22-March-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

ELON MUSK’S NEURALINK SHOWS BRAIN-CHIP PATIENT PLAYING ONLINE CHESS

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

Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, is a pioneering American neurotechnology company aiming to enhance human capabilities through brain-computer interfaces.

Recently, Neuralink achieved a significant milestone by livestreaming its first patient, Noland Arbaugh, who successfully controlled a computer mouse using his mind, showcasing the potential of the technology in empowering individuals with disabilities.

Patient Success Story: Noland Arbaugh:

• Noland Arbaugh, paralyzed below the shoulder due to a diving accident, received a Neuralink implant in January.
• Demonstrated the ability to control a computer mouse with his thoughts, enabling him to play chess on his laptop.
• Expresses satisfaction with the surgery, highlighting its transformative impact on his life by regaining the ability to engage in activities like gaming for extended periods.

Patient Testimonial and Limitations:

• Arbaugh expressed joy at the surgery’s success but acknowledged some limitations and the need for further refinement.
• Emphasized lack of cognitive impairments post-procedure.
• Despite limitations, underscores the life-changing nature of Neuralink’s technology for individuals with disabilities.

Expert Perspective:

• Kip Ludwig, a former program director for neural engineering at the US National Institutes of Health, provides insights into Neuralink’s achievement.
• Acknowledges the significance of the patient’s ability to interface with a computer post-implantation but cautions against viewing it as a breakthrough.
• Stresses the ongoing learning process for both Neuralink and the patient to optimize control capabilities, highlighting the technology’s early stage.

Regulatory Concerns and Future Outlook:

• Neuralink’s progress faces regulatory scrutiny, with concerns raised by the US Food and Drug Administration inspectors.
• Emphasizes the importance of addressing regulatory concerns to ensure safety and efficacy.
• Despite challenges, experts view Neuralink’s achievements as a positive step forward in neurotechnology advancement.

Conclusion:

Neuralink’s demonstration of a patient controlling devices through thoughts represents a significant advancement in neurotechnology. However, challenges such as regulatory scrutiny and technological refinement remain.

About Neuralink:

Founded in 2016 by Elon Musk.

• Aims to assist individuals with traumatic injuries in controlling computers solely through their thoughts.
• Seeks to address neurological conditions like Parkinson’s and enhance human abilities significantly.

Potential Applications of Brain-Computer Interface:

• Medical Treatments: Monitoring and treating neurological disorders, stroke rehabilitation, and mental health monitoring.
• Assistive Technology: Enabling individuals with paralysis or motor impairments to control devices.
• Restoring communication for conditions like locked-in syndrome.
• Enhancing virtual and augmented reality experiences.

SUPREME COURT STAYS GOVERNMENT NOTIFICATION ACTIVATING FACT-CHECK UNIT

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE GUARDIAN

The Supreme Court’s recent stay on the amended Information Technology (IT) Rules, particularly regarding the establishment of a “Fact Check Unit” (FCU), marks a significant development amidst legal debates surrounding its constitutionality and implications.

This decision follows a series of legal challenges and rulings, highlighting the complexity of regulating online content and protecting individual rights in the digital era.

Establishment of the Fact Check Unit:

• The Union Electronics and IT Ministry established the FCU as a statutory body under the Press Information Bureau.
• Empowered to identify false information related to the central government and its agencies on social media platforms.
• Amendment to the IT Rules, 2021, enabling the FCU’s formation, prompted legal challenges and scrutiny.

Legal Challenges and High Court Rulings:

• Legal challenges arose before the Bombay High Court, resulting in a split verdict on January 31.
• One judge expressed concerns about censorship and coercion, striking down the amended rules, while another upheld them, emphasizing the importance of authentic information.

Expansion of Definition of “Fake News”:

• Controversy centered on the expanded definition of “fake news,” encompassing false information related to government affairs.
• Petitioners argued that such provisions could stifle freedom of speech, allowing the government’s FCU to compel social media platforms to remove flagged content.

Regulatory Framework and Judicial Review:

• The legal challenge raised questions about the regulatory framework for online content and the balance between governmental oversight and individual rights.
• Judiciary scrutinized whether the amended rules violated fundamental rights, particularly freedom of speech and expression.

