Turbidity Currents in Submarine Canyons Latest News

A recent study published in ACS Environmental Science & Technology has provided the first direct evidence of turbidity currents transporting microplastics into the deep sea through submarine canyons, even in areas not fed by rivers (e.g., Whittard Canyon off Ireland).

What are Turbidity Currents?

• Turbidity currents are rapid, downslope flows of water heavily laden with sediments, increasing the water’s density.
• They function similarly to underwater avalanches, triggered by:
  • Earthquakes
  • Submarine landslides
  • Slope failures and other geological disturbances
• Key Features of Turbidity Currents
  • As turbidity increases, water becomes denser and less transparent.
  • These flows erode the seafloor, forming and enlarging submarine canyons.
  • They deposit sediment in graded layers, with coarser particles settling first and finer ones later.
  • Aid in deep-sea sedimentation and shaping oceanic topography.

Submarine Canyons

• Submarine canyons are narrow, steep-sided underwater valleys found on continental slopes and rises, often extending from the continental shelf into the deep ocean.
• They are carved out mainly by erosional forces like turbidity currents, similar to how river canyons are formed on land.
• Globally, there are about 9,477 known submarine canyons, covering nearly 11% of continental slope areas.
• Canyons on active margins (tectonically active zones) tend to be steeper and shorter, while those on passive margins are more gradual.
• Their walls can be nearly vertical and are prone to collapse, adding sediment to turbidity flows.

Types of Submarine Canyons

• Bank: A flat-topped elevation on continental margins, formed by erosional and depositional processes, e.g., Dogger Bank in the North Sea.
• Shoal: A shallow area of sediment accumulation, often hazardous to navigation, and generally found at depths <10 meters at low tide.
• Reef: Built from calcareous skeletons of corals and algae; coral reefs are biodiversity hotspots and prominent in the Pacific Ocean, associated with guyots and seamounts.

Turbidity Currents in Submarine Canyons FAQs

Q1: What are turbidity currents?
Ans: Turbidity currents are underwater density flows carrying sediments down continental slopes, typically triggered by earthquakes or slope failures.

Q2: How do turbidity currents form submarine canyons?
Ans: These high-energy flows erode deep channels into the seafloor, shaping submarine canyons over geological timescales.

Q3: Where are major submarine canyons located?
Ans: Submarine canyons are found off continental margins, like the Monterey Canyon (USA), Swatch of No Ground (Bay of Bengal), and Indus Canyon (Arabian Sea).

Source: PHY

Microgravity Latest News

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology (IIST) have developed a 3D computational model that shows microgravity consistently increases human core body temperature, which is crucial for long-duration space missions.

What is Microgravity?

• Microgravity is a condition of apparent weightlessness experienced in space when objects are in free-fall orbit around Earth.
• Microgravity does not mean the absence of gravity. At orbital altitudes (~250 miles above Earth), gravity is ~89% as strong as on Earth.
• Objects appear to float because they are in continuous free fall around the Earth, a state first explained by Isaac Newton's orbiting cannonball thought experiment.
• Weightlessness ≠ no gravity; rather, it results from free-fall motion, where objects, spacecraft, and astronauts all fall simultaneously.
• In such an environment, physiological changes occur, affecting bones, muscles, blood circulation, metabolism, and thermoregulation.
• Thermoregulation is the process by which the human body maintains a stable core temperature. It is crucial during long-duration space travel, where the microgravity environment significantly alters normal physiological responses.

Thermoregulation Model

• IIST's Thermoregulation Model: Developed a 3D computational model to simulate how heat moves through the human body under microgravity.
• Incorporates sweating, shivering, clothing effects, organ heat, and blood redistribution to simulate real conditions.
• Key findings of the model include:
  • Hands and feet become cooler in space over time.
  • Head, abdomen, and core body regions become warmer.
  • During exercise in space, the body temperature rises faster than it does on Earth.
  • Core body temperature can rise from 36.3°C to 37.8°C in 2.5 months of microgravity exposure.
  • With exercise, the temperature may rise to nearly 40°C, a potentially dangerous level.
• The model’s accuracy was validated using past data from astronauts onboard the Mir Space Station and the International Space Station (ISS). The predicted results matched historical observations.
• The model also estimates the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI), which reflects how hot or cold it feels outside by factoring in wind, humidity, and solar radiation.

