About Sloth Bear

 

• Sloth bears are one of the eight bear species found across the world.
• Scientific Name: Melursus ursinus
• Distribution:
  • Their range includes India, Sri Lanka and southern Nepal.
  • 90% of the global Sloth Bear population is found in India.
• Habitat: They live in a variety of dry and moist forests and in some tall grasslands, where boulders, scattered shrubs and trees provide shelter.
• Features:
  • They have long, shaggy dark brown or black fur and curved claws, which are the longest out of any of the bear species.
  • They use their claws to excavate termites and ants.
  • Size: They grow 5 to 6 feet (1.5 to 2 meters) long, stand 2 to 3 feet (0.5 to 1 meters) high at the shoulder, and weigh, on average, 90 to 140 kilograms.
  • They have poor senses of sight and hearing but a good sense of smell.
  • Sloth bears' nostrils can close completely, protecting the animals from dust or insects when raiding termite nests or beehives.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • Indian Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1

 

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Q1) What are termites?

Termites are eusocial insects, meaning they live in organized colonies with distinct castes and cooperative behaviors. These castes typically include workers, soldiers, and reproductive individuals (kings and queens).They are known for their ability to feed on cellulose-based materials, primarily wood, and play significant roles in ecosystems as decomposers. However, termites are often considered pests when they infest human-made structures, causing damage to wooden structures and objects.

Source: Sloth bear trapped in the Nilgiris, relocated

About SeamlessM4T

 

• SeamlessM4T, which stands for Massively Multilingual and Multimodal Machine Translation, is an advanced multilingual multimodal AI translation and transcription model.
• It was developed by Meta, the technology company formerly known as Facebook.
• SeamlessM4T is capable of performing various tasks including speech-to-text, speech-to-speech, text-to-speech, and text-to-text translations.
• SeamlessM4T supports:
  • Speech recognition for nearly 100 languages;
  • Speech-to-text translation for nearly 100 input and output languages;
  • Speech-to-speech translation, supporting nearly 100 input languages and 36 (including English) output languages;
  • Text-to-text translation for nearly 100 languages;
  • Text-to-speech translation, supporting nearly 100 input languages and 35 (including English) output languages;
• Other Features:
  • SeamlessM4T brings together diverse spoken data sources to provide a comprehensive multilingual and multimodal translation experience from a single model. 
  • It performs the entire translation task in one go, unlike other large translation models that divide translation across different systems. 
  • It has the ability to recognize when a speaker is code-switching or when someone moves between two or more languages in one sentence. 
  • It also recognizes gender bias in languages and said the model can quantify gender bias in translations.

 

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Q1) What is Artificial Intelligence?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines, particularly computer systems. It involves the development of computer programs and algorithms that enable machines to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as understanding natural language, recognizing patterns, solving problems, and making decisions.

Source: Meta launches multilingual AI translation model for 100 languages

About Advisory Board on Banking and Financial Frauds

 

• It conducts the first level examination of bank frauds before recommendations or references are made to investigative by agencies such as Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• Composition: It consist of the Chairman and four other members and the tenure of the Chairman/ Members would be for two years.
• It has been empowered to examine the role of officials/ wholetime directors (including ex-officials/ ex-wholetime directors) in public sector banks, public sector insurance companies; and public sector financial institutions in case of frauds amounting to ₹ 3 crore and above.
• The Central Vigilance Commission or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) can also refer any case or technical matter to the board for its advice, the order stated.
• The board can also give inputs for policy formulation related to frauds to the Reserve Bank of India and the Central Vigilance Commission.
• It will ordinarily, within a month of receipt of initial reference, tender its advice as may be requisitioned by ministries, departments, the Central Vigilance Commission or the CBI.

 

Key facts about Central Vigilance Commission

• It was set up by the Government in 1964 on the recommendations of the Committee on Prevention of Corruption, headed by K. Santhanam.
• It is a statutory body governed by the Central Vigilance Commission Act 2003.
• The CVC is not controlled by any Ministry/Department. It is responsible to the Parliament.
• Mandate: To inquire into offences alleged to have been committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 by certain categories of public servants of the Central Government, corporations established by or under any Central Act, Government Companies, societies and local authorities owned or controlled by Central Government.
• Composition: The Commission shall consist of a Central Vigilance Commissioner (Chairperson); and not more than two Vigilance Commissioners (Members).
• Appointment: They are appointed by the President on recommendation of a Committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), the Minister of home affairs and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
• Term: The term of office of the chairperson and the members is four years from the date on which they enter their office or till they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. Central Vigilance Commission reconstitutes advisory board on bank frauds.

