Weekly Current Affairs (22nd to 30th June 2024) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

What is Balon  Protein?

Recent Microbiology Discovery

• Scientists recently found a significant discovery in microbiology.
• This discovery involves a special protein called Balon.
• Balon helps the bacterium Psychrobacter urativorans enter and exit a dormant state in response to environmental changes.
• The study was published on February 14 in the journal Nature.
• This research sheds light on how bacteria can adapt to survive in harsh conditions.

The Function of Balon in Bacterial Dormancy

• Researchers discovered that Balon, a previously unstudied protein, operates differently from other known proteins.
• During the study, cold shock was utilized to mimic unfavorable conditions for P. urativorans bacteria.
• Subsequent examinations revealed that Balon binds to the active sites of ribosomes, where amino acids are incorporated into proteins.
• This binding inhibits ribosome function, halting protein synthesis.

Reversible Nature of Balon's Effects

• Balon distinguishes itself from other ribosome-silencing proteins by its ability to be deactivated and reactivated.
• The study demonstrated that when the bacteria's environment improved, Balon could be swiftly detached from ribosomes.
• As a result, the cells resumed normal protein production and growth rapidly.

Implications and Significance

• This discovery not only enhances our understanding of bacterial survival mechanisms but also hints at the potential for controlling bacterial populations in various settings.
• Psychrobacter species' ability to thrive in cold environments is crucial, especially since some species are known to spoil food in refrigerators.
• In the future, researchers may explore how altering these processes influences bacterial behavior, offering implications for industry and the environment.

67th Global Environment Facility Council

• The 67th meeting of the Global Environment Facility Council ended on June 20, 2024, with significant financial commitments.
• A total of $736.4 million was approved for 34 nature conservation and renewal projects worldwide.

Allocation of Funding

• Various projects were supported with the allocated funds:
• 19 projects received support from the GEF Trust Fund.
• Three projects were assisted by the newly established Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF).
• The Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) contributed to twelve projects.
• One project received funding from the Multi-Trust Fund, along with a project utilizing a mix of equity types.

Key Projects and Objectives

• The GBFF allocated $37.8 million for enhancing protected area management in Brazil and Mexico.
• The focus of this project is to safeguard over 30 million hectares of land and sea, supporting indigenous-led conservation efforts.

GEF Trust Fund's key areas of focus include:

1. Addressing pollution in industries like cement, textiles, and glass in Bolivia and Brazil.
2. Funding two vital projects in India:
   • A $6.7 million project to enhance biodiversity protection in alignment with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
   • A $10.7 million initiative to safeguard marshes, forests, and grasslands crucial for migrating birds along the Central Asian Flyway.
3. Additional projects in Argentina and Central Asia aim to enhance protected area management and prevent wildlife loss.
4. In Namibia, the Game Product Trust Fund seeks to enhance the financial sustainability of protected areas.

About Global Environment Facility (GEF)

• Funding Mechanism and Reach:
• Established in 1991, the Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a major funding source for global environmental initiatives, backing projects in over 170 countries.
• It has allocated $21.7 billion in grants and mobilized an extra $117 billion for various projects.
• Collaborative Partnerships:
• GEF brings together 183 countries in partnership with international organizations, civil society, and the private sector to enhance the effectiveness of environmental initiatives.
• Support for International Conventions:
• GEF aids countries in meeting global environmental obligations under conventions such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
• It oversees the Least Developed Countries Fund and the Special Climate Change Fund to tackle urgent environmental challenges.

India Ranks 3rd-Largest Domestic Aviation Market

• The Indian aviation market is now the third-largest globally, a significant jump from its fifth position a decade ago.
• Under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the market has shown impressive growth, with an annual airline seat capacity increase of 6.9%, the highest globally.

Factors Driving Growth

• Low-cost airlines (LCCs) play a vital role, holding 78.4% of the market share. IndiGo, a prominent player, has expanded its market share to 62% over the last ten years, with a remarkable yearly capacity growth rate of 13.9%.
• The rise of low-cost carriers has made air travel more accessible to a larger segment of the Indian population, contributing to economic growth.

Infrastructure Expansion

• India's aviation infrastructure has seen significant development, with operational airports increasing from 74 to 157 in the past decade.
• This growth in infrastructure has been crucial in accommodating the rising number of domestic travelers, evidenced by record-breaking traffic post-pandemic.

Comparison with Global Markets

• In November 2023, the US led in terms of seats (approximately 84 million), followed by China with 65 million. India had around 15 million seats, with Japan and Brazil following closely with 12 million and 10 million seats, respectively.
• These figures underline the scale and strength of domestic flight markets globally, highlighting India's increasing significance and strategic performance in the aviation industry.

Indian Scientists Discover Two New Plant Species

• Indian researchers have found two new plant species in unique ecological hotspots: the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as well as Arunachal Pradesh. These discoveries highlight the rich diversity of plant life in India and emphasize the need for continued conservation efforts.

