Daily Current Affairs UPSC 03 July 2024

Palm Tree

• Odisha to plant palm trees to reduce lightning deaths
• Characteristics of Palm Trees
  
  • Belongs to Tropical Forest Ecosystem
  • Varieties include Coconut, Oil Palm, Arecanut, Palmyrah, etc.
  • Palmyrah is the State Tree of Tamil Nadu
  • Act as natural conductors during lightning strikes
  • Male palm trees produce flowers, while female trees produce fruits
• Benefits of Palm Trees
  
  • Palm leaf is a common writing medium in Southeast Asian countries
  • Used as construction materials for fences, walls, and roofs
  • Provide edible and non-edible products

Top Quarks

• Physicists have provided the most precise estimate of the mass of Top Quarks
• Quarks are fundamental particles described in the Standard Model of Physics
• There are 6 quarks paired in three generations based on weight and instability
• Top Quarks are the most massive elementary particles, even heavier than the Higgs boson
• Measuring the mass of Top Quarks is challenging due to their unstable nature, breaking into lighter particles quickly

Expunction in Parliament

• Expunction refers to the deletion of defamatory, indecent, unparliamentary, or undignified speech from parliamentary records.
• Presiding officers (Speaker in Lok Sabha, Chairman in Rajya Sabha) have the authority to decide which portions of speech will be expunged.
• Rules of Procedure in Lok Sabha (Rule 380 and 381) and Rajya Sabha (Rule 261 and 262) outline provisions related to expunction to prevent misuse of freedom of speech.
• Article 105(2) of the Constitution protects Members of Parliament from any court proceedings for statements made in Parliament.

District Mineral Foundation (DMF)

• Inauguration of DMF Gallery at Shastri Bhawan in New Delhi by Minister of Mines
• Establishment of DMF in all districts affected by mining through amendment in Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act in 2015
• Objective of DMF to work for the interest and benefit of persons and areas affected by mining operations
• Composition and functions of DMF to be prescribed by State Government
• Responsibility of DMF to implement Pradhan Mantri Khanij Kshetra Kalyan Yojana

Rudram-1

• India successfully test-fires indigenous anti-radiation missile 'Rudram-1'
• Rudram-1 developed by DRDO for Indian Air Force
• Features of Rudram-1:
  
  • Launch platform: Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jets
  • Equipped with Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)-GPS navigation and Passive Homing Head
  • Range: 500 meters to 15 km, can hit targets within 250 km
• Significance of Rudram-1:
  • Allows IAF to conduct SEAD operations deep within enemy territory
  • Neutralizes critical air defense installations

Exercises in news

Nomadic Elephant: Joint military exercise between India and Mongolia in Meghalaya

• This exercise involves the armies of India and Mongolia coming together to conduct military training and exercises in the state of Meghalaya.
• It aims to enhance cooperation and interoperability between the two countries' armed forces.

Exercise MAITREE: Joint military exercise between India and Thailand in Thailand

• This exercise involves the armies of India and Thailand conducting military training and exercises in Thailand.
• It aims to strengthen the bilateral relations and enhance the capabilities of both countries' armed forces.

Syntrichia Caninervis

• Researchers have discovered a type of desert moss called Syntrichia Caninervis that can survive in conditions similar to those on Mars.
• Mosses are small plants that do not have flowers and are classified in the Bryophyta division.
• Mosses are typically found in damp and shaded areas and are found all over the world except in saltwater environments.
• Syntrichia Caninervis is found in extreme environments on Earth such as Antarctica and the Mojave Desert.
• This moss species could potentially be the first plant to colonize Mars due to its ability to survive in harsh conditions.

UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UN-CRPD)

17th session of the Conference of State Parties to UN-CRPD

• The 17th session of the Conference of State Parties to the UN-CRPD was held in New York.
• Theme: "Rethinking disability inclusion in the current international juncture and ahead of the Summit of the Future".

About CRPD

• The CRPD was adopted in New York in 2006 and came into force in 2008.
• Objective: To promote, protect, and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities, and to promote respect for their inherent dignity.
• Persons with disabilities include those with long-term physical, mental, intellectual, or sensory impairments.
• Members: The CRPD has 164 signatories, including India.

IEEE 2061-2024

IEEE 2061-2024 Wireless Network Standard Overview

• Approved by IEEE for affordable broadband access in rural areas.
• Based on solutions developed by a research group at IITBombay.

