Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 25th October 2024

PM-YASASVI Scheme:

The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI).

• PM-YASASVI Scheme is a comprehensive umbrella scheme aimed at uplifting students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT) by providing them with access to quality education during their formative years.
• It has consolidated and enhanced several earlier initiatives, including the Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for EBCs and the Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship Scheme for DNTs, which were subsumed under this program starting from 2021-22.
• By integrating these schemes, PM YASASVI aims to ensure a more streamlined and impactful approach to supporting the educational needs of socially and economically disadvantaged students.
• The overarching goal of the scheme is to promote educational empowerment among these vulnerable groups, helping them overcome financial barriers and complete their education.
• Under this Scheme students can avail Pre-Matric Scholarship from Class 9 to 10 and Post Matric Scholarship for their higher studies at post-matriculation or post-secondary stage.
• Eligibility:
  • The Pre-Matric Scholarship is designed for students in classes IX and X attending government schools,
  • Family income below Rs. 2.5 lakh.
  • Implementing Agency:Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

Giant Salmon Carp:

A huge Giant salmon carp fish in the Mekong River thought to be extinct has been spotted three times in recent years.

• It is also known as the Mekong giant salmon carp, is a species of freshwater fish in the family Cyprinidae and the single species in the monotypic genus Aaptosyax.
• The predatory fish can grow up to 4 feet in length, and has a conspicuous knob at the tip of its lower jaw. A striking patch of yellow surrounds its large eyes.
• It is endemic to the middle reaches of the Mekong River in northern Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.
• Its population is much reduced (>90%) as a result of overfishing and habitat degradation.
• Conservation status : IUCN: Critically Endangered

Lake Erie : Infected Bacteria

Research has shown that toxins from these bacteria called microcystin can make animals and people sick when they come into contact with infected water of Lake Erie.

• Lake Erie is the fourth largest of the five Great Lakes of North America.
• It forms the boundary between Canada(Ontario) to the north and the United States to the west, south, and east.
• The lake’s principal tributary rivers are the Detroit (carrying the discharge of Lake Huron), Huron, and Raisin rivers of Michigan etc.
• The lake discharges at its eastern end through the Niagara River.
• It is an important link in the Lawrence Seaway.
• Microcystin is a single-celled freshwater cyanobacterium that forms colonies surrounded by mucilage.
• The genus Microcystis contains several species which often form massive blooms and which produce toxins.

LISA Mission : NASA

The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) revealed the first look of the prototype for six telescopes that will help LISA’s three spacecraft detect gravitational waves in space.

• The Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (LISA) mission is a collaborative effort between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA) set to launch in the mid-2030s.
• The main objective of the mission is to detect and study gravitational waves by putting three spacecraft into the Earth’s orbit and positioning them in a triangular format with 1.6 million miles on each side.
• It will be the “first gravitational wave detector in space” and will “explore the fundamental nature of gravity and black holes”.
• It will also probe the rate of expansion of the Universe.
• All three spacecraft will have two telescopes each. The LISA mission will use lasers to detect gravitational waves.
• The LISA mission will comprise three spacecraft. These three spacecraft will fly in a triangular formation behind the Earth as our planet orbits the Sun.
• The spacecraft will sit in a heliocentric orbit, about 50 million km from Earth, with a distance of around 2.5 million km between each spacecraft.
• LISA will detect ripples in spacetime through subtle changes in the distances between free-floating cubes nestled within each spacecraft.
• Changes in the relative distances between these golden cubes will be tracked with extreme accuracy using laser interferometry.

E. coli : Outbreak

According to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a person died and 49 others fell ill following an E. coli outbreak linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder Hamburgers.

• Escherichia coli, commonly known as E. coli, is a type of bacteria that can be found in the intestines of humans and animals.
• E.coli is a rod-shaped bacterium of the Enterobacteriaceae family.
• While most strains of E. coli are harmless and even beneficial, some strains can cause illness and infections.
  Some kinds of E. coli can cause diarrhea, while others cause urinary tract infections, respiratory illness and pneumonia, and other illnesses.
• Transmission:It can be transmitted to humans through contaminated food, water, or contact with fecal matter from infected individuals or animals.
• The most familiar strains of E. coli that make you sick do so by producing a toxin called Shiga.
• This toxin damages the lining of your small intestine and causes diarrhea.
• These strains of E. coli are also called Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC)
• The most common symptoms of E.coli infection include fever of more than 102 degree F, persistent diarrhoea, bloody diarrhoea, and vomiting.
• The main problem, however, is dehydration due to the inability of the patient to retain water and fluids.
• In very few cases, people may get acute kidney injury.

Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary : Reject The Proposal For The Barachukki Mini-Hydel Project

The Karnataka Forest Department has been urged to reject the proposal for the Barachukki mini-hydel project, which necessitates diversion of forest land in the Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ) of the Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary.

