1. INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Scientists from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) and NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) have carried out a collaborative study of the behaviour of multi-drug resistant pathogens aboard the International Space Station (ISS).

International Space Station (ISS)

• About: It is the largest modular space station in low Earth orbit. The project involves five space agencies:

oThe US' NASA, Russia's Roscosmos, Japan's JAXA, Europe's ESA, and Canada's CSA. It orbits Earth approximately every 90 minutes, at an altitude of around 400 kilometers.

• Designed: Between 1984 and 1993.
• Objective: To enable long-term exploration of space and provide benefits to people on Earth.
• Orbit: It orbits earth at an average altitude of 400 km and circles the globe every 90-93 minutes at a speed of 28,000 km/h.

Key findings of Study of Multidrug-Resistant Pathogens

• Focus: The study focused on the genomic, functional, and metabolic adaptations of Enterobacter bugandensis, a bacterium notorious for causing hospital-acquired infections.
• Genomic Adaptations: One of the pivotal findings from the study underscored the role of stress-induced genomic adaptations in bolstering the pathogen’s resistance to antimicrobial treatments.
• ISS Challenges: With microgravity, heightened carbon dioxide levels, and increased radiation as constant challenges, the ISS provides a distinctive setting for studying microbial dynamics.

Pathogens

• About: It is an organism that induces disease in its host, with the intensity of symptoms termed as virulence.
• Taxonomy: Pathogens encompass a broad taxonomic range, including viruses, bacteria, unicellular, and multicellular eukaryotes.
• Impact on Living Organisms: Pathogens affect all living organisms, including bacteria, which are preyed upon by specialized viruses known as phages.

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2. UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION (Syllabus GS Paper 2 – Education)

Context: University Grants Commission (UGC) has decided to allow higher education institutions to admit students twice a year, starting from the next academic year.

University Grants Commission (UGC)

• About: A regulatory body that oversees higher education in India.
• Statutory body: A statutory body established by the Indian government in the year 1953, in conformity with the UGC Act 1956.
• Headquarters: New Delhi
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of the education department.

Objective: 

• The University Grants Commission is to determine, coordinate, and maintain the standards of the teaching, examinations, and research pertaining to higher education.
• The University Grants Commission provides accreditation to higher educational institutions and universities in India along with the provision of funds.

Functions:

• Determination of Standards: UGC is responsible for determining and maintaining the standards of university education across the country.
• Funding: It provides financial assistance to universities and colleges and formulates schemes for the distribution of funds.
• Recognition of Universities: UGC grants recognition to universities and colleges and maintains a list of recognized universities.
• Coordination: UGC facilitates coordination and collaboration among universities and other educational institutions.
• Quality Assessment: It conducts assessments and evaluations of universities to ensure quality education.
• Granting Autonomy: UGC grants autonomy to universities and colleges based on their performance and adherence to quality standards.

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3. DONANEMAB (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: After much debate, a committee of independent advisers recently voted unanimously that the benefits of the new Alzheimer’s drug, Donanemab, outweigh its risks.

Donanemab

• About: It is a monoclonal antibody that targets amyloid beta protein plaques in the brain, one of the defining features of Alzheimer’s disease that can be seen on imaging.
• Mechanism of Action: Donanemab works by helping the body remove amyloid plaque buildups in the brain that are a hallmark of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Harmful Deposits: These plaques are harmful deposits that can form in the brain as people age.

oRemoving the plaque seems to slow down the brain changes that seem to happen with Alzheimer’s.

• Immune System Activation: As the drug enters the brain, it binds to the amyloid plaques, and its presence catches the attention of the immune system, which facilitates plaque removal.
• Prevention: There is no cure and there is still no drug to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s, but donanemab and Leqembi, another drug that is already on the market, show promise.

Alzheimer Disease

• About: It is a brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks.
• Occur: Between a person’s 30s and mid-60s (mostly) and is very rare.
• Impact Areas: The brain is responsible for cognition, memory, and language.

oIt can significantly hinder an individual's capacity to perform routine daily tasks.

