Hubble Tension
As per recent study, scientists are looking for a new model to explain Hubble tension.
- Refers to discrepancy that 2 equally valid methods to measure “how fast the universe is expanding” have yielded different estimates.
- Expansion of Universe is measured by Hubble Constant.
- 2 methods –
- Cosmic Microwave Background – Based on a sea of photons left after Big Bang theory.
- Cosmic Distance Ladder – Uses techniques to measure distance to objects that are close, further away, and very far away from the earth.
Bitcoin Halving
Experts are expecting that Bitcoin halving event will occur soon.
- Refers to 50% reduction in the reward paid to Bitcoin miners.
- Bitcoin miners successfully process other people’s cryptocurrency transactions so that they can be added to the public digital ledger known as the blockchain.
- The halving policy was written into Bitcoin’s mining algorithm to counteract inflation by maintaining scarcity.
GPS Spoofing
As per reports, Israel used GPS spoofing against Iran.
- Refers to the practice of manipulating or tricking a GPS receiver by broadcasting false GPS signals.
- Also known as – GPS Simulation
- Concern – Undermines the reliability of GPS data, which is vital for a variety of applications.
- Spoofing is different from GPS jamming as in the latter, the GPS signals are jammed or blocked.
- GPS – Satellite constellation supporting highly accurate positioning, navigation and timing (PNT) measurements worldwide.
- Owned by – United States.
Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE)
SPACE set up by DRDO.
- A premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems for Indian Navy
- Consist of 2 distinct assemblages – A platform which floats on water surface, and a Submersible platform which can be lowered to any depth upto 100 m.
- Significance –
- Evaluation of sonar systems, allowing for quick deployment and easy recovery of scientific package.
- Help to survey, sampling, and data collection of air, surface, mid-water, and reservoir floor parameters using modern scientific instrumentation.
- Boost anti-submarine warfare research capabilities.
Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
Indian Navy seized drugs in Arabian Sea as a part of Operation Crimson Barracuda under CMF.
- Multinational maritime partnership for promoting security, stability and prosperity in international waters.
- Objective – To uphold the Rules-Based International Order by countering illicit non-state actors on the high seas
- Members – 42 countries.
- Comprises 5 Combined Task Forces.
- Participation is purely voluntary.
- Commanded by a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.