About World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA):

• WADA was established in 1999 as an international independent agency to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport.
• WADA’s governance and funding are based on an equal partnership between the sport movement and governments of the world.
• WADA’s primary role is to develop, harmonize, and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries. 
• Its key activities include scientific research, education, the development of anti-doping capacities, and monitoring the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), the document harmonizing anti-doping policies in all sports and all countries.
• Formation:
  • After the events that shook the world of cycling in the summer of 1998, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided to convene a World Conference on Doping.
  • The First World Conference on Doping in Sport held in Lausanne, Switzerland, on February 2-4, 1999, produced the Lausanne Declaration on Doping in Sport.
  • It provided for the creation of an independent international anti-doping agency to be operational for the Games of the XXVII Olympiad in Sydney in 2000.
  • Pursuant to the terms of the Lausanne Declaration, the WADA was established on November 10, 1999, in Lausanne to promote and coordinate the fight against doping in sport internationally. 
• WADA is a Swiss private law, not-for-profit foundation.
• Its seat is in Lausanne, Switzerland, and its headquarters are in Montreal, Canada.
• Governance Structure:
  • A 42-member Foundation Board (Board), the agency’s highest policy-making body, is jointly composed of representatives of the Olympic Movement (the IOC, National Olympic Committees, International Sports Federations, and athletes) and representatives of governments from all five continents.
  • A 16-member Executive Committee (ExCo), to which the Board delegates the management and running of the agency, including the performance of all its activities and the administration of its assets.

Q1: What is doping?

Doping is the act of consuming artificial and often illegal substances to gain an advantage over others in sporting competitions (anabolic steroids, human growth hormones, stimulants and diuretics for example).

News: India to host WADA GLDF Results Management Training in New Delhi from Nov 19

About Army Tactical Missile System: 

• It is a conventional surface-to-surface artillery weapon system capable of striking targets well beyond the range of existing Army cannons, rockets, and other missiles.
• It is manufactured by the US defense company Lockheed Martin.
• It is also designated M39 by the US Army, and its Department of Defence (DoD) designation is MGM-140.
• The missile first saw use during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
• This weapon's known operators other than the US are Bahrain, Greece, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates.
• Features:
  • ATACMS are 24/7, all-weather, surface-to-surface, inertially guided ballistic missiles.
  • Range: It has a range of about 190 miles (305 km).
  • Propulsion: Single-stage, solid propellant.
  • These missiles are fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) and the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) platforms.
  • It has the ability to carry cluster munitions, which destroy a targeted area by releasing hundreds of bomblets instead of a single warhead. 

Q1. What is a High Mobility Artillery Rocket System?

It is a light, multiple rocket launcher. It is manufactured by Lockheed MartinCorporation, a US-based security and aerospace company. HIMARS is intended to engage and defeat artillery, air defence concentrations, trucks, light armour, and personnel carriers, as well as support troop and supply concentrations.

News: Russia says Ukraine fired 6 American-made missiles after US lifts ban

About Binar Space Program: 

• It is a satellite research program operating out of Curtin University.
• It aims to advance our understanding of the Solar System and lower the barrier for operating in space.
• The program began operations with its first satellite, Binar-1, in September 2021. This was less than a year into solar cycle 25 when solar activity was relatively low.
• In these conditions, the ten-centimetre cube satellite started at an altitude of 420 km and survived a full 364 days in orbit.
• The program’s follow-up mission – Binar-2, 3, and 4 – were three equally sized CubeSats. However, they were expected to last approximately six months owing to the extra surface area from new deployable solar arrays and a forecast increase in solar activity.
• As the Sun kicked into high gear, these three satellites burned up in the atmosphere much sooner than expected.

What is solar activity?

• It includes phenomena such as sunspots, solar flares and solar wind – the stream of charged particles that flows toward Earth.
• This activity is a product of the Sun’s ever-changing magnetic field, and approximately every 11 years, it completely flips. At the midpoint of this cycle, solar activity is at its highest.
• In the last few months, indicators of solar activity were more than one and a half times higher than predictions for this point in the current cycle, labelled solar cycle 25.
• Impacts:
  • Higher solar activity means more solar flares and stronger solar wind – resulting in a higher flux of charged particles that can damage or disrupt electrical components on satellites.
  • It also means an increase in ionising radiation, resulting in a higher dose for astronauts and pilots, and potential disruptions to long-distance radio communications.
  • But for satellites in low Earth orbit, the most consistent effect of solar activity is that the extra energy gets absorbed into the outer atmosphere, causing it to balloon outward.
  • As a result, all satellites less than 1,000 km from Earth experience a significant increase in atmospheric drag (This is a force that disrupts their orbit and causes them to fall towards the planet’s surface).
  • Notable satellites in this region include the International Space Station and the Starlink constellation. These satellites have thrusters to counteract this effect, but these corrections can be expensive.

