Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 5th November 2024

Iron Beam:

Israel’s ‘Iron Beam’, designed to use a high-power laser to down projectiles, will be operational within a year, according to reports.

• The Iron Beam, also known as Magen or Light Shield, is a new laser-based missile defence system developed by Israel.
• It is a 100kW class High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS) that is expected to become the first operational system in its class.
• It is a directed-energy weapon air defence system that fires powerful beams of light that can destroy fast-moving projectiles.
• Built by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Iron Beam was first unveiled in 2014.
• Its operational range extends up to 7 km (4.3 miles).
• With a continuous energy supply for the laser, the advantage lies in never depleting ammunition, ensuring a sustained capability for defense.
• The absence of conventional ammunition will directly result in significant cost savings.
• Complementing Israel’s Irom Dome, it can be integrated with a range of platforms and can become part of any multilayer defence system.

Alstonia scholaris:

Even though Cyclone Dana triggered heavy rain in Kolkata, it did bring relief to those with allergies and asthma, as the heavy showers led to chhatim trees (Alstonia scholaris) shedding flowers that have a strong fragrance.

• Alstonia scholaris, commonly called blackboard tree, scholar tree, milkwood, or devil’s tree in English, is an evergreen tropical tree in the dogbane family (Apocynaceae).
• It is called ‘Saptaparna’ in India. It has been cited in the Charaka and Sushrutha Samhithas.
• This tree is widespread across the Indian subcontinent, Southeast Asia, and southern China, thriving in tropical and subtropical climates.
• It grows to a height of 10–20 meters, sometimes reaching up to 40 meters.
• It has dark grey bark and a crown of simple, whorled leaves arranged in clusters of seven, giving rise to the name “saptaparni” (meaning “seven leaves”).
• Flowers: Small, fragrant, and greenish-white flowers bloom in clusters during late autumn and early winter.
• The bark, leaves, and other parts of Alstonia scholaris have been used in traditional medicine for treating respiratory conditions, fever, skin disorders, and digestive issues.
• The soft, lightweight wood of the blackboard tree was historically used for making writing slates and blackboards, which is how it got the common name “blackboard tree.”
• IUCN status: Least Concern

Transponder : For Fishermen At Sea

The Central government has planned to install indigenously developed transponders on one lakh fishing vessels for a two-way communication and support system that enhances the safety and security of fishermen at sea.

• A transponder is a wireless communication, monitoring, or control device that picks up and automatically responds to an incoming signal.
• The term is a combination of transmitter and responder.
• Transponders are typically used for detecting, identifying, and locating objects, but they can also be used in other technologies, such as satellites to relay communications signals.
• Transponders are commonly found in both civilian and military aircraft and in objects, such as car keys.
• Transponders operate using radio frequencies and respond to wireless monitoring, communications, and control device signals.
• When sent a signal-also called an interrogator-a transponder responds by returning an identifying signal.
• The information included in the response varies depending on the type of transponder but can include location and identifying codes.
• The transponder automatically sends back a radio signal at a predetermined frequency.
• To receive and send signals simultaneously, receiving and transmitting signals must be set at different frequencies
• An air traffic controller can send an interrogator signal and receive identifying information on an aircraft.
• This enables the control tower to track the aircraft in the surrounding airspace and provide other information to help the pilots maintain adequate distance from other aircraft.

Global Tuberculosis (TB) Report 2024:

It is an annual report published by the World Health Organization (WHO).

• It provides a comprehensive and up-to-date assessment of the TB epidemic and of progress in prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of the disease at global, regional, and country levels.

Highlights of the 2024 Report:

• It shows 8.2 million people were newly diagnosed with TB in 2023, a figure that represents the highest number of TB cases recorded by the WHO since it began global TB monitoring in 1995.
• It also marks a significant increase from the 7.5 million new TB cases reported in 2022.
• Although the estimated number of 1.25 million TB deaths in 2023 is down from the 1.32 million recorded in 2022 and continues a declining trend from the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, that number still far surpasses the 320,000 COVID deaths officially reported to the WHO last year.
• The data show that 30 mostly low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear 87% of the global TB burden, with five countries—India (26%), Indonesia (10%), China (6.8%), the Philippines (6.8%), and Pakistan (6.3%)—combining for 56% of the burden.
• 55 percent of people who developed TB were men, 33 percent were women, and 12 percent were children and young adolescents.
• According to the report, a significant number of new TB cases are driven by five major risk factors: undernutrition, HIV infection, alcohol use disorders, smoking, and diabetes.
• In 2023, India was estimated to have had 27 lakh TB cases, of which 25.1 lakh persons were diagnosed and put on treatment.
• This has buoyed India’s treatment coverage to 89 percent in 2023 from 72 percent in 2015, thereby bridging the gap of missing cases.
• It acknowledged a drop in India’s TB incidence – from 237 per lakh population in 2015, to 195 per lakh population in 2023, accounting for a 17.7 percent decline.

