Why in the News?

Recently, the Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology, MoS Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions introduced the upgraded version of the Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System (IGMS 2.0).

About the Intelligent Grievance Monitoring System (IGMS) 2.0:

• IGMS 2.0 is a digital platform and Automated Analysis in Tree Dashboard portal, under the purview of the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
• Implementation of this system has been entrusted to IIT Kanpur.

Key Objectives:

• The Dashboard provides real-time tabulated analysis of both filed and resolved grievances, offering insights at state, district, and ministry levels.
• It assists in identifying the underlying causes of grievances.
• Additionally, this portal streamlines the creation of draft letters for specific schemes or ministries, expediting the grievance resolution process within the respective ministries and departments.
• IGMS 2.0 is equipped with Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities, enhancing its functionality.

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister recently visited and paid his respects at the Sanwariya Seth Temple located in Chittorgarh, Rajasthan.

About Sanwariya Seth Temple:

• Sanwariya Seth Temple is a Hindu place of worship dedicated to Lord Krishna, particularly in his cherished child form known as “Sanwariya Seth” or “Shyam Seth."
• Location: Situated in the village of Mandaphia, Chittorgarh district, Rajasthan.
• Historical Origin: The temple dates back to its construction in the year 1840 A.D.
• Architectural Marvel:
• The temple embodies the quintessential Rajasthan architectural style, renowned for its intricate carvings, distinctive domes, and vivid color palette.
• The primary temple structure is crafted from pristine white marble.
• Elaborate carvings grace the walls, pillars, and ceilings, illustrating scenes from Hindu mythology and an array of motifs.
• Multiple ornate domes adorn the temple, enhancing its aesthetic appeal.
• The temple boasts a prominent spire, or 'shikhar,' which soars above the central sanctum.
• Sanctum Sanctorum: Inside the temple's innermost chamber rests a black stone idol of Lord Krishna.
• Welcoming Spaces: The temple offers expansive, pillared halls that serve as communal gathering areas for devotees and visitors alike.

Why in the News?

As per the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development's Review of Maritime Transport 2023, international shipping witnessed a notable increase of 20 percent in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in 2023 compared to the previous decade.

Key Highlights from the Review:

• The shipping industry plays a pivotal role, accounting for over 80 percent of global trade volume, yet contributes nearly three percent of total global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Containerized trade, after a 3.7 percent decline in 2022, is projected to grow by 1.2 percent in 2023 and is expected to further expand by three percent from 2024 to 2028.
• Oil and gas trade exhibited robust growth in 2022, with tanker freight rates experiencing a significant resurgence driven by geopolitical developments.

About the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD):

• UNCTAD serves as the United Nations' primary institution addressing trade and development matters.
• Established in 1964 by the United Nations General Assembly, it functions as a permanent intergovernmental body.
• UNCTAD's mission is to promote equitable and effective access to the benefits of a globalized economy for developing countries.
• It offers economic and trade analysis, fosters consensus-building, and provides technical assistance to assist developing nations in leveraging trade, investment, finance, and technology for inclusive and sustainable development.
• Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, UNCTAD publishes influential reports, including the Trade and Development Report, the World Investment Report, and The Least Developed Countries Report.

Why in the News?

Recently, the President of India conferred the National Service Scheme Awards for the period 2021-2022 at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

About the National Service Scheme Awards:

• Established in 1993-1994, the National Service Scheme Awards have been an annual tradition since their inception.
• These awards are bestowed by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Department of Youth Affairs.
• Objectives:
• Acknowledge exceptional contributions of NSS student volunteers, NSS Programme Officers, and Programme Coordinators in community service.
• Encourage young NSS student volunteers to develop their personalities through community engagement.
• Applaud the efforts of Programme Officers and Programme Coordinators in fulfilling the goals of the National Service Scheme through NSS volunteers.
• Motivate NSS Volunteers to continue their selfless service in community work.

What is the National Service Scheme?

• The National Service Scheme is a Central Sector Scheme initiated by the Government of India.
• It provides students in the 11th & 12th grade at the +2 Board level, as well as students at technical institutions, colleges, and universities, the opportunity to participate in government-led community service activities and programs.
• Motto: The guiding motto of the National Service Scheme is 'NOT ME BUT YOU.'
• Nodal Ministry: The Ministry responsible for overseeing the National Service Scheme is the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.

Why in the News?

Ruixiang Zhang, an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, will receive the prestigious 2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize in recognition of his exceptional achievements in the field of mathematics.

About the SASTRA Ramanujan Prize:

• Established in 2005, the SASTRA Ramanujan Prize is an esteemed mathematical award.
• It is annually presented by SASTRA University, located near Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu, on December 22, Ramanujan's birth anniversary.
• This accolade is reserved for mathematicians worldwide who are under the age of 32 and are engaged in research influenced by the legendary Srinivasa Ramanujan.
• The age limit of 32 is a tribute to Ramanujan's remarkable achievements within a short lifespan.
• The prize includes a cash award of $10,000 along with a citation.
• It has earned global recognition and prestige since its inception.
• Notable past recipients of the prize include mathematicians Manjul Bhargava and Akshay Venkatesh.

Ruixiang Zhang's Contributions:

• Ruixiang Zhang, a young mathematician, has made significant contributions across various mathematical domains, including analytic number theory, combinatorics, and Euclidean Harmonic Analysis, among others.
• Based on his doctoral work at Princeton, Zhang, in collaboration with Shaoming Guo, successfully demonstrated a multivariable extension of Vinogradov's Mean Value Theorem.
• This groundbreaking work, published in Inventiones Mathematicae in 2019, is celebrated as a major milestone in the field.