IMPORTANT DAYS
World AIDS Vaccine Day 2024 observed on 18 May
• World AIDS Vaccine Day is observed worldwide on May 18 every year, serving as a platform to raise awareness about AIDS and the urgent need for an effective vaccine.
• The inaugural World AIDS Vaccine Day took place on May 18, 1998, marking a significant milestone in global efforts to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic.
• Despite decades of research and progress in HIV/AIDS treatment, there is currently no vaccine available to prevent HIV, underscoring the ongoing challenges in combating the disease.
• Also referred to as HIV Vaccine Awareness Day, the occasion emphasizes the importance of developing preventive measures against HIV transmission.
• AIDS, or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), a viral disease that compromises the body's immune system.
• The emergence of AIDS was first reported in the United States in 1981, initiating widespread efforts to understand, treat, and prevent the spread of the virus.
International Museum Day 2024 observed on 18 May
• International Museum Day, observed every May 18th, was established by the International Council of Museums (ICOM) in 1977 with the aim of promoting awareness about the significance of museums in society.
• Each year, the event highlights a different theme, shedding light on pertinent topics or issues faced by museums worldwide.
• This year's theme, "Museums for Education and Research," underscores the pivotal role of cultural institutions in providing an enriching educational journey.
• By focusing on education and research, museums contribute to fostering a deeper understanding of history, art, science, and culture, thereby enriching individuals and communities.
• Through exhibitions, programs, and interactive experiences, museums serve as dynamic platforms for learning and exploration, facilitating lifelong learning and scholarly inquiry.
• International Museum Day serves as a platform to celebrate the diverse contributions of museums and encourages public engagement with these vital repositories of human knowledge and creativity.
APPOINTMENTS
Kapil Sibal became president of the Supreme Court Bar Association.
• Senior advocate Kapil Sibal has been elected as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), marking his fourth term in this prestigious position.
• Sibal secured a total of 1,066 votes, emerging victorious over his closest competitor, senior advocate Pradeep Rai.
• Other notable contenders in the election included Priya Hingorani, Tripurari Ray, and Neeraj Srivastava.
• Advocate Vikrant Yadav has been elected as the Secretary of the SCBA, adding to the leadership team of the association.
• Kapil Sibal's illustrious legal career includes serving as Additional Solicitor General of India from 1989 to 1990, with his elevation to the status of Senior Advocate in 1983.
• In a significant move towards inclusivity, the Supreme Court has mandated the reservation of certain positions in the executive committee of the SCBA for women, reflecting the commitment to gender diversity and representation.
NASA Names First Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer
• David Salvagnini has been appointed as NASA's Chief Artificial Intelligence (AI) Officer, expanding his current role as Chief Data Officer within the agency.
• This strategic move underscores NASA's dedication to leveraging AI technology in a responsible manner, aligning with its mission to explore and advance scientific understanding.
• Salvagnini's dual responsibilities signify NASA's recognition of the integral role that AI plays in the agency's data-driven initiatives and decision-making processes.
• With his expertise in both data management and AI technologies, Salvagnini is poised to drive innovation and efficiency across NASA's operations, enhancing its capabilities in space exploration and research.
• Salvagnini, who joined NASA in June 2023, brings over 20 years of technology leadership experience from the intelligence community.
SPORTS
Brazil to host 2027 Women's World Cup.
• Brazil secured the hosting rights for the 2027 Women's World Cup during the annual FIFA Congress, marking a historic moment as the first South American nation to host the prestigious tournament.
• The bid from Brazil prevailed over a joint entry from Belgium, Netherlands, and Germany, with Brazil securing 119 votes compared to the European bid's 78.
• In the FIFA evaluation, Brazil's bid garnered a score of 4.0 out of 5, surpassing the 3.7 score achieved by the Belgium-Netherlands-Germany consortium.
• Evaluation criteria included assessments of commercial viability, team facilities, accommodations, broadcasting capabilities, stadium infrastructure, and fan festival venues, highlighting Brazil's strengths across these areas.
MISCELLANEOUS
UN amended India's 2024 economic growth projection to 6.9%.Venezuela has become the first country to lose all its glaciers.
• Venezuela has reached a significant milestone in the battle against climate change by becoming the first nation to lose all its glaciers, marking a critical turning point in the country's environmental landscape.
• The disappearance of Venezuela's final glacier signifies the culmination of a process that began in 1910 when the country boasted six glaciers spanning an impressive 1,000 square kilometers.
• Today, only remnants of ice remain, failing to meet the criteria for classification as glaciers, symbolizing the irreversible loss of these natural formations.`
• By 2011, five out of the six glaciers had vanished entirely, leaving only the Humboldt Glacier, also known as La Corona, in the Sierra Nevada National Park, fighting for survival against the effects of climate change.
• Research spanning the last five years reveals a drastic decline in glacier coverage in Venezuela, plummeting by a staggering 98% from 1953 to 2019.
• The rate of ice loss has accelerated rapidly since 1998, reaching a peak of approximately 17% per year since 2016, underscoring the urgency of addressing climate change and its devastating impacts on vulnerable ecosystems like glaciers.