Markhor : Largest Wild Goat In The World

The largest wild goat in the world, is battling for survival in Jammu and Kashmir and measures must to protect its habitat to increase its population.

• The markhor is a wild goat species indigenous to the mountainous regions of Central and South Asia.
• It is known for its thick fur, flowing beard and corkscrew horns.
• It is considered to be an apt flagship species for catalysing conservation in these mountain tracks.
• It is adapted to mountainous terrain, between 600 and 3,600 m elevation, with open woodlands, scrublands and light forests.
• It is a diurnal animal and is mainly active in the early morning and late afternoon.
  Geographical distribution:
• It is found in the moist to semi-arid mountain tracts of Pakistan, India, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan.
• In J&K, Markhor’s population is found in Shopian, Banihal passes to the Shamsbari area of the Kazinag Uri and Pir Panjal range in Poonch.
• Conservation status
  • IUCN: ‘Near Threatened’
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • CITES: Appendix I
• Threats: Its population has been affected mostly by unabated human intervention and biotic factors.

Black Hole Triple System : Study

A new study says scientists have discovered a “black hole triple” in space for the first time.

• The system comprises a black hole at its centre, currently in the process of consuming a small star spiralling very close to it.
• There is also a second star, which appears to be circling the black hole but is actually far away.
• The discovery of the system, located about 8,000 light years away from Earth has raised questions about how black holes are formed.
• Many black holes discovered until now have been part of binary systems, consisting of a black hole and a secondary object (such as a star or another black hole).
• But the black hole triple not only has one star which orbits the black hole about every 6.5 days, but also a more far-off star which orbits it every 70,000 years.
• It is situated in the constellation of Cygnus, the system features one of the oldest known black holes, the V404 Cygni, which is nine times as big as the Sun in our solar system.
• V404 Cygni has two stars around it as the black hole did not arise from a supernova, which typically kicks away outer stars in the explosion.
• Instead, it was formed through another process called “direct collapse”, where the star caves in after expending all its fuel, but does not explode.

Hydrogels : New Discovery

A new way discovered by a team of researchers at the Department of Chemical Sciences in Bose Institute to create hydrogels using tiny protein fragments of just five amino acids from the SARS-CoV-1 virus, could help improve targeted drug delivery & reduce side effects.

• Hydrogels is a three-dimensional network composed of hydrophobic polymers synthesized by crosslinking water-soluble polymers.
• Hydrogels can retain a large quantity of water within their network without disturbing their original structure. This imparts flexibility and swelling properties to the hydrogel structures.
• It is a “smart” material that can change its structure in response to its environment, such as the local temperature, pH, salt or water concentration.
• Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory disease caused by the virus SARS-CoV-1.
• It is an airborne virus and can spread through small droplets of saliva in a similar way to the cold and influenza.
• It can also be spread indirectly via surfaces that have been touched by someone who is infected with the virus.
• Symptoms of SARS include: Persistent, high fever, Chills, Headache and Body aches.
• Treatment: There’s no established treatment specifically for SARS.

Ballon d’Or Award 2024:

Spanish footballers Rodri and Aitana Bonmatí won the Ballon d’Or awards 2024 for the best male and female football players, respectively.

• Manchester City’s Rodri won his first Ballon d’Or, becoming the first Spanish player since 1960 to claim the men’s award.
• While FC Barcelona’s Aitana Bonmatí retained her Ballon d’Or title in women’s football.
• Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards, having won it eight times.
• Cristiano Ronaldo has won the prestigious best footballer award five times.

BRIC-National Agri-Food Bio-Manufacturing Institute:

India’s first Biomanufacturing Institute, the “BRIC-National Agri-Food Bio-Manufacturing Institute” (BRIC-NABI), was inaugurated in Mohali.

• BRIC-NABI is formed by merging National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) and the Center of Innovative and Applied Bioprocessing (CIAB), combining expertise in biotechnology and bioprocessing to scale up agri-tech innovations.
• It aims to boost India’s agri-food sector through advanced biotechnology, enhancing agricultural R&D for high-yield crops, disease-resistant crops, biofertilizers, and biopesticides to support sustainable practices.
• The Center aids agri-food startups, bridging research and industry while empowering local youth, women, and farmers.
• This policy will explore biomanufacturing applications in agriculture, food, pharmaceuticals, and energy sectors, aligned with the eco-friendly goals of the BioE3 policy.
• BioE3 Policy highlights biotechnology’s role in economic growth, job creation, and environmental protection, showcasing the administration’s commitment to a high-impact science strategy.
• The establishment of BRIC-NABI marks a major step towards a science-driven economy focused on biomanufacturing,
• It positions India as a global leader in sustainable development and knowledge-based industries.

