About Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus:

• It is a new species of large theropod dinosaur discovered in the Middle Jurassic Balabansai formation in the northern part of the Fergana Depression, Kyrgyzstan.
• It roamed our planet during the Callovian age oftheJurassic period between 165 and 161 million years ago.
• The ancient predator was 7 to 8 m in body length, and had an extremely protruding ‘eyebrow’ on the so-called postorbital bone, a skull bone behind the eye opening, which indicates the presence of a horn at this point.
• It belongs to Metriacanthosauridae, a group of medium-to large-sized allosauroid theropod dinosaurs that are characterized by high arched skulls, plate-like elongate neural spines, and slender hindlimbs.
  • Theropod dinosaurs are one of the most important large groups of dinosaurs, including well-known predators such as Tyrannosaurus and Allosaurus, as well as modern birds.

Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus is also the first large Jurassic predatory dinosaur ever unearthed between central Europe and East Asia.

Q1: What is the Fergana Depression?

The Fergana depression is an intra- orogenic intermountain depression. It is bounded by the mountain uplifts of Alai and Turkestan systems in the south, by the Fergana mountain in the northeast, and by the Chatkal-Kurama mountain in the north and northwest.

Source: New dinosaur species with bizarre brow bone lived in Kyrgyzstan 165 million years ago

About Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB):

• It is the nodal drug law enforcement and intelligence agency under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.
• It was constituted on 14th November, 1985, under the provisions of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act).
• It has its headquarters located in Delhi. 
• The NCB exercises the powers and functions of the Central Government for taking measures with respect to:
  • Co-ordination of actions by various offices, State Governments, and other authorities under the N.D.P.S. Act, Customs Act, Drugs and Cosmetics Act, and any other law for the time being in force in connection with the enforcement provisions of the NDPS Act, 1985.
  • Implementation of the obligation in respect of countermeasures against illicit traffic under the various international conventions and protocols that are in force at present or which may be ratified or acceded to by India in the future.
  • Assistance to concerned authorities in foreign countries and concerned international organisations to facilitate coordination and universal action for prevention and suppression of illicit traffic in these drugs and substances.
  • Coordination of actions taken by the other concerned ministries, departments, and organizations in respect of matters relating to drug abuse.
• It also functions as an enforcement agency through its zonal offices.
• The zonal offices collect and analyse data related to seizures of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, study trends, modus operandi, collect and disseminate intelligence, and work in close cooperation with the Customs, State Police, and other law enforcement agencies.

Q1: What is the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NPDS) Act, 1985?

The NDPS Act prohibits a person from manufacture / production / cultivation/ possession/ sale / purchase / transport / store / consume any narcotic drug or psychotropic substance without due permission from the appropriate authorities. The Act follows a graded system of punishment, with the punishment varying and the quantum of punishment being dependent upon whether the offence pertains to small, commercial, and intermediate quantities of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances.

Source: Responsibility of all to make country narcotics, drug free: Amit Shah

About Wular Lake:

• It is the largest freshwater lake in India and the second largest freshwater lake in Asia.
• It is located in the Bandipore district of Jammu and Kashmir.
• It is fed by the Jhelum River.
• The lake lies at an altitude of 1,580 m on the foothills of Haramuk Mountain.
• It is spread over a total area of 200 sq.km., covering almost 24 km in length and 10 km in breadth.
• The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity.
• It is also said to be a remnant of Satisar Lake that existed in ancient times. 
• This lake also has a small is land in its centre called the ‘Zaina Lank’. This island was constructed by King Zainul-Abi-Din.
• In 1990, it was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
• The area is important for wintering, staging and breeding birds. Terrestrial birds observed around the lake include the black-eared kite, Eurasian sparrow hawk, short-toed eagle, Himalayan golden eagle, Himalayan monal, etc.

It is an important habitat for fish, accounting for 60 percent of the total fish production within the state.

Q1: What is a Ramsar Site?

Ramsar Sites are designated wetlands of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The Ramsar Convention, also known as the Convention on Wetlands, is an international treaty adopted in 1971 in the Iranian city of Ramsar. Its primary goal is the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands around the world.

Source: Prevent siltation of Wular Lake

• Objective: After a delay of nearly four years, the National Quantum Mission is set to advance India's quantum technologies across four key verticals—quantum computing, communication, measurement, and sensing.
• Funding & Structure: The mission has been allocated nearly ₹6,000 crore, with plans to establish four Section 8 companies under the aegis of premier institutions like IITs and IISc. 
  • These companies will spearhead activities across the identified verticals.

About National Quantum Mission (NQM):

The National Quantum Mission (NQM) is a visionary initiative (2023) led by the Department of Science and Technology (DST)to fortify India’s research and development in the quantum domain.

