Targeting UPSC CSE

  “Basically a nything that moves mass towards the center of the Earth will speed up the planet’s rotation, much as a spinning ice skater speeds up when they pull in their arms”, explained Ian Sample, science editor of The Guardian.  Tidal friction slows the speed. The moon is mostly to blame for the effect: the gravitational tug slightly distorts the planet, producing tidal friction that steadily slows the Earth’s rotation. To keep clocks in line with the planet’s spin, the International Telecommunication Union, a United Nations body, has taken to adding occasional leap seconds in June or December , most recently in 2016. However, even without adding leap seconds, if Earth spins faster, it could result in GPS satellites becoming useless, as  a half-a-millisecond equates to 10-inches or 26 cm at the equator there are also potentially confusing consequences for smartphones, computers, and communications systems, which synchronize with  Network Time Protocol (NTP)...

  O n the other hand,  stronger winds  in  ‘ El Niño ’  years   can  slow down the planet’s spin , extending the day by a fraction of a millisecond , according to NASA.  The name 'El Niño' is used to describe the warming of sea surface temperature that occurs every few years.

 a lso known as the Chandler variation of latitude, the “Chandler Wobble” is a natural shifting of the Earth’s axis due to the planet not being perfectly spherical, and could be linked to the spinning speeds, three scientists wrote in The Conversation.

  a white flag or cloth used as a symbol of surrender, truce, or a desire to parley

  One Day State Mourning on December 17, 2023 as a mark of respect on the passing away of His Highness Sheikh Nawaf Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, the Amir of the State of Kuwait .

  The Indian Navy remains committed to being a first responder in the region and ensuring the safety of merchant shipping, along with international partners and friendly foreign countries Savior:  The Indian Navy Distress:    the vessel — MV Ruen   Issue:  the hijacking of a Malta-flagged vessel with 18 crew members on board. How:  the Indian Navy diverted its naval maritime patrol aircraft undertaking surveillance in the area and its warship on anti-piracy patrol in the Gulf of Aden to locate and assist MV Ruen