16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties : Highlights

The 16th meeting of the Conference of the Parties (COP-16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) was held in Cali, Colombia, where 190 countries discussed measures to achieve global biodiversity goals, including the ambitious 30-by-30 target.

• The COP-16 aims to finalize mechanisms for implementing the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF) targets, which were set in 2022.
• The primary focus was on ensuring biodiversity conservation, reducing pollution, and establishing fair benefit-sharing systems, especially for Digital Sequence Information (DSI).
• The conference emphasized integrating biodiversity into national and global policies and aligning climate change actions with biodiversity goals.

Highlights from COP-16:

• Aiming to conserve 30% of land and ocean areas by 2030 and restore 30% of degraded ecosystems.
• Establishment of a body to include indigenous groups in biodiversity discussions.
• Ongoing debates on fair benefit-sharing from the use of genetic data, with plans for a multilateral mechanism yet unresolved.
• Agreement on technical support for biodiversity mainstreaming, addressing invasive species, and enhancing biodiversity-climate synergy.
• India presented an updated biodiversity plan, projecting an expenditure of ₹81,664 crore for biodiversity and conservation from 2025-30, building on the ₹32,207 crore spent from 2018-22.
• India emphasized the need for international finance, as outlined in KMGBF’s Target 19, to support biodiversity goals beyond government funds.
• India highlighted its National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP), reinforcing its commitment to biodiversity conservation through targeted actions.
• India cited the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance for the conservation of big cats, indicative of its efforts in global wildlife conservation.
• India raised its number of Ramsar sites (wetlands of international importance) from 26 in 2014 to 85 and aims to reach 100, underscoring its dedication to wetland conservation.

Tumaini Festival:

The Tumaini Festival, an annual event held since 2014 at Malawi’s Dzaleka Refugee Camp, celebrates the resilience and culture of refugees through music, art, and crafts.

• Tumaini Festival founded in 2014, by Menes La Plume, a Congolese poet.
• Purpose is to create a unique platform for cultural exchange, showcasing resilience through music, art, and crafts.
• To Builds connections and breaks stereotypes by humanizing the refugee experience, allowing people to share common experiences and celebrate cultural diversity.
• 2024 Event: Organized by the camp’s youth, many of whom were born in the camp, reflecting local pride and ownership.
• Dzaleka Refugee Camp is located Near Lilongwe, Malawi, originally established on a former prison site.
• Established in 1994, following regional conflicts, particularly in Africa’s Great Lakes region.

India and France have been elected as President and Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a two-year term:

India and France have been elected as President and Co-President of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) for a two-year term from 2024 to 2026. India was the sole candidate for the presidency, while France won the co-presidency in a contest with Grenada. Election Results India was the sole candidate for the position of ISA President.

ISRO announced the launch of its analogue space mission in Leh:

ISRO announced the launch of its analogue space mission in Leh, Ladakh. This innovative mission aims to simulate life in an interplanetary habitat, addressing the challenges associated with establishing a base station beyond Earth. Through this initiative, ISRO seeks to gather insights and prepare for future space exploration endeavors

Bali Padyami festival:

Karnataka is celebrating the Bali Padyami festival (Bali Pratipada) on marking the fourth day of Deepavali. This festival commemorates the return of the Asura king, Bali Chakravarty, from Pathala Loka to Bhuloka, a journey made possible by the boon granted to him by Lord Vishnu during his Vamana Avatar.

SBI Mutual Fund : In News

SBI Mutual Fund (SBI MF) has made headlines by becoming the first fund house in India to surpass the ₹10 lakh crore mark in assets under management (AUM), reaching ₹10.99 lakh crore in the September quarter, a notable increase from ₹9.88 lakh crore in June. This achievement places SBI MF ahead of its closest competitors

National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has launched its official mobile app:

On the occasion of Diwali and to mark its 30th anniversary, the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) has launched its official mobile app, NSEIndia, and expanded its corporate website to support a total of 12 languages. This initiative aims to create a more inclusive financial ecosystem for millions of investors across India

Canara Bank is setting a significant target for loan recovery:

State-owned Canara Bank is setting a significant target for loan recovery, aiming to recoup approximately ₹6,000 crore from bad loans in the second half of the current fiscal year (H2 FY25). This strategic goal reflects the bank’s ongoing efforts to improve asset quality while building on its recent financial performance.

Botswana’s new President, Duma Boko:

Botswana’s new President, Duma Boko, fresh from his historic victory that ended the six-decade rule of the Botswana Democratic Party (BDP), is charting a bold new course. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has extended warm wishes to Duma Boko on his election as the President of Botswana.

Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), and Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs):

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has introduced a range of proposed changes for Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs), and Small and Medium REITs (SM REITs) aimed at enhancing market flexibility and investor protection. This aligns with SEBI’s ongoing efforts to strengthen governance, reduce financial risk, and improve operational efficiency in these investment structures.