What is Space weather?

• Space weather refers to the environmental effects that originate from outside our atmosphere (mostly the Sun). It affects us on Earth in a variety of noticeable and unnoticeable ways.
• Space weather, and solar activity in particular, also creates additional challenges for satellites and satellite operators.

Q1: What are Solar flares?

These are large explosions that occur at the sun's surface when twisted magnetic-field lines suddenly snap, emitting large bursts of electromagnetic radiation. Flares are our solar system's largest explosive events. They are seen as bright areas on the sun, and they can last from minutes to hours.

News: As sun nears peak of solar cycle, small satellites are paying the price

About High-Altitude Sickness: 

• High-altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when the body cannot acclimatise to high elevations, typically over 8,000 feet (2,400 metres).
• As altitude increases, the air pressure and oxygen levels decrease, leading to hypoxia — a shortage of oxygen in the body’s tissues.
• Symptoms:
  • Early symptoms of AMS include headache, nausea, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
  • If left untreated, it can escalate into high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), a life-threatening condition where fluid accumulates in the lungs, or high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), where fluid collects in the brain.
  • Both conditions require immediate medical intervention, and descent to lower altitudes is often the only way to prevent fatal outcomes.
• At higher altitudes, the body tries to adjust by increasing the breathing rate, which can cause hyperventilation, and produce more red blood cells to carry oxygen, which thickens the blood and strains the heart.
• In cases of HAPE, fluid accumulation in the lungs exacerbates breathing difficulties, while HACE causes symptoms like confusion, hallucinations, and even coma.
• The primary cause of high-altitude sickness is rapid ascent without allowing the body time to acclimatise. Gradual ascent, which allows the body to adapt to lower oxygen levels, is the best way to prevent high-altitude illnesses. 
• Treatment: The most effective treatment is immediate descent to lower altitudes. Symptoms usually improve significantly with a descent of 300-1,000 metres. Supplemental oxygen or a portable hyperbaric chamber can also help alleviate symptoms of AMS and HACE in emergencies.

Q1: What is hypoxia?

It is a condition in which the human body tissues are not oxygenated sufficiently to maintain adequate homeostasis, resulting from inadequate oxygen delivery to the tissues due to either low blood supply or low oxygen content in the blood.

News:https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-dangers-of-high-altitude-sickness-explained/article68887127.ece

About Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan: 

• It is a multilateral annual joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise.
• The exercise, conducted by the Konark Corps of Southern Command of Indian Army, was conducted at Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat.
• The inaugural event of the exercise at Ahmedabad featured a Tabletop Exercise, focusing on the theme of 'Cyclone in Coastal Region of Gujarat'. Representatives from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), Meteorological Department and FICCI attended the event along with Indian Armed Forces officials.
• It is aimed at addressing gaps in interagency integration and cooperation, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to natural disasters.
• It also witnessed a Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration held at Chowpatty Beach at Porbandar on 19 November 24.
  • The Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration featured various agencies practicing coordinated logistics, rapid response and effective disaster management strategies in a simulated cyclone scenario.
• This event highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Airforce, Indian Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force & other Central & State Agencies in addressing natural disasters.
• 15 Senior officials and representatives from Nine Friendly Foreign Countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Indian Ocean Region and South East Asia attended the event.
• Significance: It has not only enhanced our national disaster response capabilities but also added valuable contributions to the global dialogue on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

Q1: What is the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)? 

NDMA is the apex body for Disaster Management in India and is headed by the Prime Minister of India. Setting up of NDMA and the creation of an enabling environment for institutional mechanisms at the State and District levels is mandated by the Disaster Management Act, 2005. NDMA is mandated to lay down the policies, plans and guidelines for Disaster Management.

