Abel prize for 2022: American mathematician Dennis P. Sullivan
The Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters has awarded the Abel Prize for the year 2022 to American Mathematician Dennis Parnell Sullivan. The citation mentions that the award has been given, “For his groundbreaking contributions to topology in its broadest sense, and in particular its algebraic, geometric and dynamical aspects.”
What is Topology?
Topology is a field of mathematics which was born in the nineteenth century and has to do with properties of surfaces that do not change when they are deformed. Topologically, a circle and a square are the same; similarly, surfaces of a doughnut and a coffee mug with one handle are topologically equivalent, however, the surface of a sphere and a coffee mug are not equivalent.
Numerous awards won by Dennis P. Sullivan:
Dennis P. Sullivan has won numerous awards, among them the Steele Prize, the 2010 Wolf Prize in Mathematics and the 2014 Balzan Prize for Mathematics. He is also a fellow of the American Mathematical Society.
What is the Abel Prize?
The Prize recognises extraordinary contributions to the sector of mathematics & is funded by the Norwegian Government & supported the recommendations of the Abel Committee, which consists of 5 internationally recognized mathematicians, the Abel Laureates is chosen.
International Day for the Right to the Truth: 24th March
United Nations has recognised March 24 to be observed as the International Day for the Right to the Truth concerning Gross Human Rights Violations and for the Dignity of Victims every year. The day aims to pay tribute to those who have devoted their lives or lost their lives in, the struggle to promote and protect human rights for all.
History of the day:
This day is observed on 24th March every year to pay tribute to “Monsignor Óscar Arnulfo Romero” as he was murdered on 24 March 1980. He was actively engaged in criticizing violations of the human rights of the most vulnerable individuals in El Salvador. The day was proclaimed by the United Nations in December 2010, to say no to all forms of violence, injustice and oppression against humanity.
World tennis No.1 Ashleigh Barty announces retirement
Australian female tennis player Ashleigh Barty has announced retirement from tennis at the age of 25 years. She has won three Grand Slam singles titles — the French Open in 2019, Wimbledon in 2021 and the Australian Open in 2022. Apart from playing tennis, she has also played semi-professional cricket during her break from tennis between 2014-2016.
Barty is retiring after winning three major singles titles on three different surfaces – the 2019 French Open, the 2021 Wimbledon and, back in January, the Australian Open.
A book titled “Unfilled Barrels India’s oil story” authored by Richa Mishra
A book titled “Unfilled Barrels: India’s oil story” authored by Richa Mishra will be released soon. Richa Mishra is a journalist with The Hindu BusinessLine. The book highlights the key role played by Keshav Dev Malaviya, who was the petroleum minister in the 1970s with a degree in oil technology, and the emergence of other stakeholders from public sector enterprises, including ONGC, to the fiercely competitive private players like Cairn Energy, and Mukesh Ambani’s RIL.
OECD projects India’s GDP for FY23 at 8.1%
The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) has retained the outlook for India’s real gross domestic product (GDP) at 5.5% in FY24, lower than 8.1% in 2022-23.
Driven by infrastructure spending and border reopenings, the GDP of emerging Asia – China, India and the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)- is projected to grow 5.8% this year, following a 7.4% expansion in 2021 and a 0.8% contraction in 2020, it said, adding that the Ukraine war adds to inflation and supply chain risks facing an emerging Asia attempting to break out of the Covid-19 slump.
Kerala becomes first state to introduce carbon-neutral farming methods
Kerala is set to become the first state in the country to introduce carbon-neutral farming methods in selected locations, for which the government has set aside Rs 6 crore in the 2022-23 Budget. In the first phase, carbon-neutral farming will be implemented in 13 farms under the Agriculture Department and tribal areas, and steps are on to convert the State Seed Farm at Aluva to a carbon-neutral farm. In the second phase, model carbon-neutral farms will be developed in all the 140 Assembly constituencies.
New farming methods
- The Agriculture Department was involved in a process of adopting new farming methods in phases, which would reduce carbon emissions and help the carbon to be stored in the soil. The government had already initiated discussions with experts in this regard.
