UPSC Daily Current Affairs | Prelim Bits 02-08-2024

Charles Darwin’s frog

A team of biologists has recently discovered extraordinary reproductive behavior in Charles Darwin’s frog, as featured in Harvard's journal Breviora.

• Family - Dicroglossidae.
• Scientific Name- Minervarya Charlesdarwini.
• They are named in honor of the naturalist Charles Darwin.

• Habitat- Water-filled tree cavities or root buttresses.
• Distribution- They are endemic to India’s Andaman Islands in the Bay of Bengal.
• Appearance
  • Adult males measure 25–29 mm and females 29–38 mm in snout–vent length.
  • The snout is rounded with a blunt tip.
  • The tympanum is distinct and exposed, with a well-developed supra-tympanic fold forming a thick, fleshy ridge.
  • Fingers lack webbing, toes are partially webbed, and both have swollen tips without grooves.
  • The skin has minute granules on the dorsum and is smooth on the venter.
• Unique Reproduction - Exhibits unparalleled reproductive behavior of upside-down spawning.
• No other frog is known to lay eggs on inner walls of tree holes in an upside-down posture with bodies completely outside water.
• Upside-down position may prevent rival males from displacing mating pairs.
• Complex calls - Charles Darwin males produced 3 types of ‘complex’ calls to woo females.
• When the ‘aggressive’ calls fail to ward off competing males, they begin fighting—kicking and boxing, using forelimbs and hind limbs, and biting off body parts or even the entire head.
• Conservation status

o IUCN - ‘Vulnerable’.

References

1. The Hindu | Charles Darwin frog
2. Down to Earth | Charles Darwin’s frog

Metal - Air Batteries

Scientist from CSIR-CMERI, Durgapur have synthesised a cathode material to be used as a catalyst in Metal Air batteries to enable them function in sub-zero climatic condition.

• Metal Air Batteries – They utilize atmospheric oxygen to generate electricity when in contact with metals like aluminum.
• It replaces the need for heavy cathode materials in Li-Ion batteries with metals such as Li, Na, K, Mg, Al, Zn, and Fe, utilizing O₂ at the air electrode.
• Metal–air batteries have higher energy density than lithium-ion batteries.
• Metals like aluminum are lightweight materials that produce energy equivalent or more than lithium-ion batteries.

• The Catalyst – It combines an efficient durable cathode catalyst and anti-freezing electrolyte fabricated for Zn-air batteries.
• It is formed by integrating CoFe alloy and Fe₃C nanoparticles using an in-situ growth technique.
• The CoFe/Fe3C alloy/carbide hybrid structure enhances the durability and shows catalytic performance as a cathode.
• These are multifunctional catalysts capable of accelerating the ORR (Oxygen Reduction Reaction), OER (Oxygen Evolution Reaction), and HER (Hydrogen Evolution Reaction) simultaneously.
• Benefits
  • Remarkable efficacy in both liquid and solid-state zinc-air batteries.
  • Ability to function even under sub-zero temperatures.
  • Potential for practical electrochemical applications.
  • Long-range, lightweight, and recyclable source of energy.

Reference

PIB | Metal-Air Batteries

Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL)

Recently, the Ministry of Cooperation has set up Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL) under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002.

• It is primarily focused on seed production and distribution to support agricultural practices across multiple states in India.
• Nodal agency- Ministry of Cooperation.
• Promoted by - IFFCO, KRIBHCO, NAFED, National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) and NCDC.
• It set up under the Multi-State Cooperative Societies (MSCS) Act, 2002.
• Functions- It will undertake the production, procurement & distribution of quality seeds under a single brand through a network of cooperatives.
• The cooperatives will improve crop yield and develop a system for preservation and promotion of indigenous natural seeds.
• It will help increase the seed replacement rate and variety replacement rate by ensuring farmers' role in producing certified seeds.
• Focus- This society will focus on producing, testing, certifying, procuring, processing, storing, branding, labeling, and packaging foundation and certified seeds.
• Breeder seeds will be sourced from Public Sector Research Organizations and International Research Institutes like ICRISAT, IRRI, and CIMMYT.

• This will be done through Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), leveraging various government schemes and policies using a 'Whole of the Government Approach'.

The share of India’s domestic seed trade in the global market is only 4.5%.

• Significance- It will increase the
  • Production of quality seeds in India through cooperatives,
  • Reducing dependence on imports,
  • Enhancing agricultural production,
  • Boosting the rural economy,
  • Promoting Make in India (Atmanirbhar Bharat).

Reference

PIB | Bhartiya Beej Sahkari Samiti Limited (BBSSL)

Nano-MIND technology

In the world's first experiment, researchers have developed Nano Magnetogenetic Interface for NeuroDynamics (Nano-MIND), a magnetogenetics technology successfully tested on mice.

• Nano-MIND technology, or Nano-Magnetic Information Network Device technology, is an emerging field in nanotechnology and information systems.
• It involves using nanoscale magnetic materials and devices to store, process, and transmit information.
• It enables precise, remote control of deep brain circuits.
• It uses magnetic fields and nanoparticles to modulate brain functions like cognition and emotion wirelessly.
• This technology advances brain manipulation by offering selective activation of neural circuits.

• Finding of experiment
  • Researchers activated specific neurons in various brain regions of mice to showcase the technology's capabilities.
  • They notably activated inhibitory Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the medial preoptic area (MPOA), linked to maternal behaviors.
  • Stimulating these neurons in non-maternal female mice led to increased nurturing behaviors, resembling maternal mice.
  • Feeding behaviors were also regulated by targeting motivation circuits in the lateral hypothalamus.
• Applications- Ultra-fast memory and storage systems, advanced computational devices, and improved data transfer technologies.
• Advantages- Higher data storage density, faster processing speeds, and lower power consumption compared to conventional technologies.

Reference

India today | Nano-MIND technology

Skill India Digital Hub

The Union Minister of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship recently discussed the utility and purpose of Skill India Digital Hub in the Rajya Sabha session.

• The Skill India Digital Hub was launched with a purpose to enhance skill development, education, employment, and entrepreneurship in the country.
• It offers industry-relevant courses, job opportunities, and entrepreneurship support.
• It uses a mobile-first approach to provide course discovery, digital skilling, and verified credentials.
• Launched in- September, 2023.
• Nodal Ministry- Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE).
• Objective- The objective is to offer diverse skill training programs so that individuals can pursue courses and develop careers at any stage of life.
• Features
  • Courses and Training Programs- It offers a wide range of courses across various sectors like IT, manufacturing, healthcare, agriculture, and more.
  • Certifications- It provides certifications upon completion of courses, which can enhance employment opportunities.
  • Partnerships- The platform Collaborates with educational institutions, industry partners, and government bodies to ensure the relevance and quality of training.
  • Skill Mapping- It Uses data analytics to map skills in demand and align courses accordingly.
• Achievements- By June 2024, SIDH registered around 88 lakh candidates, with 7.63 lakh enrolled in online courses.
• The platform offers 752 online courses and 7.37 lakh minutes of digital content.
• It integrates with MSMEs and supports entrepreneurship schemes.

References

1. PIB | Skill India Digital Hub
2. Skillindiadigital | About Skill India Digital Hub