Weekly Current Affairs (8th November to 14th November 2023) | General Test Preparation for CUET UG - CUET Commerce PDF Download

Wolbachia Method: A Novel Approach in Mosquito-Borne Disease Control

In Indonesia, researchers have pioneered the use of the Wolbachia method to combat disease-bearing mosquitoes, specifically the Aedes aegypti mosquito responsible for transmitting viruses like Zika, dengue, chikungunya, and yellow fever.

Key Highlights:

• Wolbachia Bacteria: Occurs naturally in 60% of insect species, including mosquitoes; not found in Aedes aegypti.
• Safe for Environment: Wolbachia is safe for humans, animals, and the environment.
• Implementation: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes are introduced to Wolbachia in the lab, and then released into the wild.
• Effectiveness: Reduces dengue occurrence by 77%; mechanism's details still under research.

Appointment of Chief Information Commissioner

Shri Heeralal Samariya has been appointed as the Chief Information Commissioner in the Central Information Commission, constituted in 2005 under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Key Highlights:

• Commission's Jurisdiction: Extends over all Central Public Authorities.
• Powers and Functions: Adjudication in second appeal, record-keeping direction, imposition of penalties, and more.
• Appointment Process: President's appointment based on the committee's recommendation, including the prime minister and leader of the opposition.

Deep Fake Technology: Addressing Concerns on Online Safety

The rise of deepfake videos, particularly those with explicit content, raises concerns about online safety, especially for women.

Key Highlights:

• Utilization of AI: Deepfakes use advanced machine learning algorithms to manipulate video content.
• Diverse Usage: From explicit content to digitally altered political clips during elections.

Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC): Enhancing Connectivity Between India and Russia

A trial run of a ship between Chennai port in India and Vladivostok in Russia marks a significant development in the proposed Eastern Maritime Corridor (EMC).

Key Highlights:

• Advantages: Reduces distance by 40%, shortens transportation time by up to 16 days.
• Strategic Opportunities: Vladivostok Port provides access to resource-rich regions, fostering collaboration in energy, mining, and technology.

Krishi 24/7: Revolutionizing Environmental Monitoring with eDNA

Krishi 24/7, developed by the Laboratory for the Conservation of Endangered Species (LaCONES), uses Environmental DNA (eDNA) to detect and conserve biodiversity.

Key Highlights:

• eDNA Definition: Genetic material found in various environmental sources.
• Detection Method: Scans news articles and extracts essential information from various sources.

Women's Inclusion in Water Governance: AMRUT Scheme

The campaign aims to include women in water governance, promoting familiarity with water treatment plants, water testing facilities, and educating women about the AMRUT scheme's impact on water infrastructure.

Key Highlights:

• Objectives: Instill a sense of ownership and belonging among women toward water infrastructure.
• Focus Areas: Familiarizing women with water treatment plants, promoting inclusivity, and educating about the AMRUT scheme.

National Coal Index (NCI): A Crucial Indicator in the Mining Sector

Launched in June 2023, the National Coal Index (NCI) is a price index reflecting the change in the price level of coal, providing a basis for taxation and future calculations.

Key Highlights:

• Base Year: Financial Year 2017-18.
• Purpose: Basis for taxation and calculation of annual escalation.

NDUS-X Initiative: Strengthening India-US Defense Partnership

The NDUS-X initiative, led by India's Innovations for Defense Excellence (iDEX) and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), aims to expand strategic technology partnerships and defense industrial cooperation between India and the US.

Key Highlights:

• Initiatives: Joint prize challenges, roundtable events, mentor-protege initiatives between major primes and startups.

Production Gap Report 2023: Addressing Discrepancies in Fossil Fuel Production

The report emphasizes the need to increase transparency in fossil fuel production plans and aims for a near-total phase-out of coal production by 2040 and a substantial reduction in oil and gas production by 2050.

Key Recommendations:

• Increase Transparency: In plans, projections, and support for fossil fuel production.
• Phased Reduction: Aim for a near-total phase-out of coal production by 2040 and a combined reduction in oil and gas production by three-quarters by 2050.

Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project: Powering India's Energy Landscape

Executed by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC), the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project is set to be the largest hydroelectric project in India.

Key Highlights:

• Engineering Feat: Designed to resist horizontal water pressure.

Insurance Surety Bond for Toll Operate Transfer (TOT) Bundle: A Step towards Financial Security

NHAI accepting Insurance Surety Bond for TOT bundles adds a layer of financial security to infrastructure projects.

Key Components:

• Principal: The party responsible for performing the act as promised.
• Surety: The insurance company guaranteeing the obligation will be performed.
• Obligee: The party requiring and benefiting from the surety bond.

Digital Advertisement Policy, 2023: Navigating the Evolving Media Landscape

The Ministry's policy focuses on rate discovery through a transparent and efficient bidding process, applicable to all eligible agencies for three years.

Key Highlights:

• Rate Validity: Rates discovered through the process remain valid for three years.
• Digital Platforms: Empanelment of Digital Audio platforms and Mobile Applications.

Operation 'Nanhe Faristey': Railway Protection Force's Endeavor for Child Safety

The Railway Protection Force successfully reunited over 601 children through Operation 'Nanhe Faristey,' showcasing their commitment to child safety.

Key Highlights:

• Prompt Action: Prompt rescue and transfer of children to relevant authorities.
• Reuniting Families: Over 601 children reunited with their families.

Auroras in Ladakh: Insights into Earth's Magnetosphere

The Hanle and Merak observatories in Ladakh capture intense red auroras, providing scientists with valuable insights into Earth's magnetosphere and solar-terrestrial relationships.

Key Highlights:

• Aurora Phenomenon: Bright lights in the sky caused by solar particles interacting with the Earth's magnetic field.
• Scientific Value: Used to study Earth's magnetosphere, solar-terrestrial relationships, and solar activity indicators.

Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): Driving Economic Collaboration

The APEC grouping, meeting in San Francisco, consists of economies representing 60% of global GDP, fostering economic collaboration and dialogue among member countries.

Key Highlights:

• Membership: Includes economies like China, the United States, Japan, Russia, and others.
• Global Economic Impact: Represents 60% of global GDP as of 2018.

This comprehensive overview highlights key events and developments from the week of November 8th to 14th, 2023, providing readers with a clear understanding of significant occurrences across various domains.