- Improving soil health through integrated farming methods, rotation of crops, adoption of fertigation, precision farming methods, changing the ways in which the soil is irrigated and limiting the indiscriminate use of fertilizers were important for preventing soil degradation and thus reducing carbon footprint in agriculture.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- Kerala Governor: Arif Mohammad Khan;
- Kerala Capital: Thiruvananthapuram;
- Kerala Chief Minister: Pinarayi Vijayan.
Atomic Structure: Short Notes 2022
Atomic structure is the structure of an atom that consists of a nucleus (the centre) and protons (positively charged) and neutrons (neutral). The electrons, which are negatively charged particles, circle around the nucleus’s centre.
Background:
- The origins of atomic structure and quantum mechanics can be traced back to Democritus, the first person to postulate that matter is made up of atoms.
- The study of an atom’s structure provides a wealth of information on chemical processes, bonds, and their physical properties.
- In the 1800s, John Dalton proposed the first scientific theory of atomic structure.
- Other fundamental particles have been discovered as a result of improvements in atomic structure and quantum mechanics. Many more discoveries and innovations have been based on the discovery of subatomic particles.
Atomic structure:
The composition of an element’s nucleus and the arrangement of electrons around it are referred to as its atomic structure. Protons, electrons, and neutrons are the building blocks of matter’s atomic structure.
Nucleus:
- The nucleus of the atom is made up of protons and neutrons, which is surrounded by the atom’s electrons.
Atomic Number:
- The total number of protons in an element’s nucleus is described by its atomic number.
Key Points:
- Protons and electrons are in equal amounts in neutral atoms. Atoms, on the other hand, can receive or lose electrons to strengthen their stability, and the resulting charged entity is known as an ion.
- Because various elements have different numbers of protons and electrons, their atomic structures differ.
- This is why various elements have distinct qualities.
Models at the Atomic Level:
- Many scientists attempted to describe the structure of the atom using atomic models in the 18th and 19th centuries.
- Each of these models had its own set of advantages and disadvantages, and they were all important in the creation of the present atomic model.
- Scientists including John Dalton, J.J. Thomson, Ernest Rutherford, and Niels Bohr made significant contributions to the discipline.
The Atomic Theory of Dalton:
All matter, according to English chemist John Dalton, is made up of indivisible and indestructible atoms. He also claimed that all atoms of a given element were the same, but that the size and mass of atoms of different elements differed.
According to Dalton’s atomic theory, chemical reactions require the rearrangement of atoms to generate products. The atomic structure, according to Dalton’s postulates, was made up of atoms, the smallest particles responsible for chemical reactions.
The following are his theory’s postulates:
- Atoms are the building blocks of all matter.
- Atoms are unbreakable.
- There is just one sort of atom in each element.
- Each atom has a fixed mass that varies depending on the element.
- During a chemical reaction, atoms rearrange themselves.
- Atoms cannot be generated or destroyed, but they can be converted from one state to another.
The Laws of chemical reactions, such as the Law of conservation of mass, the Law of constant properties, the Law of multiple proportions, and the Law of reciprocal proportions, were successfully described by Dalton’s atomic theory.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Dalton’s Atomic Theory:
- The occurrence of isotopes was not explained by the idea.
- Nothing concerning the atom’s structure was adequately explained.
- Scientists later identified particles inside the atom, proving that atoms are divisible.
- The discovery of subatomic particles inside atoms led to a better understanding of chemical species.
Devendra Jhajharia became 1st para-athlete to receive Padma Bhushan
Devendra Jhajharia became the first para-athlete to receive the Padma Bhushan award. He has won many Paralympic medals, including gold at the 2004 Paralympics in Athens and 2016 Rio Games, and a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Avani Lekhara (para-shooter) was also awarded the Padma Shri award in the Sports category. She is the first Indian woman to win two Paralympic medals in the same Games, as well as the first Indian woman to earn Paralympic gold.
IIT Madras established Policy Centre along with AquaMAP Water Management
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras builds a new interdisciplinary water management and policy centre known as ‘AquaMAP’ to address India’s water issues. The centre will build scalable models employing novel technology to provide smart solutions for water concerns. As proof of concept, these models will be installed in various areas across the country.
