23 Jan 2024 Daily Current Affairs for UPSC CDS, CAPF, NDA & SSB

1. What is Ingenuity Mars Helicopter?

NASA has re-established contact with its Ingenuity helicopter on Mars, the US space agency said recently.

About Ingenuity Mars Helicopter:

It is a small, autonomous aircraft that flew to Mars aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover.
It was sent to Mars to perform experimental flight tests to determine if powered, controlled flight at the Red Planet was possible.
Ingenuity’s mission is experimental in nature and completely independent of the rover’s science mission.
Ingenuity was deployed to the surface on April 4, 2021.
On April 19, it became the first aircraft in history to make a powered, controlled flight on another planet.
- It rose to a height of 10 feet, hovered for 30 seconds, and then descended back to the ground.
- The flight lasted 39.1 seconds.
- It managed to fly in Mars’ thin atmosphere, which isn’t conducive for flying.
It’s piloted by onboard guidance, navigation, and control systems running algorithms.
Perseverance acts as a relay between the chopper and the earth.

Key Facts about Perseverance Rover:

It is a robotic explorer to land on Marsas part of NASA’s ongoing Mars 2020 Mission.
Main Job:Seek signs of ancient life and collect samples of rock and regolith (broken rock and soil) for possible return to Earth.
The rover will collect samples of rock and soil, encase them in tubes, and leave them on the planet's surface to be returned to Earth at a future date.
Launch: It was launched on July 30, 2020,from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Landing: Successfully landed on the surface of Mars's Jezero Crater on February 18, 2021.

Source : NASA Re-Establishes Contact With Ingenuity Helicopter On Mars After Outage

2. Key Facts about Wular Lake

The Wular Lake has got around four to five lakh migratory birds so far this winter, including seven new species.

About Wular Lake:

It is the largest freshwater lake in India.
It is located in the Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir.
It lies at the north end of the Valley of Kashmir, 20 miles (32 km) north-northwest of Srinagar.
It is spread over a total area of 200 square km covering almost 24 km in length and 10 km in breadth.
The lake basin was formed as a result of tectonic activity and is fed by the Jhelum River.
The lake lies at an altitude of 1,580 m.
It is also said to be a remnant of Satisar Lake, that existed in ancient times.
This lake also has a small island in its centre called the ‘Zaina Lank’. This island was constructed by King Zainul-Abi-Din.
In 1990, it was designated as a Ramsar Site.

Key Facts about Jhelum River:

It is a river that flows in India and Pakistan.
It is a tributary of the Indus River.
It is the main waterway of the Kashmir valley.
Course:
- Origin: It originates at the Verinag Spring at Anantnag, at the foot of the Pir Panjal range in the Kashmir Valley.
- It then flows via Srinagar and Wular Lake prior to entering Pakistan.
- The river makes a deep, narrow gorge on its way to Pakistan.
- It joins the Chenab River near Trimmu, Pakistan.
Length: It has a total length of about 725 km (450 mi).
Major Tributaries: Kishanganga (Neelum) River, Kunhar River, Sandran River, Bringi River, Arapath River, Watlara River, Lidder River, and Veshaw River.

Source : 4 lakh migratory birds to arrive at Kashmir’s Wular Lake, 7 new species sighted

3. Great Indian Bustard

The Supreme Court recently directed the Centre to come clean on its plans to save the critically endangered Great Indian Bustard.

About Great Indian Bustard:

It is a bustard found on the Indian subcontinent.
Scientific Name: Ardeotis nigriceps
It is among the heaviest of the flying birds.
Distribution: The species has a current viable population of 100- 150 individuals in India and mainly survives in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan that holds about 100 individuals.
Habitat: It inhabits dry grasslands and scrublands.
Features:
- It is a large bird with a horizontal body and long, bare legs, giving it an ostrich-like appearance.
- The sexes are roughly the same size, with the largest individuals weighing 15 kg (33 pounds).
- It can easily be distinguished by its black crown on the forehead, contrasting with the pale neck and head.
- The body is brownish, and the wings are marked with black, brown, and grey.
- They breed mostly during the monsoon season, when females lay a single egg on open ground.
- Lifespan: 12-15 years
- These birds are opportunistic eaters. Their diet ranges widely depending on the seasonal availability of food. They feed on grass seeds, insects like grasshoppers and beetles, and sometimes even small rodents and reptiles.
Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
- Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972: Schedule 1
- CITES: Appendix 1

Source : How do you plan to save the Great Indian Bustard, Supreme Court asks government

4. Parambikulam Tiger Reserve

A recent faunal survey at the Parambikulam Tiger Reserve has added 11 new species records including three birds, four butterflies and four odonates to its database.