Supreme Court’s Intervention:

• The Supreme Court intervened by staying the operation of the amended rules until the Bombay High Court reaches a final decision.
• Chief Justice DY Chandrachud stressed the importance of maintaining the status quo, especially considering one judge’s finding of unconstitutionality regarding the amended rules.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s decision to stay the amended IT Rules highlights the significance of judicial review in upholding constitutional principles and safeguarding fundamental rights.

The ongoing legal battle will shape the landscape of freedom of speech, government regulation of online content, and the delicate balance between individual liberties and state control in the digital age.

STUDY OF ‘TWIN’ STARS FINDS SOME OF THEM ARE PLANET-EATERS

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

The stability of Earth’s planetary system over its estimated 4.5-billion-year existence has long fascinated scientists.

However, recent studies have uncovered variations in the stability of planetary systems, with a particular focus on twin stars, shedding light on celestial phenomena that challenge traditional notions of stability.

Understanding Twin Stars:

• Twin stars are pairs of stars originating from the same interstellar cloud of gas and dust, known as co-natal stars.
• They share identical chemical compositions, similar mass, and age but are not gravitationally bound to each other like binary systems.
• Although they move together within the Milky Way galaxy, they exhibit distinct behaviors regarding planetary ingestion.

Planetary Ingestion by Twin Stars:

• A study published in Nature examined 91 pairs of twin stars, revealing signs of planetary ingestion in a significant number of cases.
• Researchers identified elements like iron, nickel, or titanium in one star, indicating remnants of a rocky planet being consumed by the star.

Mechanisms of Planetary Consumption:

• Possible explanations for planetary ingestion include orbital disturbances caused by larger planets or close encounters with neighboring stars.
• This phenomenon highlights the dynamic and potentially volatile nature of planetary systems.

Insights from the Researchers:

• Astrophysicists stress that the stability of planetary systems cannot be assumed universally.
• While evidence suggests entire planets being ingested, it’s also possible that planetary building blocks were consumed during the system’s formative stages.

Implications for Planetary Stability:

• The study’s findings suggest that instability may be more common in planetary systems than previously believed.
• Approximately 8% of studied stellar pairs showed evidence of planetary ingestion, challenging the notion of inherent stability in all planetary configurations.

Conclusion:

• While many planetary systems, including our solar system, exhibit stability primarily under the influence of their host star, variations exist.
• Understanding the mechanisms behind planetary ingestion by twin stars offers insights into the broader dynamics of celestial systems and their evolutionary trajectories over time.

SC FORMS EXPERT PANEL TO BALANCE BUSTARD CONSERVATION WITH SUSTAINABLE ENERGY GOALS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Supreme Court’s initiative to establish an expert committee addresses the critical issue of the Great Indian Bustard’s endangerment due to collisions with power cables.

Expert Committee Establishment:

• Three-judge Bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud formed an expert committee.
• Includes experts from Wildlife Institute of India and representatives from Renewable Energy and Environment Ministries.
• Special invitees from Central Electrical Authority and Central Transmission Utility also participate.

Committee’s Objectives:

• Assess feasibility of underground and overhead electric lines in priority areas for the Great Indian Bustard.
• Aim to propose additional measures and priority areas for bird conservation.

Timeline and Expectations:

• Committee expected to submit its report to the Supreme Court by July 31.

The Great Indian Bustard:

• Listed as Critically Endangered due to habitat loss, hunting, and collisions with power lines.
• Native to grasslands and semi-arid regions of India and Pakistan.
• Known for distinctive appearance and heavy build.

Challenges to Preservation:

• Habitat destruction and fragmentation.
• Illegal hunting and poaching.
• Collisions with high-tension power lines.
• Lack of targeted conservation initiatives.

Conservation Efforts:

• Habitat restoration and establishment of protected areas.
• Community engagement and awareness programs.
• Initiatives to mitigate power line collisions.

Conclusion:

Urgent action is necessary to prevent the extinction of the Great Indian Bustard and preserve India’s biodiversity. The expert committee’s efforts, along with conservation initiatives, are crucial in addressing this pressing issue and ensuring the survival of this iconic species.

