About Thar Desert

• The Thar Desert, also known as the Great Indian Desert, is an arid region of rolling sand hills on the Indian subcontinent.
• It is one of the largest subtropical deserts in the world.
• Location: It is located partly in northwestern India, and partly in eastern Pakistan.
• It extends across the states of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana in India, and the provinces of Sindh and Punjab in Pakistan. 
• It covers more than 77,000 square miles (200,000 sq. km).
• The majority of the Thar desert is in India (15 percent lies in Pakistan).
• It is bordered by the irrigated Indus River plain to the west, the Punjab Plain to the north and northeast, the Aravalli Range to the southeast, and the Rann of Kachchh to the south.
• The desert is separated from the Greater Rann of Kutch to the west by the low-lying marshy lands of the Luni River.
• Climate:
  • The desert features a hot and arid climate, with temperatures often reaching over 50 degrees Celsius during the day and dropping significantly at night. 
  • Rainfall is scarce, with the majority of the desert receiving less than 50mm of rain annually.
• Landscape:
  • It is characterized by a vast and rugged landscape, with a variety of different terrains. 
  • It is known for its vast expanses of rolling dunes, which can reach heights of up to 200 meters. 
  • The desert is also characterized by rocky outcroppings, which are clusters of large rocks that rise from the desert floor. 
  • It is also home to large salt flats, which are areas of flat land covered with a layer of salt.
  • Large, flat plains, which are covered with a thin layer of soil and vegetation, are also found here.
• Mineral Resource:
  • It is rich in a variety of minerals, including one of the largest coal reserves in India.
  • It is also a major source of gypsum, Limestone, salt, Bauxite, silica, etc.

Q1: What is a Dune?

A dune is a mound of sand that is formed by the wind, usually along the beach or in a desert. Dunes form when wind blows sand into a sheltered area behind an obstacle.

Source: Shifting sands: why the Thar desert on the borders of India and Pakistan is getting greener

About Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)

• An ARC is a specialized financial institution that purchases the bad debts of a bank at a mutually agreed value and attempts to recover those debts or associated securities by itself.
• ARCs are registered undertheRBI and regulated under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act, 2002).
• They function under the supervision and control of the RBI.
• As per the RBI, ARC performs the functions namely Acquisition of financial assets, Change or takeover of Management or Sale or Lease of Business of the Borrower, Rescheduling of Debts, Enforcement of Security Interest and Settlement of dues payable by the borrower.
• ARCs take over a portion of the bank's debts, which qualify as Non-Performing Assets (NPAs). Therefore, ARCs are involved in the business of asset reconstruction, securitisation, or both.
• All the rightspreviouslyheld by the lender (the bank) in regard to the debt are transferred to the ARC.
• The required funds to purchase such debts can be raised from Qualified Buyers.
  • Qualified Buyers include Financial Institutions, Insurance companies, Banks, State Financial Corporations, State Industrial Development Corporations, trustee or ARCs registered under SARFAESI and Asset Management Companies registered under SEBI that invest on behalf of mutual funds, pension funds, FIIs, etc.
  • The Qualified Buyers are the only persons from whom the ARC can raise funds.

Asset Reconstruction vs. Securitization

• Asset Reconstruction refers to the acquisition of any right or interest of a bank or financial institution in loans, advances, debentures, bonds, guarantees, or any other credit facility extended by banks for the purpose of recovering the funds.
• These loans, advances, bonds, guarantees, and other credit facilities are collectively referred to as 'financial assistance.'
• Securitization, on the other hand, means the acquisition of financial assets through the issuance of security receiptsto Qualified Buyers or other means. These security receipts represent an undivided interest in the financial assets.

Q1: What is a Non-Performing Asset (NPA)?

A NPA is a loan or advance for which the principal or interest payment remained overdue for a period of 90 days. They can include various types of loans, such as personal loans, business loans, mortgages and credit card debt. When the ratio of NPAs in a bank's loan portfolio rises, its income and profitability fall, its capacity to lend falls and the possibility of loan defaults and write-offs rise.

Source: RBI's compiled master direction on ARCs to be effective from April 24

About Network as a Service (NaaS)

• NaaS is a cloud service model in which customers rent networking servicesfrom a cloud vendor instead of setting up their own network infrastructure.
• NaaS allows customers to operate their own networkswithoutmaintaining their own networking infrastructure.
• Like other cloud services, NaaS vendors run networking functions using software, essentially allowing companies to set up their own networks entirely without hardware. All they need is Internet connectivity.
• NaaS is a flexible, scalable, and affordable option for organizations since it enables them to allocate network resources as needed. 
• NaaS can replace other networking systems that often require more work and provide less agility, such as virtual private networks (VPNs) and multiprotocol label switching (MPLS).
• In addition, by using NaaS, you can shift your networking system to your provider, who can also give you security services to keep your network environment safe. This means you don’t have to invest in on-premise firewalls and other security appliances.
• The provider may offer customers a range of different options, such as:
  • Managed services, where the customer pays to use hardware on a subscription basis while the provider operates and maintains it
  • Rented hardware, which is when the provider owns networking hardware and allows the customer to rent it from them. In this situation, customers have to install and operate the equipment themselves.
  • Full NaaS, where the provider handles everything in relation to the networking hardware, including installing and operating it.

