27-February-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

PM MODI INAUGURATES SUDARSHAN SETU, INDIA’S LONGEST CABLE-STAYED BRIDGE

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIA TODAY

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the ‘Sudarshan Setu’ bridge connecting Beyt Dwarka island to mainland Okha in Gujarat’s Devbhumi Dwarka district.

‘Sudarshan Setu’ Bridge:

• India’s longest cable-stayed bridge, spanning 2.32 km over the Arabian Sea.
• Connects Beyt Dwarka island to mainland Okha in Gujarat.
• Features a unique design with a footpath adorned with verses from the Bhagavad Gita and images of Lord Krishna.
• Equipped with solar panels generating one megawatt of electricity.

Key Facts about Beyt Dwarka Island

• Also known as Bet Dwarka or Shankodhar, it’s a small island off the coast of Dwarka, Gujarat.
• Enclosed by temples, white sand beaches, and coral reefs.
• Historically believed to be the home of Lord Krishna during his reign as king of Dwarka.

History of Beyt Dwarka Island

• Traditionally associated with Lord Krishna, who is said to have received it as a gift from his friend Sudama.
• Archaeological explorations indicate settlements dating back to the Harappan civilization and Mauryan rule.
• Later administered by the Gaekwad clan of the state of Baroda.

Sri Keshavraj Ji Temple

• A Lord Krishna temple on Beyt Dwarka island, significant for Hindu pilgrimage.
• Built around 500 years ago by Vallabhacharya, an important figure in Hinduism.

5,000-YEAR-OLD DNAS REVEAL SIX CASES OF DOWN AND EDWARDS SYNDROME

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: NEWS18

Researchers have identified chromosomal disorders in prehistoric skeletal remains dating back up to approximately 5,500 years.

Notably, six cases of Down syndrome and one case of Edwards syndrome were reported.

Edwards Syndrome:

• Also known as trisomy 18.
• An autosomal chromosomal disorder caused by an extra copy of chromosome 18.
• A severe genetic condition affecting the child’s body development and growth.

Symptoms of Edwards Syndrome

Children diagnosed with trisomy 18 exhibit:

• Low birth weight.
• Multiple birth defects.
• Defining physical characteristics.

Types of Edwards Syndrome

Complete Trisomy 18:

• Most common form (94%).
• Every cell contains three complete copies of chromosome 18.
• Extra chromosome often of maternal origin.

Mosaic Trisomy 18

• Second most common type (less than 5%).
• Coexistence of both a complete trisomy 18 and a normal cell line.

Partial Trisomy 18

• Only a partial segment of chromosome 18 is present in triplicate.
• Resulting from a balanced translocation or inversion carried by one of the parents.

Treatment for Trisomy 18

• There are no specific treatments for trisomy 18.
• Treatment focuses on managing symptoms like heart conditions, breathing difficulties, and infections.

RAISINA DIALOGUE 2024

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: PIB

The 9th edition of the Raisina Dialogue 2024 was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.

What is Raisina Dialogue?

• Organized by Delhi-based think tank Observer Research Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of External Affairs.
• Attendees include individuals from political, business, media, and civil society backgrounds.

Significance for India

• Platform for Dialogue: Opportunities for India to discuss key regional and global issues.
• “Vishwamitra” or Friend of the World: Reflects India’s commitment to being a leading voice globally through mutual cooperation.
• Upholding Rule-based Order: Demonstrates India’s commitment to a rules-based and inclusive world order.
• Advancing National Interest: Showcases India’s achievements and potential, advancing strategic and economic interests.

Issues with Recent Raisina Dialogue

• Agenda Dominated by European Interests: Overemphasis on Russia-Ukraine war; neglect of issues like Israel-Gaza conflict and Global South agenda.
• Lack of Balance: European concerns raised, but Russia and China, central to discussions, were not invited.
• Lack of Diversity: Minimal representation from Southeast Asia, Latin America, and limited South Asian representation.
• Underrepresentation of Civil Societies: Inadequate presence of non-governmental civil society organizations in discussions.

Conclusion

Raisina Dialogue should encompass a broader range of issues and include neglected regions for a more effective global discussion platform.

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATION OF PHYSICISTS ACHIEVES FIRST SUCCESSFUL LASER COOLED POSITRONIUM

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

The AEgIS collaboration at CERN achieved laser cooling of Positronium, a hydrogen-like atom composed of an electron and a positron, marking a significant advancement in quantum electrodynamics and matter-antimatter interactions.

