First 3D printed artwork created in space
- A ‘laugh star’ a 3D-printed representation of sound waves generated from human laughter created aboard the International Space Station which was conceptualised by Israeli contemporary artist Eyal Gever.
- It has become the first-ever piece of art to be produced outside Earth and was printed using Additive Manufacturing Facility, a gravity independent 3D printer.
Russia became largest producer of crude oil
- As per latest production data released during February 2017, Russia took over to Saudi Arabia as the world’s largest crude oil producer in December 2016 when Russia pumped 10.49 million barrels a day in December 2016, down 29,000 barrels a day from November 2016, while Saudi Arabia’s output declined to 10.46 million barrels a day from 10.72 million barrels a day in November 2016.
- The US was the third-largest producer, at 8.8 million barrels a day in December compared with 8.9 million barrels a day in November 2016.
100% effective new malaria vaccine found
- As per research that was published in the journal Nature, a new vaccine called Sanaria PfSPZ-CVac for malaria is up to 100% effective when assessed at 10 weeks after last dose.
- Malaria parasites are transmitted by the bite of female Anopheles mosquitoes.
12th largest holder of US government securities
- India became the 12th largest holder of US government securities at the end of 2016, with exposure worth $118.2 billion.
- With this holdings worth $1.09 trillion, Japan remained the largest holder of these securities followed by China with exposure to $1.06 trillion.
Zealandia a new continent to be recognised
- Zealandia, the continent sank between 65-80 million years ago in the southwest Pacific is being recognised a new continent.
- Zealandia covers nearly 5m square km, of which 94% is under water.
World's Longest elevated cycle path
- The longest elevated bike path in the world built by Copenhagen-based firm Dissing + Weitling has been opened in the southeastern Chinese city of Xiamen which is 5 mile long,16-feet wide bicycle-only pathway – dubbed “the winding viaduct”.
- The route can carry 2023 cyclists per hour, while 300 hire bikes are available for people who do not have one.
Jean-Pierre Lacroix of France was appointed the head of the UN peacekeeping
- Jean-Pierre Lacroix of France was appointed the head of the UN peacekeeping for a year pending a review of the world body's functions and structure. He serves as the director for the United Nations at the French Foreign Ministry.
- 56 year old Lacroix will replace Herve Ladsous who steps down in March after six years in the top job.
New bird species found in Nepal
- A Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush has been spotted in the high mountainous region of Nepal by Friends of Nature (FoN) reasearchers and then confirmed by the bird experts Carol Inskipp and Hem Sagar Baral.
- Rufous-tailed Rock Thrush is considered an autumn passage migrant bird species in Pakistan and India.
- Now total number of avian species in the Himalayan country became 866.
North Korea test-fires ballistic missile
- North Korea said on Monday it had successfully test-fired a new type medium-to-long-range ballistic missile.
- Kim Jong Un supervised the test of the Pukguksong-2, a new type of strategic weapon capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.
Yo-Yo Ma ensemble wins Grammy
- Indian tabla player Sandeep Das was part of Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble “Sing Me Home” which won the Grammy in the World Music category.
- Yo-Yo Ma’s ‘Sing Me Home’ features tunes composed or arranged by different global artist
- Nomination for World Music category also included sitarist Anoushka Shankar’s for her “Land of Gold” .
