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- Indian traders engaged in border trade via the Lipulekh Pass with China have urged the central government to address the resumption of trade through this route.
- About Lipulekh Pass:
- Lipulekh Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass situated in the Kumaon region of Uttarakhand, near the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China. It connects Uttarakhand with Tibet in China and stands at an elevation of around 5,334 meters (17,500 feet). Known for its rugged terrain with steep ascents, the pass serves as a crucial gateway to the higher Himalayas.
- Historically, Lipulekh Pass has been an ancient trade route linking the Indian subcontinent with the Tibetan plateau. Additionally, it holds religious significance as a part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a revered pilgrimage for Hindus. Pilgrims undertake this challenging journey to reach Mount Kailash, believed to be the abode of Lord Shiva, and the nearby Mansarovar Lake.
- Lipulekh Pass became the first Indian border post to facilitate trade with China in 1992, paving the way for subsequent openings at Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh in 1994 and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim in 2006.
- Scientists have recently detected frost on Olympus Mons, the tallest volcano on Mars, indicating an active water cycle on the Red Planet.
- About Olympus Mons:
- Olympus Mons is a shield volcano situated in Mars' western hemisphere. It stands as the highest point on Mars and holds the title of the largest known volcano in our solar system. Rising to a towering 16 miles (24 kilometers), it surpasses Mt. Everest in height by about threefold. The volcano sprawls widely, covering an area greater than the entire Hawaiian Islands chain, with a width of 340 miles (550 kilometers).
- Formed approximately 3.5 billion years ago, Olympus Mons is a relic from Mars' early geological history. Notably, its gentle slopes, ranging from 2 to 5 degrees, contrast sharply with Earth's steeper volcanic structures. At its summit lies a vast caldera, stretching 50 miles (80 kilometers) wide and comprising multiple overlapping pits formed during various eruptive phases.
- This complex caldera structure sets Olympus Mons apart from many Earth-based volcanoes, which typically exhibit simpler, single-caldera formations.
- Russia has reportedly used the nuclear-capable Iskander-M missile system to target the Ukrainian military airbase in Mirgorod.
- About Iskander-M:
- The Iskander, known in Western reporting as the SS-26 Stone, is a road-mobile short-range ballistic missile system developed by Russia. It was introduced into Russian service in 2006 and is specifically designed for precise strikes on small, high-value land targets. This versatile system can employ various types of missiles, including those capable of carrying conventional and nuclear warheads weighing up to 700 kg.
- Key Features:
- Dimensions: 7.3 meters in length, 0.92 meters in diameter, and a launch weight of 3,750 kilograms.
- Operational Range: 400-500 kilometers, utilizing inertial and optical guidance systems for accuracy.
- Speed and Altitude: Capable of traveling at speeds up to seven times the speed of sound (Mach 7) and reaching altitudes exceeding 30 miles.
- Advanced Capabilities: Features a maneuverable re-entry vehicle (MaRV) and decoys to counteract theater missile defense systems. It includes in-flight correction and self-targeting systems, enhancing its ability to overcome missile defenses.
- Variants:
- Iskander-E: Export version with a range of 280 kilometers.
- Iskander-K: Enhanced version unveiled in 2007, equipped with the new cruise missile R-500 and a maximum range of 280 kilometers.
- Russia's deployment of the Iskander-M underscores its strategic use in military operations, emphasizing precision and adaptability in combat scenarios.
- The 2024 Kavli Prize winners were announced on Wednesday, recognizing outstanding contributions in astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience.
- About:
- Established in honor of Norwegian-American businessman and philanthropist Fred Kavli (1927-2013), the Kavli Prizes celebrate advancements in astrophysics, nanoscience, and neuroscience—the realms spanning from the largest cosmic phenomena to the smallest nanoscale structures and the complexities of the human brain. Launched in 2008, these prestigious awards highlight groundbreaking discoveries that expand our understanding of the universe, life sciences, and technological innovation.
- Winners in 2024:
- Astrophysics: David Charbonneau and Sara Seager received the prize for their pioneering work in discovering exoplanets and characterizing their atmospheres.
- Nanoscience: Robert Langer, Armand Paul Alivisatos, and Chad Mirkin were honored for their transformative contributions to biomedical applications through nanoscience breakthroughs.
- Neuroscience: Nancy Kanwisher, Winrich Freiwald, and Doris Tsao were awarded for their collective research efforts spanning decades, mapping the intricate connections between facial recognition and brain function.
- The 2024 Kavli Prize laureates exemplify excellence and innovation across these fields, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and paving the way for future scientific endeavors.