Salamander Latest News

Researchers discovered that wandering salamanders can rapidly fill, trap, and drain the blood in their toe tips to optimise attachment, detachment and general locomotion through their arboreal environment.

About Salamander

• It is an amphibian with a slender body and a long tail.
• Features of Salamander
  • Size: Their size varies with different species, ranging from 2.5 cm to 20 cm. The largest salamander in the world is the Chinese Giant Salamander, which can grow up to a length of 5 feet.
  • Most salamanders look like a cross between a lizard and a frog. They have moist, smooth skin, like frogs, and long tails, like lizards.
• Habitat of Salamander: They live in or near water or find shelter on moist ground and are typically found in brooks, creeks, ponds, and other moist locations, such as under rocks. 
• Distribution of Salamander: They are mainly found in North America, Europe, Asia, the northern parts of South America, and North Africa. 
• Regeneration of Salamander: They are capable of regenerating lost limbs within a few weeks, including tails and toes, allowing them to survive attacks from predators.
• They are nocturnal and cold-blooded species and their temperature changes with their habitat.
• Some salamander species can be poisonous, and some even have teeth.

Highlights of the research

• The researchers uncovered that wandering salamanders can finely control and regulate blood flow to each side of their toe tips.
• This allows them to adjust pressure asymmetrically, improving grip on irregular surfaces like tree bark.
• The blood rushing in before “toe off” appears to help salamanders detach rather than attach. By slightly inflating the toe tip, the salamanders reduce the surface area in contact with the surface they are on, minimising the energy required to let go.
• Significance: Insights into salamander toe mechanics could ultimately inform the development of adhesives, prosthetics, and even robotic appendages.

Salamander FAQs

Q1: What is another name for a salamander?

Ans: Olm, axolotl, spring lizard, water dog, mud puppy, hellbender, triton, and Congo eel. 

Q2: Why are salamanders special?

Ans: Salamanders control pests by eating insects like mosquitos and by becoming food for larger animals. Their moist, permeable skin makes salamanders vulnerable to drought and toxic substances.

Q3: What is the ecological role of the salamander?

Ans: They regulate food webs and contribute to ecosystem resilience-resistance (= stability).

Source: TH

Cook Islands Latest News

Recently, the New Zealand's Foreign Minister voiced "significant concern" as close Pacific partner the Cook Islands prepared to sign a cooperation deal with China.

About Cook Islands

• Location: It is located in the South Pacific Ocean, between Tonga to the west and French Polynesia to the east.
• It is a small, self-governing Pacific nation that has a "free association" pact with New Zealand.
• It consists of 15 islands divided into a northern group of six islands and a southern group of nine islands.
  • Northern Islands: These are mostly low-lying and sparsely populated coral atolls; and include the islands of Manihiki, Nassau, Penrhyn, Pukapuka, Rakahanga, and Suwarrow and are covered in light vegetation and equipped with stunning white sand beaches.
  • Southern islands: These generally consist of much larger higher islands that are volcanic in origin and more densely populated. The southern island group includes Rarotonga, Aitutaki, Atiu, Mangaia, Manuae, Mauke, Mitiaro, Palmerston, and Takutea.
• The highest point is Te Manga which rises to 652m on the Rarotonga island.
• Population of Cook Islands: Most of the population is found on the island of Rarotonga.
• Capital city of Cook Islands: Avarua, which is on Rarotonga island.

Cook Islands FAQs

Q1: Why is Cook Island famous?

Ans: The Cook Islands is the Home of Pearls

Q2: Where are Cook Islands located?

Ans: South Pacific Ocean

Q3: What is so special about Cook island?

Ans: The Cook Islands are known for their beautiful beaches, warm weather, and their hospitality and friendly culture. 

Source: TH

Kashmir Hand-Knotted Carpet Latest News

 Recently, the Geographical Indications Registry Chennai has granted a new logo for the Kashmir hand-knotted carpet in order to preserve the exclusivity of the famed Kashmir carpets.