Key Points:
- Parasuram Balasubramanian, CEO, Theme Work Analytics, and Mr. Krishnan Narayanan, President, itihaasa Research and Digital, both IIT Madras alumni, have supported this project by contributing a seed grant of Rs 3 crore for two years and also assisting in the development of the five-year plan.
- AquaMAP’s Principal Investigator is Professor Ligy Philip. She will be aided by a group of 20 faculty members working on water-related topics from a variety of departments, including chemistry, civil engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, management, humanities, and social sciences.
- Aqua Map is governed by a board of directors directed by the director of IIT Madras and an advisory board made up of experts in the fields of water technology, management, and policy.
- AquaMAP will work with other water research institutions at IIT Madras, including Sutram, the International Centre for Clean Water (ICCW) At IIT Madras, and the PCoE on Water and Sustainability, as well as other partners.
- In addition, a state-of-the-art hydro-informatics laboratory will be established, as well as a model for alumni and community participation.
About AquaMap:
The capacity is one of the primary outputs that AquaMAP is projected to deliver in the medium or long term. The ability to address complex real-life water problems through consortia approaches, establish as an entity that can deliver solutions with wide impact and application, address at least three chronic water issues through grand challenges and their successful translation into pilot projects, and complete pilot studies in at least six water innovation villages or towns that can be replicated are among the key outcomes expected from AquaMAP in the medium or long term.
Ministry of Civil Aviation & FICCI organized ‘WINGS INDIA 2022’ in Hyderabad
Ministry of Civil Aviation (MOCA) and FICCI are jointly organizing Asia’s largest event on Civil Aviation (Commercial, General and Business Aviation), titled ‘WINGS INDIA 2022’. WINGS INDIA AWARDS will also be conferred during this event. The event focuses on new business acquisition, investments, policy formation, and regional connectivity. It is being held from 24th to 27th March 2022, at Begumpet Airport, Hyderabad.
The theme of the event: India@75: New Horizon for Aviation Industry.
The event will provide a favourable forum catering to the rapidly changing dynamics of the sector. It focuses on new business acquisition, investments, policy formation and regional connectivity. It will provide a much-desired fillip to aviation, and restructured focused forums shall be instrumental in attaining the objective of connecting the buyers, sellers, investors, and other stakeholders. Several foreign dignitaries, ambassadors, representatives from various sectors of aviation will be taking part in the event.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- FICCI Founded: 1927;
- FICCI Headquarters: New Delhi;
- FICCI President: Sanjiv Mehta;
- FICCI Secretary General: Dilip Chenoy;
- FICCI Director-General: Arun Chawla.
RBI cancelled license of People’s Co-operative Bank Ltd Kanpur
Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the license of People’s Co-operative Bank Limited, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh as the bank failed to adhere to the requirements of Sections 22(3) (a), 22 (3) (b), 22(3)(c), 22(3) (d) and 22(3)(e) – under Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949. The bank is found to lack adequate capital and earning prospects under the provisions of Section 11(1) and Section 22 (3) (d) – under Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 – ‘Act to apply to co-operative societies subject to modifications’.
The bank is prohibited from continuing its ‘banking’ business such as acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits as defined in Section 5(b) as mentioned in Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 with effect from the close of business on March 21, 2022.
DBS Bank India launches Green Deposits programme
DBS Bank India has announced the launch of its Green Deposit Programme for corporate clients providing a simple way for companies to support environmentally-friendly projects or avenues. DBS Bank is one of the few banks globally to integrate Sustainable Development Goals by offering lending & trade credit solutions to sustainable and environmentally-friendly green sectors and now offering a Green Deposit product.
Under the Bank’s sustainability programme:
- Green Deposits will fund green industries and initiatives such as; green building sustainable water initiatives that include wastewater management, renewable energy and clean transportation.
- The Green Deposits proposition combines all the benefits of a regular fixed deposit with a commitment from DBS to support green and sustainable loans disbursed by the bank.
- Green Deposits serve as an ideal opportunity for corporates looking to include sustainability agenda into their treasury activities or those having limited options for investing in environmentally-beneficial projects.
