{"id":34167,"date":"2024-12-23T18:54:34","date_gmt":"2024-12-23T13:24:34","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/?p=34167"},"modified":"2024-12-23T19:08:57","modified_gmt":"2024-12-23T13:38:57","slug":"news-in-short-23-december-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/current-affairs\/23-12-2024\/news-in-short-23-december-2024","title":{"rendered":"News In Short 23-12-2024"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Denali Fault<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS1\/ Geography<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Recent research highlights three geological sites along the Denali Fault that were once a united feature but were later separated by tectonic activity.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>The Denali Fault<\/strong> is a major <strong>intracontinental dextral (right lateral) strike-slip fault <\/strong>in western North America, spanning from northwestern <strong>British Columbia, Canada, to central Alaska, USA.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tectonic Setting:<\/strong> It forms a boundary between the <strong>Pacific Plate<\/strong> and the<strong> North American Plate.<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Pacific Plate is actively subducting (sliding under) the North American Plate, leading to immense geological stress and deformation in the region.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Seismic Activity:<\/strong> The Denali Fault was the source of a magnitude 7.9 earthquake in <strong>2002.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"afaba2\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Denali-Fault.webp\" alt=\"Denali-Fault\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-34168\" style=\"--dominant-color: #afaba2; width:416px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Denali-Fault.webp 1024w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Denali-Fault-300x300.webp 300w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Denali-Fault-150x150.webp 150w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Denali-Fault-768x768.webp 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/phys.org\/news\/2024-12-denali-fault-torn-ancient-landmasses.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>Phys.org<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Panama Canal<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS1\/ Geography<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>US President-elect Donald Trump has threatened to reclaim the Panama Canal, citing rising tariffs and concerns over sovereignty.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Panama Canal,<\/strong> is an<strong> artificial 82-km waterways <\/strong>formally inaugurated in <strong>1914.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>It is connecting<\/strong> the <strong>Atlantic Ocean<\/strong> with the<strong> Pacific Ocean<\/strong> by providing a shortcut through the <strong>Isthmus of Panama.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The Panama Canal locks at each end lift ships up to <strong>Gatun Lake<\/strong>, an artificial freshwater lake 26 m above sea level created by damming up the<strong> Chagres River<\/strong> and<strong> Lake Alajuela.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Significance: <\/strong>Nearly 6% of global trade (by value) passes through the canal, making it one of the world\u2019s most critical maritime trade routes.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"dee4ea\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"574\" height=\"547\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Panama-Canal.webp\" alt=\"Panama-Canal\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-34169\" style=\"--dominant-color: #dee4ea; width:514px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Panama-Canal.webp 574w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2024\/12\/Panama-Canal-300x286.webp 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 574px) 100vw, 574px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/explained-global\/trump-threat-panama-history-significance-carter-9739281\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Sagar Island\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus :GS 1\/Places In News<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sagar Island in West Bengal, where the Gangasagar Mela takes place every January, is experiencing severe climate change impacts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Sagar Island\u00a0<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Sagar Island, also known as<strong> Ganga Sagar or Sagardwip,<\/strong> is located in the Ganges delta on the continental shelf of the <strong>Bay of Bengal.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It consists of 43 villages and is separated from<strong> Mahisani Island by the River Muriganga Batala.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The island, along with Mahisani and Ghoramara, is classified under the sand group category.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is a significant religious site for Hindus, especially during the Makar Sankranti festival, where pilgrims honor the Sun.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Kapil Muni Temple on the island is a major pilgrimage center.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: DTE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Pashminas<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS1\/ Human Geography<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>J&amp;K Chief Minister said his government will ensure that famed <strong>Pashmina shawls <\/strong>were not considered in the higher slabs of Goods and Services Tax (GST).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The word &#8220;pashmina&#8221; is derived from the <strong>Persian word pashm, meaning &#8220;soft wool.&#8221;<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is made from the soft wool of the <strong>Pashmina goat,<\/strong> primarily found in the high-altitude regions of the Himalayas, <strong>particularly in Ladakh.\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>These goats develop a unique undercoat to withstand the harsh winters, and it is this undercoat that is meticulously collected to create Pashmina shawls.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Creating a Pashmina shawl is a<strong> labor-intensive process<\/strong> that involves several stages, each requiring a high level of skill and dedication.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Known for its exceptional warmth, softness, and lightweight texture, pashmina is <strong>considered one of the finest types of wool.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Due to their quality and rarity, pashmina shawls are regarded as a<strong> symbol of elegance and luxury.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/national\/jammu-and-kashmir\/pashmina-shawls-not-to-be-considered-for-higher-gst-slabs-omar\/article69013408.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>PM Modi Awarded Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS2\/IR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded <strong>Kuwait&#8217;s highest honour \u2018The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer\u2019.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>It is the <strong>20th international award<\/strong> bestowed upon him by a country.