13-June-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

STUDY RANKS INDIA SECOND IN NITROUS OXIDE EMISSIONS 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

Recent observations in Agra, Uttar Pradesh, show the Taj Mahal visibly clearer after rain washed away pollution. This phenomenon underscores the significant issue of air pollution and highlights the urgent need to address greenhouse gas emissions, particularly nitrous oxide (N2O). 

India’s Role in Nitrous Oxide Emissions: 

• India is the world’s second-largest emitter of nitrous oxide (N2O). 
• In 2020, India contributed to nearly 11% of global man-made N2O emissions. 
• China leads with 16% of global N2O emissions. 

Primary Source of Emissions: 

• The main source of N2O emissions in India is from fertilizer usage. 
• Agricultural activities, particularly the use of nitrogen fertilizers like ammonia and animal manure, are significant contributors. 

Rising Nitrous Oxide Levels: 

• Since the industrial age, atmospheric N2O concentrations have increased by about 25%. 
• N2O emissions from human activities have surged by 40% in the past four decades. 

Comparison with Carbon Dioxide: 

• In 2022, carbon dioxide levels were at 417 parts per million, significantly higher than N2O levels. 
• Despite the higher concentration of carbon dioxide, N2O’s long atmospheric lifespan and rapid increase necessitate urgent action. 

Impact of Nitrous Oxide on Global Warming: 

• Effective Radiative Forcing: 
• N2O emissions from human activities account for 6.4% of the effective radiative forcing of greenhouse gases. 

• These emissions have contributed approximately 0.1 degree Celsius to current global warming. 

Agricultural Contributions: 

• Agricultural production using nitrogen fertilizers and animal manure constituted 74% of total anthropogenic N2O emissions in the last decade. 

Expert Opinions: 

• Scientists warn that N2O must be tackled urgently due to its prolonged atmospheric presence and rapid increase. 
• G.V. Ramanjaneyulu, director of the Centre of Sustainable Agriculture, emphasizes the need for India to change cropping systems and production practices in response to the alarming report on the nitrous oxide budget. 

AQI (Air Quality Index): 

• This is the widely used standardized index that reflects overall air quality on a scale of 0-500. 
• A higher number indicates poorer air quality. 
• The AQI considers six major pollutants: PM2.5, PM10, Ozone, NO2, SO2, and CO. 
• Each pollutant has its own specific concentration range corresponding to different AQI values. 
• The AQI also uses color codes (green for good, red for severe) to make it easier to understand the health risks associated with the air quality. 
• Many countries, including the United States and India (since 2016), use the AQI system.

NAQI (National Air Quality Index): 

• NAQI can be seen as a more specific term within the broader AQI framework. 
• In India, NAQI refers to the National AQI system launched in 2014. 
• It essentially follows the same principles as the standard AQI, using the same 0-500 scale, pollutant categories, and color coding. 
• Prior to 2016, India might have had a slightly different AQI system with its own specific details. 
• However, since 2016, the Indian NAQI has been aligned with the international AQI standards for consistency. 

India’s efforts to combat air pollution: 

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP): Launched in 2019, it aims for a 20-30% reduction in PM2.5 levels by 2024 in 132 cities (World Bank). 
• Vehicle Emission Standards: India transitioned to BS-VI emission standards in 2019, significantly reducing emissions  
• Electric Vehicle Promotion: FAME India scheme incentivizes electric and hybrid vehicle adoption to curb emissions  
• Clean Cooking Fuel: Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana provides LPG connections to households, reducing indoor air pollution  

Multiple choice question: 

1. Consider the following statements about the given pollutants: 

1. Methane is the primary contributor to acid rain. 

1. Nitrous oxide is a major greenhouse gas with a long atmospheric lifetime. 

1. Sulphur dioxide emissions are primarily from vehicular sources. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. All of the above 

ANSWER – B 

EXPLANATION 

Methane: While it is a greenhouse gas, it doesn’t contribute significantly to acid rain. Sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are the main culprits behind acid rain. 

Nitrous oxide: This gas has a long lifespan in the atmosphere and contributes significantly to the greenhouse effect. 

Sulphur dioxide: Major sources of sulphur dioxide emissions include industrial processes, especially those involving coal combustion, and volcanic eruptions. Vehicle emissions are a smaller contributor. 