IEEE 2061-2024 Network Components

• Includes Access Network (AN) and Core Network (CN) similar to cellular networks.
• CN connects continents, countries, and major national network nodes.
• AN links end-users' equipment to the core network via a local exchange or local radio node.

Comparison with 5G Networks

• IEEE-2061 AN is heterogenous with different types of base stations coexisting.
• In contrast, 5G networks have a homogeneous AN with base stations of the same type.

Mars Odyssey Orbiter

Overview of Mars Odyssey Orbiter

• NASA's Mars Odyssey Orbiter recently captured images of Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in our solar system on Mars.
• Launched in 2001, Mars Odyssey is the longest continually active orbital mission.
• It was the first spacecraft to create a global map of the chemical elements and minerals on the Martian surface.

Objectives of Mars Odyssey

• Determine the abundance of hydrogen in the shallow subsurface of Mars.
• Acquire high-resolution images of surface mineralogy on Mars.
• Characterize the Martian near-space radiation environment to assess the risk to human explorers.

Enhancing R&D Culture in State Universities: NITI Aayog Report

Status of R&D Ecosystem in India

• Gross Expenditure on R&D (GERD) has more than doubled in 2020-21 compared to 2010-11.
• GERD is primarily driven by the government sector, including central government, state governments, and higher education institutions during 2020-21.

Significance of R&D in educational institutes

• R&D in educational institutions fosters creativity and innovation.
• It helps in developing curriculums that align with the needs of contemporary industries.
• R&D in educational institutes addresses societal challenges by providing solutions in areas like healthcare and environmental sustainability.

Challenges in R&D system in educational Institutes

• India spends a lower percentage of GDP on R&D compared to major world economies like South Korea and the United States.
• There is a greater emphasis on teaching over research in educational institutes.
• Low student enrollment in advanced programs like Ph.D. is a challenge in the R&D system.

Recommendations to boost R&D culture

• At the university/institute level, establishing R&D committees/cells and improving infrastructure through public-private partnerships are recommended.
• At the state level, providing financial and decision-making autonomy to universities and aligning research areas with global challenges are suggested.
• At the central level, aligning R&D initiatives with the National Education Policy, granting special status to universities/institutes in distinctive regions are recommended.

Initiatives taken to promote Research

• The National Education Policy 2020 aims to enhance the quality and quantity of research in India.
• The Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act 2023 is a step towards promoting research.
• Initiatives like Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research (INSPIRE) and Women in Science and Engineering- Knowledge Involvement in Research Advancement through Nurturing (WISE-KIRAN) are promoting research in India.

"UNESCO Introduces New Soil Health Index at Morocco Conference"

• The index will establish a standard measure for analyzing and comparing soil quality in different regions and ecosystems, as well as identifying trends of degradation or improvement.
• This will help in understanding the state of soil health globally and implementing effective management practices.
• UNESCO will launch a pilot program for sustainable management of soils and landscapes in ten natural sites under its Biosphere Reserves program.
• The goal is to assess the effectiveness of management methods used on these sites and ensure that best practices are developed and implemented worldwide.

Soil Degradation 

• Soil degradation is defined as a change in soil health that diminishes the capacity of ecosystems to provide goods and services.
• Causes of soil degradation include deforestation, unsustainable agricultural practices, industrial pollution, and natural erosion.

Impact of Soil Degradation

• Soil degradation leads to reduced soil fertility, decreased plant growth, and lower agricultural output.
• It also releases stored carbon, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.
• Decrease in soil organisms affects nutrient cycling, pest control, and plant health.

Initiatives to Prevent Soil Degradation

• Global initiatives include Land Degradation Neutrality under UNCCD, the Bonn Challenge to restore degraded landscapes, and the Global Soil Partnership Action Plan by FAO.
• In India, initiatives like the Soil Health Card Scheme, National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture, and Organic Farming Initiatives are being implemented to prevent soil degradation.

"Breakthrough: Natural DNA Editing Tool Found"

• BRM uses jumping genes to insert themselves into genomes and manipulate DNA.
• Jumping genes are small DNA segments with a recombinase enzyme and extra DNA segments at the ends for binding and manipulation.
• Gene editing involves altering genetic material by inserting, replacing, or deleting DNA sequences to improve characteristics or correct genetic disorders in plants or animals.

About BRM

• Additional DNA found at the ends of mobile genetic elements combines to form a single-stranded RNA molecule, altering the structure of the DNA double helix.
• The resulting RNA molecule acts as a bridge, connecting two DNA segments (donor and target) and enabling versatile DNA modifications.
• The donor and target loops can be controlled separately, providing a high level of flexibility in the insertion or recombination of DNA sequences.