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT TIGHTENS RULES ON BIOPLASTICS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Environment Ministry’s recent tightening of regulations on labelling disposable plastic ware as ‘biodegradable’ underscores the government’s commitment to addressing plastic pollution.

These amendments aim to ensure that biodegradable plastics leave no microplastics behind, thereby enhancing environmental protection.

Regulatory Changes:

• Amendments to India’s Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2024, redefine biodegradable plastics to require degradation without leaving microplastics.
• Lack of specific tests for microplastics elimination poses challenges for industry compliance.

Industry Response and Challenges:

• Symphony Environmental India CEO advocates for standards encompassing both compostable and biodegradable plastics.
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) demands a 90% degradation for biodegradable certification, posing challenges for firms seeking provisional certificates.

Understanding Bioplastics:

• Bioplastics are derived from renewable biomass sources like plants, offering environmental advantages over traditional plastics.
• They can be biodegradable or non-biodegradable, depending on their composition and intended use.
• Bioplastics find application in various sectors, including packaging, textiles, automotive parts, and medical devices.

Challenges and Future Prospects:

• Despite environmental benefits, challenges such as cost competitiveness and end-of-life disposal considerations persist.
• Continued research and development are essential for enhancing the sustainability and viability of bioplastics in the global plastics industry.

BRUCETHOA ISRO

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

Brucethoa ISRO is a new species of deep-sea isopod discovered off the Kollam coast, Kerala.

• It is a tiny fish-parasitic crustacean found in the gill cavity of the Spinyjaw greeneye.
• Named in honor of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for its successful space missions.
• Females of the species are larger, growing up to 19 mm in length and 6 mm in width, while males are about half the size.

What are Isopods?

• Isopods are an order of invertebrates, belonging to the crustacean group, which includes crabs and shrimp.
• There are approximately 10,000 species of isopods worldwide, living in various habitats from mountains to the deep sea.
• They come in diverse shapes and sizes, ranging from micrometers to half a meter in length.

Features:

• Isopods have two pairs of antennae, compound eyes, and four sets of jaws.
• Their body consists of seven segments with walking legs and a short abdominal section composed of six segments, called “pleons.”
• About half of isopod species live in the ocean, while others inhabit coastal waters and plants.
• Some marine species are parasitic on other animals.

 WORLD FOREST DAY

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Celebrated annually on March 21, World Forest Day highlights the importance of forests and trees in our lives.

• Aims to promote the value of various types of forests and encourage participation in forest-related campaigns such as planting drives.
• Coordinated by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) and the United Nations Forum on Forests.

History:

• Proposed in 1971 by the General Assembly of the European Confederation of Agriculture.
• March 21 was chosen by the United Nations due to its coincidence with the Vernal Equinox and Autumn Equinox in the northern and southern hemispheres.

Theme for This Year:

• The theme for the current year is “Forests and Innovation: New Solutions for a Better World.”
• Emphasizes the role of innovation in addressing challenges related to forests and promoting sustainability.

COCOA BEANS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

A shortage of cocoa beans has led to the near shutdown of processing plants in Ivory Coast and Ghana, which collectively produce 60% of the world’s cocoa.

About Cocoa:

• Cocoa is a vital plantation crop primarily grown for chocolate production worldwide.
• Native to the Amazon basin of South America, it thrives in the humid tropics around the equator.

Climatic Conditions:

• Ideal growing conditions include an altitude of up to 300 meters above sea level.
• Requires annual rainfall of 1500-2000 mm and a temperature range of 15°-39°C, with the optimum at 25°C.
• Thrives in deep, well-drained soils with a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0, commonly found in clay loam and sandy loam soils.

Shade Requirement:

• Evolved as an under-storey crop, cocoa requires about 50% of available light, making it suitable for cultivation in plantations.

Major Producing Regions:

• Around 70% of the world’s cocoa beans come from West African countries such as Ivory Coast, Ghana, Nigeria, and Cameroon.
• In India, cocoa cultivation primarily occurs in Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu, often as an intercrop with arecanut and coconut.