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u2018The Order of Mubarak Al Kabeer\u2019 or the Order of Mubarak the Great, is a <strong>knighthood order of Kuwait.\u00a0<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The award was <strong>instituted in 1974<\/strong>, in the memory of <strong>Mubarak Al Sabah<\/strong> \u2014 also known as Mubarak al-Kabeer or Mubarak the Great \u2014 <strong>who ruled Kuwait from 1896 to 1915.\u00a0<\/strong>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Under his reign, <strong>Kuwait got more autonomy<\/strong> from the Ottoman Empire.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It is awarded to <strong>Heads of State and foreign Sovereigns<\/strong> and members of foreign royal families in <strong>sign of friendship.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It has been previously awarded to foreign leaders like Bill Clinton, Prince Charles and George Bush.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/indianexpress.com\/article\/explained\/everyday-explainers\/pm-modi-order-of-mubarak-al-kabeer-kuwait-significance-9739171\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>IE<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>UN Internal Justice Council<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus :GS2\/IR<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Retired Supreme Court judge Madan B Lokur has been appointed as the chairperson of the <strong>United Nations Internal Justice Counci<\/strong>l for a term ending on November 12, 2028.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The appointment was confirmed through a letter dated December 19, 2024, signed by <strong>UN Secretary-General Ant\u00f3nio Guterres.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>United Nations Internal Justice Council<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Establishment and Purpose: <\/strong>The General Assembly created the Internal Justice Council (IJC) to ensure independence, professionalism, and accountability in the UN&#8217;s internal justice system.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Composition<\/strong>: The IJC consists of five members:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>A staff representative.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A management representative.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Two distinguished external jurists (one nominated by staff, one by management).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A chairperson, selected by consensus from the four other members.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Functions and Responsibilities:<\/strong> The IJC is responsible for:\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Searching for suitable candidates to fill vacancies in the UN Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) and UN Appeals Tribunal (UNAT), conducting interviews if necessary.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Recommending two or three candidates per vacancy, with attention to geographical distribution.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Providing views on the implementation of the justice system to the General Assembly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Appointment of Judges<\/strong>: Judges for the UNDT and UNAT are appointed by the General Assembly based on recommendations from the IJC, following the criteria set out in General Assembly resolution 62\/228.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Judges from the same nationality cannot sit on the same tribunal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: IE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Automated &amp; Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) System<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Economy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Ministry of Road Transport &amp; Highways (MoRTH) is expediting the use o<strong>f Automated &amp; Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC<\/strong>) systems for faster and more efficient completion of National Highway projects.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>AIMC system<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>AIMC will provide real-time data on project status, which will be shared with stakeholders, including MoRTH.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>AIMC is being tested in the 63-km Lucknow-Kanpur Expressway Project (Awadh Expressway).\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Intelligent machines like GPS-aided motor graders, intelligent compactors, and stringless pavers are being used.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How AIMC Machines Work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>GPS-aided Motor Grader: <\/strong>Uses GNSS data and angle sensors to adjust the blade in real-time, ensuring precise grading and surface alignment according to design plans.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Intelligent Compaction Roller (IC Roller)<\/strong>: Helps in soil compaction and reduces post-construction consolidation issues, ensuring road durability and minimizing air pockets or water in materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Need and Importance of AIMC:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>AIMC integrates intelligent machines to enhance the durability, productivity, and timely completion of road projects.\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Current delays in projects are attributed to outdated technologies, poor contractor performance, and lack of up-to-date information.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Real-time data from construction and surveys will ensure quality control at each stage, minimizing delays and enhancing efficiency.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It reduces manual labor and speeds up construction, including night work.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: IE<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Bio-Bitumen<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ S&amp;T<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>In News<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Union Minister inaugurated India\u2019s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on the Nagpur-Mansar Bypass (NH-44) in Maharashtra.\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About Bio-Bitumen<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Definition:<\/strong> Bio-bitumen is a greener alternative to traditional petroleum-based bitumen, which is a major component of asphalt used in road construction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Renewable Sources:<\/strong> It&#8217;s derived from renewable sources like crop stubble, vegetable oils, algae, or lignin (a complex polymer found in plants). This makes it a more sustainable and eco-friendly option.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Benefits of Bio-bitumen<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Reduced Emissions:<\/strong> Bio-bitumen significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions compared to petroleum-based bitumen. This is crucial for mitigating climate change.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Enhanced Durability:<\/strong> It offers superior strength and durability, leading to longer-lasting roads and reduced maintenance needs.