Answer:  Option B - The escalation of conflict between Hezbollah and Israel amid the Gaza crisis.

Explanation:

• The Fadi rocket gained attention due to its use by Hezbollah in response to Israeli attacks, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
• This development highlights Hezbollah's military capabilities and the evolving dynamics in the region.
• The Fadi rocket, with its increased explosive power and range, represents a shift in Hezbollah's tactical approach against Israel, raising concerns about the potential for further escalation and the implications for regional stability amidst an already tense geopolitical landscape.

Answer:  Option B - Drought conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia.

Explanation:

• El Niño is a climate phenomenon characterized by the warming of sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean.
• This warming affects global weather patterns, leading to various climatic anomalies.
• One significant impact is the increased likelihood of drought conditions in Southeast Asia and Australia, where it disrupts the usual monsoon patterns.
• Conversely, El Niño can cause above-average rainfall in the western coasts of the Americas, highlighting its significant role in altering regional climates worldwide.

Answer:  Option B - Indigenous boron carbide ceramic and polymers

Explanation:

• ABHED bulletproof jackets are made using advanced materials, specifically indigenous boron carbide ceramic and polymers.
• This combination enhances the jacket's lightweight properties while ensuring high levels of protection against ballistic threats.
• The use of boron carbide, known for its hardness and lightweight characteristics, contributes significantly to the jacket's effectiveness in meeting stringent safety standards.
• This innovative approach marks a significant advancement in personal protective equipment for defense personnel.

Answer:  Option C - The equatorial region of the Sun rotates faster than the poles.

Explanation:

• The Sun's chromosphere demonstrates differential rotation, where different latitudes rotate at varying speeds.
• Specifically, the equatorial region completes a rotation in about 25 days, while the polar regions take roughly 35 days.
• This difference is crucial for solar dynamics, influencing the solar magnetic field and the generation of solar activity such as sunspots and solar flares.
• Understanding this rotation is essential for predicting solar behaviour and its impact on space weather.

Answer:  Option D - It is characterised by a temperature rise of about 20,000 degrees Celsius compared to the photosphere.

Explanation:

• The chromosphere is the second layer of the Sun's atmosphere, situated above the photosphere.
• It exhibits a temperature increase, reaching around 20,000 degrees Celsius, which is significantly hotter than the photosphere.
• This layer is less dense and primarily composed of hydrogen, showing features like solar prominences and spicules, but it does not contain sunspots, which occur in the photosphere.