Discovery in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• A new plant species called Dendrophthoe longensis was identified on the Long Islands in the central Andamans by Lal Ji Singh's team. This plant belongs to the mistletoe family and thrives as an aerial stem parasite on mango trees near the peripheries of evergreen forests. Despite its remarkable hemiparasitic adaptations, the species faces threats due to habitat loss and human interference.

Discovery in Arunachal Pradesh

• Another significant finding was made in the Mandla region of the West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh, by Krishna Chowlu's group. They discovered a new herbaceous plant species named Petrocosmea arunachalense in a cave, indicating its preference for low light conditions. This white plant with purple spots and a velvety texture is now a new addition to the Gesneriaceae family.

About Dendrophthoe longensis

• Dendrophthoe longensis, a parasitic plant species from Asia in the Loranthaceae family, possesses a unique haustorium enabling it to attach to host trees for nutrition. Unlike most plants that rely on photosynthesis for sustenance, this species heavily depends on host trees for food. With a habitat mainly in tropical forests, it can impact host tree health by depleting resources, potentially affecting their photosynthetic capabilities. The plant relies on birds like sunbirds and flowerpeckers for pollination, crucial for its reproduction.

About Petrocosmea arunachalense

• Petrocosmea arunachalense, a rare plant species in the Gesneriaceae family, was first named in 2012 and is native to Arunachal Pradesh. This perennial plant, known for its rosette growth pattern, thrives in the cool, shaded conditions of subtropical forests. Its distinctive blue flowers set it apart and contribute to its uniqueness within the Petrocosmea genus. The plant is commonly found in the Talle Valley Wildlife Sanctuary, where its growth on rocky soils provides vital microhabitats for local biodiversity. Due to its elusive nature and susceptibility to habitat disruption, conservation efforts are crucial for its preservation.

Microschools Overview

What is a Microschool?

• The rise of microschools has been particularly noticeable in the United States and the United Kingdom, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. These are small private schools with a limited number of students, providing personalized education.

Educational Structure and Curriculum

• Microschool students are typically registered as homeschoolers. These schools operate most days of the week, offering structured lessons by full-time teachers along with periodic assessments.

Funding Sources

• 63% of a microschool's funding comes from parental tuition fees, while 32% is from state-funded programs supporting educational initiatives.

Start-Up and Operation

• Microschools are often initiated by educators, providing flexibility in program design. They blend elements from traditional schooling and homeschooling, focusing on individual student needs.

Characteristics

• Microschools typically have 100-150 students with class sizes of 10-15. They employ an emergent program allowing personalized learning. Interactive activities, maker spaces, and real-world application of concepts are emphasized.

About Learning Environment

• Microschools utilize shared classrooms, employing a flipped classroom model. Digital tools play a significant role in teaching, testing, and fostering creativity, offering flexible learning spaces tailored to individual student needs.

World’s First Asian King Vulture Center – Uttar Pradesh

• Uttar Pradesh is constructing the world’s inaugural center to safeguard and nurture the Asian king vulture, also known as the red-headed vulture, in Maharajganj.
• The Asian king vulture is critically endangered, prompting this conservation initiative as it has been on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List since 2007.

Significance of the Asian King Vulture

• The Asian king vulture population drastically declined due to diclofenac poisoning, a drug used on pets which inadvertently harmed the birds that consumed the carcasses.
• Listing this crucial species under Schedule 1 of the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972 necessitated immediate protective measures.

Objectives and Facilities at the Centre

• The Jatayu Conservation and Breeding Center employs advanced technology to monitor and care for the vultures, with a dedicated team including a scientific officer and a biologist.
• Stringent security measures like CCTV surveillance ensure the safety of the birds and prevent human interference.
• Special diets and controlled breeding environments are aiding in the recovery of this species.

Breeding and Conservation Strategy

• Vultures are monogamous, laying just one egg annually and remaining with the same partner for life.
• Matching vultures at the center for breeding aims to facilitate their eventual reintroduction into the wild.
• The primary objective is to gradually increase the population to enable successful reintegration into their natural habitat.

Recent Developments and Future Plans

• Since December 2022, the center has welcomed more vultures and intends to expand by introducing additional females for breeding purposes.
• Successful mating and breeding are pivotal for species conservation, potentially leading to a reduced threat status.

Sub-Saharan Africa Faces Major Energy Equity Challenges: WEF Report

• The 14th edition of the World Economic Forum's report, "Fostering Effective Energy Transition 2024," was published on June 19, 2024, in collaboration with Accenture. It highlights the difficulties Sub-Saharan Africa encounters in accessing fair energy and emphasizes the importance of ensuring an equitable energy transition for all.

What is the Energy Transition Index (ETI)?

