18th April 2024 current Affairs
Intergovernmental
Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Environment
and Ecology
- The Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) is a scientific body established by the United
Nations in 1988.
- Its primary role is to provide
policymakers with regular assessments of the scientific basis of climate
change, its impacts, and potential adaptation and mitigation strategies.
- The IPCC does not conduct research
itself but assesses thousands of scientific papers to produce
comprehensive reports.
- These reports are widely regarded
as the most authoritative sources of information on climate change,
influencing global climate policy.
- The IPCC operates through three
working groups: Working Group I focuses on the physical science basis of
climate change, Working Group II assesses impacts, adaptation, and
vulnerability, and Working Group III addresses mitigation of climate
change.
- Its assessments are based on
contributions from thousands of scientists from around the world, ensuring
a broad and diverse perspective.
- The IPCC's reports undergo a
rigorous review process involving both experts and governments to ensure
accuracy and credibility.
- The IPCC also publishes special
reports on specific topics and methodologies to address emerging issues in
climate science and policy.
- Its work plays a crucial role in
shaping international agreements such as the Paris Agreement, by providing
scientific evidence to guide policy decisions.
PSLV Orbital
Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3)
Science
and Technology
- PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3
(POEM-3) is a payload developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation
(ISRO).
- It's designed to study
microgravity conditions and space environment.
- POEM-3 was launched aboard the
PSLV-C52 mission on December 8, 2023, from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre
in Sriharikota, India.
- It consists of several scientific
experiments and payloads aimed at conducting research in areas like fluid
dynamics, materials science, and life sciences in microgravity.
- The module is equipped with
sensors and instruments to gather data and perform experiments during its
time in orbit.
- POEM-3 is part of ISRO's efforts
to advance its understanding of space science and technology and to
support future space missions.
Prostate Cancer
Science
and Technology
- Prostate cancer is the most common
cancer among men, excluding skin cancer.
- It develops in the prostate gland,
a walnut-sized gland located just below the bladder.
- Risk factors include age (risk
increases with age), family history, ethnicity (African American men are
at higher risk), and certain genetic factors.
- Symptoms may not appear in the
early stages, but can include difficulty urinating, blood in semen,
erectile dysfunction, and bone pain in later stages.
- Screening for prostate cancer
typically involves a blood test called PSA (prostate-specific antigen)
test and a digital rectal exam (DRE).
- Treatment options vary based on
the stage and aggressiveness of the cancer and may include active
surveillance, surgery, radiation therapy, hormone therapy, chemotherapy,
and immunotherapy.
- Regular screenings and early
detection are crucial for better treatment outcomes.
- Lifestyle factors such as
maintaining a healthy weight, regular exercise, and a balanced diet may
help reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Municipal elections
in India
Polity
- Municipal elections in India are
conducted at the local level to elect representatives for urban local
bodies (ULBs) such as municipal corporations, municipalities, and town
councils.
- These elections are crucial for
governing urban areas, managing local administration, and addressing civic
issues.
- Municipal elections are typically
held every five years, although the frequency may vary from state to
state.
- The elections are conducted by
state election commissions or designated authorities, following guidelines
set by the Constitution of India and relevant state laws.
- Candidates from various political
parties as well as independents contest these elections, vying for
positions such as mayor, councilors, and ward members.
- Issues such as sanitation,
infrastructure development, water supply, waste management, and urban
planning often dominate the electoral discourse.
- Voter turnout in municipal
elections varies across regions and is influenced by factors such as voter
awareness, local issues, and political mobilization efforts.
- The outcome of municipal elections
shapes the governance and development trajectory of urban areas, impacting
the quality of life for residents.
- Municipalities play a crucial role
in implementing central and state government schemes at the grassroots
level, making these elections significant for effective governance and
service delivery.
Meningitis disease
Science
and Technology
- Meningitis is an inflammation of
the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known as the
meninges.
- Caused by viral, bacterial,
fungal, or parasitic infections, with bacterial and viral being the most
common types.
- Bacterial meningitis can be
life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention.
- Symptoms include sudden onset of
fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, confusion, and
vomiting.
- Diagnosis involves a physical
exam, blood tests, imaging studies like CT scans or MRI, and a lumbar
puncture (spinal tap) to analyze cerebrospinal fluid.
- Treatment depends on the cause,
with bacterial meningitis often treated with antibiotics, while viral
meningitis typically resolves on its own.
