Current Affairs - May 18, 2024 Current Affairs

The NASA PREFIRE polar mission, designed to improve climate models and address climate change, is slated for launch from New Zealand. The mission aims to measure heat loss from Earth's polar regions, using twin satellites equipped with infrared spectrometers. Launched aboard an Electron launch vehicle, these satellites, developed with Mars-tested technology, will orbit asynchronously near the poles, collecting data to refine predictions about climate phenomena like sea level rise.

Binit Roy secured the Bronze at the CITI Para Swimming World Series, earning recognition from Tripura CM Manik Saha. Excelling in the 100-meter freestyle event, Roy's achievement marks a significant milestone in para-swimming. The event in Singapore also hosted the "Swim Together" workshop, aimed at enhancing the skills of global Paralympic swimming coaches, and served as a qualifier for the Paris Paralympics 2024.

Venezuela, situated on the northern coast of South America, became the first country globally to lose all its glaciers. By 2011, five of Venezuela's glaciers had disappeared, leaving only the Humboldt Glacier in the Sierra Nevada National Park. Despite efforts, even this glacier, also known as La Corona, has significantly diminished over time.

China is leading the construction of the High Energy Photon Source (HEPS), positioning itself among a select group of nations capable of producing some of the brightest X-rays globally. HEPS, designed to accelerate electrons up to 6 giga electron volts, will significantly advance scientific research across various fields including medicine, agriculture, and materials science.

International Museum Day is celebrated annually on May 18th, providing a global platform since 1977 to emphasize the crucial role of museums in preserving cultural heritage. This day underscores the significance of museums in education and research, highlighting their contribution to lifelong learning and the advancement of knowledge.

The Indian Army established a high-altitude tank repair facility in Ladakh, near the China border, at altitudes exceeding 14,500 feet. Positioned in Nyoma and the DBO Sector, these facilities cater to over 500 tanks and infantry combat vehicles, ensuring operational readiness in extreme conditions with temperatures dropping to as low as -40°C.

The UAE introduced the 10-year Blue Residency visa, aimed at individuals making notable contributions to environmental protection. This initiative, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, expands upon previous visa schemes like the Golden Visas for diverse talents introduced in 2019 and the Green Visas for skilled workers introduced in 2022.

The annual UK-India Strategic Dialogue in London focused on reaffirming commitment to a mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA), indicating the UK as the counterpart in negotiations.

Zoho, an Indian software firm headquartered in Tamil Nadu, is planning a significant $700 million investment in chipmaking. Seeking incentives from the Government of India, Zoho aims to manufacture compound semiconductors with specialized commercial applications, utilizing alternatives to silicon.

The Igla-S VSHORAD systems are set to be delivered to the Indian Army, showcasing a technology transfer agreement between Indian and Russian defence entities. This underscores Russia's role as the supplier of defence systems, enhancing India's air defence capabilities.