INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Vedanta firm Hindustan Zinc has become the third-largest silver producer globally.

• Hindustan Zinc Limited, a subsidiary of the Vedanta Group, has become the world's third-largest silver producer, according to the 2024 World Silver Survey by The Silver Institute.

• The company's SindesarKhurd Mine in Rajasthan is the world's second-largest silver-producing mine.

• In 2023, Hindustan Zinc produced 45.9 million ounces of silver, an 8% increase from the previous year.

• Additionally, the committee will assess measures to ensure the safety and protection of the queer community from violence, harassment, or coercion.

• Silver plays a key role in the global energy transition and Hindustan Zinc's 5% year-on-year growth in production is attributed to increased ore production and improved grades.

• This strengthens its position as a major player in the global silver market.

• Hindustan Zinc is a Vedanta Group company in the zinc, lead, and silver business.

• It is the world's second-largest integrated zinc producer and now the third-largest silver producer.

• Udaipur headquartered, Hindustan Zinc has a 75% market share in the growing zinc market in India with zinc, lead mines, and smelting complexes spread across Rajasthan.

SUMMIT AND CONFERENCES

16th World Future Energy Summit hosted by Masdar in Abu Dhabi

• The 16th World Future Energy Summit convened in Abu Dhabi with a central focus on sustainable energy, climate initiatives, and addressing global warming.

• The Chairman of UAE Independent Climate Change Accelerators presided over the inauguration ceremony, underscoring the urgency of the issues at hand.

• Renowned for fostering dialogue on renewable energy, the conference stressed the imperative of expanding renewable energy capacity.

• Organised by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company, the conference boosted partnerships and stimulated new investments for sustainable energy and climate initiatives.

• During the event, speakers underscored the critical role of financial investments in mitigating global warming and striving to limit temperature rise to 1.5°C, in alignment with international targets.

STATE NEWS

Three new archaeological sites have been discovered in Telangana.

• Three previously unknown archaeological sites have recently come to light in Telangana, revealing fascinating insights into the region's history.

• A team of archaeologists unearthed an exceptional Iron Age megalithic site nestled in Ooragutta, near Bandala village, within the SS Tadvaimandal of Mulugu district.

• The site was discovered by a team comprising K P Rao and Ch Praveen Raju.

• The exact number of monuments could not be counted in the dense forest and slopes of the hill but it is likely to be more than 200 megalithic monuments.

• The site discovered at Ooragutta has unique features. The side slabs are arranged with slabs after the shape of the capstone.

• The researchers have also discovered two new rock art sites at Damaratogu in Gundalamandal of BhadradriKothagudem district.

• The first site is known as ‘DevarlabandaMula’. It has only depictions of animals.

• It is believed that the paintings are from between 8000 – 3000 BCE.

AWARDS

DeepikaSoreng received the AsuntaLakra Award.

• DeepikaSoreng, an India Women's Hockey Team player, won the AsuntaLakra Award.

• She made her debut for India in the Women's Junior Asia Cup. She helped the Indian team to win the Gold medal by scoring 7 goals in 6 matches.

• She was also a key player for the Indian team that won the Silver medal in the FIH Women's Hockey5s World Cup Oman 2024.

• She was also named the Young Player of the Tournament in Oman.

• She travelled with the team to the 2023 FIH Junior Women's World Cup.

• She received the AsuntaLakra Award for Upcoming Player of the Year during the Hockey India 6th Annual Awards 2023.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Sweden becomes the 38th country to join the Artemis Accords.

• Sweden signed the Artemis Accords, which is a series of non-binding arrangements for outer space.

•Sweden has affirmed its dedication to the sustainable use of space NASA welcomes Sweden to the Artemis Accords family.

• NASA and the US Department of State in 2020 announced the Artemis Accords. It has 38 signatories, including India and Japan.

• The Artemis Accords are a set of principles for cooperation in space exploration and the use of the moon, mars, comets, and asteroids for peaceful purposes.

• Artemis program is also aiming to land the first astronauts on Mars and other planets and celestial bodies.

• By endorsing the Artemis Accords, nations commit to upholding key obligations outlined in the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, ensuring the responsible and sustainable utilization of outer space.

• India, under the leadership of Prime Minister NarendraModi, joined the accords on June 22, 2023, reinforcing its status as a global space power.

• In 2022, several nations including Israel, Romania, Bahrain, Singapore, Colombia, France, Saudi Arabia, Rwanda, Nigeria, and the Czech Republic, also joined the Artemis Accords, demonstrating a growing international consensus on the peaceful exploration and utilization of outer space.

INDEX AND RANKING

India's population is estimated to reach 144 crore

• India's population is projected to reach 1.44 billion, as per the latest findings from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) in its State of World Population – 2024 report.

• Within this vast demographic, 24 percent fall within the 0-14 age bracket, indicative of a significant youth population.

• The report highlights a staggering estimate: India's population is expected to double within 77 years, underscoring the country's demographic trends.

• Among the population segments, 17 percent fall within the 10-19 age range, while 26 percent belong to the 10-24 age bracket, reflecting the substantial youth presence shaping India's demographic landscape.

• A notable demographic aspect revealed by the report is that 7 percent of India's population is aged 65 years and above, with men exhibiting a life expectancy of 71 years and women slightly higher at 74 years.

• In terms of global population ranking, China follows closely behind India with a population of 1.425 billion, securing the second position.

• The demographic portrait presented by the UNFPA report contrasts with the figures from India's last census in 2011, which recorded a population of 1.21 billion.

• Recent research conducted across India's 640 districts has shown promising progress, with nearly one-third of them achieving the sustainable development goal of reducing maternal mortality ratio, signaling positive strides in healthcare and development initiatives.