Q1: What is a virtual private network (VPN)?

A VPN is an encrypted connection over the Internet from a device to a network. The encrypted connection helps ensure that sensitive data is safely transmitted. It prevents unauthorized people from eavesdropping on the traffic and allows the user to conduct work remotely. VPN technology is widely used in corporate environments.

Source: Internet economy should embrace NaaS

About Climate Technology Centre and Network (CTCN)

• It is the operational arm of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change’s (UNFCCC) Climate Change Technology Mechanism.
• It is hosted by UN Environment (UNEP)in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and with the support of 11 independent organizations having expertise in climate technologies.
• It was established to accelerate the development and transfer of environmentally sound technologies for low-carbon and climate resilient development at the request of developing countries.
• The CTCN provides technology solutions, capacity building, and advice on policy, legal, and regulatory frameworks tailored to the needs of individual countries by harnessing the expertise of a global network of technology companies and institutions.
• The CTCN is a demand-driven mechanism as its services are offered upon request by developing countries, and the volume and specific nature of activities ultimately depends on countries’ requirements and needs.
• The CTCN consists of two parts: a centre—a coordinating entity located in UN City Copenhagen—and a worldwide network of organizations that delivers CTCN services—both virtually and actually.

Q1: What is the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO)?

UNIDO, is a specialized agency in the United Nations system, headquartered in Vienna, with a unique mandate to promote, dynamize and accelerate industrial development. UNIDO provides support to its 172 Member States through four mandated functions: technical cooperation; action-oriented research and policy-advisory services; normative standards-related activities; and fostering partnerships for knowledge and technology transfer.

Source: Catalyzing climate technology as CTCN hits 10-year anniversary

What are Solar Flares?

• A solar flare is an intense burst of radiation coming from the release of magnetic energy associated with sunspots.
• 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.
• In a matter of just a few minutes, they heat the material to many millions of degrees and produce a burst of radiation across the electromagnetic spectrum, including from radio waves to x-rays and gamma rays.
• Although solar flares can be visible in white light, they are often more readily noticed via their bright X-ray and ultraviolet emissions.
• Effect of Solar Flare on Earth:
  • The intense radiation emitted during a solar flare can affect satellite communications, disrupt radio signals, and even pose a risk to astronauts in space.
  • Additionally, the increased solar radiation can lead to geomagnetic storms, which may impact power grids and cause auroras (northern and southern lights) at lower latitudes.

About Sympathetic Solar Flare

• This type of solar outburst occurs when sunspots or filaments are invisibly linked by massive magnetic field loops that arch above the solar surface. When one flare detonates, the others follow in rapid succession.
• Sympathetic solar flares typically involve just two linked flares, ranging in intensity from minor outbursts to X-class flares, the most powerful class of solar flares.
• They are more likely to happen during or around the solar maximum, the most active phase of the Sun's approximately 11-year solar cycle.

Q1: What are Geomagnetic Storms?

A geomagnetic storm is a major disturbance of Earth's magnetosphere. These storms result from variations in the solar wind that produces significant changes in the currents, plasmas, and fields in Earth’s magnetosphere. The solar wind conditions that are effective for creating geomagnetic storms are sustained (for several hours) periods of the high-speed solar wind and a southward-directed solar wind magnetic field (opposite the direction of Earth’s field) at the dayside of the magnetosphere.

Source: Sun witnesses a massive explosion on April 23: How it will impact Earth

About Alagar Temple

• It is also known with the name of Azhagar Kovil is one of the prominent temples situated at the foothills of Alagar hills in the state of Tamil Nadu.
• It is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is known for its intricate sculpting and mandapams.
• It was mentioned in epics such as Silappathikaram.
• Alvars like Thirumangai Alvar, Peri Alvar, Nammalvar, Bhoothathalvar, Peyalwar, Andal have also mentioned the glorious history of the shrine in their songs.
• There are also inscriptions dating back to King Ashoka rule. It is said that great Jain monk Ajjanandi had resided here along with his disciples.
• This temple has a prominent place during the Pandyan reign.
  • It was during the rule of King Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan (1251-1270 A.D) vimana of the temple’s sanctum sanctorum was beautified with gold plates.
  • The massive tower which is seen at the entrance of the temple was also built during the reign of Pandyan kingdom. 
• King Thirumalai Naickar of Nayaka dynasty also added many artistic features to this temple during his reign.
• The kalyan mandapam of the temple, especially showcases Nayaka art.

Q1: What are the key facts about Vaigai River?

It is the major river in the fabled city of Madurai, the capital of the ancient and prosperous Pandya kingdom located in southern Tamil Nadu. The river finds a mention in Sangam literature dated to 300 before the Common Era. Length: It is 258 kilometres long.