Experimental Setting:

CERN Collaboration:

• The AEgIS collaboration involves researchers from 19 European groups and one Indian group.
• Experiments were conducted at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, within the Antihydrogen Experiment: Gravity, Interferometry, Spectroscopy (AEgIS) collaboration.

Unique Composition of Positronium:

Fundamental Atom:

• Positronium is a unique atom comprising an electron and a positron, without nuclear matter.
• It serves as an ideal testing ground for bound-state quantum electrodynamics due to its purely leptonic nature.

Indian Contribution:

Role of Sadiq Rangwala:

• Sadiq Rangwala, a Professor at the Raman Research Institute in India, played a crucial role.
• He led the Indian effort and contributed to the design of diagnostics for laser beam alignment at the CERN accelerator.

Technological Challenges:

Cutting-edge Technology:

• Laser cooling of Positronium demanded advanced lasers and technological innovations.
• Overcoming challenges related to ultraviolet and infrared frequency lasers in the CERN accelerator beam hall was necessary.

Temperature Reduction:

Achievement of Laser Cooling:

• Laser cooling successfully reduced the temperature of Positronium atoms from ~380 Kelvin to ~170 Kelvin.
• This accomplishment opens avenues for advanced studies on the interaction between light and charged matter.

Future Implications:

Advanced Studies and Experiments:

• The breakthrough enables further studies, including the formation of exotic many-particle systems like Bose Einstein Condensates.
• It contributes to the AEgIS experiment’s goal of testing the equivalence principle in anti-Hydrogen.

Importance of Quantum Studies:

• Technological Advancements: Quantum studies offer potential revolutionary advancements in technology, particularly in the development of quantum computers.
• Communication Security: Quantum cryptography provides secure communication channels through quantum entanglement principles, ensuring theoretically unhackable communication.
• Material Science: Quantum mechanics insights aid in developing new materials with unique properties, impacting fields like electronics and medicine.
• Fundamental Physics: Deepens understanding of the fundamental nature of the universe, challenging classical notions and paving the way for new theories.
• Energy Efficiency: Quantum technologies enhance energy-efficient processes like sensing and computing, contributing to sustainable technological advancements.
• Economic Impacts: Countries investing in quantum research aim to gain a competitive edge in the global economy, as quantum technologies can disrupt various industries.

MAHARASHTRA: COMMISSIONER OF STATE EDUCATION DEFENDS RTE CHANGES AMIDST UPROAR

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Maharashtra recently amended the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 (RTE Act), aligning with Karnataka and Kerala in easing private schools’ obligations to reserve 25% of seats for disadvantaged groups and weaker sections.

Exemption for Private Schools:

• Geographical Criteria:
• Private unaided schools within a one-kilometer radius of government or aided schools are exempt from reserving 25% seats.
• Students from these areas will be considered for admission to nearby government or aided schools first.

Comparison with Karnataka and Kerala:

Similar Measures:

• Maharashtra’s move aligns with Karnataka (2018) and Kerala (2011) in easing private schools’ RTE obligations.
• Kerala limits fee concessions for RTE quota students only if no government or aided schools are within walking distance.

Rationale behind the Amendment:

Decline in Government School Enrollment:

• A decline in government school enrollment due to parents opting for private schools.
• Karnataka reports a significant drop in enrollment ratios under the previous policy.

Concerns of Private Schools:

• Private schools express concerns about states failing to reimburse fees for RTE quota students as mandated by the RTE Act.

Diverging Responses:

Welcomed by Private Schools:

• Private unaided schools welcome the new rules, anticipating reduced RTE admissions.
• Expected increase in enrollment in government schools.

Criticism by Some:

• Critics argue the amendment undermines the RTE Act’s goal to address education disparities.
• Seen as compromising the Act’s foundational principles of equality of opportunity.

Conclusion:

• Maharashtra’s RTE Act amendment sparks debate on education equity. While some view the exemption positively, critics see it compromising foundational principles. This issue underscores the broader challenges in education policy, emphasizing the need for balanced approaches to address disparities in the education system.

Significant Provisions of the RTE Act:

Right to Free and Compulsory Education:

• All children aged 6 to 14 have the right to free and compulsory education in a neighborhood school.

No Detention Policy:

• No child shall be held back, expelled, or required to pass a board examination until completing elementary education.

Curriculum and Recognition:

• The appropriate government specifies an academic authority for curriculum development.
• All schools must comply with pupil-teacher ratio norms and prescribed norms for establishment and recognition.

Teacher Qualification:

• Teachers must pass the Teacher Eligibility Test (TET) conducted by the appropriate government.
• Minimum qualifications for teacher appointment specified by the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE).

