Current affairs 21 March 2024

UN report "Planet on the brink": 2014-2023 warmest decade on record.

• The U.N. weather agency said in State of the Global Climate report that average temperatures hit the highest level in 174 years of record-keeping by a margin, reaching 1.45 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.
• Ocean temperatures also reached the warmest in 65 years of data with over 90% of the seas having experienced heatwave conditions.
• UN Secretary-General - António Guterres.

India’s 2nd privately developed rocket developed in Tamil Nadu.

• Agnibaan SOrTeD by Agnikul Cosmos, a Tamil Nadu startup, marks India's 1st private pad launch and semi-cryogenic engine rocket.
• The launch is set for March 22 from Satish Dhawan Space Centre, showcasing TN's space capabilities.
• It features world's first indigenously designed and built single-piece 3D printed engine.
• Agnikul Cosmos Founders: S Ravichandran, Moin SPM, S Chakravarthy, J Raju.

1st dedicated portal launched for information on water in dams, canals.

• Rajasthan has launched a dedicated portal for real-time information on water levels and availability in dams, reservoirs, and canals.
• The portal aims to enhance water management, predict droughts and floods.
• It has marked a milestone in water and disaster management, making Rajasthan the first state to implement such a system.

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India ranked 126th World Happiness Report 2024, same as previous year.

• Finland has maintained its position as the world's happiest country for the seventh consecutive year.
• Afghanistan ranked last.
• Lithuania has ranked highest for children and young people under 30.
• Denmark has emerged as the happiest nation for individuals aged 60 and older.
• These rankings are based on GDP, life expectancy, social support, freedom, generosity, and perceptions of corruption.

South Korea hosted the summit "Warns of AI Risks To Democracy".

• South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol warns of AI-based fake news as a threat to democracy.
• Summit for Democracy in Seoul addresses digital threats and technology's role in promoting democracy.
• Global officials accuse Russia and China of conducting malicious propaganda campaigns.
• USA is releasing the first guidance of its kind for tech companies to help prevent attacks on human rights.