Braess’s Paradox

Braess’s Paradox

Some experts argue that Bengaluru's tunnel road and double-decker road projects demonstrate Braess’s Paradox.

About Braess’s Paradox:

It posits that adding extra capacity to a network, when users selfishly select their own routes, can sometimes worsen overall performance. This is because it may attract more traffic, which ultimately undermines the intended benefits of the added capacity.

This paradox is particularly relevant as cities like Kolkata and Bengaluru are facing severe traffic congestion, as highlighted by the TomTom Traffic Index.

Potential Solutions:

• Rethinking urban mobility strategies.
• Enhancing public transportation systems.
• Encouraging sustainable transportation options such as walking, cycling, and public transit.

---

Narwhals

Recently, researchers have studied narwhals for the first time to understand their tusking behavior.

About Narwhals:

Narwhals are famous for their long tusks, which are actually teeth.

• Tusks: Males typically have a tusk, while females generally do not, although there are exceptions. Some females may have small tusks, and some males may lack them entirely. Occasionally, narwhals may even have two tusks.
• Uses of Tusks: The tusks are believed to be used for sensing salinity and water temperature, hunting, and adapting to environmental changes.
• Scientific Name: Monodon monoceros (meaning "whale with one tooth and one horn").
• Location: Narwhals are found in the Arctic waters of Canada, Greenland, Norway, and Russia.
• IUCN Status: Least Concern.
• Lifespan: Females live up to about 100 years, while males typically live around 84 years.
• Reproduction: Their gestation period lasts between 13 to 16 months.

Tags : UPSC 2025 current affairs preparation, UPSC current affairs January 2025, UPSC 2025 daily current affairs, Best sources for UPSC current affairs 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs for prelims, UPSC 2025 current affairs for mains, Important current affairs for UPSC 2025, UPSC current affairs strategy 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs notes, UPSC current affairs PDF 2025, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 preparation, UPSC 2025 current affairs online classes, UPSC current affairs quiz 2025, How to study current affairs for UPSC 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs magazines, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 prelims and mains, Current affairs updates for UPSC 2025, UPSC 2025 current affairs analysis, Current affairs for UPSC 2025 PDF download, UPSC 2025 current affairs important topics,