• The Energy Transition Index (ETI) is a comprehensive tool utilized by the WEF to evaluate the energy system performance of 120 countries. It focuses on equity, sustainability, and security, supported by an enabling environment encompassing policies, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure, and financial availability. In 2024, Sub-Saharan Africa saw the highest growth in ETI scores, primarily due to enhancements in energy access and affordability.

Key Challenges and Advances in Energy Equity

• Sub-Saharan Africa faces a significant issue where many people cannot afford modern energy services. Approximately 600 million individuals, representing 53% of the population, lack access to electricity. Efforts have been made to transition to more reliable and accessible energy sources. For example, Tanzania saw a 37.7% increase in power accessibility between 2011 and 2020, while Ethiopia's National Electrification Program aims to provide electricity to all by 2025.

Rise in Renewable Energy and Regional Progress

• Several countries in the region have made strides in adopting renewable energy sources. Zimbabwe, for instance, has enhanced energy access by boosting hydropower production, leading to job creation in the renewable energy sector. Despite some advancements, countries like South Africa have room for improvement in energy and carbon intensity metrics.

Global Comparisons and Leadership

• Europe maintains its position at the top of the ETI rankings, with Sweden and Denmark consistently leading. Geopolitical shifts and robust energy efficiency policies have enabled these countries to secure political support, invest significantly in research and development, and swiftly adopt clean energy technologies. Sub-Saharan Africa faces challenges, but the WEF's 2024 report highlights ongoing efforts and successes as a roadmap towards a fair, secure, and sustainable energy future.

IISc Develops 3D Hydrogel to Study TB Research

• New research at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, has resulted in a significant advancement in tuberculosis (TB) research. The Department of Bioengineering has devised a novel 3D hydrogel culture system that mimics the lung environment of mammals. This innovation will enhance researchers' comprehension of tuberculosis infections and the efficacy of medications.

Significance of the 3D Hydrogel Culture

• Traditional methods of studying Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection involve using flat, two-dimensional culture plates, which do not faithfully replicate the three-dimensional structure of lung tissues. This discrepancy leads to inaccurate data. Conversely, the new 3D hydrogel culture system developed by IISc employs collagen, a crucial component of lung cells' extracellular matrix (ECM), thereby creating a more realistic model of lung tissue.

Advantages of the 3D Hydrogel System

• This innovative approach resolves the limitations of conventional methods by establishing a soft mesh that enables human macrophages, immune cells, to interact with TB bacteria in a manner closely resembling their interactions in a human lung. Moreover, this technique sustains mammalian cells for a duration of up to three weeks, significantly longer than the typical 4-7 days of conventional cultures. This extended duration is crucial due to the slow growth rate of Mtb.

Implications for TB Treatment

• Research findings indicate that even small quantities of pyrazinamide, a widely used drug for TB treatment, exhibited efficacy in this new model. RNA analysis of the lung cells cultivated in the 3D hydrogel disclosed their striking similarity to human samples, enhancing the model's reliability. The creation of the 3D hydrogel culture method at IISc signifies a significant leap forward in TB research. It holds the potential to facilitate the development of more precise and efficient treatment strategies. The initiation of a patent filing in India indicates that the research has not only shown promising results but also practical utility. This innovative model could revolutionize the study and management of TB, potentially leading to enhanced disease control worldwide.

What is e-Rupee, India's Digital Currency?

The e-Rupee, India's digital currency, has seen a significant decline in transaction volume. Daily retail sales have decreased from 1 million to 100,000 transactions.

Introduction to e-Rupee

• Launched on December 1, 2022, by the Reserve Bank of India, the e-Rupee serves as a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), mirroring the traditional rupee for financial transactions.

Types of CBDCs

• Retail CBDCs: Intended for public use through digital wallets, apps, or payment systems.
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• Wholesale CBDCs: Utilized by banks for interbank settlements and large-scale financial operations.

Issuance & Acquisition of e-Rupee

• The RBI issues e-Rupees as electronic tokens resembling physical money. Commercial banks distribute these tokens, which can be purchased through digital wallets from licensed financial institutions. E-Rupee facilitates peer-to-peer and business transactions through features like QR code scanning and cell number transfers, supported by UPI gateways.

Advantages of Using e-Rupee

• Financial Inclusion: Enhances access to digital financial services for unbanked individuals.
• Efficiency: Speeds up transactions and reduces costs compared to traditional banking methods.
• Security and Transparency: Utilizes blockchain technology to ensure secure transfers, minimizing fraud risks.

RBI Revises SAARC Currency Swap Framework for 2024-2027

• A new system for currency swaps between SAARC countries has been established for the years 2024-2027.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced this system to enhance financial stability among SAARC member nations.
• Enhancing financial cooperation in the SAARC region is a key goal of the RBI's decision.
• Exchange rates and currency swaps play vital roles in managing foreign exchange and liquidity issues, ensuring global economic stability.