• Cauvery Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area located in the Mandya, Chamarajanagar, and Ramanagar districts of Karnataka.
• It was established in 1987.
• The Cauvery River passes through its midst.
• The sanctuary spans an area of 1027.535 sq.km.
• To the east and northeast, the Sanctuary is bordered by Tamil Nadu State.
• The major portion of the forests are of South Indian dry deciduous type.
• The dense forests are dominated by teak and sandalwood trees.
• It is home to mammals like elephant, wild boar, leopard, dhole, spotted deer, barking deer, four-horned antelope, chevrotain, common langur, Grizzled giant squirrel, etc.
• The river Cauvery also houses various species of reptiles like the Mugger crocodile, Indian mud turtles, and various species of snakes.
• This is also one of the few places to find mahseer fish.

Biodiversity Monitoring : Bioacoustics

Bioacoustics combined with Artificial Intelligence (AI) can revolutionize biodiversity monitoring both on land and in aquatic settings, according to researchers.

• Bioacoustics is a cross-disciplinary science that combines biology and acoustics.
• It refers to the investigation of sound production, dispersion, and reception in animals.
• Bioacoustics research can include approaches whereby scientists focus on specific species and conduct fieldwork to record their vocalisations at close range.
• Alternatively, it may involve the placement of passive acoustic monitors in a set location to record audio data over a longer period of time.
• In terms of conservation research, bioacoustics:
  • Allows us to quickly gather in-depth information about ecosystems, including species’ presence (determined by their vocalisations), rain patterns, and human activity.
  • Helps us monitor threatened species, examine habitat use and migration patterns, and understand how ecosystems recover from disturbance events like logging or forest fires.
  • Provides data to guide conservation planning and support the development of new conservation strategies.

International Snow Leopard Day 2024:

International Snow Leopard Day is every year celebrated on 23rd October, 2024.

• International Snow Leopard Day
• It came into being in 2013, following the adoption of the Bishkek Declaration in Kyrgyzstan where 12 countries that host snow leopard populations agreed to collaborate in their conservation efforts.
• Countries Hosting Snow Leopards: Afghanistan, Bhutan, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Nepal, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan.

Parkinson’s Disease : Recent Study

A recent research has proposed a significant shift in understanding Parkinson’s Disease (PD) through the “gut-first hypothesis”, suggesting a gut-brain connection in its onset and progression.

• The research is significant as it may shift the understanding of the diagnosis, development and treatment of this neurodegenerative disorder.
• The “gut-first hypothesis” suggests that PD may begin in the gut, with implications for understanding disease progression and therapeutic strategies.
• The gut microbiome spans from the mouth to the colon. It is the network of microorganisms — bacteria, viruses, fungi and more — and their collective genetic material that lives within the intestinal tract.
• The research identifies gastrointestinal symptoms, like constipation, as early signs of PD, potentially reshaping diagnosis and treatment approaches.
• Abnormal protein aggregates (Lewy bodies) linked to PD are found in both the gut and brain, indicating a complex interplay in disease development.
• Lewy bodies are primarily composed of alpha-synuclein, a protein that misfolds and clumps together, contributing to the death of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain.
• Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder marked by motor symptoms like tremors, rigidity, bradykinesia (slow movement), and postural instability. Non-motor symptoms include cognitive issues, mental health disorders, sleep disturbances, pain, and sensory problems.
• Bradykinesia means slowness of movement and speed (or progressive hesitations/halts) as movements are continued.
• The exact cause of Parkinson’s disease is not fully known yet, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
• It is primarily characterised by the loss of dopamine-producing neurons in the brain, leading to motor and non-motor symptoms.

Kazan Declaration:

The 16th BRICS Summit saw the leaders adopt the Kazan Declaration: ‘Strengthening Multilateralism For Just Global Development And Security’

• The 16th BRICS Summit was hosted by Russia in Kazan from October 22 to October 24, 2024.
• Theme: “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”.
• Participants: Leaders of BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) along with new partner countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
• Highlights:
  • Geopolitical Concerns Call for peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict through diplomacy.
  • Concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and condemnation of violence in Gaza, West Bank, and Lebanon.
  • Global Governance & Multilateralism Emphasis on the reform of global financial architecture and multilateralism.
  • Support for the continued functioning of the G20 and a reformed, responsive global financial system.
  • Economic Cooperation Promotion of local currencies for cross-border payments to reduce trade barriers.
  • Agreement to explore the establishment of a BRICS Grain Exchange and a BRICS Cross-Border Payment System.
  • Pandemic Preparedness & Health Support for the BRICS R&D Vaccine Center and Early Warning Systems for infectious diseases.
  • Addressing antimicrobial resistance and enhancing healthcare collaboration.
  • Environmental Conservation Support for India’s Big Cats Conservation initiative and collaboration on protecting endangered species.
  • Expansion & Partnerships Welcoming new BRICS partners from Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, expanding the bloc’s influence in the Global South.

I4C Study:

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Union Home Ministry, has projected significant economic losses from cyber frauds in the coming year.