• Over the next eight years (2023-2031), the mission aims to pioneer the development of intermediate-scale quantum computers with 50-1000 physical qubits using cutting-edge platforms like superconducting and photonic technology.
• Quantum communication: Additionally, the mission seeks to establish satellite-based secure quantum communications spanning a range of 2000 km within India and extending to other countries. 
  • It also helps to develop highly sensitive magnetometers in atomic systems and precision atomic clocks for timing, communications, and navigation.
• Quantum materials development: Moreover, the mission will provide crucial support for the design and synthesis of quantum materials such as superconductors, novel semiconductor structures, and topological materials to fabricate advanced quantum devices.
• Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs): To catalyze research and development, four T-Hubs will be instituted in premier academic and national research and development institutes, with a focus on igniting new knowledge through fundamental and applied research, as well as driving R&D activities forward.
• Applications: The extensive applications of the mission will find utility across diverse sectors including healthcare, diagnostics, defence, energy, and data security. 

How do quantum computers work?

• Quantum computing uses the qubit as the basic unit of information rather than the conventional bit. 

The main characteristic of this alternative system is that it permits the coherent superposition of ones and zeros, the digits of the binary system around which all computing revolves.

Q1. What is quantum sensing?

Quantum Sensing is an advanced sensor technology that analyzes changes in motion, and electric and magnetic fields at the atomic level. lt uses “quantum resources” to measure changes in atoms with a higher degree of precision.

Source: India’s first quantum computer set for launch under National Quantum Mission - The Hindu BusinessLine

About Sonoluminescence:

• Sonoluminescence is a fascinating phenomenon where small gas bubbles in a liquid emit a brief flash of light when exposed to intense sound waves.
  • This phenomenon was first observed in 1934 by two German engineers studying sonar, a method of using sound waves for navigation similar to how bats operate.

How does sonoluminescence work?

• Sound wave interaction: The process begins when a tiny bubble trapped in a liquid is subjected to powerful sound waves.
  • These waves cause the bubble to rapidly expand and contract due to alternating high and low-pressure phases.
• Extreme conditions: During the contraction phase, the bubble compresses so rapidly that its internal temperature skyrockets to several thousand kelvins. 
  • This extreme heat ionizes the gases inside the bubble, resulting in the emission of light energy for a fraction of a second—about a trillionth of a second.

Natural occurrence:

• Pistol Shrimp: Sonoluminescence isn’t confined to laboratory settings. In nature, the pistol shrimp (family Alpheidae) exhibits a similar effect. 
  • This shrimp has a specialized claw that snaps shut with remarkable speed, creating a high-velocity jet of water. 
  • This jet forms a low-pressure bubble that, upon collapsing, produces a loud sound, intense heat, and a brief flash of light.

Applications:

• Scientific curiosity: Sonoluminescence continues to captivate scientists due to its mysterious nature and potential applications. 

While the phenomenon is primarily of academic interest, it has sparked discussions about its potential use in fields like thermonuclear fusion and acoustic imaging.

Q1. What is a semiconductor?

It is a substance that has specific electrical properties that enable it to serve as a foundation for computers and other electronic devices. It is typically a solid chemical element or compound that conducts electricity under certain conditions but not others.

Source:  What is sonoluminescence? - The Hindu

About Acute Encephalitis Syndrome (AES):

• AES is characterized by a sudden onset of high-grade fever, convulsions, altered sensorium, and multi-organ dysfunction. Other common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhoea, and in severe cases, respiratory failure with nasal bleeding.
• AES can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites, as well as toxins and chemicals.
• Diagnosis challenges: The diagnosis of AES can be challenging due to the similarity of symptoms with other viral infections like Chandipura Vesiculovirus (CHPV), Enterovirus, Meningitis, and Japanese Encephalitis.

Specifics of the Gujarat outbreak:

• Spread across regions: The outbreak spread over 26 of the 33 districts in Gujarat, affecting both rural and urban areas. 
  • Six major cities in the state reported cases, with some patients from neighbouring states like Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra also admitted to Gujarat hospitals.
• Patient zero: The first confirmed case in Gujarat was a four-year-old girl from Aravalli district, who unfortunately passed away before her CHPV diagnosis was confirmed.

Fatalities and caseload: As of August 19, 2024, the AES caseload in Gujarat stood at 178 cases, with 78 deaths. Among the deceased, 28 children (36%) tested positive for CHPV, highlighting the complexity of the outbreak.

Q1: What is Chandipura Virus Infection?

It is a virus of the Rhabdoviridae family, which also includes other members such as the lyssavirus that causes rabies. Several species of sandflies like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, and some mosquito species such as Aedes aegypti (which is also the vector for dengue) are considered vectors of CHPV.