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Waste Reduction:<\/strong> Using agricultural residues like crop stubble to produce bio-bitumen helps reduce waste and prevent harmful practices like stubble burning.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Applications<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Road Construction: <\/strong>Bio-bitumen can directly replace petroleum bitumen in asphalt mixtures, making roads more sustainable.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Modifier and Rejuvenator: <\/strong>It can also be used to enhance the properties of traditional bitumen or to rejuvenate aged asphalt pavements.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Industrial Uses:<\/strong> Bio-bitumen has potential applications in waterproofing, adhesives, and other industrial materials.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Significance of the NH-44 Bio-Bitumen Stretch<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Nagpur-Mansar Bypass on NH-44 demonstrates the viability of bio-bitumen for sustainable highway construction, paving the way for eco-friendly infrastructure in India.\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>This initiative aligns with India&#8217;s goals of reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable resources.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: TOI<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Posthumous Reproduction<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/ Science and Technology<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Delhi High Court allowed a hospital to release the frozen sperm of a deceased man, stating there is no prohibition under Indian law if consent of the owner is proven.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What is Posthumous Reproduction?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Posthumous reproduction (PHR)<\/strong> is a process that uses a<strong>ssisted reproductive technology (ART)<\/strong> to create a genetic offspring after a parent&#8217;s death. It can involve the use of frozen sperm, embryos, or ova.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Assisted reproductive technologies (ART)<\/strong> refer to a range of fertility treatments aimed at aiding reproduction for couples suffering from infertility or to persons who may wish to have a child through artificial methods.\u00a0\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>These arrangements include;\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>In-vitro fertilisation<\/strong> (fertilising an egg in the lab),\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gamete donation<\/strong> (sperm or egg), and\u00a0<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gestational surrogacy<\/strong> (where the child is not biologically related to the surrogate mother).\u00a0<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thehindu.com\/news\/cities\/Delhi\/no-prohibition-under-indian-law-on-posthumous-reproduction-says-delhi-hc\/article68721837.ece\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center\"><strong>Moon<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Syllabus: GS3\/Space<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Context<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>As per the journal Nature, evidence supports an older age for the formation of the Moon, around 4.51 billion years ago.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>About<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The Moon is thought to have been formed through a <strong>collision between the early Earth and a Mars-sized protoplanet<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The timing of this event has been estimated by dating lunar rock samples, placing the Moon\u2019s age at<strong> approximately 4.35 billion years old.<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Facts Related to Moon<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Size: <\/strong>The Moon is about 1\/4th the size of Earth, with a diameter of 3,474 km.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Distance from Earth: <\/strong>384,400 km away from Earth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Gravity: <\/strong>1\/6th that of Earth&#8217;s, which is why astronauts appear to float or move in slow motion.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Phases:<\/strong> The Moon has eight main phases, from new moon to full moon, occurring in a 29.5-day cycle.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Surface: <\/strong>The Moon\u2019s surface has craters, mountains, and flat plains called Maria, which are ancient volcanic basins.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Thin Atmosphere:<\/strong> The Moon has a very thin and weak atmosphere, called an exosphere. It does not provide any protection from the Sun&#8217;s radiation or impacts from meteoroids.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Tidal Locking:<\/strong> The same side of the Moon always faces Earth due to tidal locking, meaning its rotation period is the same as its orbit around Earth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Lack of Water: <\/strong>There is no liquid water on the Moon, but there may be frozen water at its poles.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>No Sound: <\/strong>Since the Moon has a thin atmosphere, sound cannot travel there.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img data-dominant-color=\"30374e\" data-has-transparency=\"false\" loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"525\" src=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2024\/12\/moon-1024x525.webp\" alt=\"Moon\" class=\"not-transparent wp-image-34170\" style=\"--dominant-color: #30374e; width:610px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2024\/12\/moon-1024x525.webp 1024w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2024\/12\/moon-300x154.webp 300w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2024\/12\/moon-768x394.webp 768w, https:\/\/wp-images.nextias.com\/cdn-cgi\/image\/format=auto\/ca\/uploads\/2024\/12\/moon.webp 1142w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p><strong>Source: <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/epaper.thehindu.com\/ccidist-ws\/th\/th_international\/issues\/112707\/OPS\/G2TDNFTI4.1+G8RDOI7GQ.1.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><strong>TH<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Recent research highlights three geological sites along the Denali Fault that were once a united feature but were later separated by tectonic activity.\u00a0<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[21],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-34167","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-current-affairs"],"acf":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34167","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34167"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34167\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34171,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34167\/revisions\/34171"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34167"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34167"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.nextias.com\/ca\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34167"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}