Microgravity FAQs

Q1: What is microgravity?
Ans: Microgravity refers to a condition of very weak gravity, typically experienced in orbiting spacecraft, where objects appear to be weightless and fall at the same rate as the spacecraft.

Q2: How is microgravity different from zero gravity?
Ans: Microgravity is a near-zero gravity condition, while zero gravity is an idealised, absolute absence of gravity, which does not exist in practical terms.

Source: TH

Insider Trading Latest News

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has alleged Pranav Adani, director of several Adani group companies and the nephew of founder Gautam Adani, shared price-sensitive information and breached regulations aimed at preventing insider trading.

About Insider Trading

• Insider trading involves buying or selling a publicly traded company's stock based on nonpublic, material information about that company.
• Material, nonpublic information is any undisclosed information that could substantially impact an investor's decision to buy or sell a security.
• The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) defines an ‘insider’ as someone who has access to price-sensitive information about a particular company's shares or securities.
• In India, insider trades are regulated by the SEBI under the Insider Trading Regulations, 2015. 
  • To prevent such acts of insider trading and to promote fair trading in the market for the interest of common investors, SEBI has prohibited the firms from purchasing their own shares from the secondary market.
  • SEBI can impose fines and prohibit individuals or entities from trading in the capital market if found in violation of rules.

Insider Trading FAQs

Q1. What are examples of insider trading?

Ans. Examples include a CEO tipping a friend about an upcoming merger, or a government official trading stocks based on confidential policy changes. 

Q2. What is meant by insider trading?

Ans. Insider trading involves buying or selling securities using material, non-public information, violating a duty of trust. 

Q3. What are the 4 elements of insider trading?

Ans. The four elements are: deception or misrepresentation, breach of fiduciary duty, use of confidential information in a securities transaction, and willful intent. 

Source: TH

Indian Institute of Creative Technology Latest News

The Government of India has announced the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) in Mumbai, modelled after the IITs and IIMs.

About Indian Institute of Creative Technology

• The Indian Institute of Creative Technology (IICT) is India’s first dedicated institute for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR), established as a National Centre of Excellence in Mumbai.
• IICT is modelled after the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) and Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), aiming to set new benchmarks in creative technology education and research.
• The institute’s mission is to create Indian intellectual property leveraging the country’s rich cultural heritage and to cultivate talent for the global digital content industry.
• IICT will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, including immersive studios, animation and gaming labs, virtual production setups, editing and sound suites, and smart classrooms.
• The permanent campus will be developed over ten acres at Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari (Film City), Goregaon, Mumbai, while initial operations will begin at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).

Indian Institute of Creative Technology FAQs

Q1. Where is the Indian Institute of Creative Technology located?

Ans. IICT is located in Mumbai, Maharashtra, with its permanent campus planned at Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari (Film City), Goregaon, and initial operations at Bandra-Kurla Complex (BKC).

Q2. What sectors will IICT focus on?

Ans. IICT is dedicated to the AVGC-XR sector, which includes Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality.

Source: TOI

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Latest News

The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has successfully developed two genome edited rice varieties

About Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)

• The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is an autonomous organisation under the Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE), Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India. 
• Formerly known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research, it was established on 16 July 1929 as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, in pursuance of the report of the Royal Commission on Agriculture. 
• The ICAR has its headquarters in New Delhi. 
• The Council is the apex body for coordinating, guiding, and managing research and education in agriculture, including horticulture, fisheries, and animal sciences, throughout the country. 
• India has one of the largest agricultural systems in the world, with 113 ICAR institutes and 74 agricultural universities across the country. 
• Through its research and technology, India has significantly increased production from 1950-51 to 2021-22: foodgrains grew by 6.21 times, fruits and vegetables by 11.53 times, fish by 21.61 times, milk by 13.01 times, and eggs by 70.74 times. This has greatly improved the country’s food and nutritional security.

New Genome Rice Varieties

• The first variety, named as DRR Dhan 100 Kamala, was developed from a popular high yielding green rice Samba Mahsuri and the second variety is from Maharashtra Technology University 1010 (MTU1010), which is also widely used by farmers across the country.
• The new variety developed from Samba Mahsuri can be harvested 15-20 days ahead of its original. The yield is almost 25% more, which is about eight tonnes more per hectare. Each panicle of the paddy will give 450 to 500 more grains in this variety than the original crop.

Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) FAQs

Q1. What is ICAR?

Ans. The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is India’s apex body for agricultural research and education, functioning under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.