About Parambikulam Tiger Reserve:

Location: It is nestled in the picturesque and extensive Nelliampathy–Anamalai landscape of the Western Ghats Mountains in Palakkad and Thrissur districts of Kerala.
It was declared a Tiger Reserve in 2009, with a total area of 643.66 sq. Km.
Vegetation:
- The reserve supports diverse habitat types, viz., evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist deciduous, dry deciduous, and shola forests.
- Other unique habitats like montane and marshy grasslands, locally known as 'vayals', are also found.
Flora:
- The reserve houses teak, rosewood, sandalwood, and neem trees.
- It is credited with the world’s first scientifically managed plantation of teak. It is home to the world’s oldest and tallest teak tree named ‘Kannimara’, which is 450 years old and at a height of 40 metres.
Fauna:
- The common animals found are Leopard, Elephant, Gaur, Spotted Deer,
  Sambar, Barking Deer, Common Langur, Nilgiri Langur, Malabar giant squirrel, Sloth Bear, and Wild dog.
- The only South Indian wild goat, the Nilgiri Tahr is found on the high-altitude rocky hills and grasslands in the tiger reserve.
- The tiger reserve is also home to several rare small animals like Tarantula (large bodied spiders).

Source : Parambikulam Tiger Reserve welcomes new residents

5. Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme

Rs 17,490 crore has been set aside for the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme, to bolster domestic electrolyser manufacturing, green hydrogen production.

About Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme:

It is a subcomponent of National Green Hydrogen Mission.
Aim: To bolster domestic electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production.
In the initial stage, two distinct financial incentive mechanisms were proposed with an outlay of ₹ 17,490 crore up to 2029-30:
- Incentive for manufacturing of electrolysers
- Incentive for production of green hydrogen.
Depending on the markets and technology development, specific incentive schemes and programmes will continue to evolve as the Mission progresses.
Implementing agency: The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) would be the implementing agency responsible for the scheme’s execution.

What is the National Green Hydrogen Mission?

It is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy with an outlay of ₹ 19,744 crore from FY 2023–24 to FY 2029–30.
The overarching objective of the Mission is to make India a global hub for the production, usage, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
The expected outcomes of the mission by 2030, are as follows:
- India’s Green Hydrogen production capacity is likely to reach 5 MMT per annum, contributing to reduction in dependence on the import of fossil fuels. Achievement of Mission targets is expected to reduce a cumulative ₹ 1 lakh crore worth of fossil fuel imports by 2030.
- This is likely to leverage over ₹8 lakh crore in total investments and create over 6 lakh jobs.
- Nearly 50 MMT per annum of CO2 emissions are expected to be averted through the production and use of the targeted quantum of Green Hydrogen.
It has a provision for supporting pilot projects for low-carbon steel, mobility, shipping, and ports.
The Mission provides allocations for various sub-components of the Mission such as SIGHT, Pilot projects, R&D etc. to fund specific selected projects.
There is no State-wise allocation made under the Mission.

Key Facts about Green Hydrogen:

Green Hydrogen is produced by the process of electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydropower.
This process results in a clean and emission-free fuel that has immense potential to replace fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions.

Source : MNRE launches scheme to incentivise production of green hydrogen

6. Willingdon Island

Recently, the Cochin Port Joint Trade Union Forum has urged the Prime Minister of India to take effective steps to revive the lost glory of Willingdon Island.

