Daily Current Affairs UPSC 19 April 2024

Infectious Respiratory Particles (IRPs)

Global Technical Consultation Report by WHO

• The World Health Organization (WHO) recently published a report on a global technical consultation introducing updated terminology for pathogens that are transmitted through the air.

Infectious Respiratory Particles (IRPs)

• IRPs are infectious particles that are generated and expelled by individuals infected with a respiratory pathogen. These particles contain the pathogen and are released through the mouth or nose by activities such as breathing and talking.
• Pathogens covered by IRPs include those that cause respiratory infections such as COVID-19, influenza, measles, MERS, SARS, and TB.
• IRPs come in a range of sizes and should not be distinguished by a single cut-off point for smaller or larger particles.

Parkinson Plus Syndrome (PPS)

1. Patient from France receives India's first high cervical spinal cord stimulation for PPS.

a. PPS, or atypical Parkinsonism, is a group of neurodegenerative movement disorders similar to Parkinson's disease.

• Idiopathic Parkinson's disease has an unknown cause.
• PPS is characterized by early-onset dementia, hallucinations, balance issues, and other symptoms.
• Parkinson's disease affects movement, mental health, sleep, pain, and other health issues.

Snail Mucin

• Snail Mucin is a slimy substance produced by snails as they move.
• This substance serves as a protective barrier for snails, helping them heal cuts and wounds.
• Snail Mucin can be found in various beauty products such as serums, moisturizers, and wound healing creams.
• Beauty enthusiasts and experts are intrigued by the benefits of Snail Mucin.
• The protective and healing properties of Snail Mucin make it a sought-after ingredient in skincare products.
• Its versatility in different forms like serums, moisturizers, and wound healers make it a popular choice for beauty products.

Aral Sea

Impact of Aral Sea Drying on Central Asia

• The drying up of the Aral Sea has led to the emergence of a desert in Central Asia.
• This desertification has made Central Asia a much dustier place.
• The Aral Sea was once a large saltwater lake located on the boundary between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

Shrinking Lakes in Recent Decades

• Lake Urmia, located in northwestern Iran, has also shrunk in size in recent decades.
• Lake Hamoun, a freshwater lake on the Iran-Afghanistan border, has also experienced shrinking.

World Craft City (WCC)

Selection of Srinagar by WCCI for Craft Cluster Mapping

• The World Crafts Council International (WCCI) has chosen Srinagar to conduct craft cluster mapping as part of the process for its final nomination as a WCC.
• This decision highlights the importance of Srinagar's craft clusters in the global context and recognizes the potential for cultural, economic, and social development in the region.

About World Crafts Council International (WCCI)

• The WCCI was established in 2014 with the aim of acknowledging the contributions of local authorities, craftspeople, and communities to cultural, economic, and social development worldwide.
• The organization works towards creating a network of craft cities around the world, promoting the principles of the creative economy and preserving traditional crafts on a global scale.
• Based in Kuwait, the WCCI focuses on the recognition and preservation of traditional crafts across different regions and cultures.

Longevity India Initiative (LII)

• The Indian Institute of Science (IISc) has introduced the 'Longevity India' Initiative to back research on ageing in India.
• The initiative aims to advance knowledge on ageing through fundamental and applied research, as well as create solutions that can enhance the quality of life.
• It brings together a diverse team of experts from academia and industry to encourage healthy ageing throughout India.
• Research under this initiative will concentrate on recognizing early signs of diseases, studying ageing biomarkers, and creating new treatments and technologies to support healthy ageing.

Exoskeleton

DRDO Hosts First International Workshop on Exoskeleton Technology

• The Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO) recently organized the first international workshop focusing on emerging technologies and challenges in the field of exoskeletons.

Understanding Exoskeleton Technology

• An exoskeleton is a mobile machine that is worn by a person and consists primarily of an outer framework similar to an insect's exoskeleton.
• It is powered by a system of motors, hydraulics, or pneumatics that provide energy for limb movement.

Applications of Exoskeleton Technology

• Exoskeleton technology has a wide range of applications, including aiding people with disabilities, assisting soldiers in carrying heavy loads, and improving efficiency in factories and assembly lines.

New Archaeological sites in Telangana

• Ooragutta: An Iron Age megalithic site.
• Two new rock art sites at Damaratogu in Gundala mandal of Bhadradri Kothagudem district.
• Devarlabanda Mula: Depictions of animals only, no humans or weapons

Megalithic Monuments in Telangana

• Dolmenoid Cists are commonly found in the region.
• Dolmenoid Cists are chamber tombs that are semi-subterranean.

Uzbekistan (Capital: Tashkent

Uzbekistan's High-Tech IT Laboratory Inaugurated by Chief of Army Staff

• The Chief of the Army Staff recently opened a state-of-the-art IT laboratory at the Academy of Armed Forces in Uzbekistan.

Political Features of Uzbekistan

• Uzbekistan is a double landlocked country in Central Asia, surrounded by Kazakhstan to the north, Kyrgyzstan to the east, Tajikistan to the southeast, Afghanistan to the south, and Turkmenistan to the southwest.

Geographical Features of Uzbekistan

• The country is home to the Kyzyl Kum desert, with its highest point being Khazret Sultan. Major rivers in Uzbekistan include the Syr Darya River and the Amu Darya River. Additionally, the Aral Sea is located in both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

DRDO tests Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile

1. DRDO Test of ITCM at ITR, Chandipur.

a. ITCM developed by ADE of DRDO.

b. Long-range subsonic cruise missile with indigenous propulsion system.

