UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 5th January 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

• It aims to offer a meaningful, unique, and inspiring experience to all participants, thereby empowering them with leadership qualities.
• It is driven by a strong commitment to integrate principles of the Indian education system and the philosophy of value-based education which is a cornerstone of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
• It is a week-long residential program for selected students of class IX to XII.
• A batch of 20 selected students (10 boys and 10 girls) will attend the program, every week from various parts of the country.
• It will run from a Vernacular School, established in 1888, in one of the oldest living cities of India, Vadnagar, district Mehsana, Gujarat.
• The curriculum of Prerana School prepared by IIT Gandhi Nagar is rooted in nine value based themes: Swabhiman and Vinay, Shaurya and Sahas, Parishram and Samarpan, Karuna and Sewa, Vividhta and Ekta, Satyanishtha and Shuchita, Navachar and Jigyasa, Shraddha aur Vishwas, and Swatantrata and Kartavya.
• The day-wise program schedule will feature yoga, mindfulness, and meditation sessions, followed by experiential learning, thematic sessions, and hands-on interesting learning activities.
• Evening activities will include visits to ancient and heritage sites, inspirational film screenings, mission life creative activities, talent shows etc. ensuring a holistic learning approach.
• Apart from this, students will engage in diverse activities, embracing indigenous knowledge systems, latest State-of-Art technologies, and learning from inspirational personalities.
• Selection procedure:
  • Students can register through the portal, wherein applicants can fill the requisite details.
  • The registered applicants will go through a selection process, as prescribed on the portal.
  • Applicants can also join the selection procedure conducted at the School/block level, on designated ‘Prerana Utsav’ day, through various activities.

Source: PIB

Justice BR Gavai appointed as Chairman of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee

• It is found in the Horn of Africa.
• It is also known as the Sudan cheetah. This subspecies is more closely related to the Southern African cheetah than to Saharan cheetah populations.
• The cheetah’s long tail helps it keep its balance when changing direction mid-chase. Cheetahs can make even 90-degree turns with ease while sprinting.
• Appearance: Like it’s relative to the south in East Africa, the Northeast African cheetah is fairly large. Physically, it most resembles the East African cheetah
• Distribution: Contemporary records are known in South Sudan and Ethiopia. These animals live in wide open lands, grasslands, semi-arid areas, and other open habitats where prey is abundant such as in the East Sudanian Savanna.
• Threat: The subspecies’ cubs are being heavily trafficked across the Red Sea to Arab countries like Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen. 
• Conservation status
  • IUCN: Vulnerable

Source: Down to Earth

Zosurabalpin: Antibiotic against Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

Researchers have identified zosurabalpin, a new class of antibiotics showing potential against the drug-resistant bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii.

Zosurabalpin has been found effective against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB)-induced pneumonia and sepsis in mouse models.

• Development Process: The antibiotic originated from a tethered macrocyclic peptide (MCP) selectively targeting A. baumannii and was optimized for efficacy and tolerability.
• Novel Mode of Action: Zosurabalpin operates through a previously unknown mechanism, inhibiting the transport of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in bacteria.
• Inhibition of LPS Transport: By blocking a protein complex essential for LPS transport to the bacterial surface, zosurabalpin disrupts the outer membrane structure of Gram-negative bacteria, leading to bacterial death.

• Laboratory and Animal Studies: Zosurabalpin demonstrated effectiveness against over 100 CRAB clinical samples in the lab and significantly reduced bacterial levels in mice with CRAB-induced pneumonia and sepsis.
• Phase I Clinical Trials: The antibiotic has undergone evaluation in two phase I clinical trials, marking the initial steps towards potential human use.

• Addressing Antibiotic Resistance: The discovery of zosurabalpin offers hope in the fight against antibiotic-resistant bacteria, a growing global health concern.
• Potential Clinical Application: If further trials are successful, zosurabalpin could become a vital tool in treating infections caused by drug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii.
• Continued Research: Ongoing and future studies will be crucial to fully understand the antibiotic’s safety, efficacy, and potential resistance mechanisms.

Source: DTE

Tiger Sightings in Buxa National Park

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

Camera traps in the Buxa National Park, West Bengal captured images of a tiger, reigniting hopes among forest officials and experts.

• The last sighting before December 2021 was 23 years ago, indicating the tiger’s absence from the reserve for decades.

• Habitat Improvement: Efforts to reduce human interference, expand grasslands, and increase the prey base have created a more suitable habitat for tigers.
• Conservation Measures: The introduction of chital (spotted deer) as prey and the creation of watering holes have been part of these efforts.

• Tiger Augmentation Project: Launched in 2018, this project involves the state forest department, Wildlife Institute of India, and the National Tiger Conservation Authority.
• Village Relocation: Plans to relocate villages from the core area aim to reduce human presence and further improve the habitat.
• Expert Insights: Scientists note the importance of habitat connectivity between Bhutan and Buxa and the reduction of human disturbances as key factors in attracting tigers back to Buxa.

Source: The Hindu