The University of Tokyo has inaugurated the Atacama Observatory (TAO), which has been awarded the Guinness World Record for being the world’s highest observatory.
Located at an altitude of 5,640 meters above sea level on the summit of Cerro Chajanantore in the Antofagasta region of Chile.
At the center of the TAO is a 6.5-meter optical-infrared telescope, designed to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Science & Technology
3. What is ‘Gliese 12 b’, recently seen in news? – Earth sized exoplanet
Astronomers, using NASA’s TESS and other telescopes, have discovered Gliese 12b, a temperate, Earth-sized exoplanet orbiting the red dwarf Gliese 12 in Pisces, 40 light-years away.
Gliese 12b, similar in size to Earth or Venus, has a mass 3.87 times that of Earth and orbits its star every 12.8 days.
It receives 1.6 times more energy than Earth and has an estimated surface temperature of 107°F (42°C).
4. Mission Ishaan is related to which field? – One Nation, One Airspace
India has started the process of integrating its four airfields across the country to streamline and improve air traffic management.
The airspace is controlled through four Flight Information Zones (FIRs) at Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai and one sub-flight information zone at Guwahati.
Each is managed independently.
The objective is to consolidate their separate airspace management into a single, integrated system, headquartered in Nagpur.
Environment
5. How many Great Indian Bustards were spotted during the annual waterhole survey recently conducted in the National Desert Park, Rajasthan? – 64
World Thyroid Day, annually on May 25th, raises awareness about the thyroid gland and related conditions.
The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland near the neck’s base, regulates vital functions by releasing thyroid hormones (T4 and T3).
These hormones influence metabolism, body temperature, heart rate, and protein production.
Thyroid disorders, common in women but affecting all ages and genders, include Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), impacting hormone production.
9. When was the first World Football Day celebrated? – 25 May
The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has initiated a three-day elephant census at Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve, located at the junction of Eastern and Western Ghats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve.
It spans 1,411.6 sq km, declared a tiger reserve in 2013, fostering a continuous habitat for tigers and other wildlife.
The reserve boasts the world’s largest tiger population, over 280 tigers, and is home to indigenous tribes like the Irula and Kurumba.
Miscellaneous
11. Recently, the world’s first 100% biodegradable pen has been launched in which country? – India
Over 50 billion ballpoint pens are trashed yearly, with 95% made of plastic. Saurabh H. Mehta from New Delhi created the world’s first 100% biodegradable pen.
He founded bioQ, focusing on eco-friendly stationery, and launched NOTE (No Offence to Earth) to eliminate plastic in pens.
The NOTE pen features a recycled paper refill, non-toxic ink, and a removable metal tip, exploring materials like paper tubes, bamboo, and metal for its exterior.