UPSC EXAM QUIZ 04.11.2024

Explanation:

• Greenhouse Gas Bulletin (GGB) issued by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) provides a detailed analysis of the concentrations of long-lived greenhouse gases (LLGHGs) in the atmosphere and their impact.
• This bulletin is helpful in understanding changes in atmospheric composition and its effects on climate.
• The GAW program monitors interactions between the atmosphere, oceans, and the Earth's biosphere and observes the concentrations of long-lived greenhouse gases such as CO₂, CH₄, and N₂O.

Key Points of GGB

• Concentration levels: Based on global average surface concentrations in 2023, the concentration of CO₂ has increased by 151%, methane (CH₄) by 265%, and nitrous oxide (N₂O) by 125% since 1750 (pre-industrial levels).
• Increase in radiative forcing: Radiative forcing from long-lived greenhouse gases is projected to increase by 5% from 1990 to 2023, with CO₂ alone contributing 81%. Radiative forcing measures how these gases affect the Earth’s energy balance, leading to warming.

Explanation:

• A groundbreaking study has revealed the existence of a “black hole triple” system.
• This discovery marks the first time scientists have identified such a configuration in space. The system is located approximately 8,000 light years from Earth, in the constellation Cygnus.
• It features a central black hole, a star spiraling closely around it, and a more distant star.

Black Holes

• A black hole is a region in space with an extremely strong gravitational pull. This force is so intense that nothing, not even light, can escape from it.
• Most black holes form from massive stars that explode at the end of their life cycle, a process called a supernova. However, the newly discovered black hole challenges this traditional view.

Explanation:

• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu launched the Deepam 2.0 scheme in Edupuram, Srikakulam.
• This initiative offers free gas cylinders to women, aiming to provide clean cooking energy and improve living conditions.
• Naidu personally distributed the cylinders, denoting the importance of the scheme.

Deepam Scheme

• The Deepam scheme is a government initiative in Andhra Pradesh. It focuses on providing women with access to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) for cooking. The scheme aims to eliminate the use of traditional cooking methods that can be harmful to health and the environment.
• Deepam 1.0 was the initial phase of the initiative. It provided women with LPG connections and subsidies. Deepam 2.0 builds on this by offering three free gas cylinders annually. This continuation demonstrates the government’s commitment to women’s empowerment and health.

Explanation:

• Nabhamitr application assisted fishermen at sea during cyclone Dana using Vessel Communication and Support System.
• Nabhamitr facilitates monitoring of vessel position, route and speed in real-time, thereby helping fishermen to return to shore safely during adverse weather conditions like cyclones.
• It is an initiative of the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying using indigenous transponder technology.
• It enables two-way communication which was not possible before the advent of this technology beyond mobile coverage range.
• It has been developed by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and is being implemented through NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of ISRO.
• Traditionally, authorities relied on ultra high frequency radio waves and phone calls to contact vessels, but it was difficult to locate fishing boats in distant waters due to the absence of mobile network.

Explanation:

• Spanish footballers Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d'Or award 2024 for the best male and female football player respectively.
• Rodri of Manchester City won his first Ballon d'Or and became the first Spanish player to win the men's award since 1960.
• While FC Barcelona's Aitana Bonmatí retained her Ballon d'Or title in women's football.
• Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d'Or awards, having won it eight times.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has won the prestigious best footballer award five times.

Other awards

• Men's Club of the Year: Real Madrid.
• Women's Club of the Year: FC Barcelona.
• The Ballon d'Or is an annual football award given since 1956 by the French football magazine to honour the best performing player of the previous season.