New Additions to the Framework

• The new system includes an Indian Rupee (INR) Swap Window with a total value of ₹250 billion to facilitate easier INR swaps.
• India aims to promote the use of the Indian Rupee (INR) within the region through this initiative.

Dollar and Euro Swap Provisions

• Besides the INR Swap Window, the RBI continues to offer separate swap options for US Dollars and Euros, totaling $2 billion.
• Having a variety of currency options allows for better assistance tailored to diverse needs and grants SAARC countries access to major currencies.

Operational Mechanism

• Under this plan, the RBI will engage in direct swap agreements with the central banks of SAARC nations.
• These agreements are essential for the functioning of swap lines, defining the terms for currency exchanges and financial support.

SAARC Currency Swap Facility Origins and Goals

• Established in November 2012, the SAARC currency swap facility serves as a temporary solution for countries facing short-term foreign exchange and balance of payment challenges.
• It showcases how SAARC nations collaborate to maintain economic stability and cooperation.

Eligibility and Access

• SAARC member countries must establish bilateral swap agreements with the RBI to utilize the currency swap facility.
• These agreements ensure that participating countries align on support terms that meet both individual and collective economic objectives.

World Bank Provides $1.5 Billion for India's Green Energy Transition

• Main Aim: The World Bank is loaning $1.5 billion to India to aid in shifting towards cleaner energy sources.
• Focus: The funding will facilitate the development of green hydrogen and electrolyzers, promoting the adoption of renewable energy in the country.

Objective and Implementation

• Primary Goal: Enhancing India's energy policies to attract more investments in the energy transition sector.
• Strategy: Encouraging innovation in green hydrogen and sustainable energy to drive progress.
• Approach: The World Bank's strategy involves not only financing projects but also supporting policy development and offering expert guidance.

Mobilizing Additional Funding

• Emphasis: Encouraging private sector investments in the energy field to expand green energy alternatives like floating solar panels and offshore wind farms.

Improving Energy Efficiency

• Efforts: Promoting energy efficiency in various sectors, including the construction of eco-friendly buildings.
• Initiatives: Updating grid regulations to accommodate more renewable energy sources for enhanced system resilience and longevity.

Integration of Renewable Energy into the Power Grid

• Key Strategy: Integrating renewable energy sources into the national grid to facilitate a cleaner energy mix.
• Actions: Modifying existing grid codes to accommodate increased renewable energy usage and endorsing technologies like battery energy storage for continuous clean power supply.
• Overall Impact: The World Bank's comprehensive plan aims to assist India in transitioning to a low-carbon economy, aligning economic growth with environmental sustainability.

Global Liveability Index 2024

The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) recently published the Global Liveability Index for 2024. According to the report, Vienna, Austria, retains its top spot as the best place to live worldwide. The rankings are based on factors like education, healthcare, culture, environment, stability, and infrastructure.

2024 Top Rankings Overview

• Vienna, Austria, is ranked first, followed by Copenhagen, Denmark, in second place, and Zurich, Switzerland, in third place.
• Melbourne, Australia, dropped to fourth place, while Calgary, Canada, and Geneva, Switzerland, tied for fifth place. Osaka, Japan, and Auckland, New Zealand, are also in the top ten.

Methodology Behind the Rankings

The EIU evaluates cities based on five key areas. Vienna excelled in four categories but scored lower in culture and environment due to fewer major sporting events. Western European cities had lower stability scores due to increased protests and crime rates.

Regional Differences and Trends

North America performed well in education but faced infrastructure challenges, particularly in Canadian cities grappling with a housing crisis. Cities in the UAE and Saudi Arabia saw improved safety and healthcare, leading to higher rankings. However, ongoing conflicts caused Tel Aviv's rank to drop significantly.

Insights into Least Liveable Cities

• At the bottom of the list are Damascus, Syria, followed by Tripoli, Libya; Algiers, Algeria; and Lagos, Nigeria. These cities have shown little improvement in their scores, indicating persistent challenges.

Best Cities to Live in

• Vienna, Austria
• Copenhagen, Denmark
• Zurich, Switzerland
• Melbourne, Australia
• Calgary, Canada (tied with Geneva)
• Geneva, Switzerland (tie)
• Sydney, Australia (tied with Vancouver)
• Vancouver, Canada (tie)
• Osaka, Japan (tied with Auckland)
• Auckland, New Zealand (tie)

Worst Cities to Live in

• Caracas, Venezuela
• Kyiv, Ukraine
• Port Moresby, PNG
• Harare, Zimbabwe
• Dhaka, Bangladesh
• Karachi, Pakistan
• Lagos, Nigeria
• Algiers, Algeria
• Tripoli, Libya
• Damascus, Syria