption: The last eruption was in 1538, forming Monte Nuovo.
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Bradyseism Activity: The area exhibits active bradyseism, gradual ground movement due to magma.
Zero-G
- Microgravity’s Effect on Body Temperature: Research from IIST reveals microgravity consistently increases human core body temperature, which is critical for long-duration space missions like future voyages similar to Voyager 1.
- IIST’s Thermoregulation Model: A 3D computational model simulates heat movement in the body under microgravity, incorporating sweating, shivering, clothing, organ heat, and blood redistribution.
- Key Model Findings:
- Hands and feet become cooler in space over time.
- Head, abdomen, and core regions become warmer.
- Body temperature rises faster during exercise in space.
- Core temperature could rise from 36.3°C to 37.8°C in 2.5 months; with exercise, potentially to a dangerous 40°C.
- Model Validation: Accuracy confirmed using data from Mir Space Station and ISS astronauts, matching historical observations.
- Blood Redistribution Impact: The redistribution of blood from lower limbs to the upper body significantly affects body temperature distribution in microgravity.
- Model predicts outcomes on ISS by calculating universal thermal climate index a number that indicates how hot or cold it feels outside by considering factors like wind, humidity, and sunlight.
- Importance of Thermoregulation: Maintaining stable internal temperature (thermoregulation) is vital for astronauts’ well-being in space due to the unique physiological challenges posed by microgravity.
- Wider Applications: Thermoregulation models have uses beyond space, including clothing design, architecture, and medical procedures.