PM Modi virtually inaugurates Biplobi Bharat Gallery in Bengal
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated Biplobi Bharat Gallery at Victoria Memorial Hall in Kolkata on the occasion of Shaheed Diwas. The inauguration was done virtually via video conferencing. The purpose of this new gallery is to provide a holistic view of the events that led up to 1947 and highlight the important role played by the revolutionaries.
About the gallery:
- The newly built gallery depicts the contribution of the revolutionaries towards the freedom struggle of India and provides a holistic view of the events that led to 1947, according to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
- The gallery displays the contribution of the revolutionaries in the freedom struggle and their armed resistance to British colonial rule. This aspect has often not been given its due place in the mainstream narrative of the freedom movement.
- The gallery will also showcase the revolutionary movement, formation of significant associations by revolutionary leaders, spread of the movement, formation of the Indian National Army, and the contribution of Naval Mutiny.
Government set the target to create 220 new airports by 2025
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia stated that the Government has set a target of building 220 new airports by 2025, citing the Civil Aviation industry as a critical component of India’s economy. In response to the Civil Aviation Ministry’s requests for grants for 2022-23, Scindia stated that India has made progress in both domestic and foreign travel during the COVID-19 period. “Cargo flights for perishable food items will be boosted by 30% in the next few years, with 133 new flights,” he stated.
Key Points:
- Scindia stated that the pilot licence will be simplified in the coming days using cutting-edge technologies. The government intends to build 33 new domestic freight ports, 15 new pilot training schools, more jobs, and a stronger focus on the drone industry.
- In the last seven days, the minister informed the House that 3.82 lakh passengers travelled by air.
- The minister informed the House that women make up 15% of the country’s entire pilot force. Another illustration of women’s empowerment is this. In the last 20-25 years, the aviation business has seen significant transformations.”
Lt Governor Manoj Sinha addresses Gulf Countries’ Investment Summit
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has addressed the Gulf Countries’ Investment Summit at SKICC, Srinagar which is aimed at providing a platform for the foreign business delegates to explore a host of investment opportunities in the UT of Jammu & Kashmir. The Lt Governor highlighted the scope for J&K and GCC companies’ economic cooperation to make Jammu and Kashmir the most beautiful investment destination in the world.
The visit of CEOs of top companies, entrepreneurs, start-up representatives, exporters in Jammu and Kashmir is an expression of confidence of the industry leaders in the potential for business cooperation between J&K and Gulf countries. The development of the power sector, trade, horticulture, rural infrastructure, roads and air links, medical education and health services, Industrial Training Institutes, Information Technology and storage facilities for the products are the diverse areas that have been addressed.
Relationship between India and Gulf Countries:
Since 2014, India’s relationship with Gulf countries has undergone a massive evolution which is being translated into a vibrant, revitalised economic partnership with J&K that will not only diversify our export basket but will also create a conducive environment for the expansion of the existing trade, the Lt Governor observed.
Chennai Super Kings and ICICI Bank partners for co-branded credit card
ICICI Bank announced that it has partnered with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of India’s most successful cricket teams, to introduce a co-branded credit card. The card, dubbed the ‘Chennai Super Kings ICICI Bank Credit Card,’ has been expressly developed with a range of exclusive perks for the iconic team’s millions of cricket fans.
Key Points:
- The new card is part of a limited-edition line of co-branded credit cards offered by the Bank to allow sports fans to interact with their favourite teams while also taking advantage of credit card features.
- The new card is another addition to an exclusive set of co-branded credit cards offered by the Bank to enable sports enthusiasts to connect with their favourite teams as well as avail benefits of a credit card.
- ICICI Bank and Manchester United, a professional football club in England, launched a co-branded credit card four years ago.
Process to Apply for the ICICI Bank Chennai Super Kings Credit Card
Customers can apply for the ‘Chennai Super Kings ICICI Bank Credit Card’ by sending an SMS to 5676766 with the word ‘KING’ in the subject line.
Important takeaways for all competitive exams:
- ICICI Bank MD & CEO: Sandeep Bakhshi;
- ICICI Bank Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra;
- ICICI Bank Tagline: Hum Hai Na, Khayal Apka.
TCS partnered with IIT Madras to launch M.Tech in Industrial Artificial Intelligence
The Indian Institute of Technology Madras has teamed up with Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) to offer a web-based, user-friendly programme on “Industrial AI,” aimed at upskilling employees and incorporating AI applications to industrial concerns.