News: INDIAN ARMY SUCCESSFULLY CONCLUDES MULTI AGENCY DISASTER RELIEF EXERCISE 'SANYUKT VIMOCHAN 2024'

About Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve:

• Location: It is located at the junction of the Eastern and the Western Ghats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu.
• Its area is contiguous with the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka), and BR Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka).
• Together, these reserves-forming the Nilgiris biosphere landscape, have the biggest tiger population in the world, at over 280 tigers.
• Terrain: It is hilly and undulated, with altitudes ranging between 750 m and 1649 m.
• Vegetation: It consists of southern tropical dry thorn forests, mixed deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and Riparian forests.
• Climate:
  • It is subtropical and dry.
  • The summers are hot and dry; the monsoons are wet and cooler, with river flooding.
• Rivers: Some of the prominent rivers in the region include the Bhavani, Moyar, and Noyyal rivers.
• Tribal Communities: It is home to several indigenous tribal communities, including the Irula and Kurumba tribes.
• Flora: Common species of trees and shrubs found are Albizzia amara Chloroxylon swictenia, Gyrocarpus jacquini, Neem, Tamarind, Sandalwood, Randi dumetorum, Zizyphus, and associates.
• Fauna: The major species are Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Sloth bear, Gaur, Black Buck, Spotted deer, Wild boar, Black napped hare, Common langur Nilgiri langur, Striped neck mongoose, and Bonnet macaque.

Q1: What is a Tiger Reserve?

Tiger Reserve is a legally declared protected area dedicated to the conservation of striped big cats. A tiger reserve, on the other hand, could be a national park or wildlife sanctuary. The Sariska Tiger Reserve, for example, is also a national park.

News: Evening coaching classes enhance skills of tribal students in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve

About Bharat NCX 2024:

• It is a landmark initiative to fortify India’s cybersecurity resilience.
• It is being conducted by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) Govt. of India in strategic partnership with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU).
• This flagship event serves as a unifying platform for over 300 participants, representing a diverse spectrum of government agencies, public organizations, and the private sector, all resolutely committed to the safeguarding of critical information infrastructure through training sessions, Live Fire, and Strategic exercises.
• Key Features:
  • The exercise includes immersive training on cyber defense and incident response, live-fire simulations of cyberattacks on IT and OT systems, and collaborative platforms for government and industry stakeholders.
  • A Strategic Decision-Making Exercise will bring together senior management from across sectors to simulate decision-making in a national-level cyber crisis, enhancing their ability to respond to high-pressure situations with strategic acumen.
  • The CISO’s Conclave will feature Chief Information Security Officers from the government, public, and private sectors sharing insights, participating in panel discussions, and exploring the latest trends and government initiatives in cybersecurity.
  • On the sidelines, the Bharat Cybersecurity Startup Exhibition will showcase innovative solutions from Indian startups, emphasizing their role in enhancing the nation's cybersecurity infrastructure.
  • The exercise also highlights leadership engagement and capacity building, fostering a unified approach to emerging cyber challenges.

Q1: What is the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)?

The National Security Coordination Secretariat (NSCS) is a unit under the Prime Minister's Office responsible for national security planning and coordination.The NSCS is a premier government body that traditionally advises the Prime Minister and his staff on issues and policies related to defence, internal security and foreign policy. The PM as the head of the NSCS whose day to day operations and policy making are overseen and managed by the National Security Advisor (NSA) and his deputies drawn from various services like the Indian Foreign Service, the Indian Police Service, the armed forces etc. 

News: Bharat NCX 2024 inaugurated, to strengthen cyber defense, strategic decision-making

About Sabarmati River:

• It is a monsoon-fed river that originates in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan near Udaipur and meets in the Bay of Khambhat in Arabian sea.
• The Sabarmati basin extends over the states of Rajasthan and Gujarat, having an area of 21,674 sq.km with a maximum length and width of 300 km and 150 km.
• It flows north-south through Ahmedabad, bisecting the city into its western and eastern halves.
• It covers a total distance of 371 km, out of which 48 km is traversed in Rajasthan and the remaining 323 km in Gujarat.
• Its total catchment area is 21,674 sq. km. 
• It is bounded by the Aravalli Hills in the north and north-east, the Rann of Kutch in the west, and the Gulf of Khambhat in the south.
• The major part of the basin is covered with agriculture, accounting for 74.68% of the total area. 
• Tributaries: Its principal tributaries joining from left are the Wakal, the Hathmati, and the Vatrak, whereas the Sei joins the river from right. 

Q1: What is a Gulf?

The Gulf is a portion of the sea that is almost surrounded by land except one narrow opening. Gulfs are formed when a giant rock collapses or when a piece of land sinks. This causes a big indentation in the area, and the water eventually fills it up. Gulfs are also formed through a natural process of erosion.

News: Sabarmati riverfront kicks off ₹4,000 cr land monetisation plan with first auction