CURRENT-AFFAIRS

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• Astronomers exploring a remote galaxy using a technique known as "gravitational lensing" have uncovered 44 previously uncharted celestial objects.
• Understanding Gravitational Lensing:
  • Gravitational lensing happens when a massive object, such as a galaxy cluster, warps the fabric of spacetime enough to bend the path of light passing through it, much like how a lens bends light. The object responsible for this effect is referred to as the gravitational lens.
  • This phenomenon causes the light traveling around the massive object to bend, distort, and even magnify, creating striking visual effects.
• The Theory:
  • The concept of gravitational lensing was first predicted by Albert Einstein in 1915 as part of his general theory of relativity, which describes the bending of light by massive objects.
  • In Einstein's theory, space and time are intertwined into a single entity known as spacetime. Massive objects warp this spacetime, and gravity is the result of that curvature. As light moves through this curved spacetime, its path is also bent by the mass of objects it encounters.
  • Gravitational lensing is one of the most noticeable demonstrations of Einstein's theory in action. It becomes particularly evident when light from a distant and bright source—such as a star, quasar, or galaxy—passes near a large object like another galaxy or a galaxy cluster, which acts as the lensing body.
  • The effect can shift the apparent position of an object in the sky, or it can create multiple images of the same object, often resulting in stunning visual formations like rings or crosses.
  • Additionally, gravitational lensing can amplify the light from distant objects, allowing astronomers to observe far-off sources that would otherwise be too faint to detect. This makes gravitational lensing an invaluable tool for studying the early universe, as it allows instruments like the James Webb Space Telescope and Hubble Space Telescope to observe light from the earliest galaxies.

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

• AnemiaPhone, an innovative technology developed by researchers at Cornell University, has been handed over to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for incorporation into its initiatives aimed at tackling anemia and improving women’s, maternal, and child health.
• About AnemiaPhone:
  • AnemiaPhone is a cost-effective, quick, and accurate technology designed to detect iron deficiency. Developed by researchers at Cornell University in the United States, it has now been transferred to ICMR to be integrated into various health programs focused on anemia prevention and treatment.
  • This technology will allow for fast, on-site screening and diagnosis of iron deficiency, a leading cause of anemia. In India, iron deficiency affects 50% to 70% of pregnant women, contributing significantly to the national anemia burden.
• How it Works:
  • AnemiaPhone operates by requiring only a small fingerstick to collect a drop of blood, which is placed on a test strip resembling a COVID-19 home test. Within minutes, the device provides a reading, and the results are uploaded to a clinical database via mobile phone, tablet, or computer.
  • Healthcare workers can then interpret the results, offer immediate guidance, make referrals, or initiate interventions as needed, making it a valuable tool for frontline healthcare workers in areas with limited resources.

​​​​​​

• In the next five years, careers in artificial intelligence (AI), big data, and cybersecurity management are expected to experience the highest growth, according to the World Economic Forum's (WEF) Future of Jobs Report 2025.
• About the Future of Jobs Report 2025:
  • The report, published by the World Economic Forum (WEF), is based on data from over 1,000 leading global companies, representing more than 14 million workers across 22 industries and 55 countries worldwide.
• Key Highlights:
  • Job disruption is projected to affect 22% of jobs by 2030.
  • The report forecasts the creation of 170 million new jobs and the displacement of 92 million jobs, leading to a net increase of 78 million jobs by 2030.
  • Factors such as technological advances, economic shifts, geopolitical fragmentation, demographic changes, and the green transition are expected to drive the transformation of the global labor market by 2030.
  • Among the fastest-growing jobs in terms of percentage growth are roles in AI and machine learning, software and application development, and FinTech engineering.
  • In terms of absolute volume, frontline roles are expected to see the largest increase. These include jobs like farmworkers, delivery drivers, construction workers, salespeople, food processing workers, and professionals in the care economy, such as nurses and social workers.
  • On the other hand, traditional roles like graphic designers and administrative assistants are anticipated to decline significantly due to automation.
  • A key challenge identified in the report is the widening skill gap, which is seen as the primary obstacle to business transformation. Almost 40% of the skills required for future jobs will be new or evolving, pushing workers to continuously adapt to rapid technological advancements.
  • By 2030, 59% of the global workforce will need reskilling or upskilling to stay competitive in the labor market.
  • The WEF highlights the top 10 fastest-growing skills by 2030. Leading the list will be Artificial Intelligence (AI) and big data, followed by networks and cybersecurity. Technological literacy ranks third, with creativity in fourth and resilience, flexibility, and agility rounding out the top five.
  • As automation becomes more widespread, 41% of companies are planning workforce reductions, with AI-driven tools increasingly taking over routine tasks and reshaping employment patterns.