World Top Scientists Awards

The recent Kochi edition of the Kerala Bird Race showcased 192 bird species and among them was the Dunlin, a small shorebird now classified as “Near Threatened”. This change reflects an increase in risk from “Least Concern” in 2023, which is often found in large flocks on mudflats and beaches. Birdwatchers spotted it at Puthuvype beach. Bird Count Statistics This year, the total bird count dropped. Only 4,885 individual birds were counted, nearly half of last year’s 8,639. About 100 birdwatchers participated in the event. Experts caution that this decline may not indicate a long-term trend. Consistent monitoring is necessary for accurate assessments. Event Coordination and Participation The event was coordinated by the Cochin Natural History Society, Kerala Agricultural University, and the State Forest and Wildlife Department. It spanned around 100 locations in Kochi and central Kerala. Approximately 25 teams took part in the bird race. Notable Species Observed Several remarkable speci...

In January 2024, after an oil spill in Ennore, Thiruvallur district, the Tamil Nadu government introduced a detailed plan to handle future oil spills. This plan focuses on four coastal districts that are at high risk of oil spills and aims to prevent environmental damage. Identifying Risk Areas The Tamil Nadu State Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan has identified four districts as ‘very high’ risk for oil spills:Ramanathapuram Thoothukudi Gulf of Mannar islands Thiruvallur In addition to these, Kanniyakumari and Chennai are considered ‘high-risk’ areas. The plan focuses on 15 sensitive zones, which need special attention and quick action if an oil spill happens. Protecting Critical Ecological Zones Certain regions with fragile ecosystems are given special protection under the plan, including:Gulf of Mannar Thoothukudi salt pans Beaches at Manapad, Rameswaram, and Tiruchendur Palk Bay and Kanniyakumari Mangroves in Pudukkottai and Thanjavur Tharangambadi and Velankanni beaches Vedaran...

Three CubeSats from Curtin University’s Binar Space Program burned up in Earth’s atmosphere. This was anticipated due to their name, Binar, meaning fireball in the Noongar language. The satellites, Binar-2, 3, and 4, lasted only two months in orbit instead of the planned six. About Low Earth Orbit Satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) face atmospheric drag, which gradually decreases their altitude. Eventually, they re-enter the atmosphere and burn up. The Binar satellites experienced this process  earlier than expected. Increased solar activity caused the early demise of the Binar satellites. The Sun has been unusually active, creating challenges for low-Earth orbit satellites. Solar phenomena like sunspots and solar flares contribute to this activity. Solar Cycle Patterns The Sun operates on an 11-year magnetic cycle. At the cycle’s peak, solar activity intensifies. Current solar activity in Cycle 25 has exceeded forecasts , complicating satellite operations. Effects on Space Weathe...

Israel’s Defence Ministry is enhancing military collaboration with Germany. The focus is on deploying the Arrow-3 missile interception system in Germany by 2025. This initiative follows recent geopolitical tensions in Europe, particularly due to Russia’s actions in Ukraine. Increased defence spending across Europe has prompted this partnership. Arrow Missile System Overview The Arrow missile system is designed to intercept long-range ballistic missiles. It consists of two main components – Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 interceptors. The system was developed through a collaboration between Israel and the United States. Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) serves as the prime contractor for this project. Recent Developments in Defence Coordination Meetings have taken place between Israel’s Defence Ministry and German officials. Key players include Israel Aerospace Industries, Elbit Systems, and MBDA Deutschland GmbH. These discussions aim to ensure a smooth deployment of the Arrow-3 system in German...

The European Space Agency (ESA) has started initial planning for a mission to explore a large asteroid called Apophis, officially known as asteroid (99942). This mission, named the Rapid Apophis Mission for Space Safety (RAMSES), is designed to reach Apophis in February 2029. NASA is also preparing its mission, Osiris-Apex, to examine Apophis during the same close approach. What is Apophis? Apophis was discovered in 2004 and is roughly 340 meters (1,115 feet) in diameter. Due to its size, it could cause severe destruction if it hit Earth. Thankfully, it’s expected to pass safely by on April 13, 2029, coming within about 19,794 miles (31,860 kilometers) of our planet, which is close enough for detailed study but not a danger to Earth. Why are Asteroids a Threat? Asteroids are ancient pieces left over from when the Solar System formed. Many are located in the asteroid belt, but some are closer to Earth. Earth is at constant risk from these objects, especially from the 35,000 or so near-...