• Symptoms: Memory loss, language problems, and unpredictable behaviour.
• Cure: So far, there has been no concrete cure, but some treatments are done to reduce its effectiveness.

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4. JIMEX -24 (Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – IR)

Context: Japan-India maritime exercise (Jimex 24) commenced at Yokosuka in Japan.

Jimex 24

• About: This exercise is conducted biennially between the Indian Navy and Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).
• This is the eighth edition of JIMEX
• Inception: 2012
• Phases: The exercise includes both harbour and sea phases.

oThe harbour phase will comprise professional, sports and social interactions, after which the two navies will jointly hone their war fighting skills at sea and enhance their interoperability through complex multi-discipline operations in the surface, sub-surface and air domains.

• IN is being represented by: INS Shivalik 
• JMSDF is being represented by: Guided Missile Destroyer JS Yugiri.
• Significance: The exercise is taking place in the backdrop of growing concerns over China's military muscle flexing in the Indian Ocean Region as well as in the Indo-Pacific.

oIndia has significantly expanded its deployment in the Indian Ocean Region with a plethora of warships and submarines following the border row with China.

Other Exercises between India and Japan

• Annual joint land military exercise named 'Dharma Guardian'.
• Joint Air Force exercise 'Shinyuu Maitri'.
• Trilateral Maritime Exercise Malabar with the USA.

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5. APPLE INTELLIGENCE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: Apple recently introduced Apple Intelligence, a personal system for iPhone, iPad, and Mac, combining generative models with personal context for highly relevant intelligence.

Apple Intelligence

• About: AI as a personal intelligence system that has been built for iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
• Generative AI: It combines the capabilities of generative AI models with personal context to deliver personalized intelligence.
• User Behavior: This means that it understands user behavior and comes up with appropriate responses.
• Awareness: It is like ChatGPT but with more contextual awareness — it knows the user’s likes and dislikes, online preferences, and keeps a tab on their calendar, etc.

Apple Capabilities

• Improving Writing and Communication: Apple Intelligence lets users improve their writing and communicate with more ease.
• Systemwide Writing Tools: Apple is bringing systemwide Writing Tools that are built into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia.
• Enhanced Text Handling: These tools will allow users to write, rewrite, proofread, and summarize text almost anywhere they write including Notes, Pages, Mails, and even third-party apps.

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6. LYNX (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: While Bengal tigers, Asiatic lions, and Indian leopards often steal the spotlight, the lesser-known lynx is another member of the Felidae family gaining attention among Indians.

Lynx

• About: These are medium-size, solitary wildcats that roam the forests of North America, Europe, and Asia.
• Habitat in India: The lynx is found in India, specifically in the frozen cold desert of Ladakh.
• Lynx in Europe: In Europe, the lynx is considered one of the three major predators along with the gray wolf and the brown bear.

oEurope is home to two of the world’s four types of lynx: the larger Eurasian lynx and the smaller Iberian lynx.

oThe Eurasian lynx, one of Europe's largest predators, has rebounded from near-extinction but remains critically endangered in certain areas like the Voges, Palatinian forest, Bohemian-Bavarian forest, and the Balkans.

• Conservation status: IUCN- Near Threatened
• Importance: Lynxes play a crucial role in their natural habitats, serving as apex predators that help maintain ecosystem balance.
• International Lynx Day: June 11th, celebrates and raises awareness about the conservation of lynxes worldwide.

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7. QUALITY COUNCIL OF INDIA (QCI) (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Economy)

Context: The Quality Council of India (QCI) celebrated World Accreditation Day across over 20 cities in India.

Quality Council of India (QCI)

• About: It is a National body for Accreditation, set up through a PPP model as an independent autonomous organization with the support of Government of India and the Indian Industry represented by the three premier industry associations:
• Established in: 1997. 

oAssociated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM), 

oConfederation of Indian Industry (CII), and 

oFederation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

• Type of Body: A non-profit organization registered under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Nodal Department: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) - Ministry of Commerce and Industry).
• Composition: Governed by a 38-member Council with equal representation from government, industry, and consumers.

oThe Chairman of QCI is appointed by the Prime Minister based on the industry's recommendation to the government.