Q2. When was ICAR established?

Ans. ICAR was established on 16 July 1929 as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research.

Q3. What are the main functions of ICAR?

Ans. ICAR coordinates, guides, and manages research and education in agriculture and allied sciences, and has played a key role in India’s agricultural transformation and food security.

Source: TH

Lairai Devi Temple Latest News

In a tragic turn of events, at least six people died, and over 70 others were injured after a stampede at wee hours of Saturday in Shirgaon village in North Goa's Bicholim, during the annual Lairai Jatra procession at Shree Lairai Devi temple.

About Lairai Devi Temple

• The Lairai Devi Temple is a revered spiritual site located in Shirgao village, Bicholim taluka, North Goa. 
• Dedicated to Goddess Lairai, who is believed to be an incarnation of Goddess Parvati, the temple holds immense cultural and religious significance for the local community.
• The temple's architecture reflects traditional Goan design, with intricate carvings and vibrant interiors that add to its sacred charm. 
• The temple is a symbol of religious harmony, with local Hindus and Catholics regarding Lairai Devi and the Virgin Mary of Mapusa as sisters.
• It is best known for hosting the annual Lairai Devi Jatra (Shirgao Jatra), where the dramatic fire-walking ritual (Agnidivya) is performed by devotees called "dhonds." 
• The festival begins with processions, devotional dances, and drumming. At midnight, a massive bonfire is lit, and in the early hours, the fire-walking ritual commences. Devotees chant the goddess’s name as they cross the embers, believing the righteous will remain unharmed.
• The event draws tens of thousands of devotees from Goa, Maharashtra, and Karnataka, fostering strong community bonds and reinforcing local traditions.

Lairai Devi Temple FAQs

Q1. Why is Lairai Devi famous?

Ans. Lairai Devi is famous for her temple in Shirgao, Goa, and the annual fire-walking festival called Shigmo Jatra, where devotees walk over burning coals as an act of faith.

Q2. What is the story of Aai Lairai Devi?

Ans. Aai Lairai Devi is believed to be one of seven divine sisters who settled in different parts of Goa, choosing Shirgao as her abode and performing penance by walking on fire with her devotees.

Q3. Who are the 7 sisters and 1 brother of Goa?

Ans. The seven sisters are Lairai, Kelbai, Mahamaya, Mirabai, Morjai, Shitalai, and Ajidipa, and their brother is Khetoba.

Source: MINT

Abdali Missile Latest News

Pakistan claimed on Saturday that it has conducted a ‘successful’ training launch of the Abdali Weapon System.

About Abdali Missile

• The Abdali (Hatf-II) is a short-range, road-mobile, solid-fuel ballistic missile developed by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).
• It is designed for tactical battlefield use and can deliver both conventional and nuclear warheads.
• The latest test claims a maximum range of 450 kilometers (about 280 miles), doubling the previously reported operational range of 180–200 km.
• The missile is equipped with an advanced inertial navigation system, offering a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 100–150 meters, indicating high accuracy.
• It is launched from a road-mobile Transporter-Erector-Launcher (TEL), enabling rapid deployment and mobility.
• The Abdali can carry a single payload (high explosive, submunitions, or conventional warhead) weighing between 250–500 kg.
• The missile’s solid-propellant engine allows for quick reaction and storage, enhancing its battlefield utility.
• The system is already in operational service with Pakistan’s Army Strategic Forces Command since 2005.

Abdali Missile FAQs

Q1. What is the Abdali missile’s range?

Ans. Pakistan claims a range of 450 km for the latest version, though earlier variants had a range of 180–200 km.

Q2. What type of warheads can Abdali carry?

Ans. The missile can carry high explosive, submunitions, conventional, and is reportedly capable of delivering nuclear payloads.

Q3. Who developed the Abdali missile?

Ans. It was developed by Pakistan’s Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO).

Source: MINT

Campi Flegrei Latest News

Recently, Scientists observed cyclical episodes of unrest, notably during 1982–1984 and 2011–2024, marked by land uplift, seismic activity, and rumbling sounds caused by underground fluid pressure at Campi Flegrei.

About Campi Flegrei

• Campi Flegrei, also known as the Phlegraean Fields, is an active volcanic region situated near Naples, Italy.
• It differs from traditional volcanoes like Mount Vesuvius, as it is not a single volcano but a volcanic system spread across a large caldera.
• The caldera, or volcanic depression, spans approximately 12–15 km in diameter and was created due to a massive eruption around 39,000 years ago.
• This eruption is hypothesized to have had such a climatic impact that it contributed to the decline of Neanderthals.