- Vaccines are available for certain
types of bacterial meningitis, such as those caused by Neisseria
meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae.
- Prevention strategies include
practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with infected individuals,
and vaccination.
Giant rogue waves
Geography
- Giant
rogue waves are massive and unpredictable ocean waves that can reach
heights significantly larger than surrounding waves.
- They
often occur in open oceans, far from coastlines, and are a threat to ships
and offshore structures.
- These
waves can be several times taller than the average waves in the area and
can appear suddenly without warning.
- The exact
cause of giant rogue waves is not fully understood, but they are believed
to result from a combination of factors such as constructive wave
interference, ocean currents, and atmospheric conditions.
- Despite
their rare occurrence, giant rogue waves pose a significant danger to
maritime activities, including shipping, offshore drilling, and
recreational boating.
- Advanced
technologies like radar and satellite monitoring have improved the ability
to detect and predict rogue waves, allowing for better safety measures for
ships and offshore platforms.
- Research
into understanding the mechanisms behind rogue wave formation continues to
help improve predictive models and enhance safety at sea.
Fourth global mass
coral bleaching event
Environment
and Ecology
- The
fourth global mass coral bleaching event began in 2014 and continued into
2017.
- It
affected coral reefs worldwide, from the Great Barrier Reef to the
Caribbean and Pacific regions.
- Coral
bleaching occurs when corals expel algae living in their tissues due to
stress, which often results from high sea temperatures.
- This
bleaching weakens corals, making them susceptible to disease and death if
the stress persists.
- The
2014-2017 event was the longest and most widespread coral bleaching event
on record, impacting over 70% of the world's coral reefs.
- Human
activities, including climate change and pollution, are major contributors
to coral bleaching events by raising sea temperatures and reducing water
quality.
- Efforts
to mitigate climate change, reduce pollution, and establish marine
protected areas are crucial for protecting coral reefs and preventing
future mass bleaching events.
Soil Acidification
Environment
and Ecology
- Soil acidification is the process
by which soil becomes more acidic over time.
- It occurs due to various factors,
including acid rain, use of acidic fertilizers, and leaching of basic
nutrients.
- Acidification impacts soil health
and fertility by altering nutrient availability and microbial activity.
- It can lead to decreased crop
yields, reduced plant diversity, and increased vulnerability to soil
erosion.
- Acidic soils can also affect
groundwater quality by leaching heavy metals and other contaminants.
- Mitigation strategies include
liming to neutralize acidity, careful fertilizer selection, and sustainable
land management practices.
- Monitoring soil pH levels is
crucial for early detection and management of acidification to maintain
soil productivity and environmental health.
Pink bollworm
Environment
and Ecology
- Pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella)
is a major pest of cotton crops.
- It is native to Asia but has
spread to other cotton-growing regions worldwide.
- The larvae of pink bollworm feed
on cotton bolls, damaging the fibers and reducing yield and quality.
- Female pink bollworm moths lay
eggs on cotton plants, and the larvae bore into the bolls to feed.
- Control measures include the use
of insecticides, genetically modified cotton varieties resistant to pink
bollworm, and cultural practices like crop rotation and sanitation.
- Resistance to insecticides and Bt
cotton, which produces a toxin lethal to certain pests like pink bollworm,
has emerged in some populations, posing challenges for control.
- Integrated pest management
strategies that combine various control methods are often recommended to
manage pink bollworm effectively while minimizing environmental impact and
resistance development.
Inter-Agency Space
Debris Coordination Committee (IADC)
International
Relations
- The Inter-Agency Space Debris
Coordination Committee (IADC) is an international forum established in
1993.
- Comprising space agencies from
various countries, including NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, CNSA, and others.
- Its primary goal is to coordinate
activities related to the mitigation of space debris and the long-term
sustainability of space activities.
- IADC members collaborate on
sharing data, developing guidelines, and conducting research to minimize
the risks posed by space debris to spacecraft and satellites.
- They work on debris mitigation
strategies such as spacecraft disposal, designing satellites for re-entry,
and preventing collisions through improved tracking and maneuvering.
- The committee also fosters
international cooperation and dialogue to address the challenges posed by
the increasing amount of debris in Earth's orbit.
- It plays a crucial role in
promoting responsible space activities and raising awareness about the
importance of space debris mitigation among spacefaring nations and
commercial entities.
