KSTAR (Korean Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research reactor)
Recently the Korean KSTAR Fusion Reactor has set a record of 20 seconds long operation at 100 million degrees
- KSTAR – Superconducting fusion device.
- Also called – Korean Artificial Sun
- Significance – The reactor has set a new world record, maintaining the high-temperature plasma for 20 seconds and reached an ion temperature of more than 100 million degrees.
Negative Leap Second
Researchers have shown that increased ice melting may have delayed need for adding negative leap second.
- Negative leap second – A second that is subtracted from clocks to keep them aligned with Earth’s rotation.
- It is done when Earth is spinning more quickly and length of day is decreasing.
- It is opposite of positive leap second (one-second addition to clocks).
- It is done when length of day is rising (Earth is spinning more slowly).
- So far, there have been 27 positive leap seconds, but no negative leap seconds.
Indian Laurel Tree
Konda Reddi Tribe’s indigenous knowledge of Indian laurel tree proves resourceful
- Also known as – Indian Silver Oak
- Found in – Tropical or subtropical tree found primarily in several parts of Asia, Western Pacific Islands and Australia
- Other features –
- Provides a dense canopy and has a smooth light-gray bark, and shiny green lanceolate leaves
- Thick foliage creates excellent habitat for various bird species, and its small round figs serve as food for birds.
Insoluble Sulphur (Polymeric Sulphur)
An anti-dumping probe has been initiated on ‘insoluble sulphur’ imports from China and Japan.
- Insoluble Sulphur – Amorphous form of sulfur that does not dissolve in carbon disulfide.
- Applications –
- It is an important rubber additive agent, used in automobile rubber parts and other rubber products.
- It is used as vulcanization accelerator in rubber industry.
- Vulcanization – Chemical process that hardens rubbers by cross-linking rubber molecules with other substances.
NICES Programme
NICES programme has invited Indian researchers to join in combating climate change.
- Operated by – Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Department of Space along with other ministries
- Works under the framework of – National Action Plan on Climate Change.
- Objectives –
- Generation and dissemination of long-term Essential Climate Variables, derived from Indian and other Earth Observation satellites
- To enhance participation of academia and research institutions in addressing climate change-related challenges through multidisciplinary scientific investigations