• Propulsion system developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment.
• Cruise missiles are unmanned vehicles that fly within the atmosphere.
• Subsonic cruise missile flies at a speed less than the speed of sound.

2. Reasons for Launch from Eastern Coast.

• Satellite launched towards east from equator gets initial boost from Earth's surface velocity.
• Reduces cost of rocket launches for satellites.
• Bay of Bengal provides safe corridor in case of failure.
• Few international maritime or airline routes in the area.

3. ADE in Bengaluru.

• Key Aeronautical Systems Design House.
• Designs and develops UAVs and aeronautical systems.
• Major activities include ABHYAS and Rustom-1 projects.
• Provides advanced sensors for UAV flight control and guidance.

Indigenous Land Holds Six UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Sites where indigenous people live

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
• Kahuzi-Biega National Park.
• Odzala-Kokoua National Park.
• Kaeng Krachan Forest Complex.
• Kaziranga National Park.
• Chitwan National Park.

Definition of Indigenous people

• Distinct social and cultural groups with ancestral ties to their lands.
• Examples include Maori, Inuit, etc.
• No official UN definition of "indigenous".

Issues faced by Indigenous people

• Extreme poverty.
• Land evictions and forced displacement.
• Restricted access to healthcare.
• Human rights violations.
• Other issues like poor political representation and climate change.

Steps taken for the protection of Indigenous people

a. Global Steps.

• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• United Nations Permanent Forum On Indigenous Issues.
• Expert Mechanism on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
• UN Special Rapporteur on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.

b. Indian Steps.

• Fifth and Sixth Schedule of Constitution.
• Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN).
• Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
• Pradhan Mantri Vanbandhu Vikas Yojana.
• Pradhan Mantri Adi Adarsh Gram Yojan.

Sweden Joins Artemis Accords as 38th Country

Sweden joins Artemis Accords as 38th country.

• Artemis Accords established in 2020 by NASA and US Department of State.
• Based on Outer Space Treaty of 1967.
• Aims to guide civil space exploration in 21st century.
• India is also a signatory to the Artemis Accords.

Commitments of Signatories under the Accords

• Dissemination of national space policies and scientific information.
• Development of interoperable exploration infrastructure and standards.
• Implementation of MoUs as per Outer Space Treaty 1967.
• Preservation of outer space heritage.
• Mitigation of orbital debris.

International Treaties Governing Outer Space

• Outer Space Treaty (1967).
• Rescue Agreement (1968).
• Liability Convention (1972).
• Registration Convention (1976).
• Moon Agreement (1979).
• India has ratified all treaties except Moon Agreement of 1979, but is a signatory to it.

"Ethical Guidelines for SMPs"

• Voluntary Code of Ethics for Social Media Platforms (SMPs)
• X (formerly Twitter) complied with Election Commission of India's request to withhold 4 posts for violating the Model Code of Conduct, following the 'Voluntary Code of Ethics' for social media platforms.

Voluntary Code of Ethics (CoE)

• Aims to ensure fair and ethical use of SMPs to uphold the integrity of the electoral process.
• Introduced to the ECI by various SMPs and IAMAI in 2019.
• Promises transparency in paid political advertisements.

Commitment of SMPs under CoE

• ECI can notify platforms of potential violations of electoral laws, to be acknowledged within 3 hours.
• Platforms must have a dedicated reporting mechanism for ECI to address reported violations promptly.
• Political advertisers must submit pre-certified advertisements to the Media Certification and Monitoring Committee.

Challenges posed by SMPs for Free and Fair Elections

• Echo chambers and filter bubbles limit exposure to diverse viewpoints.
• Voter profiling and micro-targeting raise concerns about misuse of personal data.
• Misinformation and disinformation spread rapidly through SMPs.
• External influence from foreign actors can impact elections through disinformation campaigns.

"Navchetana ECS Framework Released"

Aims to address gaps in understanding and implementing care and stimulation for children from birth to three years old.

Childhood Stimulation

• Involves intentional efforts to activate a child's early development.
• Baby's brain is twice as active as an adult's brain at this age.
• 75% of a child's brain develops in the first three years of life.

Key highlights of the ECS Framework

• Objective is to empower caregivers and Anganwadi Workers for holistic early stimulation.
• Emphasizes responsive caregiving and creating opportunities for early learning.
• Includes 36 sets of activities for holistic stimulation of child's development.

Measures for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) in India

• Article 45 directs the State to provide ECCE for all children until age six.
• RTE Act, 2009 provides for pre-school education.
• National Education Policy, 2020 recommends a sub-framework for 0-3 years old.
• India is a signatory to the International Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) 1989.

Discrepancy in Sugar Content of Nestle Infant Milk

• Public Eye and IBFAN uncovered the information.
• WHO states that early sugar exposure leads to lifelong preference for sugar and increased risk of obesity and chronic illnesses.
• Ethical concerns raised by the double standard and the importance of ethical business practices.

Ethical Concerns in Baby Food Marketing

• Breach of Trust: Selling subpar products breaches consumer trust and can have negative consequences on health.
• Health Impact: Disregarding the health of consumers in developing countries for profit maximization is unethical.
• Lack of Fairness: Differentiating between rich and poor countries' customers goes against the principle of fairness.
• Lack of Transparency: Not being transparent about ingredients and negative impacts of products is unethical.

Regulations for Food Product Quality

• Codex Alimentarius: Internationally recognized standards for food safety and quality developed by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
• Food Safety and Standards Act 2006: Defines food safety and establishes the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India as the apex regulatory body for food safety and quality in India.