Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
Theoretical physicist Ashoke Sen, an Indian, has been honored with the prestigious Oskar Klein Medal for his significant contributions to theoretical physics.
Key points
- Ashoke Sen is the first Indian to receive the Oskar Klein Medal.
- The award is given by Stockholm University and the Nobel Committee for Physics of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences.
- Dr. Sen is currently the ICTS-Infosys Madhava Chair Professor at the International Centre for Theoretical Sciences (ICTS), Bengaluru.
- He delivered a memorial lecture titled ‘Gravity from Strings and Strings from Gravity’.
Background & context
String theory is a theoretical framework in particle physics that describes elementary particles as one-dimensional 'strings'. The Oskar Klein Centre for Cosmoparticle Physics is a joint initiative between Stockholm University and the Royal Institute of Technology (KTH).
★ Prelims fact capsule
Ashoke Sen is the first Indian laureate of the Oskar Klein Medal.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper III: Science and Technology - Achievements of Indians in science and technology.
Why in news?
Students at Jamia Millia Islamia are protesting for the restoration of their students' union, facing restrictions, suspension of services, and heavy police presence on campus.
Key points
- Protests began on October 11 for the restoration of the Jamia Millia Islamia Students' Union (JMISU).
- On October 24, attempts were made to forcibly remove protesting students, leading to suspension of classes, water, and electricity.
- Students have been denied entry and exit, with heavy police and CRPF deployment.
- Students are demanding the immediate restoration of JMISU.
Background & context
Jamia Millia Islamia is a central university with a history of student activism. Student unions play a role in university governance and student welfare.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The protests at Jamia Millia Islamia are for the restoration of the Students' Union (JMISU).
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Governance - Education, Welfare Schemes, Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Higher Education; GS Paper I: Society - Role of students in society and nation-building.
Why in news?
A deep depression over the Bay of Bengal is expected to intensify into a 'very severe cyclonic storm' and cross the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28, prompting preparedness measures.
Key points
- A depression over the Bay of Bengal is forecast to intensify into a very severe cyclonic storm.
- The storm is predicted to make landfall on the Andhra Pradesh coast by October 28.
- Fisherfolk in Kakinada and East Godavari districts have been alerted to suspend fishing activities.
- Cyclone preparedness measures are being stepped up in coastal areas.
- Heavy rains and strong winds are expected from October 27.
Background & context
The Bay of Bengal is prone to cyclonic storms, particularly during the post-monsoon season. These storms can cause significant damage to life and property along coastal regions.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The depression is expected to become a 'very severe cyclonic storm' before crossing the Andhra Pradesh coast.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper I: Geography - Cyclones, Natural Hazards; GS Paper III: Disaster Management - Preparedness and mitigation measures.