CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• The Hubble Space Telescope recently captured a striking image of the spiral galaxy MCG-01-24-014, unveiling the captivating allure of what scientists call 'forbidden' light.
• Spiral galaxies are intricate assemblies of stars and interstellar gas, often showcasing mesmerizing patterns and predominantly hosting young, hot stars. These galaxies represent the most common type discovered so far, differing from the spherical elliptical galaxies and irregularly shaped ones.
• Scientists estimate that around 60% of all known galaxies take the form of spirals. Our own galaxy, the Milky Way, serves as a prime example.
• The structure of a typical spiral galaxy includes a central bulge encircled by a flat, rotating disk of stars. This bulge typically harbors older, fainter stars and is believed to house a supermassive black hole at its core. Additionally, about two-thirds of spiral galaxies exhibit a central bar structure—similar to what we find in the Milky Way. The disk of stars surrounding the bulge forms distinct spiral arms that wind around the galaxy. These arms are rich in gas, dust, and young, luminous stars that burn brightly before their eventual demise.
• Scientists hypothesize that spiral galaxies evolve over time, gradually transforming into elliptical galaxies as their spiral structure ages and changes.

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• In Argentina, paleontologists have recently unearthed fossil fragments belonging to a newly discovered species of dinosaur known as Sidersaura marae.
• Sidersaura marae is classified as a sauropod dinosaur that thrived during the Cenomanian age of the Late Cretaceous epoch, approximately 96 to 93 million years ago, in what is now the Patagonian region of South America. It is a member of the Rebbachisauridae family, a diverse group of sauropods known from fossil finds across South America, Africa, North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Rebbachisaurids are noted for their distinctive teeth, some of which resembled tooth batteries seen in hadrosaurs and ceratopsian dinosaurs. They played significant roles in Cretaceous ecosystems but disappeared around 90 million years ago during a mid-Cretaceous extinction event.
• Sidersaura marae stands out as one of the last known rebbachisaurids. It reached lengths of up to 20 meters, weighed an estimated 15 tons, and boasted an exceptionally long tail. Notably, the dinosaur's hemal arches—the bones in its tail—feature a unique star-shaped configuration, setting it apart from its relatives.
• Unlike other rebbachisaurids, Sidersaura marae exhibits robust skull bones and a distinct frontoparietal foramen—a hole in the skull's roof—that distinguishes it further within its family. These anatomical features provide valuable insights into the evolutionary diversity and adaptations of sauropod dinosaurs during the Late Cretaceous period.

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• China has recently launched a cutting-edge astronomical satellite known as the Einstein Probe (EP) to investigate transient phenomena in the cosmos that sparkle like celestial fireworks.
• Developed by the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), the EP is dedicated to time-domain high-energy astrophysics. Its primary mission is to study the dynamic and variable X-ray sky, capturing intense bursts of high-energy radiation emitted by cosmic events like merging neutron stars and black holes.
• Successfully launched on January 9, 2024, from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center aboard a "Long March-2C" rocket, the EP is equipped with advanced X-ray mirrors and detectors. What sets the Einstein Probe apart is its innovative design, enabling it to survey nearly a tenth of the sky simultaneously. This capability allows it to detect and monitor new X-ray sources as they emerge, facilitating comprehensive studies of both known and novel celestial phenomena over extended periods.
• In addition to its primary mission, the EP is designed to detect gamma-ray bursts, supernovae, stellar flares, and even emissions from comets within the Solar System. Weighing approximately 1450 kg and powered by an average of 1212 W, this satellite represents a significant advancement in China's capabilities for high-energy astrophysical research.

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• A renowned Yakshagana mela in Dakshina Kannada, which dates back over a century, is set to resume its all-night performances following approval from the Karnataka High Court.
• Known as Kateel Sri Durgaparameshwari Yakshagana Dashavatara Mandali, or simply Kateel Mela, this Yakshagana troupe has been a prominent 'Harake Seva' troupe since its inception in the mid-19th century. The troupe performs upon request by devotees who have undertaken vows (Harake) to host Yakshagana shows as a means of fulfilling their wishes or as a service.
• Yakshagana itself is a traditional folk dance form deeply rooted in Coastal Karnataka. It is renowned for its unique blend of dance, music, song, scholarly dialogues, and vibrant costumes. Traditionally, all roles, including female characters, are portrayed by men, although women are now also part of Yakshagana troupes.
• A typical Yakshagana troupe consists of 15 to 20 actors along with a Bhagawatha who serves as the master of ceremonies and the primary storyteller. Performances typically revolve around specific sub-stories ('Prasanga') from ancient Hindu epics like the Ramayana or Mahabharata.
• The art form includes stage performances by skilled artists accompanied by commentary from the Bhagawatha, set to traditional music played on instruments such as Chande (drums), Harmonium, Maddale, Taala (mini metal clappers), and flute. Costumes in Yakshagana are renowned for their elaborate and unique designs, featuring large headgear, painted faces, intricate body costumes, and musical ankle bells (Gejje).
• The reinstatement of the all-night performances of Kateel Mela marks a significant cultural event, celebrating the rich heritage and artistic traditions of Yakshagana in Karnataka.