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- Scientists at the HESS observatory in Namibia have detected the most powerful cosmic rays ever recorded, reaching energies up to 40 teraelectronvolts.
- About the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) Observatory:
- The HESS observatory is a network of Cherenkov Telescopes situated in the Khomas Highlands of Namibia. It began operations in 2003 and has been highly successful in its mission since then. HESS specializes in observing gamma rays, the most energetic form of light, in the very high-energy spectrum (>100 GeV). These rays are produced by some of the most extreme events in the universe. Located in the southern hemisphere, HESS is ideally positioned to study gamma-ray sources within our galaxy, the Milky Way. Since gamma rays cannot pass through the Earth’s atmosphere, HESS detects them indirectly by observing their interaction with air molecules. In addition to studying sources within our galaxy, HESS has a broad and diverse research program, including observations of distant galaxies and investigations into fundamental physics questions, such as those related to dark matter and Lorentz invariance. The HESS observatory is operated by a collaboration of over 260 scientists from approximately 40 scientific institutions across 13 countries.
- In a heartbreaking event, at least 27 people lost their lives, and over 100 others, including women, remain missing after a boat capsized in the Niger River in central Nigeria.
- About the Niger River:
- The Niger River is the main watercourse of West Africa. Spanning a length of 2,600 miles (4,200 km), it is the third longest river in Africa, following the Nile and the Congo. It is the longest and largest river in West Africa and is often referred to as the "Boomerang River" because of its winding, serpentine shape. The river originates in Guinea, about 150 miles (240 kilometers) from the Atlantic Ocean, and takes an unusual detour into the Sahara Desert. Near Mali’s Timbuktu, it makes a sharp turn and continues flowing southeast toward the Gulf of Guinea. The river flows through ten African countries: Niger, Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Mali, Burkina Faso, Algeria, Benin, Chad, Cameroon, and Nigeria. The Niger River Basin covers 7.5% of the African continent, with the Benue River serving as its main tributary.
- Recently, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) highlighted significant "glaring lapses" in both the planning and execution stages of the new Pamban rail bridge project.
- About the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS):
- The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) is a statutory body that serves as the authority overseeing railway safety in India.
- It addresses issues related to the safety of rail travel and train operations, performing various statutory functions outlined in the Railways Act of 1989. These functions are primarily of an inspectorial, investigatory, and advisory nature.
- The Commission’s key responsibility is to ensure that any new railway line, before being opened for passenger traffic, meets the safety standards and specifications set by the Ministry of Railways.
- It also conducts formal inquiries into serious train accidents on Indian Railways and provides recommendations to enhance safety across the network.
- Nodal Ministry:
- The CRS operates under the administrative control of the Ministry of Civil Aviation, which ensures its independence from the Railway establishment, preventing any potential conflicts of interest.
- The CRS is headed by a Chief Commissioner of Railway Safety (CCRS).
- Headquarters:
- The CRS is headquartered in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh.