Today’s Current Affairs Update: “ProxyGyan IAS Express”
Date: 24 August 2024.
1. Glacial Lakes
2. World's Second largest Diamond
3. Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery System
4. Gongronema Sasidharan
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What are 'Glacial Lakes'? Why in News: The expanding glacial lakes in the Himalayas are a matter of serious concern and the National Disaster Management Authority or NDMA has finalized a list of 189 "potentially dangerous" lakes. Define Glacial Lakes:
A glacial lake is a body of water that originates from a glacier, typically forming at the foot of the glacier, though it can also develop on, in, or beneath the glacier itself. Classification: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) categorizes glacial lakes into four broad types based on their formation processes: moraine-dammed, ice-dammed erosion-based, and others. Formation of Glacial Lakes:
• Erosion and Deposition: As glaciers move, they erode the landscape beneath them, creating depressions and grooves that may eventually fill with water. • Moraines: Glaciers also churn up rock and soil, forming ridges of debris known as moraines, which can act as natural dams.
• Retreating Glaciers: Most glacial lakes form when a glacier retreats, leaving behind depressions that are filled with meltwater.
• Natural Dams:
In addition to moraines, natural ice dams can form, particularly when surging glaciers rapidly block valleys or fjords, trapping meltwater and creating glacial lakes.
2. World's Second Largest Diamond Found In Botswana:
Why in News: A 2,492-carat diamond - the second largest ever - has been discovered in Botswana using X-ray technology. Location and Importance: The diamond was unearthed in Botswana, one of the world's leading diamond producers. Botswana relies heavily on its diamond industry, which constitutes 30% of its GDP and 80% of its exports.
Characteristics of a diamond:
• Formation: Diamonds form deep within the Earth's mantle and are brought to the surface through volcanic activity, typically found in volcanic landforms like dykes and sills.
• Uses: Diamonds are widely used in jewelry due to their brilliance and hardness, as well as in industrial cutting tools and polishing. 3. Nanoparticle-Based Drug Delivery Systems:
Why in News: A groundbreaking drug delivery technique has been created using polymeric nanoparticles.
What is Polymer Nanoparticles:
Polymer nanoparticles are solid particles composed of macromolecular polymers, with sizes ranging from 10 to 1000 nanometers (nm).
Functionality:
• These nanoparticles protect encapsulated macromolecules from enzymatic degradation and can modify the behavior and tissue distribution of the drugs they deliver within the body.
4. Gongronema Sasidharan:
Why in News:
A plant with smooth stems and small urn-shaped flowers spotted in Idukki district has been identified as an entirely new species of the genus Gongronema.
Location:
Pampadum Shola National Park, Idukki District, Kerala.
Significance:
This is the first time the genus Gongronema has been reported in southern India.
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