 

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Q1) What is the Central Bureau of Investigation?

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigative agency of the Government of India. It is responsible for investigating various types of crimes, including corruption, economic offenses, special crimes, and cases of national importance.

Source: Central Vigilance Commission reconstitutes advisory board on bank frauds

About Demon Particle

 

• The demon particle was first predicted by theoretical physicist David Pines in 1956.
• Pines theorized that electrons passing through a solid would exhibit unique behaviors, and that these behaviors could lead to the formation of a new type of particle that he called a "demon particle."
• They are massless, chargeless, and transparent to light.
• They are also able to form plasmons, which are collective units of electrons that behave like waves.
• Plasmons are important in superconductivity, and the discovery of demon particles could lead to the development of new superconducting materials that operate at room temperature.

 

What is Superconductivity?

• It is a phenomenon whereby a charge moves through a material without resistance.
• In theory, this allows electrical energy to be transferred between two points with perfect efficiency, losing nothing to heat.
• It was first discovered in 1911 by Dutch physicist Heike Kamerlingh Onnes when he observed the sudden drop in electrical resistance of mercury at extremely low temperatures.
• Superconductivity is generally observed at very low temperatures, often close to absolute zero (0 Kelvin or -273.15°C).
• Meissner-Ochsenfeld Effect:
  • Superconductors expel magnetic fields from their interior when they enter the superconducting state.
  • This effect, known as the Meissner-Ochsenfeld effect, causes the superconductor to repel magnetic fields, leading to the phenomenon of magnetic levitation.
  • When a magnet is brought near a superconductor in its superconducting state, it will float above the superconductor due to this repulsion.

 

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Q1)What is an Electron?

An electron is a subatomic particle that carries a negative electric charge. It is one of the fundamental particles that make up atoms, along with protons and neutrons. Electrons carry a fundamental electric charge, denoted as "e," which is approximately equal to -1.602 x 10^-19 coulombs (C).Electrons have a very small mass compared to protons and neutrons. The mass of an electron is approximately 9.109 x 10^-31 kilograms (kg), making it about 1/1836 times the mass of a proton.

Source: Researchers unveil 'demon particle' that can lead to making superconductors

About Maitri Setu

 

• It has been built over the Feni River, which flows between the Indian boundary in Tripura and Bangladesh.
• Length: It spans 1.9 kilometres joining Sabroom (in Tripura) with Ramgarh in Bangladesh.
• The name ‘Maitri Setu’ symbolises growing bilateral relations and friendly ties between India and Bangladesh.
• The construction of the bridge has been overseen by National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. 
• It is a pre-stressed concrete bridge. It has a single-span structure that allows for the smooth flow of traffic and cargo.

 

Key Facts about Feni River

• It forms part of the India-Bangladesh border.
• Origin: It originates in the South Tripura district, passes through Sabroom town on the Indian side, and meets the Bay of Bengal after it flows into Bangladesh.
• Length: It is 116 kilometers in length from its source to Bay of Bengal.
• Tributaries: Some of the notable tributaries of the Feni River include the Muhuri River, Raidak River, Chandkhira River, Ryang River and Kushiyara River.

 

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Q1) What is the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd?

The National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) is a government-owned company in India that operates under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH). NHIDCL was established in 2014 with the primary objective of accelerating the development of highways and infrastructure in the country, particularly in remote and border areas.The company promotes, surveys, establishes, designs, builds, operates, maintains and upgrades National Highways and Strategic Roads including interconnecting roads in parts of the country which share international boundaries with neighboring countries.

Source: Maitri Setu: Significant boost to regional connectivity and security

About Black Eagle

 

• It belongs to the family Accipitridae, and is the only member of the genus Ictinaetus.
• These are large and distinctive dark eagle of forested mountains and hills.
• The distinguishing feature of the majestic bird is its striking yellow beak, a vibrant contrast to its black feathers.
• They soar over forests in the hilly regions of tropical and subtropical South and Southeast Asia, as well as southeastern China.
• Distribution: They are found in the Indian states of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, forests of the Eastern and Western Ghats in peninsular India.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN: Least concern

 

Key features of Chail wildlife sanctuary

• It is located in the state of Himachal Pradesh.
• It comprises part of the catchment area of a tributary of the Giri River.
• Flora: It is densely covered by Oak and Pine, apart from grassland.
• Fauna: It includes animal species of wild boar, goral, sambar, spotted deer, Himalayan black bear, common langur, Indian porcupine, flying squirrel, etc.

