News in Shorts: 23 August 2024

Shiveluch Volcano

• The Shiveluch volcano in Russia recently erupted following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake.

About Shiveluch Volcano:

• Location: Shiveluch is situated in Russia’s Kamchatka region.
• Type: It is a stratovolcano, characterized by its steep slopes, formed through the accumulation of solidified ash, lava, and volcanic rocks.
• Geographical Position: It is the northernmost active volcano in Kamchatka Krai, Russia.
• Volcanic Activity: Shiveluch is among the most active volcanoes in Kamchatka, with at least 60 major eruptions recorded during the Holocene epoch. 
  • Its current eruptive phase began around 900 BC and continues with frequent eruptions.
• Impact: Eruptions from Shiveluch frequently release volcanic ash that can disrupt air traffic, particularly along flight paths between Asia and North America.

Kamchatka Peninsula Overview

• Location: The Kamchatka Peninsula is located in Russia’s far eastern region, bordered by the Sea of Okhotsk to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.
• Volcanic Activity: It is home to over 160 volcanoes, 29 of which are currently active. Notable ones include Klyuchevskaya Sopka, the tallest, and Kronotsky, known for its iconic cone shape.
• Valley of Geysers: The peninsula also hosts the Valley of Geysers, one of the world’s largest geothermal fields, and is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Biodiversity: Kamchatka is rich in biodiversity, with coniferous forests and tundra landscapes in the north. 
  • It is renowned for its large brown bear population, particularly during the salmon spawning season, and is also home to marine species such as seals, sea lions, and whales.

Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards

About the Global Finance Central Banker Report:

• Annual Publication: The Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards have been published annually since 1994, evaluating the performance of central bank governors worldwide.
• Coverage: The report grades central bank governors from nearly 100 countries, territories, and districts, along with those from the European Union, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Bank of Central African States, and the Central Bank of West African States.
• Grading Criteria: 
• • The ratings are assigned on a scale from “A+” to “F,” assessing performance in areas such as inflation control, economic growth, currency stability, and interest rate management. 
  • An “A” indicates outstanding performance, while “F” denotes failure.
• Purpose: The report honors central bank leaders who excel in their roles through innovative, creative, and tenacious strategies, outperforming their global counterparts.
  • In addition to Shaktikanta Das, Denmark’s Christian Kettel Thomsen and Switzerland’s Thomas Jordan also received an “A+” rating in the 2024 report.
• Top Positions: Christian Kettel Thomsen of Denmark was ranked first, Shaktikanta Das ranked second and Thomas Jordan of Switzerland securing the third position.

Quantum Nonlocality

Concept of Quantum Nonlocality:

• Quantum nonlocality: It is a phenomenon where entangled particles exhibit correlations that cannot be explained by classical physics, even when separated by large distances.
  • These correlations occur instantaneously, defying the classical notion that nothing can influence something else faster than the speed of light.
• Background:
  • In 1964, physicist John Stewart Bell introduced Bell’s theorem, demonstrating that local realism does not apply at the quantum level.
  • Experiments confirmed Bell’s theorem, establishing the nonlocal nature of quantum systems and earning him the 2022 Physics Nobel Prize.
• Applications of Quantum Nonlocality:
  • It is vital for secure communication, random number generation, and cryptographic key creation.
  • It has universal appeal in natural science and continues to influence recent advancements in device-independent technologies.
• Challenge in Measuring Nonlocality:
• • Scientists have been seeking a universal standard to measure and compare quantum nonlocal correlations across different systems.
  • A recent study reveals that such a universal standard is impossible due to the diverse nature of nonlocal correlations.
  • Recent research findings state that each nonlocal resource is unique, with specific capabilities that cannot be replicated by others.
• Implications of the Discovery: This finding highlights the complexity and diversity of quantum nonlocality as a resource. It adds a new layer to the understanding of quantum mechanics, emphasizing the distinctiveness of each nonlocal correlation.

ICGS Sujay

About ICGS Sujay:

• It is an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) of the Indian Coast Guard (ICG), stationed at Paradip, Odisha.
• It operates under the command of the Commander of Coast Guard Region (North-East) and is frequently deployed for various missions.
• Features:
• • It is equipped with advanced navigational and communication systems, sensors, and machinery.
  • The ship is designed for extended deployment in various maritime zones, carrying out diverse missions such as surveillance, search and rescue, and law enforcement

Significance of ICGS Sujay’s Deployment to Jakarta, Indonesia

• Enhancement of Maritime Cooperation: Strengthens maritime ties between India and Indonesia, reinforcing commitments under the 2020 MoU between the ICG and Indonesia’s Badan Keamanan Laut Republik Indonesia (BAKMALA) i.e., Indonesia Coast Guard for enhanced maritime cooperation.
• Promotion of Gender Inclusivity: For the first time, two women ICG officers are part of the Overseas Deployment, representing ‘Women in Maritime Security and Safety,’.
• Focus on Key Maritime Operations: The visit includes professional engagements focusing on Marine Pollution Response, Maritime Search and Rescue, and Maritime Law Enforcement, showcasing India’s commitment to addressing contemporary maritime challenges.
• Environmental Awareness Initiatives: NCC cadets aboard ICGS Sujay will join an environmental protection walkathon, contributing to India’s ‘Puneet Sagar Abhiyan’ initiative.