Valiamala Crater

Context: The IAU has approved naming several Martian landforms including Valiamala Crater after Kerala locations.

About Valiamala Crater

• Valiamala Crater is a newly named Martian impact feature recognized by the International Astronomical Union.
• Location: It is situated in the Xanthe Terra region of Mars, an area known for ancient glacial and fluvial landforms identified through IIST-led research.
• Geological Features
• • Shows signatures of past glaciation and flowing water, indicating a dynamic ancient Martian environment.
  • Lies near other newly named features such as Krishnan Crater, Krishnan Palus, and Periyar Vallis.

About the International Astronomical Union (IAU)

• The IAU is the global authority responsible for standardizing astronomical nomenclature and advancing astronomy through international collaboration.
• Headquarters: Paris, France
• Establishment: Formed in 1919, it functions as a non-governmental scientific organization coordinating global astronomical research.
• Members: 62 national members, representing national astronomical bodies worldwide.
  • India joined the IAU in 1948
• Key Roles of IAU
  • Naming Celestial Bodies: Sole authority assigning official names to planets, stars, craters, and planetary features.
  • Standard-Setting: Establishes global standards for data, observations, and astronomical nomenclature.
  • Scientific Coordination: Organizes General Assemblies and expert working groups like WGPSN and WGSN.
  • Education & Outreach: Promotes astronomy learning and international scientific cooperation.

Cyclone Ditwah

Context: Cyclone Ditwah, which rapidly intensified over the Bay of Bengal, is expected to move towards the north Tamil Nadu coast within two days,

About Cyclone Ditwah

• Formation: Cyclone Ditwah is a tropical cyclonic system that formed over the southwest Bay of Bengal.
• Rapid Intensification: The cyclone strengthened from a depression to a powerful cyclonic storm within 24 hours.
• Wind Speed: Along the storm’s pathway, winds may reach 60–80 kmph, gusting to 90 kmph.
• Movement Path: IMD forecasts that the system will move towards the southwest Bay of Bengal, nearing North Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and adjoining South Andhra Pradesh coasts
• Red Alert Issued: IMD upgraded alerts from orange to red (extremely heavy rain >20 cm/24 hr) for delta and north coastal districts on November 28–29.
• Origin of the Name “Ditwah”
  • Naming: The name ‘Ditwah’ was recommended by Yemen.
  • Significance: “Ditwah” means “lagoon”, referring to the Detwah Lagoon on Socotra Island, Yemen, known for its distinctive coastal ecosystem.

International IDEA

Context: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC)  Gyanesh Kumar will assume the Chairship of International IDEA in December 2025.

About IIDEA

• IIDEA (International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance) was founded in 1995, is an inter-governmental organisation dedicated to strengthening democracy worldwide.
• Objectives
  • • To promote inclusive, accountable, and resilient democratic institutions.
    • To support electoral integrity, constitutional design, and political participation.
    • To provide research, data, and policy guidance to global democracies.
• Membership: 35 member countries, including India as a founding member.
  • The United States and Japan participate as Observer States.
    
• Headquarters: Stockholm, Sweden
• Role and Functions
  • Facilitates global knowledge-sharing among Election Management Bodies (EMBs).
  • Provides comparative electoral data, policy advice, and capacity-building support.
  • Conducts training, research collaborations, and technical assistance for democratic governance.
  • Works to counter disinformation, electoral violence, and challenges to voter trust through global partnerships.

Significance 

• India’s leadership reflects global recognition of its transparent, large-scale electoral capabilities and enhances its role in shaping worldwide democratic reforms.

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