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

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August 02, 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.

 Charles Darwin's Frog

  • 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.

Metal-Air 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.

Nano-Mind Technology

  • 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.

Initiatives on Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

  • The Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) has launched several initiatives, including
  • STRIVE Project- Digital content in blended mode for 14 trades and a Virtual Reality (VR) pilot in five ITIs.
  • Bharat Skills Portal- Provides e-books, question banks, and e-learning videos in 12 regional languages.
  • Partnerships with IT Companies- Collaborations with IBM, CISCO, AWS, and Microsoft to offer training in AI, Big Data, Blockchain, and Cloud Computing via the Bharatskills portal.
  • Advanced Diploma Program- A 2-year vocational program in IT, Networking, and Cloud Computing offered in collaboration with IBM.

References

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