• Objectives: To lead nationwide quality movement in India by involving all stakeholders for emphasis on adherence to quality standards in all spheres of activities primarily for promoting and protecting interests of the nation and its citizens.
• Accreditation: It is the independent evaluation of conformity assessment bodies against recognised standards to carry out specific activities to ensure their impartiality and competence.

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8. BIRSA MUNDA (Syllabus: GS Paper 1 – History)

Context: The Jharkhand Governor and Chief Minister recently paid tribute to tribal icon Birsa Munda on his death anniversary.

Birsa Munda

• About: He was an influential Indian tribal independence activist and a revered figure among the Munda tribe.
• Born: on 15 November 1875
• Leadership: Birsa Munda played a pivotal role as the leader of a tribal religious millenarian movement that emerged in the late 19th century within the Bengal Presidency, which is now part of Jharkhand.
• Significance: Operating during the British Raj, Birsa Munda's efforts made him a notable figure in the history of the Indian independence movement, contributing significantly to the struggle against colonial rule.
• Geographical Focus of the Revolt: The rebellion primarily unfolded in the Munda belt, specifically in Khunti, Tamar, Sarwada, and Bandgaon, showcasing the concentrated resistance against British rule in these regions.

oBirsa motivated tribal communities by raising awareness about their cultural heritage and rights. He led organized uprisings that targeted bazaars, government officials' residences, and prominent traders' homes.

• Title: His leadership during the rebellion earned him the title "Bhagwan" or "Birsa Bhagwan" among his followers, symbolizing his revered status.
• Legislative Impact: His struggle led to the passing of the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act in 1908, safeguarding tribal land rights from non-tribal exploitation.

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9. HUNTINGTON’S DISEASE (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Sci and Tech)

Context: A team of scientists in the UK recently developed non-invasive measurement techniques and novel analysis methods to decode disease progression and evaluate the effect of potential treatments or lifestyle changes in people with Huntington's disease.

Huntington’s Disease

• About: It is an inherited disorder leading to the gradual degeneration and death of neurons in specific brain regions.
• Types of Huntington’s Disease:
• Adult-Onset HD: The most prevalent form, typically manifesting symptoms in one's mid-30s or 40s.
• Early-Onset HD: Affecting a minority, it initiates in childhood or adolescence.
• Caused by: A mutation in the gene for a protein called huntingtin.
• Symptoms:

oHD manifests varied movement, cognitive, and psychiatric symptoms.

oPatients experience mood swings, reasoning difficulties, involuntary movements, and challenges in speech, swallowing, and mobility.

• Treatment: Currently, there's no cure for HD, nor any means to halt its progression.

oTreatment aims to alleviate symptoms and prolong functional abilities.

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10. KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK (Syllabus: GS Paper 3 – Env and Eco)

Context: An Assam activist recently urged authorities to address the impact of roadwork and faulty speed cameras on animal safety in Kaziranga National Park's wildlife corridors.

Kaziranga National Park

• Location: Located at Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam.
• Flora: Tall elephant grass, marshland, and dense tropical moist broadleaf forests. 
• Fauna: One-horned rhinos; Elephant; Royal Bengal tiger and Asiatic water buffalo. It is the home of the world's most one-horned rhinos and has the second-highest number of Rhinos after Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, situated in Assam.
• River: Located on the edge of Brahmaputra River and Diphlu River flows through the National Park.
• National Highway (NH): NH 37 passes through the National Park.
• Conservation status: 

oNational Park in 1974.

oUNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.

oTiger Reserve in 2007.

oAn Important Bird Area by Birdlife International.

• Other national parks in Assam are:

oDibru-Saikhowa National Park,

oManas National Park,

oNameri National Park,

oRajiv Gandhi Orang National Park.

oRaimona National Park

oDihing-Patkai National Park

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