About Kashmir Hand-Knotted Carpet

• The origin of hand knotted carpets locally known as "Kal baffi" dates back to 15th century after which it progressively attained the high degree of perfection.
• It is said that Sultan Zain-ul-Abidin brought carpet weavers from Persia and central Asia in to Kashmir to train the local inhabitants.
• The loom used in Kashmir carpet weaving is composed of two horizontal wooden beams between which the wrap threads are stretched, one beam in front of the weaver and the second behind the first.
• The difference between a carpet and other hand woven rugs lies in the fact that short lengths of the thread or yarn are tied to wrap chains to form the pile of the carpet. These are commonly called knots though it is a loop rather than an actual knot.
• There are different types of knots and in Kashmir the Farsi baff and the Persian system known as Sehna, or Sinneh, knot is originally used.
• Very simple tools are used to thread these knots, a wood or Metal comb to push knots and weft tightly together and pair of short scissors to cut the pile of the carpet to an even form once it is finished.

Other GI Tagged Kashmiri Crafts

• Apart from hand-knotted carpet, six other crafts have already been GI registered which include Papier Mache, Kashmir Pashmina, Kani, Sozni, Khatamband and Walnut Wood Carving.

Kashmir Hand-Knotted Carpet FAQs

Q1: What is the famous carpet of Kashmir?

Ans: It is the hand knotted carpets locally known as "Kal baffi is famous Kashmiri Carpet.

Q2: Which city is known as the Carpet City of India?

Ans: Bhadohi district 

Q3: What is the difference between hand knotted and handloom rugs?

Ans: A “hand knotted” woven rug will take months to weave, whereas a “hand loomed” rug can be crafted in hours.

Source: NIE

Algorithmic Trading Latest News

Recently, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has mandated stock exchanges to empanel algorithmic trading providers and has also defined rules for using application programming interfaces (APIs).

About Algorithmic Trading

• It is a method of executing trading orders by providing a predefined set of rules to a computer program.
• This helps in placing share orders at a speed and frequency not possible for human traders.
• Algo trading is already prevalent in India among both institutional as well as retail investors. 

New Algo Trading Framework by SEBI

• It is aimed at spelling out the rights and responsibilities of the main stakeholders of the trading ecosystem such as investors, brokers, algo providers/vendors and Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) so that the retail investors can avail algo facilities with requisite safeguards.
• Under the framework, retail investors will get access to the approved algos only from the registered brokers.
• The facility of algo trading would be provided by the stock broker only after obtaining requisite permission from the stock exchange for each algo.
• All algo orders shall be tagged with a unique identifier provided by the exchange in order to establish audit trail and the broker shall seek approval from the exchange for any modification or change to the approved algos,"
• Brokers will be solely responsible for handling investor grievances related to algo trading and the monitoring of APIs for prohibited activities.
• Algos will be categorised into two categories
  • White box algos: Where logic is disclosed and replicable i.e. execution algos
  • Black box algos: Where the logic is not known to the user and is not replicable.

Algorithmic Trading FAQs

Q1: What do you mean by algorithmic trading?

Ans: Algorithmic trading is a method of executing orders using automated pre-programmed trading instructions accounting for variables such as time, price, and volume. 

Q2: What is SEBI and its purpose?

Ans: SEBI stands for the Securities and Exchange Board of India. It is a statutory regulatory body established by the Government of India in 1992 to protect the interests of investors investing in securities, along with regulating the securities market.

Source: ET

Graphene Latest News

Researchers recently discovered a strange new state of matter in the dynamics of currents flowing through layers of graphene.

About Graphene

• It is an allotrope of carbon, along with diamond and graphite. 
• It is a two-dimensional material consisting of a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb structure. 
• The stacked form of graphene is graphite.
• Graphene was first isolated in 2004. Since then, graphene has found hundreds of innovative applications, from sensors and electronics to energy storage and healthcare.

Graphene Properties

• Thickness: Graphene is the world's thinnest material – it is only one atom thick, one million times thinner than a human hair.
• Strength: It is 200 times stronger than steel but six times lighter. 
• Flexibility: It is extremely flexible and stretchable.
• Conductivity: It is an excellent electrical and thermal conductor.
• Transparency: It is almost perfectly transparent since it only absorbs 2% of light.
• It is impermeable to gases, even those as light as hydrogen or helium.

