SASTRA-RAMANUJAN AWARD
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Context: The 2024 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize will be awarded to Alexander Dunn of the Georgia Institute of Technology, U.S.
- 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
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Keffiyeh
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Context: Renowned Indian-American author Jhumpa Lahiri declined an award from New York City’s Noguchi Museum after it fired three employees for wearing keffiyeh scarves.
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
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India becomes 3rd Most Powerful Nation in Asia
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Context: In a major shift, India surpassed Japan to become the third-largest power in the Asia Power Index, reflecting its increasing geopolitical stature.
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.
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Vembanad Lake
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Context: The 70th edition of the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (NTBR) will be held in Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha district of Kerala.
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.
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ABHED LightWeight Bullet Proof Jackets
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Context: Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), along with researchers of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi has developed Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets named ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat).
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.
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September 27, 2024
