GKToday Testbook Current Affairs Adda  - 17 December 2024

Cosmic Chameleon

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Ques. Which is the largest iceberg?
Ans. The world’s largest iceberg, A23a, weighing nearly a trillion tonnes, is drifting in the Southern Ocean after decades grounded in the Weddell Sea. Calved in 1986, it’s twice the size of Greater London.

Ques. Where is the Kerch Strait located?

Ans. The Kerch Strait, connecting the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov, separates Crimea and Russia. It’s strategically significant for trade and military access, with the Kerch Bridge as a vital transportation link.

Ques. Name the drug linked to the Assad regime's fall in Syria?

Ans. Captagon, a highly addictive amphetamine, is widely trafficked in the Middle East. Known as the “poor man’s cocaine,” it’s used recreationally and by fighters for stamina, fueling regional conflicts and illegal drug economies.

Ques. What is the Ursid meteor shower?

Ans. The Ursid meteor shower peaks annually around December 22, originating from Comet 8P/Tuttle. Best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere, it produces 5–10 meteors per hour, radiating from the constellation Ursa Minor.

Ques. What is the space junk?

Ans. Space junk refers to defunct satellites, rocket fragments, and debris orbiting Earth. It poses collision risks to active spacecraft and endangers satellites, space stations, and future missions, making debris management crucial for space sustainability.

Ques. What are "Cosmic chameleons?"

Ans. "Cosmic chameleons" refer to particles or fields in physics that adapt their properties based on their environment. They are hypothesized in dark energy theories to explain the universe's accelerated expansion while evading local detection.

Ques. What are dark comets?

Ans. Dark comets have little to no visible tail due to their depleted ice or dust. Their dark, non-reflective surfaces make them difficult to detect, posing potential risks if on collision paths with Earth.

Ques. What is a diabetes biobank? Where is it located?

Ans. A diabetes biobank is a repository of biological samples, like blood and DNA, collected from diabetic patients. It supports research by enabling genetic, environmental, and clinical studies to improve diabetes prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. India's first biobank is located in Chennai.

Ques. What is "Dinga Dinga" fever?

Ans. "Dinga Dinga," a mysterious illness in Uganda, causes uncontrollable body shaking, fever, weakness, and difficulty walking. It primarily affects women and girls in Bundibugyo, with symptoms resembling dancing movements and occasional paralysis.

Ques. Who is Mikheil Kavelashvili?

Ans. Mikheil Kavelashvili is the new president of Georgia. He is a former footballer and member of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Ques. What is the  CPTPP?

Ans. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership was established in 2018 to counterbalance China’s influence in the Asia-Pacific region. . The twelve members of the CPTPP are Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Brunei, Chile, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, Vietnam, and now the United Kingdom. 

Ques. What is the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana?

Ans. The PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims to reduce electricity bills, enhance household income, and generate job opportunities. The programme could save the government Rs 75,000 crore annually in electricity expenses. There is a subsidy of up to 40%.

Ques. What is the global salinity crisis?

Ans. Salt-affected soils cover 1.4 billion hectares globally, impacting 10.7% of Earth's land. Salinity reduces crop yields, with 10% of cropland affected. Key regions include Australia, China, and India. Solutions include crop rotation, bioremediation, and salt-tolerant plants.

Ques. What is the Malwa Canal project controversy?

Ans. The Malwa Canal project in Punjab aims to irrigate 200,000 acres but raises environmental concerns. The project will necessitate the removal of 1.3 lakh trees and 49.2 hectares of forest land affected. 

Ques. What are the SAMARTH Centres?

Ans. The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) has established four Smart Advanced Manufacturing and Rapid Transformation Hub (SAMARTH) Centres that aim to enhance competitiveness in the Indian capital goods sector. The centres are located in Pune, Delhi, and Bengaluru, focusing on Industry 4.0 technologies.

Ques. What are Industry 4.0 technologies?

Ans. Industry 4.0 technologies integrate automation, data exchange, and smart manufacturing. Key components include IoT, AI, robotics, big data, cloud computing, and cyber-physical systems, enhancing efficiency, productivity, and flexibility in industries like manufacturing and logistics.

Ques. What is the Internet of Things (IoT)?

Ans. The Internet of Things (IoT) refers to a network of interconnected devices that communicate and exchange data over the Internet. It enables automation, remote monitoring, and data-driven decision-making in various sectors like healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Ques. What is Uttarakhand's yoga policy?

Ans. Uttarakhand's yoga policy aims to integrate Ayurveda and yoga for a health revolution using AI to advance Ayush systems. It includes Ayush Grams, Ayush teleconsultation, yoga centres, and promoting traditional herbs globally.

Ques.  Who is the author of 'Many Ramayanas Many Lessons?'

Ans.   Anand Neelakantan is the author of 'Many Ramayanas Many Lessons,' The book is a compelling exploration of the diverse retellings of the Ramayana across centuries, cultures, and languages.

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