International News
World’s Highest Observatory Inaugurated in Chile by University of Tokyo
The University of Tokyo has inaugurated the Atacama Observatory (TAO), which has been awarded a Guinness World Record for being the highest observatory in the world. Situated at a staggering 5,640 meters above sea level on the summit of Cerro Chajnantor in the Antofagasta Region of Chile, TAO stands as a testament to human ingenuity and determination.
Awards News
Scientist Srinivas R. Kulkarni Honoured with Prestigious Shaw Prize in Astronomy
Srinivas R. Kulkarni, an Indian-origin U.S. scientist and brother of renowned author Sudha Murty, has been awarded the prestigious Shaw Prize in Astronomy for 2024. This prestigious recognition celebrates Kulkarni’s groundbreaking discoveries in the field of astronomy, including his pioneering work on millisecond pulsars, gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, and other transient astronomical phenomena.
Jenny Erpenbeck’s ‘Kairos’ Wins International Booker Prize
German author Jenny Erpenbeck and translator Michael Hofmann have won the prestigious International Booker Prize for their novel “Kairos.” The book, which tells the story of a tangled love affair during the final years of East Germany’s existence, beat out five other finalists from a pool of 149 submitted novels.
Science and Technology News
Noise Acquires Women’s Wellness Platform SocialBoat to Bolster Smart Ring Innovation
Leading smartwatch and connected lifestyle brand, Noise, has announced the acquisition of the AI-powered women’s wellness platform SocialBoat. This strategic move is part of Noise’s broader strategy to advance innovation in smart rings, particularly its flagship wearable, the Luna Ring.
Sports News
Australia to Host AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has confirmed Australia as the hosts for the AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2026. The continental football governing body made this announcement after the AFC Executive Committee ratified the recommendations of the AFC Women’s Football Committee at its meeting in Bangkok, Thailand.
‘Let’s Move India’ Campaign Celebrates Olympians Bound for Paris
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has launched the “Let’s Move India” campaign in collaboration with the Reliance Foundation and the Abhinav Bindra Foundation. The initiative aims to celebrate the Olympians heading to the upcoming Paris Olympics and encourage everyone to participate in physical activity.
Important Days
UNGA Proclaimed May 24 as the International Day of the Markhor
The United Nations General Assembly has proclaimed May 24 as the International Day of the Markhor. This resolution, sponsored by Pakistan and eight other countries, aims to raise awareness and promote the conservation of this iconic and ecologically significant species found across the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.
World Turtle Day 2024 Celebrated on 23rd May
World Turtle Day, celebrated annually on May 23, aims to raise awareness about the unique lifestyle and habitats of turtles and tortoises. While often mistaken for one another, these reptiles have distinct differences. Turtles are aquatic creatures that live in water, while tortoises are land-dwelling animals. Additionally, tortoises can live up to an impressive 300 years, significantly longer than the average 40-year lifespan of turtles.