Physical Characteristics

• One-third of Campi Flegrei lies beneath the Tyrrhenian Sea, between the Italian mainland and the island of Sardinia.
• It is the largest active volcanic caldera in Europe, far larger and more active than Mount Vesuvius.
• The last recorded eruption was in 1538, forming Monte Nuovo and ending an interval of roughly 3000 years without eruptions.
• Campi Flegrei is categorised as a supervolcano, implying that a large-scale eruption could have global consequences, including climate disruption.

Campi Flegrei FAQs

Q1: What is Campi Flegrei?
Ans: Campi Flegrei is a large volcanic caldera located near Naples, Italy, and is considered one of the most potentially dangerous supervolcanoes in the world.

Q2: What makes Campi Flegrei significant?
Ans: It has a history of explosive eruptions and is showing signs of ground uplift and seismic activity, indicating rising magma and potential future eruption.

Q3: What is bradyseism and how is it related to Campi Flegrei?
Ans: Bradyseism refers to the gradual uplift or subsidence of the ground due to magma movement; Campi Flegrei is known for active bradyseismic episodes.

Source: PHY

Altermagnets, Spintronics & Valleytronics Latest News

A research team led by the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) has reported the first-ever experimental observation of a two-dimensional layered room-temperature altermagnet.

About Altermagnets

• Altermagnets are a new class of antiferromagnetic materials that exhibit momentum-dependent spin splitting without requiring spin–orbit coupling (SOC) or net magnetization.
• This novel spin splitting mechanism arises due to exchange interactions between crystal-symmetry-connected magnetic sublattices, creating a phenomenon known as C-paired spin-valley locking (SVL).
• Altermagnetism combines the long spin lifetimes and magnetic stability of antiferromagnets with the advantage of spin-split energy bands, making them ideal for spintronic applications.

About Spintronics

• Spintronics (short for spin transport electronics) is a field of electronics that utilises both the intrinsic spin and charge of electrons to store, process, and transfer data.
• It offers faster processing speeds, higher integration densities, and reduced energy consumption.
• Key spintronic devices include spin transistors, spin diodes, spin filters, spin RAM, and spin logic gates.
• In contrast to conventional electronics, which rely solely on electron charge, spintronics provides an additional degree of freedom—electron spin, enabling energy-efficient computation.
• Valleytronics is an emerging field that uses valley degrees of freedom (minima in energy bands) to store and manipulate data. Like spin, valley indices can be used as binary information units, potentially offering faster and denser data processing.

Altermagnets, Spintronics & Valleytronics FAQs

Q1: What are altermagnets?
Ans: Altermagnets are a newly discovered class of magnetic materials that combine antiferromagnetic order with strong spin polarisation, allowing spin control without net magnetisation.

Q2: What is spintronics?
Ans: Spintronics (spin transport electronics) is a technology that exploits the intrinsic spin of electrons and their associated magnetic moment in solid-state devices.

Q3: What is valleytronics?
Ans: Valleytronics is a branch of electronics that exploits the valley degree of freedom (energy extremes in electronic band structures) for information encoding, offering an alternative to charge-based systems.

Source: PHY

Angola Latest News

Recently, President Droupadi Murmu hosted Angolan President João Lourenço at Rashtrapati Bhavan during his first State visit to India. The visit coincided with the 40th anniversary of India–Angola diplomatic relations.

Key Facts about Angola

• Angola is located on the southwestern coast of Africa, with a strategic Atlantic Ocean coastline to the west.
• Capital: Luanda, a key maritime and oil-exporting hub.
• Neighbouring countries:
  • Northwest: Republic of the Congo
  • North & Northeast: Democratic Republic of the Congo
  • Southeast: Zambia
  • South: Namibia
• Major rivers: Cuango River and Cuanza River, vital for hydropower and inland water transport.
• Highest peak: Mount Moco, the tallest mountain in Angola, located in the Huambo province.

Angola FAQs

Q1: Where is Angola located and what is its capital?
Ans: Angola is located in Southwest Africa on the Atlantic coast, and its capital is Luanda.

Q2: Which major rivers flow through Angola?
Ans: Major rivers include the Cuanza, Cunene, and parts of the Zambezi, supporting agriculture and hydroelectric projects.

Source: PIB