Source: Lord Kallazhagar enters Vaigai river as part of Chithirai festival in Madurai

About Bambi Bucket

• It is also known as helicopter bucket or a helibucket.
• It is a specialised aerial firefighting tool which has been in use since the 1980s.
• It is suspended by cable under a chopper, and which can be filled by lowering into a river or pond before being flown above a fire and discharged aerially by opening a valve at the bottom of the bucket.
• It is essentially a lightweight collapsible container that releases water from underneath a helicopter to targeted areas. The water is released by using a pilot-controlled valve.
• One of its key features is that it can be quickly and easily filled. The bucket can be filled from various sources, including lakes and swimming pools, which allows firefighters to swiftly refill it and return to the target area.
• Features: It can be stored within the helicopter until development and it discharges a solid column of water, “resulting in a more accurate and effective water dump, less evaporation on the descent, and greater impact force.
• It is especially helpful in fighting wildfires that are difficult or impossible to reach from the ground.

Q1: What are Forest Fires/Wildfires?

It is an unplanned, uncontrolled & unpredictable fire in an area of combustible vegetation.

Source: What is a Bambi Bucket, being used by an IAF helicopter to fight Nainital forest fires?

About Biohacking

• It is a term used to describe various tips and tricks for enhancing the body’s ability to function at peak performance—and maybe even extend one’s lifespan.
• It includes the practice of employing methods drawn from fields like biology, genetics, neuroscience and nutrition to enhance physical or mental performance, improve overall health and well-being, or achieve a specific health outcome.
• Most types of biohacking generally fall into one of the following categories below:
  • Lifestyle: This category focuses on making positive health and behavior choices. It is probably the most accessible way most people can start experiencing biohacking, as it includes factors like dietary shifts, breathwork, meditation and exercise.
  • Molecular: Itinvolves the use of natural and synthetic molecules that can help shift one’s biology. Taking supplements would fall into this biohacking category.
  • Biologics: These are biological products that are meant to improve or enhance biology. They could be cells, or they could be small little information packets like exosomes, which are basically biological bundles of DNA, mRNA proteins and growth factors. Biologics typically need to be ingested, injected (such as stem cells) or delivered intravenously (i.e. by IV transfusion).
  • Technology: This category includes devices like wearables (such as smartwatches) and diagnostics (such as blood sugar monitors). In such cases, biohacking uses technology to gather data about the body and its functioning so an individual can use that information to adjust their health as they strive for improved performance.
• There are currently no laws in India that specifically address biohacking.

Q1: What is mRNA?

 Messenger RNA (a mRNA) is a type of single-stranded RNA involved in protein synthesis. mRNA is made from a DNA template during the process of transcription.

Source: Biohacking and the race to become superhuman

About Chakisaurus nekul

• Its name derived from Chaki, which is a word from the Aonikenk language, of the indigenous Tehuelche people, which means "old guanaco", a reference to a medium-sized herbivore mammal found in the region. Nekul means "fast" or "agile" in the Mapudungún language, of the local Mapuche people.
• It was a fast runner and lived about 90 million years ago in the Late Cretaceous period in present day Patagonia.
• It was found in the Pueblo Blanco Natural Reserve, in the southern province of Río Negro, an area rich in fossils where many mammals, turtles, and fish have been found along with other species of dinosaur.
• Studies of Chakisaurus yielded new findings indicating that it was a fast runner and had its tail curved unusually downward.
• This new species was a bipedal herbivore that among its most important characteristics had a tail that, unlike other dinosaurs, which was horizontal, had a downward curvature.

Q1: What is the Cretaceous Period?

The Cretaceous Period, in geologic time, is the last of the three periods of the Mesozoic Era. The Cretaceous began 145.0 million years ago and ended 66 million years ago. It followed the Jurassic Period and was succeeded by the Paleogene Period.

Source: Argentine scientists find speedy 90-million-year-old herbivore dinosaur

About Mephedrone

• It is also known as 4-methylmethcathinone, 4-MMC and 4-methylephedrone.
• It is a synthetic stimulant drug of the amphetamine and cathinone classes.
• Other names: drone, M-CAT, white magic, ‘meow meow’, and bubble.
• It has a role as a xenobiotic and an environmental contaminant.
• It has been linked to a range of adverse effects on both physical and mental health.
• Users commonly report increased alertness, euphoria, and enhanced sociability, but these positive effects come at a cost.
• Health impacts:
  • Anxiety, paranoia, nausea, and insomnia are among the negative side effects experienced by individuals under the influence of this synthetic stimulant.
  • Prolonged use of Mephedrone has been associated with more severe consequences, including cardiovascular issues, hallucinations, and even instances of aggressive behaviour.
  • The drug's impact on mental health raises concerns about its potential for addiction and long-term psychological harm.
• It is banned in India under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

Q1: What Is the Narcotics Control Bureau?

It was created in March 1986 in terms of Section 4(3) of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985, which envisages a Central Authority for the purpose of effectively preventing and combating abuse of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and their illicit trade.

Source: NCB-Gujarat ATS bust mephedrone manufacturing network in two States