21 Dec 2024: Daily Current Affairs Updates

Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum; GS-1 (Culture) ▪️Why in the News: India and France have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the new National Museum called Yuga Yugeen Bharat.

‣ About Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum:

> The Yuga Yugeen Bharat National Museum was first announced by the Prime Minister during the International Museum Expo in May 2023.

> It aims to transform the cultural experience by celebrating India's rich diversity, promoting inclusivity, and connecting the past, present, and future.

> The project will enhance cultural collaboration between India and France, focusing on feasibility studies, museum case studies, interpretive planning, and building programming.

> France's expertise in museum management and design is being utilized to revitalize the historic North and South Blocks as part of the initiative.

> The museum will be developed using Adaptive Reuse, reflecting India's dedication to sustainability in preserving cultural heritage.

Dark Comets; GS-3 (Science and Technology - Space) ▪️Why in the news: NASA is investigating "dark comets," mysterious celestial bodies lacking the bright tails typical of comets.

‣ About Dark Comets:

• Definition: Dark comets are celestial bodies that lack the characteristic glowing tails of typical comets, making them visually similar to asteroids.

• Discovery: The first hint of their existence was observed in 2016 when asteroid

2003 RM displayed unusual orbital anomalies: Subsequent studies have confirmed their existence, with recent research identifying 14 such objects.

Classification: Dark comets are categorized into two primary types:

> Outer Dark Comets: These have eccentric orbits and are larger in size.

> Inner Dark Comets: Smaller in size, they are closer to the Sun and exhibit nearly circular orbits.

> Physical Characteristics:

• Typically small, ranging from a few meters to several hundred meters in diameter.

• Due to their limited surface area, they emit less material, which prevents the formation of the distinctive tails seen in other comets.

• Rapid rotation disperses gas and dust uniformly, further reducing their visibility.

Orbital Path: Dark comets travel along elongated, elliptical orbits, approaching the Sun before retreating to the outermost regions of the Solar System.

Iris2; GS-3(Science and Technology) ▪️Why in the news: The European Union has launched a €10 billion (approximately ‹89,242 crore) space program called Iris2 to rival SpaceX founder and Tesla CEO Elon

Musk's Starlink.

‣ About: IRIS 2 is the European Union's third flagship addressing and is designed to offer connectivity services to governmental users as well as private companies and individuals.

• Satellite Constellation: The programme consists of a constellation of 290 satellites operating across medium Earth orbit (MEO) and low Earth orbit (LEO).

- Objectives: Designed to deliver secure, high-speed, and reliable connectivity, especially in areas with limited or no network access.

‣Applications:

• IRIS2 will use both Medium Earth Orbit and Low Earth Orbit satellites to provide secure connectivity and high-speed broadband in zones where network connectivity is low or unavailable

• IRIS2 will "support a large variety of governmental applications," with a focus on border and maritime surveillance, crisis management, connection and security of key infrastructure, and security and defense of important.

• The system can also be used for maritime, railway, aviation, automotive, smart energy grid management, banking, overseas industrial activities, remote healthcare, and enhancing rural connectivity.

• IRIS will also offer mobile and fixed broadband satellite access, and cloud-based services and can also be used in the transportation sector to navigate areas with no or low connectivity.

Calyptocephallela Gayi; GS-3 (Environment and Ecology) ▪️Why in the news: The giant frog species Calyptocephallela gayi is facing habitat loss in its native Chile due to the effects of climate change and human activities.

‣ About Calyptocephallela gayi:

• Common Name: It is commonly referred to as the Helmeted Water Toad and is recognized as a "living fossil," having coexisted with dinosaurs.

• Size: One of the largest frog species globally, it can grow to over 30 cm (1 foot) in length and weigh up to 1 kg (2.2 lbs).

• Physical Characteristics:

• The species is robust, with a broad head and large mouth.

• Males can grow up to 15.5 cm (6 inches) in snout-to-vent length, while females can reach up to 32 cm (13 inches).

> Habitat and Distribution:

• Preferred Environment: Aquatic ecosystems, including lakes, rivers, and ponds.

• Geographical Range: Found in the lowland regions of Chile, up to an elevation of 500 meters.

• Conservation Status:

> IUCN Classification: Vulnerable.

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