Nitroplast
Science
and Technology
- Nitroplast is a type of explosive
composed mainly of nitrocellulose and a plasticizer.
- It is often used in industrial
applications, such as in mining, demolition, and military munitions.
- Nitroplast is highly stable
compared to other explosives, making it safer to handle and transport.
- Its stability allows for
controlled detonation, which is crucial in many applications where
precision is required.
- The plasticizer in nitroplast
helps in shaping the explosive into various forms, such as sheets or
pellets, enhancing its versatility.
- Despite its stability, nitroplast
still requires careful handling and storage to prevent accidents or
unintended detonations.
- The composition of nitroplast can
vary depending on its intended use, with different formulations optimized
for specific applications.
- Overall, nitroplast plays a
significant role in various industries where controlled explosions are
necessary, offering a balance between stability and explosive power.
Gray Slender Loris
Environment
and Ecology
- The Gray
Slender Loris (Loris lydekkerianus) is a small, nocturnal primate found in
South India and Sri Lanka.
- It
belongs to the Lorisidae family and is known for its large, round eyes
adapted for night vision.
- Their
gray fur helps them blend into the forest canopy where they spend most of
their time.
- Gray
Slender Lorises primarily feed on insects, small reptiles, birds, and
fruits.
- Due to
habitat loss and fragmentation, they are listed as Near Threatened on the
IUCN Red List.
- They
have a slow reproductive rate, with typically one offspring born after a
gestation period of around six months.
- These
primates face threats from deforestation, illegal wildlife trade, and
being captured for the pet trade.
- Conservation
efforts include habitat preservation, anti-poaching measures, and public
awareness campaigns to discourage keeping them as pets.
- Research
on their behavior and ecology is ongoing to better understand their needs
and develop effective conservation strategies.
National Consumer
Disputes Redressal Commission
Polity
- National
Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) is a quasi-judicial body in
India established under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986.
- It is
headquartered in New Delhi and was set up to provide a forum for consumers
to seek redressal for their grievances.
- The
commission is empowered to entertain complaints where the value of goods
or services and compensation claimed exceeds Rs. 10 million.
- It hears
appeals against the orders of State Consumer Disputes Redressal
Commissions and has appellate jurisdiction over District Consumer Forums.
- The
NCDRC comprises a President and such number of members as prescribed,
including judicial and technical members.
- The
commission has the authority to issue various orders such as compensation
to consumers, refunds, and punitive actions against erring businesses.
- It plays
a crucial role in protecting consumer rights and ensuring fair practices
in the marketplace.
- NCDRC's
decisions can be challenged in the Supreme Court of India under certain
conditions.
- The
commission also plays an advisory role in matters related to consumer
protection laws and policies.
Ashwagandha
Science
and Technology
- Ashwagandha, also known as
Withania somnifera, is a popular herb in Ayurvedic medicine.
- Originating from India, it has
been used for centuries for its various health benefits.
- Adaptogen: Ashwagandha helps the
body manage stress by balancing cortisol levels.
- Boosts immunity: It has
immunomodulatory properties, aiding in fighting infections.
- Enhances cognitive function:
Studies suggest it may improve memory, focus, and cognitive abilities.
- Anti-inflammatory: Contains
compounds that reduce inflammation, potentially helpful for conditions
like arthritis.
- May reduce anxiety and depression
symptoms: Some research indicates it can alleviate symptoms of anxiety and
depression.
- Supports muscle strength and
recovery: Athletes often use Ashwagandha for its potential to increase
muscle mass and strength.
- Improves sleep quality: It has a
calming effect, promoting better sleep.
- Considered safe for most people,
but consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if pregnant,
breastfeeding, or taking medications.
Tachyons
Science
and Technology
- Tachyons are theoretical particles
proposed in physics.
- They are hypothetical particles
that always move faster than light.
- The concept of tachyons arises
from certain solutions to the equations of motion in relativity theory.
- According to special relativity,
particles with mass cannot reach or exceed the speed of light.
- Tachyons, if they exist, would
have imaginary mass and travel faster than light, violating the principles
of causality.
- Their existence is not supported
by experimental evidence, and they are primarily a theoretical construct.
- Tachyons have been explored in
various speculative physics theories, including string theory and certain
models of quantum field theory.
- Despite their speculative nature,
the study of tachyons contributes to discussions about the fundamental
nature of space, time, and the universe.