Key Findings:

• India is expected to lose over ₹1.2 lakh crore due to cyber frauds in the next year, equivalent to 0.7% of the GDP.
• A major contributor to these scams, with approximately 4,000 mule accounts identified daily, serving as intermediaries for money laundering.
• 18 ATM hotspots identified across India where fraudulent withdrawals are prevalent. International withdrawals have been traced to ATMs in Dubai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Russia.
• Many scams have been traced to China or Chinese-linked entities, while “scam compounds” in countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Azerbaijan operate like call centers, tricking unsuspecting victims.
• Much of the defrauded money is converted into cryptocurrency before being taken out of the country.

ICRISAT Announces Dr. Himanshu Pathak as New Director General:

The Governing Board of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) has announced the appointment of Dr. Himanshu Pathak as the Director General-designate of the esteemed institute. The announcement was made by Governing Board Chair Professor Prabhu Pingali during an all-staff event held on Friday, October 18, at ICRISAT headquarters in Hyderabad.

Zimbabwe Sets Record For Highest T20I Total:

Zimbabwe’s cricket team etched their name in history by posting a record-breaking total of 344/4 in a T20 International, led by Sikandar Raza’s unbeaten 133 off just 43 balls. His explosive innings, featuring 15 sixes, helped Zimbabwe achieve this landmark in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Africa Sub-Regional Qualifier B match against Gambia.

JP Morgan Chase India Appoints Pranav Chawda as New CEO:

Pranav Chawda has been appointed as the new chief executive officer (CEO) of JP Morgan Chase India for a term of three years. Previously heading the commercial banking unit of the US-based JP Morgan, Chawda’s appointment comes after receiving the necessary approval from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

SBI Raises ₹5,000 Crore via AT-1 Bonds at 7.98%:

State Bank of India (SBI) successfully raised ₹5,000 crore through the issuance of Additional Tier-I (AT-I) bonds, marking its first issuance for the current financial year. The bonds, which carry a coupon rate of 7.98%, are aimed at strengthening the bank’s capital base and comply with Basel-III norms.This issuance comes after SBI’s last AT-I bond issuance in January, where it raised ₹5,000 crore at a higher coupon rate of 8.34%. The market response has been robust, with bids exceeding 3.5 times the base size of ₹2,000 crore, indicating strong investor confidence in the bank.

Delhi Government Establishes Special Courts for People with Disabilities:

The Delhi government, led by Chief Minister Atishi, has approved the establishment of special courts dedicated to people with disabilities. This initiative aims to provide fair and swift justice by designing court environments that cater specifically to the needs of individuals with disabilities.

Commemoration of Sardar Patel’s 150th Birth Anniversary:

The government will celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel with a nationwide program spanning two years, from 2024 to 2026. Announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah on October 23, 2024, the initiative aims to honor Patel’s monumental contributions to India, particularly his vision in establishing one of the world’s most robust democracies and his pivotal role in unifying the nation from Kashmir to Lakshadweep. This commemoration not only recognizes Patel’s historical significance but also reinforces the current government’s commitment to national unity.

Urmila Chaudhary Honored with Global Anti-Racism Championship Award 2024:

Urmila Chaudhary, a prominent social campaigner from Nepal, has been honored with the prestigious Global Anti-Racism Championship Award 2024. The award was presented by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken during a ceremony held at the Department of State in Washington, D.C.

India’s Linguistic Heritage Celebrated at Pravasi Parichay 2024 in Riyadh:

The 2024 edition of the Embassy’s flagship diaspora engagement event, Pravasi Parichay, was inaugurated by Dr. Suhel Ajaz Khan, the Ambassador of India to Saudi Arabia, at the Embassy Auditorium in Riyadh. This week-long cultural celebration kicked off with a specially curated event titled “Classical Languages of India,” designed to showcase the country’s rich linguistic diversity.

Launch of Bharat Chana Dal Phase II by Union Minister Pralhad Joshi:

Union Food and Consumer Affairs Minister Shri Pralhad Joshi has launched the retail phase of Bharat Chana Dal Phase II in Delhi-NCR, marking a significant step in the government’s commitment to provide essential food items at affordable prices. This initiative includes flagging off mobile vans from NCCF, NAFED, and Kendriya Bhandar to facilitate the distribution of pulses during the festive season.

HDFC Life has received dual recognition from Avtar and Seramount for its strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion :

HDFC Life, a prominent player in India’s insurance sector, has earned dual accolades for its commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by Avtar and Seramount. Recognised among the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) and as ‘Exemplars of Inclusion’ in the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI), HDFC Life stands out for its supportive ecosystem not only for women but also for people with disabilities, the LGBTQ+ community, and diverse cultural backgrounds. This recognition reflects the company’s ongoing efforts to create an environment that fosters equality and empowers all employees.

Shillong has been named the most popular travel destination for Indians in 2025:

Shillong has emerged as the most popular destination for Indian travellers in 2025, as revealed by Skyscanner’s “Travel Trends Report” released on Wednesday. Meghalaya’s capital topped the list, surpassing Baku (Azerbaijan) and Langkawi (Malaysia), showing a strong interest among Indians for unique and immersive experiences. The report indicates that 66% of Indians plan to travel more in the coming year.