Source: Gujarat Hardlook: What we know of the Encephalitis Syndrome plaguing Gujarat | Ahmedabad News - The Indian Express

About Polygraph test:

• The polygraph test operates on the premise that physiological responses triggered when a person is lying differ from their responses when they are being truthful.
• During the test, instruments such as cardio-cuffs or sensitive electrodes are attached to the suspect to measure variables such as blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration, sweat gland activity, and blood flow as questions are posed.
• Evaluation: Each response is given a numerical value to determine whether the individual is telling the truth, being deceptive, or uncertain.

Supreme Court Judgements:

• According to the Supreme Court of India’s judgment in Selvi & Ors vs State of Karnataka & Anr (2010):
  • Polygraph tests can only be administered with the accused’s consent.
  • Consent must be informed, with the accused having access to legal counsel and a thorough explanation of the test’s physical, emotional, and legal implications.
  • The National Human Rights Commission’s Guidelines for polygraph tests, issued in 2000, must be strictly adhered to.
  • The accused’s consent should be documented before a judicial magistrate.
  • Any evidence or information obtained through a voluntarily consented polygraph test can be admitted in court.

Q1. What is a Narco Test?

In a ‘narco’ or narco analysis test, a drug called sodium pentothal is injected into the body of the accused, which transports them to a hypnotic or sedated state in which their imagination is neutralised.

Source: Kolkata doctor rape-murder: What Sanjay Roy told CBI during polygraph test | Latest News India - Hindustan Times

About INS Mumbai:

• INS Mumbai is the third of the Delhi-class guided missile destroyers, indigenously built and commissioned into the Indian Navy on 22 January 2001.
• It was constructed at Mazagon Dock Limited in Mumbai.
• She was adjudged the ‘Best Ship’ thrice and the ‘Most Spirited Ship’ twice, which is a rare feat for any warship.
• The ship has been at the forefront of major Naval Operations like Op Parakram (2002), Op Sukoon (2006: evacuation of Indian, Nepalese, and Sri Lankan citizens from Lebanon), and Op Rahat (2015: evacuation of Indian and foreign nationals from Yemen).
• The ship completed its mid-life upgrade and joined the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam on 8 December 2023.
• Features:
  • With a displacement of over 6500 tons, the ship is manned by 350 sailors and 40 officers.
  • The ship, spanning 163 metres in length and 17 metres at the beam, propelled by four gas turbines, is capable of achieving speeds in excess of 32 knots.
  • Fitted with an enviable, state-of-the-art weapons suite, which includes Surface to Surface Missiles, Surface to Air Missiles, Anti-Submarine rockets, and torpedoes, the ship can unleash lethal firepower upon the enemy.
  • The ship also operates all kinds helicopters in the naval inventory, which are its extended eyes and ears. 

Q1: What are Guided missile destroyers?

Guided missile destroyers are warships that provide multi-mission offensive and defensive capabilities. They are armed with guided missiles for anti-aircraft warfare, anti-surface operations and anti-submarine warfare. Because of the speed, maneuverability and striking capability, the guided missile destroyers are a key asset in various types of naval operations, mainly offensive.

Source: Indian naval ship INS Mumbai to make first visit to Sri Lanka on August 26

About Mass Wasting:

• It is the movement of rock and soil down slope under the influence of gravity. 
• Causes:
  • Mass wasting occurs when a slope is too steep to remain stable with existing material and conditions.
  • Slope stability is determined by two factors: the angle of the slope and the shear strength of the accumulated materials.
  • Mass-wasting events are triggered by changes that over steepen slope angles and weaken slope stability, such as rapid snow melt, intense rainfall, earthquake shaking, volcanic eruptions, storm waves, stream erosion, and human activities.
  • Excessive precipitation is the most common trigger.
• Mass-wasting events are classified by their type of movement and material, and they share common morphological surface features.
• The most common types of mass-wasting events are rockfalls, slides, flows, and creep.
• Geologically, landslide is a general term for mass wasting that involves fast-moving geologic material.
• Loose material along with overlying soils are what typically move during a mass-wasting event.
• Moving blocks of bedrock are called rock topples, rock slides, or rock falls, depending on the dominant motion of the blocks. 
• Movements of dominantly liquid material are called flows.

Movement by mass wasting can be slow or rapid. Rapid movement can be dangerous, such as during debris flows.

Q1: What is Debris flow?

Debris flows are fast-moving landslides that are particularly dangerous to life and property because they move quickly, destroy objects in their paths, and often strike without warning. Debris flows generally occur during periods of intense rainfall or rapid snowmelt and usually start on hillsides or mountains. Debris flows can travel at speeds up to and exceeding 35 mph and can carry large items such as boulders, trees, and cars.

Source: Frequent mass wasting in Tibet a cause for worry in India