[Newsbits] 8-11.02.2024: Deep Tech, Fentanyl Crisis, & More

The Bharat Ratna Awards in 2024 hold a special significance as it marks the highest number of recipients in a single year, with five distinguished individuals being honored. This year’s awardees include notable personalities like socialist leader Karpoori Thakur, former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani, former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh, and agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan. These awards, which are India’s highest civilian honors, recognize exceptional service and achievements in various fields, contributing to the socio-political and economic fabric of the nation. The selection of these awardees is based on their outstanding contributions to society, and the honor serves as a beacon of inspiration for future generations.

The NASA DC-8 Flying Laboratory is a highly modified Douglas DC-8 jetliner that serves as a flying science laboratory under NASA’s Airborne Science Program. Operating for over 25 years from NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Palmdale, California, this aircraft has executed a variety of Earth science missions across six continents, including ice field studies in Antarctica. Its missions cover a wide range of scientific fields, such as archaeology, meteorology, and biology, focusing on activities like sensor development, satellite sensor verification, and data collection for space vehicle launches and re-entries. The DC-8 has been instrumental in campaigns like the AS-CENDS for atmospheric CO2 measurement and detailed studies of pyrocumulonimbus clouds. As it ages, there are considerations for potential replacements, with the Boeing 767-200ER and U.S. Navy P-8 being top contenders due to their capabilities and efficiencies.

World Pulses Day 2024, celebrated under the theme “Pulses: Nourishing Soils and People”, emphasizes the importance of pulses in improving soil health and providing nutrition. This global event, organized by the FAO, includes discussions on the environmental benefits of pulses, their role in sustainable agriculture, and their nutritional value. Experts from various fields contribute their insights, highlighting the need for more research, investment, and involvement from the private sector to promote pulses. The event also addresses global challenges such as climate change, biodiversity loss, and soil degradation, proposing pulses as a part of the solution.

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY) is an initiative by the Indian government, aimed at transforming and formalizing the fisheries sector. Launched with an outlay of Rs. 6,000 crores, it focuses on supporting fisheries micro and small enterprises. The scheme targets a range of beneficiaries including fishers, aquaculture farmers, and related micro-enterprises. It aims to address sectoral challenges like informal operations, risk mitigation, and access to credit. A key feature is the implementation of a National Fisheries Digital Platform to streamline processes. The PM-MKSSY is significant for its potential to boost income, formalize the sector, improve value chain efficiencies, and create numerous job opportunities, particularly for women.

The 7th Indian Ocean Conference, held on February 9-10, 2024, in Perth, Australia, aimed at fostering regional cooperation in the Indian Ocean and addressing various challenges such as maritime threats, climate change, and globalization impacts. Organized by the India Foundation and other international bodies, the conference gathered over 300 delegates, including foreign ministers and heads of multilateral groupings. Discussions focused on enhancing regional security, economic development, and environmental sustainability, emphasizing the Indian Ocean’s geopolitical and economic significance. The event also sought to chart a roadmap for future drivers like digital technology and green energy sources.

The Annual Death Penalty Report 2023 reveals significant shifts in public opinion and judicial practices regarding the death penalty. In the United States, there’s a growing perception of the death penalty being unfairly applied, with the Supreme Court showing limited intervention in death penalty cases. Meanwhile, in India, a notable decline in death sentence confirmations by appellate courts is observed, indicating a cautious approach towards capital punishment. The report underscores a global trend of decreasing support for the death penalty, driven by concerns about legal system fallibility and the risk of executing innocent individuals.