Graphene FAQs

Q1. What is graphene actually used for?

Ans. Graphene has applications in the energy, construction, health, and electronics sectors.

Q2. Is graphene stronger than a diamond?

Ans. Yes, graphene is stronger than diamond.

Q3. Is graphene harmful for human skin?

Ans. Graphene does not pose any significant risk from contact with human skin

Source: SA

Satkosia Tiger Reserve Latest News

Odisha's first captive breeding of sambar will be undertaken at the Satkosia division of Satkosia Tiger Reserve.

About Satkosia Tiger Reserve

• Location: It is located in the heartland of Odisha and spread over four districts, viz. Angul, Cuttack, Boudh, and Nayagarh.
• It comprises two adjoining sanctuaries, namely Baisipalli Sanctuary and Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary.
• The reserve has an area of 963.87sq km with 523.61sq km as core area.
• The area is also a part of the Mahanadi elephant reserve.
• Satkosia is the meeting point of two biogeographic regions of India; the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats.
• Landscape: The terrain is hilly, with moderate to steep slopes and narrow valleys.
• The river Mahanadi flows through the valleys in the middle of the reserve.
• The average elevation of the terrain varies between 37 m and 932 m, with the lowest point being at Katrang and the highest point being at Sunakhania.
• Vegetation: The forest vegetation comprises North Indian tropical moist deciduous forests and Moist peninsular low-level sal.
• Flora:
  • The main tree species being sal, which grows in gregarious formations.
  • Other associate species are Asan (Terminalia alata), Dhaura (Anogeissus latifolia), Bamboo (Dendrocalamus strictus), and Simal (Bombax ceiba).
• Fauna:
  • The reserve has a low population of tiger, leopard, elephant, spotted deer, sambar, chowsingha, barking deer, bison, wild dog, sloth bear, jackal, giant squirrel, and porcupine.
  • It is the natural habitat of two endangered species, viz., the fresh water crocodile and the gharial.

Satkosia Tiger Reserve FAQs

Q1. What is Satkosia Tiger Reserve famous for?

Ans. Satkosia is the meeting point of two bio-geographic regions of India; the Deccan Peninsula and the Eastern Ghats, contributing immense biodiversity. 

Q2. Which river flows through Satkosia Tiger Reserve?

Ans. The Mahanadi River flows through the Satkosia Tiger Reserve 

Q3. Which district is Satkosia in?

Ans. It is spread over four districts viz. Angul, Cuttack, Boudh and Nayagarh in Odisha.

Source: TOI

Jagannath Temple Latest News

Three Indian cricket team players visited the Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri recently, a day before the second ODI against England.

About Jagannath Temple

• It is a Hindu temple located in Puri, Odisha.
• It is dedicated to Lord Jagannath, a form of the Hindu deity Vishnu.
• It is believed to have been built during the reign of King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva, of the Eastern Ganga dynasty, in the 12th century.
• However, the completion of the temple happened in 1230 AD under Anangbheema Deva III, who also installed the deities in the shrine.
• Ratha Yatra is a Hindu festival associated with Lord Jagannath temple.
• It is also one of the four sacred pilgrimage sites, known as the Chaar Dhaams, that hold great significance for Hindus.
• It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Jagannath Temple Architecture

• It is a striking example of Kalinga architecture, a distinct style prevalent in the Odisha region.
• The temple complex includes shrines, gardens, and sacred tanks, creating a serene atmosphere for devotion.
• The main temple is located at the center of the inner courtyard on a raised platform.
• The main temple is constructed in such a way that no shadow of the temple falls on the ground at any time of the day.
• The temple’s main structure, the sanctum sanctorum, or the garbhagriha, houses the idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. 
• At the pinnacle of the temple, there is a 20-foot-high chakra (wheel) that is positioned in a way to be visible from any part of the city. 

Jagannath Temple FAQs

Q1. Who built Jagannath Temple?