Responsibilities of Schools and Teachers:

• Government and aided schools provide free and compulsory education.
• Schools constitute School Management Committees (SMC) for monitoring and planning.

Responsibilities of Governments:

• Central and state governments share financial responsibility.
• National and State Commissions for the Protection of Child Rights ensure compliance and address grievances.

Financial Resources:

• Central government may request the Finance Commission for additional resources.
• Shared financial responsibility between central and state governments.

ATTUKAL PONGALA CELEBRATED WITH POMP BY WOMEN IN KERALA

TOPIC: (GS1) ART AND CULTURE – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

Attukal Pongala festival is celebrated by women at Attukal Bhagavathy temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.

         

• The temple is known as ‘Women’s Sabarimala’ due to the majority of female devotees.
• Rituals include lighting the main hearth, called ‘Pandara Aduppu’, followed by cooking ritual offerings by women.
• Attukal Bhagavathy, the presiding deity, is believed to be the divine form of Kannaki from the Tamil epic Silappadhikaram.
• According to the epic, Kannaki avenged her husband’s injustice in Madurai and took rest at Attukal in Kerala.
• Silappadhikaram is an ancient Tamil epic describing the tragic love story of Kannaki and her husband Kovalan, attributed to Illango Adigal.
• The Attukal Bhagavathy Temple is a Hindu shrine in Kerala, dedicated to the supreme mother, often referred to as Kannaki.
• The Attukal Pongala festival is recognized by the Guinness Book of World Records for the largest gathering of women for a religious activity.
• The festival lasts 10 days, falling in February-March, starting with rituals like Kappu Kettu and Kudiyiruntha ceremony.
• The main attraction is on the 9th day, ‘Pooram day’, where Pongala/Naivedyam, a special rice offering, is cooked in small pots in the open to please Goddess Kannaki.

KEN RIVER

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

Prime Minister cited crocodiles in Ken River to highlight the extensive use of technology for wildlife conservation.

Ken River:

• Major river in the Bundelkhand region of central India.
• Flows through Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, eventually merging with the Yamuna River.
• Originates near Ahirgawan village in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

Course of Ken River:

• Cuts a 60 km long, 150-180 m deep gorge, forming waterfalls.
• Travels 427 km before merging with the Yamuna at Chilla village, near Fatehpur, Uttar Pradesh.
• Known for rare Sajhar or Dendritic Agate stone.
• Banda city situated on its banks.

Tributaries of Ken River:

• Major tributaries include Bawas, Dewar, Kaith, Baink, Kopra, and Bearma.

Ken-Betwa River Link Project:

• Aims to transfer surplus water from Ken River to Betwa River basin via concrete canal.
• First project under the National Perspective Plan for river interlinking.
• Intends to provide irrigation to drought prone Bundelkhand region.

Bundelkhand Region:

• Geographical and cultural region divided between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
• Encompasses 7 districts in Uttar Pradesh and 6 districts in Madhya Pradesh.
• Jhansi and Sagar are the largest cities in the region.

SCIENTISTS UNRAVEL THE MYSTERY OF THE PROTEIN FACTORY IN OUR CELLS

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

Scientists used electron microscopy to create a 3D model of a part of the human cell, specifically the ribosome.

Overview of Ribosomes

• Non-membrane-bound cell organelles composed of RNA and proteins.
• Present in both prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
• In eukaryotes, found in the cytoplasm, mitochondria, and chloroplast; in prokaryotes, located free in the cytoplasm.

Structure and Function of Ribosomes

• Made up of two subunits: large and small, comprising ribosomal RNA (rRNA) and proteins.
• Primary function: Complex molecular machines facilitating protein synthesis or translation.

Protein Synthesis Process

• Ribosomes read messenger RNA (mRNA) sequence.
• Translate genetic code into a specific string of amino acids, forming proteins.
• Newly formed proteins detach and move to other cell parts for use.

What is mRNA?

• Single-stranded RNA involved in protein synthesis.
• Produced from a DNA template during transcription.
• Carries protein information from DNA in the nucleus to the cell’s cytoplasm.
• mRNA sequence is read by cellular machinery, translating each three-base codon into corresponding amino acids in a growing protein chain.

Role of mRNA in Protein Synthesis

• mRNA acts as a form of nucleic acid, facilitating the reading of the human genome coded in DNA by the cellular machinery.
• In conclusion, the 3D model of ribosomes aids in understanding their intricate structure and their pivotal role in protein synthesis, crucial for the functioning of every cell in the body.