Key Points:
- IIT M will provide the 18-month programme, which was developed in collaboration with TCS, in a wholly online live teaching method via virtual classrooms. TCS students will make up the program’s initial cohort.
- This programme, established in conjunction with TCS, will offer strong theoretical courses and labs covering significant issues in data science and AI.”
- Theoretical courses will address essential mathematical approaches needed to comprehend data science algorithms, time series analysis, multivariate data analysis, machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning.”
- This course will provide you a unique perspective on the impact of artificial intelligence in industrial systems. Incorporating AI approaches into industry processes can result in systems that are more resilient, intrinsically safe, and ultimately more environmentally friendly. These are only a few of the important topics that will be discussed in this course.“
India has emerged as a major worldwide contender as a result of the IT revolution. The present knowledge revolution, powered by AI, necessitates in-depth expertise and awareness of this intriguing field. This field is progressing in terms of development and adoption.
The growth and adoption of this industry is expanding at such a breakneck speed that the Indian workforce requires quick training and upskilling. These needs will be met by courses like this.
Advantages of M.tech in Industrial AI:
The M.Tech in Industrial AI is expected to produce the following important outcomes/benefits:
- Upskilling of the Indian workforce in this crucial field
- Enhancing the knowledge ecosystem, which is necessary for AI adoption.
- Artificial intelligence translation
- AI theory to practise translation
- Ecologically sound industrial solutions
- The development of AI theory and pedagogical methods for AI training that are guided by a practical perspective
ABOUT TATA CONSULTANCY SERVICES (TCS):
Tata Consultancy Services is an IT services, consulting, and business solutions firm that has been assisting many of the world’s leading corporations in their transformation efforts for more than 50 years.
Kotak, Hdfc, Axis each acquire 7.84% stake in ONDC
HDFC Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Axis Bank have each purchased a 7.84 percent stake in ONDC, an open public digital infrastructure framework business.
Key Points:
- Each of the three banks has put in Rs 10 crore in the company.
- In a regulatory statement on Wednesday, HDFC Bank said it now owns 7.84 percent of ONDC’s equity share capital after allotting 10 lakh equity shares for Rs 10 crore.
- “Kotak Mahindra Bank has subscribed to 10,00,000 equity shares of Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) for Rs 10 crore, translating into an equity shareholding of 7.84 percent in ONDC as of March 22,,” according to another filing.
- Axis Bank said in a separate filing that ONDC allotted 10,00,000 equity shares with a face value of Rs 100 apiece for a consideration of Rs 10 crore on March 22.
- The bank now owns 7.84 percent of ONDC following the allotment.
- The lenders stated that their investment in ONDC is intended to assist in the development and transformation of the Indian digital commerce ecosystem.
About ONDC:
ONDC was founded in India on December 30, 2021, with the goal of developing and transforming the country’s digital infrastructure. Both goods and services are available in India’s digital commerce ecosystem.
Indian Psychiatric Society national conference begins in Visakhapatnam
The 73rd Annual National Conference of Indian Psychiatric Society (ANCIPS) has been organized in Visakhapatnam from today to the 26th of March. Experts from various parts of India and a few from abroad are participating in the three-day conference held at Vizag Conventions at Madhurawada. The last national conference was held 37 years ago in Visakhapatnam.
Focus of the conference:
The focus areas would be on drug and alcohol abuse in society, stress among students and growing incidence of suicides, depression and anxiety, old-age problems and dementia. The national conference, being hosted jointly by IPS, A.P. State branch, Government Hospital Mental Care and Visakha Psychiatric Society, will be inaugurated by Justice P. Laxmana Reddy, Lokayukta of Andhra Pradesh.
What is the theme of the conference?
The theme is chosen for ANCIPS – 2022 ‘Bridging minds … Connecting generations’ was very appropriate in view of the growing generation gap and its impact on society. The number of senior citizens has been increasing over the years and the wide gaps in age, beliefs, traditions and habits contribute to communication problems between the generations. The benefits of encouraging relations between youngsters and senior citizens were tremendous and beneficial to society at large.