HOW SPACEX’S STARSHIP CAN REVOLUTIONISE SPACE TRAVEL AND EXPLORATION 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

SpaceX’s Starship aims to transform space travel with its recent successful test flight. This fully reusable rocket system promises to redefine space exploration, benefiting astronomy and planetary science. 

Starship Overview: 

• Two-stage heavy lift-off vehicle. 
• Nearly 120 meters tall, taller than Saturn V (111 meters). 

Components: 

• Super Heavy booster with 33 Raptor engines (74 meganewtons of thrust). 
• Starship spacecraft with six Raptor engines and four landing fins. 
• Both components are fully reusable. 
• Payload Capacity: Can carry up to 150 tonnes to low-Earth orbit.At least 100 tonnes to the Moon and Mars. 
• Refuelling Capability: Designed to be refuelled in Earth orbit by other Starships, similar to airplanes. 
• Reusability: Principal hardware elements are not discarded but reused. 

Benefits to Science: 

• Heavy Payloads: Enables launching larger space telescopes and equipment for Moon and Mars missions. 
• Sample Return: Capable of bringing back significant samples from the Moon and other planets. 
• Support for NASA: Central to NASA’s Artemis program and future Mars missions. 

Challenges: 

• Safety and Reliability: Must prove to be safe and cost-effective. 

• Development Pace: Progress has been slower and more costly than expected. 
• SpaceX’s Starship is poised to make space travel more efficient and accessible, fostering significant scientific advancements. 

Multiple choice question: 

1. Consider the following statements about the Kármán Line:

1. It is defined as the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. 

1. It is located at an altitude of 100 kilometers (62 miles) above sea level. 

1. The Kármán Line is recognized universally by all space agencies as the definitive boundary of space. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. 1, 2, and 3 

ANSWER – A 

EXPLANATION 

The Kármán Line is commonly used to define the boundary between Earth’s atmosphere and outer space. 

The Kármán Line is located at an altitude of 100 kilometres (62 miles) above sea level. 

The Kármán Line is recognized universally by all space agencies as the definitive boundary of space. 

TACKLING THE FATTY LIVER DISEASE EPIDEMIC 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

The theme for International Fatty Liver Day this year is “Act Now, Screen Today.” This highlights the urgent need to address the growing issue of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), now reclassified as Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD). 

Rising Prevalence: 

• Global Prevalence: MASLD affects 25-30% of the global population. 
• India Statistics: In India, 38.6% of adults and 36% of obese children are affected by fatty liver disease. 

Link with Metabolic Syndrome: 

• Associated Conditions: High prevalence in individuals with obesity (64.6-95%), diabetes (55.5-59.7%), and severe metabolic syndrome (73%). 
• Diet Impact: Excessive intake of refined carbohydrates and sugars leads to insulin resistance and fatty liver. 

Disease Progression: 

• Initial Stage: Fat accumulation in liver cells. 
• Advanced Stage: Progresses to steatohepatitis and cirrhosis, potentially requiring liver transplantation. 

Importance of Early Detection: 

• Screening: Comprehensive health checks including physical exams, blood tests, and abdominal ultrasounds are crucial. 
• Advanced Testing: Liver fibrosis assessment using elastography to detect early scarring. 

LIVER TISSUE: 

• The liver, the largest gland in the human body, is situated in the upper right part of the abdomen, just beneath the diaphragm.  
• It consists of two primary lobes, with the right lobe being larger than the left. A thin membrane known as Glisson’s capsule envelops the liver. 
• The basic unit of structure and function of the liver is the hepatic lobule. Hepatic lobules are hexagonal structures that are arranged in a specific way. 

The liver performs many essential functions 

• Production of bile: Bile helps to break down fats in the small intestine. 
• Detoxification: The liver detoxifies the blood by removing harmful substances, such as drugs and toxins. 
• Storage: The liver stores glycogen, which is a form of glucose that can be used for energy. 
• Synthesis of proteins: The liver synthesizes many important proteins, such as albumin and clotting factors. 
• Regulation of blood sugar levels: The liver helps to regulate blood sugar levels by storing and releasing glucose. 

Conclusion: 

Awareness and proactive screening are essential to manage and prevent MASLD. Taking control of one’s health through regular check-ups and healthy lifestyle choices can lead to better long-term health outcomes.  

1. Consider the following statements about Hepatitis and Liver:

1. Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through bodily fluids . 

