CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank headquartered in Manila, Philippines.
• Established in 1966, it aims to promote economic and social progress in Asia and the Pacific.
• ADB provides loans, grants, technical assistance, and policy advice to its member countries.
• It focuses on areas such as infrastructure development, poverty alleviation, and environmental sustainability.
• ADB's membership consists of 68 countries, with most of them being from Asia and the Pacific region.
• It works closely with governments, businesses, and other development partners to address key challenges facing the region.
• ADB's projects cover various sectors including transportation, energy, education, healthcare, and agriculture.
• The bank emphasizes inclusivity, innovation, and sustainability in its development efforts.
• ADB plays a significant role in fostering regional cooperation and integration, contributing to economic growth and poverty reduction in the region.

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• Cryogenics is the branch of physics dealing with the production and effects of very low temperatures, typically below -150°C or -238°F.
• It involves the study of materials and processes at extremely cold temperatures.
• Cryogenic temperatures are achieved using liquefied gases such as nitrogen, helium, and hydrogen.
• Applications of cryogenics include preserving biological materials like sperm, eggs, and tissues, as well as storing organs for transplantation.
• It is also used in the medical field for cryosurgery, where extremely cold temperatures are used to destroy abnormal tissues.
• Cryogenics has industrial applications, such as in the production of superconductors and in the cooling of infrared detectors and sensors.
• Research in cryogenics continues to advance, with potential future applications including quantum computing and space exploration.

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• Pelagia noctiluca is a species of jellyfish commonly known as the mauve stinger.
• It belongs to the class Scyphozoa and can be found in coastal waters of the Mediterranean Sea, Atlantic Ocean, and other regions with warm and temperate waters.
• The mauve stinger is known for its striking purple coloration, with long, trailing tentacles that can extend several meters.
• These jellyfish are bioluminescent, meaning they can emit light, especially when disturbed or agitated, giving them a luminous appearance in the water.
• Pelagia noctiluca can deliver painful stings to humans, often resulting in skin irritation, inflammation, and, in rare cases, more severe reactions.
• Their population dynamics can fluctuate dramatically, sometimes leading to blooms or outbreaks, which can impact local ecosystems and human activities such as fishing and tourism.
• Researchers study Pelagia noctiluca to better understand its ecology, behavior, and the factors influencing its population dynamics, including environmental changes and human activities.

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• Operation Meghdoot was launched by the Indian Armed Forces on April 13, 1984.
• It aimed to capture the strategically significant Siachen Glacier in the northern part of the Kashmir region.
• Siachen Glacier is the world's highest battlefield, located in the eastern Karakoram Range in the Himalayas.
• The operation was a preemptive move to secure the glacier against Pakistan's possible attempts to occupy it.
• Indian troops successfully gained control of most of the important peaks and passes in the region.
• The harsh weather conditions and high altitude made it one of the most challenging military operations.
• The conflict over the Siachen Glacier continues to this day, with both India and Pakistan maintaining military presence in the region.
• Operation Meghdoot demonstrated India's resolve to protect its territorial integrity in the face of external threats.

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• The Paharia tribe is an indigenous community found in the Indian states of Jharkhand, Bihar, and West Bengal.
• They primarily inhabit the hilly regions of these states, especially the Rajmahal hills and the Santhal Parganas.
• The Paharias are known for their distinct culture, language, and traditional way of life, which revolves around agriculture, hunting, and gathering.
• Their language, also called Paharia, belongs to the Austroasiatic language family and is distinct from the dominant languages spoken in the surrounding regions.
• The tribe has faced challenges such as land alienation, displacement due to development projects, and socio-economic marginalization.
• Efforts have been made by the government and non-governmental organizations to uplift the Paharia tribe through education, healthcare, and preservation of their cultural heritage.
• Despite these challenges, the Paharia tribe continues to maintain their unique identity and customs, contributing to the rich cultural diversity of India.

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• Exo-atmospheric missiles are designed to intercept and destroy targets outside the Earth's atmosphere.
• They operate in the exo-atmospheric region, which is beyond the Earth's atmosphere, typically in the vacuum of space.
• These missiles are primarily used for ballistic missile defense (BMD) systems to counter incoming ballistic missile threats.
• They rely on advanced sensors, guidance systems, and propulsion to track and intercept enemy missiles during various phases of their trajectory.
• Exo-atmospheric missiles often utilize kinetic kill vehicles (KKVs) or explosive warheads to destroy their targets upon impact.
• They are a crucial component of national security strategies, providing a layer of defense against long-range missile threats.
• Research and development in exo-atmospheric missile technology continue to evolve to enhance their effectiveness and reliability.
• International agreements and treaties govern the deployment and testing of exo-atmospheric missile systems to mitigate the risk of arms escalation and ensure stability.

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• Shrinkflation refers to a phenomenon where manufacturers reduce the size or quantity of a product while keeping its price the same or even increasing it.
• It's a subtle form of inflation, where consumers pay the same amount or more for less product.
• Companies often resort to shrinkflation as a response to rising production costs, such as raw materials or labor.
• This strategy allows them to maintain profit margins without overtly increasing prices.
• Shrinkflation can be observed in various products, including food items, household goods, and personal care products.
• Consumers may not immediately notice the change in size or quantity, leading to a perception of price stability despite a decrease in value.
• Critics argue that shrinkflation can erode consumer trust and contribute to a sense of economic insecurity.
• Understanding shrinkflation empowers consumers to make informed choices and to be vigilant about changes in product sizes and prices.