Significance of BRM

• Allows for rearranging, recombining, and editing long DNA sequences.
• Can lead to advanced gene editing therapeutics and disease treatments.

Other Gene-editing Technologies

• CRISPR-Cas9: Customizable tool for cutting and inserting DNA at precise locations.
• TALE nucleases: Cleaves unique genomic sequences for targeted gene editing.
• Zinc-finger nucleases: Cleaves chosen genomic sequences to mediate efficient modifications.
• RNA interference (RNAi): Targets RNA molecules to block or activate gene expression.

Tragedy Strikes: Stampede at Religious Event in Uttar Pradesh

• Stampede refers to the chaotic and dangerous situation that occurs when a crowd loses control and people are injured or killed.
• Instances of stampedes include the Sabrimala stampede in 2011 and the platform collapse at Kalkaji temple in 2024.
• These disasters are caused by the disruption of the orderly movement of crowds, leading to tragic consequences.

Causes and Triggers for Stampede Incidents

• Structural Issues: Examples include collapse of barricades, slippery roads, and difficult terrain.
• Fire/Electricity Hazards: Fire code violations and lack of fire extinguishers can lead to disasters.
• Under Deployment of Security Personnel: Insufficient security personnel and lack of CCTV surveillance can contribute to crowd disasters.
• Coordination Gap Between Agencies: Lack of coordination between different agencies such as District Magistrate and Fire Service can lead to mismanagement during events.

Crowd Management

• Crowd management involves practices to prevent crowd disasters, fights, riots, and other disturbances.
• It aims to ensure the orderly movement of crowds and maintain public safety during events.

NDMA Guidelines on Crowd Management

• Capacity Planning: Long-term infrastructure planning should consider factors like event popularity, weather, terrain, and local population.
• Establishment of Safety Codes: Local governments should set safety codes based on existing capacity and other essential attributes.
• Risk Analysis and Preparedness: Event organizers should conduct Failure Mode and Effect Analysis to assess potential hazards.
• Information Dissemination: Providing accurate information to visitors and effectively communicating with them to ensure their safety.

"New Regulations for Foreign Exchange Management"

• The RBI has published a preliminary version of the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) Regulations, 2024, along with instructions for the public to provide feedback in accordance with section 47 of the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.

Key Highlights of the Draft Foreign Exchange Management Regulations, 2024

• Exporters must provide a declaration to the specified authority stating the total value of the goods or services being exported.
• The full export value of goods and services must be received and sent back to India within nine months from the date of shipment or invoice.
• The Authorized Dealer has the authority to extend this time period if there is a valid reason.
• Advance remittance for importing gold and silver is not allowed unless approved by the RBI.

Significance of the Draft Regulations

• Aimed at promoting ease of doing business for small exporters and importers.
• Allows Authorized Dealer banks to offer faster and more efficient services to foreign exchange customers.
• Aligns with the liberalization policies for foreign exchange transactions under FEMA.

About the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999

• Seeks to consolidate and amend laws related to foreign exchange to facilitate external trade and payments.
• Established the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) to investigate cases under the Act.

"Indian Navy Introduces SEBEX 2 Explosive"

• SEBEX 2 is an advanced explosive created by EEL, a subsidiary of Solar Industries, as part of the Make in India initiative.
• The new formulation of SEBEX 2 was tested by the Navy under the Defence Export Promotion Scheme.
• The Indian Navy has also certified SITBEX 1 and SIMEX 4 as effective explosives.

About SEBEX 2, SITBEX 1, and SIMEX 4

SEBEX 2 is made from HMX and is 2.01 times more lethal than standard TNT.

• TNT is commonly used in military and industrial explosives, as well as underwater blasting.
• Conventional explosives like DENTEX/TORPEX have a TNT equivalence of 1.25-1.30, making SEBEX 2 significantly more powerful in comparison.

SITBEX 1 is a type of thermobaric explosive that produces a prolonged blast with high heat.

• It is designed to be used against enemy bunkers, tunnels, and other fortified positions.
• Thermobaric explosives contain a high amount of fuel and can create sustained high temperatures and longer overpressure compared to traditional high explosives.

SIMEX 4 is a type of munition that is designed to be safer than traditional explosives in terms of storage, transportation, and handling.

• This means that SIMEX 4 is less likely to accidentally detonate compared to standard explosives.
• The safety features of SIMEX 4 make it a more secure option for military and industrial use.