1. All types of Hepatitis cause acute liver failure. 

1. Liver cirrhosis is a potential consequence of chronic Hepatitis B infection. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. All of the above 

ANSWER – C 

EXPLANATION 

Hepatitis B is primarily transmitted through bodily fluids like blood and sexual contact, not contaminated water. Hepatitis A, however, can spread through contaminated water. 

While some types of Hepatitis can cause severe liver damage, not all lead to acute liver failure, which is a rapid loss of liver function. 

Chronic Hepatitis B infection, if left untreated, can lead to liver cirrhosis, a condition where healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue. 

This question tests a candidate’s understanding of the different transmission routes of Hepatitis and the potential complications of chronic Hepatitis B infection on the liver. 

DECODING A LEAK: HOW GOOGLE SEARCH’S ALGORITHMS WORK 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

The secretive nature of Google’s Search algorithm has long intrigued marketers and SEO professionals. A recent leak has provided unprecedented insights into the workings of this algorithm, revealing discrepancies between Google’s public statements and actual practices. 

The Leak: 

• Source: Rand Fishkin of Spark Toro received an anonymous email claiming access to Google’s API documents. 
• Verification: After verification, the source was identified as Erfan Azimi, a digital marketing agency founder. 
• Content: The leak included over 2,500 pages of API documentation with 14,014 attributes. 

Key Revelations: 

• Tracking Factors: The documents revealed factors tracked by Google Search, providing valuable information for the SEO industry. 
• Domain Authority: Despite Google’s denial, a feature called “siteAuthority” exists, indicating domain authority is considered. 
• Clicks and Ranking: Contrary to previous assertions, clicks are used in ranking, as evidenced by the NavBoost system. 
• Dwell Time:  NavBoost considers long clicks, countering Google’s claim that “dwell time” is not a ranking factor. 
• Chrome Data: Google uses Chrome data for ranking, despite earlier denials. 

Implications: 

• Twiddlers: Re-ranking functions known as “twiddlers” are crucial, affecting search results significantly. 
• Author Tracking: Google tracks article authors, suggesting comprehensive measurement of author credibility. 
• Industry Impact: The leak emphasizes the need for SEO professionals to critically evaluate Google’s statements. 

Conclusion: 

The Google Search algorithm leak highlights discrepancies between Google’s public statements and actual practices, urging marketers and SEO experts to rely on critical analysis rather than taking Google’s word at face value. 

SAROD 

TOPIC: (GS1) ART AND CULTURE – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

The sarod is a prominent stringed musical instrument widely used in Hindustani classical music. Originating from the Afghan rabab, it was refined and adapted in India during the 16th century and has since become integral to classical music performances.  

          

Instrument Description: 

• The sarod belongs to the lute family and typically measures about 100 cm in length. 
• It features a hollow body made from materials like teak, sagwan, or tun wood. 
• High-quality instruments often have the body, neck, and peg box crafted from a single piece of wood. 

Design Components: 

• The resonator of the sarod is covered with a stretched membrane, usually goatskin, and includes a bridge made from horn where the strings are positioned. 
• Unlike many other string instruments, the sarod lacks a fretboard on its neck, which is instead adorned with a polished steel plate. 
• Traditionally, the strings were made from gut or silk; today, they are commonly crafted from steel or bronze. 

Playing Technique: 

• A sarod player, known as a sarodiya, plucks the instrument’s strings using a triangular plectrum called a jawa, typically made from materials like coconut shell or horn. 
• The left hand’s fingernails press the strings to produce different notes and melodies. 
• The sarod is played while seated, held across the lap of the musician, allowing for intricate finger movements and expressions in performance. 

Schools of Sarod Playing: 

• Two prominent schools of sarod playing have emerged over time, each with distinct styles and techniques. 
• The schools associated with Ghulam Ali Khan and Allauddin Khan differ in the type of sarod used, tuning systems employed, and playing styles practiced. 
• These schools have contributed significantly to the evolution and richness of Hindustani classical music, showcasing the versatility and expressive capabilities of the sarod. 

CRISPR/Cas9 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: MINT 

CRISPR/Cas9 is a revolutionary gene-editing technology derived from a natural bacterial defense mechanism against viruses. It enables scientists to precisely modify the genetic material of organisms by cutting, adding, or altering specific sections of DNA.  

