SASTRA-RAMANUJAN AWARD

• Alexander Dunn has achieved several breakthroughs in the study of modular forms, half-integral weight forms, metaplectic forms and their connections to prime numbers and integer partitions.

About SASTRA Ramanujan Prize: 

• The SASTRA Ramanujan Prize is an annual award given to a young mathematician who has made outstanding contributions to areas of mathematics  since 2005. 
• The award is given by the Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA). 
• The award is presented on the birthday of Srinivasa Ramanujan, December 22, at the SASTRA University campus in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu. 
• The age limit is 32 years to commemorate the fact that Ramanujan accomplished a phenomenal body of work in this short span.
• The award includes a cash prize of $10,000 and a citation. 
• This award has gained global repute ever since it was instituted.

Contributions Srinivasa Ramanujan:

• Srinivasa Ramanujan made significant contributions to mathematics, particularly in the analytical theory of numbers and elliptic functions. 
• His work also included advancements in the partition of whole numbers, hypergeometric series, and Euler’s constant. 
• Ramanujan’s research was published in prestigious English and European journals. 
• Compiled 3,900 formulas and equations, including a groundbreaking infinite series for Pi.
• Made significant contributions to game theory, purely based on intuition.
• Ramanujan Number (1729):
  • Smallest number expressible as the sum of two different cubes in two ways:
    • 1729 is the sum of the cubes of 10 and 9 – cube of 10 is 1000 and cube of 9 is 729 adding the two numbers results in 1729.
    • 1729 is also the sum of the cubes of 12 and 1, cube of 12 is 1728 and cube of 1 is 1 adding the two results in 1729.
• 22nd December is celebrated as National Mathematics Day in India

Keffiyeh

About Keffiyeh:

• Keffiyeh scarves are a garment long associated with Palestinian solidarity.
• Popularisation:
  • Yasser Arafat, the Palestinian Liberation Organisation leader, popularised the keffiyeh in the 1970s.
  • Nelson Mandela wore it in solidarity with Palestinians, further increasing its global recognition.

Banning of Keffiyeh:

• In the West, it has been associated with opposition to Israel, leading to occasional bans, including post-October 7, 2023.
• Canadian and Australian legislative chambers banned the scarf, citing it as a divisive symbol.

About Jhumpa Lahiri,

• An English-born American author 
• Known for: The Namesake (2003), Interpreter of Maladies (1999), and The Lowland 
• Awards: Won the Pulitzer Prize in 2000 for Interpreter of Maladies 
• Themes: Her work often explores the immigrant experience, identity, and cultural differences 

India becomes 3rd Most Powerful Nation in Asia

Key Factors Behind India’s Rise:

• Economic Growth: India’s post-pandemic economic recovery led to a 4.2-point rise in Economic Capability. 
  • It is now the world’s third-largest economy in terms of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP).
• Future Potential: India’s youthful population led to an 8.2-point rise in Future Resources, signalling demographic advantage compared to ageing populations in China and Japan.
• Diplomatic Influence: India ranked 6th in diplomatic dialogues in 2023, with active engagement in multilateral forums. 
  • Strong leadership and India’s non-aligned strategic posture enhanced its global standing.
• Cultural Influence: India’s global diaspora and cultural exports remain strong, reinforcing soft power.

About Asia Power Index:

• Launched by the Lowy Institute in 2018, the Index assesses power dynamics in the Asia-Pacific region.
• It evaluates 27 countries across the Asia-Pacific, examining their ability to shape and respond to the external environment.
• The 2024 edition offers one of the most comprehensive assessments of power distribution in the region to date. 
  • Timor-Leste has been included for the first time, reflecting its growing importance in Southeast Asia. 
• The Index focuses on both the material capabilities of states and the influence they exert on the international stage.

Criteria and Parameters of Power Measurement:

• Resource-Based Determinants:
  • Economic Capability: GDP, technological advancement, global connectivity.
  • Military Capability: Defense spending, armed forces strength, long-range projection.
  • Resilience: Institutional robustness, security, and resource stability.
  • Future Resources: Projected economic, military, and demographic factors by 2035.
• Influence-Based Determinants:
  • Economic Relationships: Leverage through trade and economic diplomacy.
  • Defense Networks: Strength of alliances and military cooperation.
  • Diplomatic Influence: Reach and participation in global forums.
  • Cultural Influence: Impact through cultural exports and international public opinion.

Vembanad Lake

About Vembanad Lake

• Vembanad Lake is the largest lake in Kerala and the longest lake in India.
• Multiple Names:It is known by various names in different regions:
  • Vembanad Kayal in the northern regions.
  • Vembanad Kol in Kuttanad.
  • Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha.
  • Kochi Lake in the Kochi area.
• Source of the Lake: The lake is fed by four rivers: Meenachil, Achankovil, Pampa, and Manimala.
• Geographical Importance:The lake is separated from the Arabian Sea by a narrow barrier island, contributing to its significance as a backwater stretch, which is a hallmark of Kerala’s tourism.
• Vallam Kali (Nehru Trophy Boat Race):The Vallam Kali, or Snake Boat Race, takes place annually in the lake, with the Nehru Trophy Boat Race being a major attraction, held in Punnamada Lake, a part of Vembanad.
• Ramsar Site:Vembanad Lake was included in the Ramsar Convention in 2002, recognizing it as a wetland of international importance. 
  • It is the second-largest Ramsar site in India, following the Sundarbans in West Bengal.
• Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary: Located on the eastern shores of Vembanad Lake, the sanctuary attracts migratory birds from all over the world.

ABHED LightWeight Bullet Proof Jackets

About ABHED LightWeight Bullet Proof Jackets:

• Developed at DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi.
• It is made from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material.

About DRDO Industry Academia Centres of Excellence (DIA-CoEs):

• Established by DRDO at premier academic institutes and universities across India.
• Aim: To build a Directed Research Ecosystem by fostering collaboration between DRDO labs, academia, startups, and industries.
• Key Objectives:
  • Promote cutting-edge technology development and denied defence technologies.
• Areas of Focus:
  • Boost development of advanced defence systems and platforms.
  • Research focuses on multi-disciplinary and multi-institutional efforts.
  • Sustains long-term development of defence capabilities through collaborative efforts.
• Current Status: 15 DIA-CoEs have been established by DRDO at capable institutions like IITs, IISc across India.