CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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  • Anti-conversion laws are legislation enacted by certain governments or regions to regulate or restrict religious conversions.
  • The primary aim of these laws is often to prevent forced or coerced religious conversions, especially those perceived as exploiting vulnerable individuals.
  • Proponents argue that such laws protect religious freedom by preventing undue influence or pressure to convert.
  • Critics, however, contend that anti-conversion laws can infringe upon the fundamental right to freedom of religion and expression.
  • These laws can sometimes be misused to target minority religious groups or suppress legitimate conversion activities.
  • The implementation and enforcement of anti-conversion laws vary widely across different countries and regions.
  • Debates surrounding these laws often involve balancing religious freedom with concerns about coercion and manipulation.

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  • EVM stands for Electronic Voting Machine, a device used for conducting elections electronically.
  • It has been adopted by many countries as a secure and efficient method of voting.
  • EVMs are designed to minimize errors and manipulation in the voting process.
  • They typically consist of a ballot unit for casting votes and a control unit for controlling the voting process.
  • EVMs ensure secrecy of voting, as the votes are recorded electronically and not physically on paper.
  • They are tamper-proof and have various security features to prevent unauthorized access or tampering.
  • EVMs have helped in speeding up the voting process, reducing the time required for counting votes, and minimizing electoral fraud.
  • However, concerns about the reliability and security of EVMs have been raised by some critics, leading to debates and discussions on their usage in elections.

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  • Deepfake technology refers to the use of artificial intelligence and machine learning algorithms to create highly realistic fake images, audio, and video.
  • It utilizes deep learning techniques to manipulate and superimpose existing images or videos onto another person's likeness, often for deceptive purposes.
  • Deepfakes have gained attention for their potential to spread misinformation, manipulate public opinion, and create fake news.
  • They pose significant ethical and societal challenges, including concerns about privacy infringement, identity theft, and the erosion of trust in digital media.
  • Despite their negative implications, deepfakes also have legitimate applications, such as in the film industry for special effects and in research for studying human perception and computer vision.
  • Efforts to combat deepfakes include developing detection algorithms, raising awareness about their existence and potential dangers, and implementing regulations to govern their creation and distribution.

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  • Bird flu, or avian influenza, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds.
  • It can spread to humans and other animals, leading to severe illness and even death.
  • The most common strain that infects humans is the H5N1 virus.
  • Symptoms in humans can range from mild flu-like symptoms to severe respiratory illness.
  • Transmission to humans usually occurs through direct contact with infected birds or their droppings.
  • There have been sporadic outbreaks of bird flu around the world, especially in poultry farms.
  • Prevention measures include avoiding contact with sick birds, proper cooking of poultry products, and vaccination in poultry populations.

Rapid detection and containment of outbreaks are crucial to prevent widespread transmission to humans and mitigate its impact

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  • Imported inflation refers to the rise in domestic prices of goods and services due to increased costs of imports.
  • It occurs when a country heavily relies on imported goods, and the prices of those goods rise globally.
  • Factors contributing to imported inflation include fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs, transportation costs, and changes in global demand and supply dynamics.
  • A depreciating domestic currency can amplify imported inflation, as it makes imports more expensive in local currency terms.
  • Imported inflation can affect various sectors of the economy, leading to higher production costs, reduced purchasing power, and potential inflationary pressures.
  • Policymakers often monitor imported inflation closely, as it influences monetary policy decisions and trade strategies to mitigate its adverse effects on the economy.

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  • The Laccadive Sea is a body of water in the Indian Ocean.
  • It lies between the western coast of India and the eastern coast of the Maldives.
  • Its northern boundary is defined by the southern tip of India, while its southern boundary extends to the Maldives.
  • The sea is known for its rich marine biodiversity, including coral reefs, fish, and other marine life.
  • It is an important area for fishing, supporting local livelihoods and providing a food source for surrounding communities.
  • The Laccadive Sea also plays a crucial role in maritime trade and transportation, serving as a route for shipping between India and the Maldives.
  • Its clear waters and scenic beauty attract tourists for activities such as diving, snorkeling, and beach tourism.
  • Environmental concerns such as coral bleaching, pollution, and overfishing threaten the delicate ecosystem of the Laccadive Sea, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.

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  • Gaia-BH3 stands for the Gaia Basic Habitat 3.
  • It's a concept for a modular, sustainable habitat design intended for use in extraterrestrial environments like the Moon or Mars.
  • The design integrates elements of ecology and sustainability to create a self-sustaining habitat.
  • Gaia-BH3 emphasizes recycling, energy efficiency, and closed-loop systems to minimize resource consumption.
  • It envisions a habitat that can support human life independently for extended periods, reducing reliance on resupply from Earth.
  • The modular nature of Gaia-BH3 allows for flexibility in construction and expansion, adapting to the needs of the inhabitants.
  • It's designed to withstand the harsh conditions of space and provide a safe and comfortable living environment for astronauts or colonists.
  • Gaia-BH3 represents a step forward in the development of habitats for long-term space exploration and colonization.

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  • Sovereign Green Bonds (SGrBs) are a type of debt instrument issued by governments to fund projects with environmental benefits.
  • They are similar to traditional bonds but specifically earmarked for financing green initiatives such as renewable energy, sustainable transportation, and climate adaptation.
  • SGrBs help governments raise capital while aligning their spending with environmental objectives outlined in international agreements like the Paris Agreement.
  • Investors in SGrBs are attracted by the dual promise of financial returns and contributing to sustainable development.
  • The issuance of SGrBs has been increasing globally as governments seek to address climate change and promote green investment.
  • SGrBs are subject to verification and certification by reputable third-party organizations to ensure transparency and credibility in their green credentials.
  • Despite their potential benefits, challenges such as defining what qualifies as a green project and ensuring accountability in the use of proceeds remain.