Golden Trevally Fish
Why in News: Scientists at the ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute (CMFRI) have achieved success in breeding golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus) in captivity.
About Golden Trevally Fish:
- High-Value Marine Species: Also referred to as golden kingfish, the golden trevally is a prized marine fish known for its value.
- Ideal for Mariculture: Due to its rapid growth rates, excellent meat quality, and significant demand for both consumption and ornamental purposes, the golden trevally is considered an excellent candidate species for mariculture.
- Reef-Associated Habitat: This species typically inhabits reef environments and is often found in the presence of larger marine creatures such as skates, sharks, and groupers.
- Geographical Distribution in India: Observations of fish landing patterns indicate that golden trevally are predominantly landed in reef areas along the fishing grounds of Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Kerala, Karnataka, and Gujarat.
Source: TH
Voyager 1 Spacecraft
Why in News: Recently, NASA announced that its Voyager 1 probe has resumed transmitting valuable data to ground control after a period of transmitting incomprehensible signals.
About Voyager 1 Spacecraft:
- Launch and Timeline: Voyager 1 was launched by NASA on September 5, 1977, approximately two weeks after its counterpart, Voyager 2.
- Mission Objective: The primary objective of Voyager 1 is to explore the outer Solar System and beyond.
- Mission Highlights: Voyager 1 has conducted flybys of Jupiter and Saturn, focusing on studying their moons, rings, and magnetic fields.
- Distance Record: Currently, Voyager 1 holds the record for being the most distant human-made object from Earth.
- Boundary Crossings: It was the first spacecraft to traverse the heliosphere, marking the boundary where external influences exceed those from the Sun. Additionally, in August 2012, Voyager 1 entered interstellar space, becoming the first human-made object to venture beyond the solar system.
- Discoveries: Notable discoveries include identifying a thin ring around Jupiter and two new moons (Thebe and Metis), as well as five new moons and a new ring (G-ring) at Saturn.
- Golden Record: Voyager 1 carries a golden record containing sounds and images representing Earth’s diversity of life and culture, intended for potential encounters with extraterrestrial life.
- Operational Status: NASA reports that Voyager 1’s instruments are expected to remain operational until at least 2025, with sufficient fuel remaining. At that time, the spacecraft will be approximately 13.8 billion miles (22.1 billion kilometers) away from the Sun.
Source: IE
Pink Hydrogen
Why in News: India can potentially leverage nuclear energy to promote the production of ‘pink’ hydrogen by making amendments to relevant legislation.
About Pink Hydrogen:
- Generation Process: Pink hydrogen is produced through electrolysis, facilitated by nuclear energy.
- Alternative Names: Pink hydrogen may also be known as purple hydrogen or red hydrogen.
- Utilization of Nuclear Energy: The high temperatures generated by nuclear reactors can support other methods of hydrogen production, such as steam methane reforming, by producing steam for more efficient electrolysis.
- Advantages of Nuclear Power: Nuclear power offers notable benefits for pink hydrogen production, including cost reduction and emission reduction, rendering it a sustainable and economically viable alternative to traditional methods.
- Applications: Pink hydrogen holds promise as a substitute for fossil fuels in various industries like cement, steel, aviation, and heavy transportation, serving as both a feedstock and energy source without contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
Source: TH
Crystal Maze 2
Why in News: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has effectively conducted a trial launch of the Crystal Maze 2 missile.
About Crystal Maze 2:
- Missile Description: Crystal Maze 2, also known as ROCKS, is categorized as an air-launched medium-range ballistic missile.
- Origin: This missile is of Israeli origin.
- Targeting Capability: It is engineered to target high-value stationary and relocatable assets, such as long-range radars and air defense systems, belonging to potential adversaries.
- Notable Features:
- Distinguished from its precursor, Crystal Maze 1, which was previously inducted into the IAF from Israel, Crystal Maze 2 offers extended stand-off range capabilities as an air-to-surface missile.
- It possesses the ability to strike targets at distances exceeding 250 kilometers.
- The missile provides flexibility with options for either a penetration or blast fragmentation warhead, enabling it to destroy above-ground or well-protected underground targets.
- Crystal Maze 2 demonstrates particular effectiveness in environments where GPS signals are unavailable.
- Deployment Strategy: The deployment strategy of ROCKS involves releasing the missile well beyond the defended area, followed by a high-velocity trajectory to minimize risk to both aircraft and missiles.
Source: Et
