Daily Current Affairs
To the Point Notes
1: Galathea Bay: A New Major Port in India
Location: Great Nicobar Island, Andaman & Nicobar Islands
Significance:
- International trans-shipment hub: Aims to capture a significant portion of the transshipped cargo currently handled at foreign ports.
- Expansion: To be developed in four phases, with Phase 1 expected to be operational by 2028 and handling about 4 million TEUs.
- Public-private partnership: Managed by the union ports, shipping, and waterways ministry with central funding.
Benefits:
- Economic growth: Will boost trade and create jobs in the region.
- Strategic importance: Located in a key maritime route, strengthening India’s geopolitical position.
- Infrastructure development: Will enhance the infrastructure of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Challenges:
- Environmental concerns: As a marine turtle habitat, the project needs to be developed sustainably.
- Security: Being a remote location, security measures need to be robust.
2: Why Are Cyclones in the Arabian Sea Rare?
Historical Context:
- Frequency: The North Indian Ocean sees about 5 tropical cyclones annually, with the Bay of Bengal experiencing 4 times more than the Arabian Sea.
- Favorable Conditions: The Bay of Bengal has warmer sea temperatures and moist air, making it more conducive for cyclone formation.
Reasons for Arabian Sea’s Inhospitability:
- Cooler Sea Temperatures: The western Arabian Sea has cooler temperatures, which are unfavorable for cyclone development.
- Dry Air: The Arabian Peninsula’s dry air further inhibits cyclone formation.
Impact of Climate Change:
- Ocean Warming: The Indian Ocean is warming rapidly due to increased heat from the Pacific and Southern Oceans.
- Atmospheric Changes: Winds and humidity patterns are also changing due to climate change.
- Cyclongenesis: These changes are influencing cyclone formation and intensity in the North Indian Ocean.
3: BRICS Employment Working Group Meeting 2024
Context:
- Second and final meeting under Russian Presidency.
- Held in Sochi, Russia.
- Priority areas: lifelong learning, vocational guidance, employment services modernization, safe working conditions, social support mechanisms.
About BRICS:
- Acronym for Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
- New members: Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, UAE.
- Coined by Jim O’Neill in 2001.
- Represents 41% of global population, 24% of global GDP, and 16% of global trade.
Origin:
- Formal grouping started in 2006 at G8 Outreach Summit.
- Formalized during UNGA meeting in 2006.
- Annual summits since 2009.
Three Pillars of Cooperation:
- Political and security.
- Economic and financial.
- Cultural and people-to-people exchanges.
New Development Bank:
- Multilateral development bank established by BRICS states.
- Supports public or private projects through loans, guarantees, equity participation, and other financial instruments.
4: BepiColombo: A Mission to Mercury
Context:
- Sent first clear images of Mercury’s south pole.
- Captured craters with unusual ring-shaped peaks.
About BepiColombo:
- Joint mission by European and Japanese space agencies.
- Launched in 2018.
- Will orbit Mercury in 2026.
- Has two orbiters: one for landscape, one for space environment.
- Aims to study Mercury’s origins, composition, geology, and magnetic field.
About Mercury:
- Closest planet to the Sun.
- Smallest planet in the solar system.
- Not the hottest planet (Venus is).
- One day on Mercury lasts 59 Earth days.
- One year on Mercury lasts 88 Earth days.
- Rocky planet.
- Thin exosphere composed of oxygen, sodium, hydrogen, helium, and potassium.
- No moons.
5: India’s First Study on Teal Carbon
Context:
- Conducted at Keoladeo National Park (KNP), Rajasthan.
- Highlights the importance of wetland conservation for climate change mitigation.
About Teal Carbon:
- Classifies organic carbon based on its functions and location in non-tidal freshwater wetlands.
- Represents carbon stored in wetland vegetation, microbial biomass, and dissolved organic matter.
- Contributes significantly to climate change mitigation.
Key Findings:
- Degraded wetlands can release greenhouse gases.
- KNP’s wetlands have elevated methane levels.
- Biochar application can reduce methane emissions.
- Teal carbon ecosystems globally store 500.21 PgC.
6: Nilgiri Mountain Railway
Context:
- Amrit Bharat Station Scheme threatens its historical and architectural value.
About:
- Iconic heritage railway in Tamil Nadu, India.
- Known for historical and architectural significance.
- Proposed in 1854, completed in 1908.
- 46-kilometer-long metre-gauge railway.
- Uses rack and pinion traction system for steep gradients.
- Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005.
Other Mountain Railways in India:
- Darjeeling Himalayan Railway
- Kalka Shimla Railway
7: INDIAsize Initiative
Overview
- Launch: The Indian government is initiating the INDIAsize project.
- Approval: Endorsed by the Ministry of Textiles.
Objectives
- Standardized Measurements: To establish body measurements tailored specifically for Indian body types.
- Scientific Research: Collect anthropometric data from a representative sample of the Indian population.
- Size Identification Number: Develop a unique Size Identification Number based on body shape and size.
Importance
- Current Standards: Existing sizing systems are based on US or UK standards, which often do not accommodate Indian body types effectively.
- Sector Focus: Aims to address fitting issues in the Indian apparel sector.
- Disparities in Garment Fits: Seeks to rectify inconsistencies in garment fitting.
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