 

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Q1) What is a wildlife sanctuary?

A wildlife sanctuary is a protected area of land that has been designated to provide a safe and secure habitat for wildlife species. The primary purpose of a wildlife sanctuary is to conserve and protect the biodiversity and natural habitats of various plants and animals.

Source: A rare black eagle spotted at Chail wildlife sanctuary

About Bharat NCAP(New Car Assessment Programme)

 

• It is a significant step forward in the government’s commitment to improve road safety by raising the safety standards of motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes in India.
• The programme aims to provide a tool to the car customers to make a comparative assessment of crash safety of motor vehicles available in the market.
• Under this programme, car manufacturers can voluntarily offer their cars tested as per Automotive Industry Standard (AIS) 197.
• Based on the performance of the car in the tests, car will be awarded star ratings for Adult Occupants (AOP) and Child Occupant (COP).
• To receive a 5-star rating, a vehicle needs at least 27 points in adult occupant protection and requires 41 points in child occupant protection.
• These protocols are in line with Global NCAP norms when it comes to crash testing.
• Three tests including offset deformable barrier frontal impact test, side impact test, and pole side impact test -- would determine the crashworthiness of the vehicles.
• It would also mandate the installation of six airbags, electronic stability control (ESC), three-point seatbelts for every passenger, improved emergency braking systems, etc
• For Bharat NCAP, the frontal crash test will be conducted at a speed of 64km/h. On the other hand, the side and pole-side impact tests will be done at 50km/h and 29km/h
• These norms will also be applicable for testing and rate CNG and EVs based on their performance.
• Unlike Global NCAP, Bharat NCAP will give a unified rating for the vehicles, combining crash test results for adults and children alike.

 

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Q1) What is Electronic Stability Control?

Electronic Stability Control (ESC), also known as Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is a technology designed to enhance a vehicle's stability and prevent loss of control in challenging driving conditions. It uses a combination of sensors, control systems, and brakes to help the driver maintain control of the vehicle during situations where it might skid, slide, or lose traction.

Source: Shri Nitin Gadkari launches Bharat NCAP(New Car Assessment Programme)

Key findings

 

• The two sculptures resemble one belonging to 15th century A.D. and another to 17th century A.D.
• It shows a royal hero sitting on the horse, holding a sword and a bowl in his right and left hands respectively.
• But there is no Mylaladevi on the back of the horse. The horse shown in holding swords in their right hands was found in another water body.
• Basrur was a historical trading city of the Medieval period.
• Trading guilds like Uhayadesi, Nanadesi and others actively participated in the trade.

 

About Mylara Cult

• Mylara is a folk deity, identified as a manifestation of Lord Shiva.
• This deity, commonly known as Mailara in Karnataka and as Khandoba in Maharashtra, has a plethora of other names as well, such as Khanderao, Khandnatha.
• This cult is prevalent in the southern part of India including Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu.

 

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Q1) What is Culture?

Culture refers to the shared set of beliefs, values, practices, traditions, behaviors, and artifacts that characterize a particular group of people. It encompasses the ways of life, customs, social norms, language, art, music, religion, and other aspects that are passed down from one generation to the next within a society.

Source: Discovery of two ancient sculptures at Basrur proves existence of ancient Mylara cult in the coastal region, says Historian

About Methanotrophs

 

• Methane-utilizing bacteria (methanotrophs) are a diverse group of gram-negative bacteria that are related to other members of the Proteobacteria.
• Methanotrophic microorganisms oxidize methane to harness energy under oxic and anoxic conditions.
• They grow best when the methane concentration is around 5,000-10,000 parts per million (ppm).

 

Key facts about Methylotuvimicrobium buryatense 5GB1C

• This bacterial strain consumes methane, which is over 85 times more potent than carbon dioxide (CO2).
• This bacteria performed the best at 500 ppm. Further tests also showed that this strain grew well even at 200 ppm.
• It can grow at low methane concentrations ranging from 200-1,000 ppm. These features make this strain a promising candidate for methane removal technology.
• Bacteria produce biomass after consuming methane. This biomass can be used as feed in aquaculture.
• For every tonne of methane consumed, the bacteria can generate 0.78 tonne biomass dry-weight methane.

 

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Q1) What is Methane?

Methane (CH4) is a chemical compound and a hydrocarbon with the molecular formula consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms. It is the simplest alkane and is considered the primary component of natural gas. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas and plays a significant role in Earth's atmospheric and environmental processes.

Source: Now, a bacteria that can eat methane. Can it reduce global warming? Researchers say it’s possible