Exercise Pitch Black
Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent reached Australia to participate in Exercise Pitch Black 2024.
- A biennial, multi-national exercise hosted by the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).
- Includes participation by 20 countries.
- Significance – Provides an opportunity for strengthening the ability to deploy over large distances, and support integrated operations in the Indo-Pacific region.
Time Crystal
Scientists successfully create a time crystal made of giant atoms.
- A quantum system where particles organize into a pattern of motion that repeats periodically in time.
- Researchers used laser light and Rydberg atoms to demonstrate spontaneous oscillations, achieving a breakthrough in creating time crystals.
- Offers new insights and potential applications in sensors, wireless communication and quantum technology
Quantum Cryptography & LGI
Scientists at Raman Research Institute (RRI) have created a new, user-friendly way to generate truly unpredictable random numbers
- RRI performed a photonic experiment to demonstrate violation of Leggett Garg Inequalities (LGI).
- LGI – A set of mathematical expressions that compare the predictions of quantum mechanics with those of classical physics.
- Quantum Cryptography – A method of encryption that uses naturally occurring properties of quantum mechanics to secure and transmit data.
- Uses individual photons (particles of light) to transmit data over optic fibre
Chromium Contamination of Groundwater
Kolkata bench of National Green Tribunal ordered Central Ground Water Board to investigate the dangerous levels of Chromium contamination of groundwater in Odisha
- Chromium is highly water soluble, hence labile and leads to widespread contamination from the point of source.
- Considered toxic due to high carcinogenicity.
- Maximum permissible contamination in drinking water – 50 µg/L. (Indian standard IS 10500).
Scheduled Caste Sub Plan (SCSP) and Tribal Sub Plan (TSP)
National Commission for Scheduled Castes has sought a report from the Karnataka government over reported diversion of funds from SCSP and TSP.
- TSP Strategy – Has been in force since 1974, to ensure adequate flow of plan resources for the development of Scheduled Tribes.
- SCSP Strategy – Has been in force since 1979-80, to ensure proportionate flow of plan resources for development of Scheduled Castes (SCs).
- Budget provided under SCSP and TSP are non-divertible and non-lapsable