         

Development and Mechanism: 

• CRISPR stands for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats. It was developed based on a system found in bacteria that helps them defend against viral infections. 
• The system includes an enzyme called Cas9, which acts like molecular scissors, cutting the DNA at precise locations determined by a guide RNA (gRNA). 
• The gRNA is a synthetic piece of RNA designed to bind to a specific sequence in the DNA, guiding Cas9 to the target location for gene editing. 

Editing Process: 

• Once Cas9 cuts the DNA, the cell’s own repair machinery comes into play. This can lead to different outcomes: 
• Insertion of new genetic material. 
• Deletion of existing genetic material. 
• Replacement of a segment of DNA with a customized sequence. 

Applications: 

• CRISPR/Cas9 technology has immense potential in biomedical research and applications. 
• It can be used to study gene function, model genetic diseases, and potentially treat genetic disorders like cancer, hepatitis B, and genetic forms of high cholesterol. 
• Researchers are exploring its use in agriculture to create crops with enhanced traits, such as disease resistance or increased yield. 

Ethical Considerations: 

• The use of CRISPR/Cas9 raises ethical concerns, including the potential for unintended genetic changes, ethical implications of germline editing (altering genes passed to future generations), and equitable access to gene-editing technologies. 

ENTEROBACTER BUGANDENSIS 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

Enterobacter bugandensis is a bacterium that has garnered attention due to its characteristics and potential health implications.  

Discovery and Identification: 

• Origin: First identified in 2013 from cases of bloodstream infections in Uganda. 
• Taxonomic Classification: It belongs to the Enterobacter genus, which includes various species known for their habitat diversity and pathogenic potential. 

Key Characteristics: 

• Morphology: Gram-negative and rod-shaped bacterium, typical of Enterobacter species. 
• Habitat: Found in diverse environments such as soil, water bodies, and the gastrointestinal tracts of animals and humans. 
• Pathogenicity: Known to cause infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems. Infections can manifest in the bloodstream, respiratory tract, urinary tract, and wounds. 

Antibiotic Resistance: 

• Resistance Profile: Exhibits resistance to multiple antibiotics, posing challenges for treatment. 
• Mechanisms: Resistance mechanisms include the production of beta-lactamases (enzymes that break down antibiotics), efflux pumps (systems that expel antibiotics from bacterial cells), and genetic mutations that hinder drug uptake. 
• Public Health Concern: Multi-drug resistance in pathogens like Enterobacter bugandensis is a significant public health concern globally. It limits treatment options and increases the risk of infections becoming difficult or impossible to treat. 

Research and Collaborative Studies: 

• Recent Study: Researchers from IIT Madras and NASA’s JPL collaborated to study the behavior of multi-drug resistant pathogens, including Enterobacter bugandensis, aboard the International Space Station (ISS). 
• Importance: Understanding how these pathogens behave in space environments can provide insights into their resilience and adaptation mechanisms, potentially aiding in the development of strategies to combat infections both on Earth and during space missions. 

NOTIFIED DISASTERS 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

The current heatwave affecting many parts of India has reignited discussions on whether heatwaves should be officially recognized as notified disasters under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. 

Notified Disasters: 

• Definition: The Disaster Management Act, 2005 defines a disaster as a significant event caused by natural or human-induced factors that results in loss of life, property damage, or environmental harm. 
• Existing Notified Disasters: Currently, the Act lists 12 categories of disasters eligible for relief assistance. These include cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, fires, floods, tsunamis, and others. 
• Relief Funds: States can access the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) to provide immediate relief to affected areas based on the severity of the disaster. 

Status of Heatwaves: 

• Exclusion from Notified Disasters: Heatwaves are not yet included in the list of notified disasters under the Act. 
• Challenges: Despite the significant impact of heatwaves in some regions of India, convincing authorities to classify heatwaves as a notified disaster has been a challenge. 
• State Response: Some states use a portion of their SDRF allocation to provide assistance during heatwaves, even though it’s not specifically categorized. 

Role of NDMA: 

• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): NDMA plays a pivotal role in formulating policies and guidelines for effective disaster management across India. 
• Objectives: Its primary aim is to minimize the damage caused by disasters through coordinated efforts and preparedness strategies. 
• Advocacy: NDMA advocates for comprehensive disaster management policies that encompass all potential hazards, including heatwaves.