Ans. The Jagannath Temple was primarily built by King Anantavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty around 1135 AD.

Q2. Why is Jagannath Temple called White Pagoda?

Ans. The Jagannath Temple is often referred to as the "White Pagoda" because of its distinctive white color and architectural style, which is similar to a pagoda, a type of Buddhist temple. 

Q3. What is the 12 year ritual of Jagannath?

Ans. The 12-year ritual of the Jagannath Temple is a significant event in the temple’s religious and cultural calendar, called the "Nabakalebara" (meaning "New Body").

Source: TOI

Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act Latest News

Union government’s recent announcement that it would amend the Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act (CLNDA), 2010, and the Atomic Energy Act, 1962, is likely to enthuse American and French nuclear power companies, whose projects have been deadlocked due to legal concerns for more than 15 years.

About Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act

• The CLNDA was adopted by Parliament in 2010.
• It is the legal foundation that influences India’s response to nuclear incidents. 
• It is based on the international principles of civil nuclear liability laid down in the Vienna Convention, Paris Convention, and Brussels Supplementary Convention. 
• It created a mechanism for compensating victims from damage caused by a nuclear accident, allocating liability and specifying procedures for compensation.

Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act Features

• The CLNDA provides for strict and no-fault liability on the operator of the nuclear plant, where it will be held liable for damage regardless of any fault on its part.
• This Act establishes the operator’s liability for nuclear catastrophes up to 1,500 crore, which requires insurance or financial security. 
• In case the damage claims exceed ₹1,500 crore, the CLNDA expects the government to step in.
• The Act has limited the government liability amount to the rupee equivalent of 300 million Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) or about ₹2,100 to ₹2,300 crore. 
• In addition to establishing a timeline for compensation claims, the act authorises the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board to report incidents within 15 days. 
• In addition, the act establishes a Nuclear Damage Claims Commission to facilitate equitable compensation and conflict resolution.

Civil Liability for Nuclear Damages Act FAQs

Q1. What is the Paris Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage?

Ans. It is an international treaty that establishes a framework for civil liability and compensation in the event of nuclear accidents.

Q2. What is 1997 Vienna Convention on Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage?

Ans. It is an amendment to the original 1963 Vienna Convention, established under the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). 

Q3. What is Nuclear Energy?

Ans. Nuclear energy is the energy released from the nucleus of atoms through nuclear reactions. 

Source: TH

Bombay Blood Group Latest News

Recently, in a rare and complex medical procedure, a 30-year-old woman with the extremely rare ‘Bombay’ (hh) blood group underwent a successful kidney transplant in India.

About Bombay Blood Group

• The Bombay, a.k.a. HH, blood group is a rare blood group first discovered in Mumbai in 1952 by Y.M. Bhende.
• The key differences between the Bombay blood group and the common ABO blood groups lie in the presence (or absence) of the H antigen, which is the fundamental building block for the ABO blood group system.
• Why is it Rare?
  • In normal individuals, the H antigen serves as the base structure for building A and B antigens. In Bombay blood group individuals, the gene responsible for producing the H antigen is mutated or absent, so neither A nor B antigens can be formed.
  • Unlike common blood groups, people with this type lack the H antigen, making them incompatible with all standard blood types, including O-negative, complicating both transfusions and organ transplants.
• They can only receive blood from another Bombay blood group donor. Its prevalence is about 0.0004% (one in 4 million) of the total human population.
• While it drops to one in a million in the European population and one in 10,000 in Mumbai, the act of finding a donor is still daunting.

Bombay Blood Group FAQs

Q1: What is the difference between O and Bombay blood group?

Ans: Bombay blood group is a rare blood group in which there is the absence of H antigen and presence of anti-H antibodies. At the time of blood grouping, this blood group mimics O blood group due to the absence of H antigen, but it shows incompatibility with O group blood during cross matching.

Q2: What is the Bombay blood group defect?

Ans: Named for the city in which it was first discovered, the "Bombay phenotype" describes individuals whose RBCs lack the H antigen.

Q3: What is golden blood?

Ans: The rarest blood type in the world is known as “golden blood type”.

Source: TH