GKToday Testbook Current Affairs Adda  - 18 December 2024

Happiness Hormone

Stay updated with today’s highlights: Cyclone Chido’s impact on Mayotte, Arakan Army developments, mental health topics like serotonin and brain fog, cultural events like Gadhimai Mahotsav, SARAT, Jalvahak, Viraasat Sari Festival, and schemes like NAMASTE and Lenacapavir advancements.

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GKToday Testbook Current Affairs Adda  - Questions & Answers

Ques. Who is a copycat?

Ans. A copycat imitates another's work, style, or behaviour, often lacking originality. This term is used in various contexts, from creative industries to daily life, and sometimes negatively implies unoriginality.

Ques. Why is Mayotte in news?

Ans. Mayotte is a French overseas territory in the Indian Ocean, located between Madagascar and Mozambique. Mayotte has recently been devastated by Cyclone Chido, the most powerful storm to hit the region in over 90 years.

Ques. What is the Arakan Army?

Ans. The Arakan Army is an ethnic armed group in Myanmar's Rakhine State, fighting for greater autonomy. Known for clashes with the military, it seeks self-determination for the Rakhine people and significant political influence.

Ques. What are the world’s first COF sensors?

Ans. The world’s first sensors are made from covalent organic frameworks (COFs) combined with silk fibroin (SF) microneedles to detect a decrease in acidity in the plant’s xylem tissues, an early sign of drought stress. This technology can warn farmers and gardeners about drought stress up to 48 hours before traditional methods detect it.

Ques. What is the LEO (Low Earth Orbit)?

Ans. LEO (Low Earth Orbit) refers to a satellite orbit typically 160-2,000 kilometres above Earth. Used for communication, observation, and research, it offers reduced latency and clear imaging, crucial for modern technology and space exploration.

Ques. What is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)?

Ans. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression triggered by reduced sunlight in winter, causing mood swings, fatigue, and anxiety.  Magnesium supports serotonin production, balances cortisol, and stabilizes mood, helping manage winter-induced anxiety and improving mental well-being during darker months.

Ques. Which is  the "happiness hormone?" 

Ans. The "happiness hormone" refers to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, emotions, and well-being. Higher serotonin levels are linked to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and a sense of happiness, contributing to overall mental health.

Ques. What is brain fog?

Ans. Brain fog is a condition characterized by confusion, forgetfulness, lack of focus, and mental clarity. It can result from stress, sleep deprivation, poor diet, or underlying health issues, affecting cognitive function and productivity.

Ques. What is Gadhimai Mahotsav?

Ans. Gadhimai Mahotsav is a religious festival held in Nepal, known for its controversial animal sacrifice ritual. Celebrated every five years at the Gadhimai Temple, it honours the goddess Gadhimai, drawing thousands of devotees.

Ques. What is SARAT?

Ans. Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) aims to enhance the effectiveness of sea rescue operations conducted by Indian agencies, including the Coast Guard. The tool now offers improved functionality to predict the possible locations of missing objects or individuals.

Ques. What is the Jalvahak scheme?

Ans. The Jalvahak scheme enhances cargo transport via inland waterways, aiming to encourage sustainable and economical transportation along major rivers such as the Ganga, Brahmaputra, and Barak. Cargo owners transporting goods over 300 kilometres can receive up to 35% reimbursement of their operating costs.

Ques. What is the Viraasat Sari Festival?

Ans. The Viraasat Sari Festival in New Delhi showcases a variety of handloom saris from across India that highlight several unique handloom saris like Paithani, Kota Doria, Pochampally, Kancheepuram, Jamdani, Chanderi, Banarasi Brocade, and Pashmina. 

Ques. What is the NAMASTE Scheme?

Ans. The NAMASTE scheme is meant for sewer and septic tank workers. It aims for safety and welfare enhancement through PPE kits, Ayushman cards, and capital subsidies. Mechanization and desludging vehicles are prioritized under SBM-U 2.0, ((Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban 2.0)) to eradicate unsafe cleaning practices.

Ques. What is Lenacapavir?

Ans. Lenacapavir is a long-acting antiretroviral drug used to treat HIV. It targets the HIV capsid, disrupting virus replication. Its extended dosing intervals improve treatment adherence, offering hope for managing multidrug-resistant HIV infections effectively.

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