About Willingdon Island:

It is among the most beautiful locations in the Kochi area.
This is a man-made island, named after Lord Willingdon who was a British Viceroy of India.
It is among the biggest of its kind in India.
It is a major commercial centre and has some of the best hotels in the city.
It is also home to the Kochi Naval Base of the Indian Navy, the Central Institute of Fisheries Technology and the Port of Kochi.
It handles millions of tonnes of freight every year.
The island is connected to the mainland by the Venduruthy Bridge.

Who was Lord Willingdon (1931 - 1936)?

He was the 22nd Viceroy and Governor-General of India.
Major events during his tenure
- Introduction of the Government of India Act, 1935.
- The Second Round Table Conference, held in 1931, saw the participation of Gandhi as a representative of the Congress.
- British Prime Minister Ramsay MacDonald introduced the Communal Award in 1932.
- The Poona Pact of 1932was reached between Gandhi and Ambedkar to address provisions related to fair representation of backward classes.
- The Third Round Table Conference, held in 1932, failed as neither Gandhi nor Congress attended.

Source : Cochin Port unions urge PM Modi to revive lost glory of Willingdon Island

7. Arogya Maitri cube

Recently, Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube has been deployed in Ayodhya to bolster medical readiness and response capabilities during the upcoming 'Pran Pratishtha' ceremony.

About Arogya Maitri cube:

It is a revolutionary mobile hospital equipped with cutting-edge technology.
This cube is a part of the broader initiative named “Project BHISHM” – Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri.
Features
- It is tailored to treat up to 200 casualties, emphasising rapid response and comprehensive care.
- The Aid Cube is equipped with several innovative tools designed to enhance disaster response and medical support during emergencies.
- It integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to facilitate effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services in the field.
- The whole unit contains 72 easily transportable components that can be conveniently carried by hand, cycle, or even drone, providing unmatched flexibility.
- In the face of mass casualty incidents (MCIs), where requirements range from basic aid to advanced medical and surgical care, the Aid Cube stands out with its ability to be deployed within an astonishing 12 minutes.
- These cubes are robust, waterproof, and light, designed for various configurations, making them ideal for diverse emergency scenarios.
- From airdrops to ground transportation, the cube can be rapidly deployed anywhere, ensuring immediate response capability.
- It has advanced medical equipment, RFID-tagged for efficient repacking and redeployment.
The state-of-the-art BHISHM software system integrated into a provided tablet allows operators to locate items quickly, monitor their usage and expiry, and ensure readiness for subsequent deployments.

Source : Indigenous Mobile Hospital (BHISHM) Deployed in Ayodhya

8. Bureau of Police Research and Development

Recently, the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPRD) has warned users of different scams perpetrated through messaging platform WhatsApp.

About Bureau of Police Research and Development:

It was set up in 1970 under the Ministry of Home Affairs by replacing the Police Research and Advisory Council.
Objectives
- To identify the needs and problems of the police in the country.
- To undertake research projects and studies, and suggest modalities to overcome problems and challenges and meet the needs and requirements of the police.
- It was also mandated to keep abreast of the latest developments in the fields of science and technology, both in India and abroad, with a view to promoting the use of appropriate technology in police work.
It is also assisting the States in modernization of the State Police Forces and Correctional Administration.
More recently, the BPR&D has also been entrusted with the responsibility of anchoring and coordinating the work of the National Police Mission.

Source : Police think tank Bureau of Police Research and Development warns users of scams, data-breach acts on WhatsApp

9. Havisure vaccine

Recently, the Indian Immunologicals Ltd (IIL) a wholly owned subsidiary of National Dairy Development Board (NDDB) launched India’s first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine ‘Havisure’ in Hyderabad.

About Havisure vaccine:

It is a two-dose vaccine — first dose administered at above 12 months of age and the second at least six months after the first dose.
The vaccine is recommended for children as part of the routine immunisation as well as for individuals at risk of exposure or travel to the regions with high hepatitis A prevalence.
In addition to this people with occupational risk of infection and suffering from chronic liver diseases also require Hepatitis A vaccination.

Key facts about Hepatitis A

It is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).
The virus is primarily spread when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the faeces of an infected person.
Hepatitis can be an acute (short-term) infection or a chronic (long-term) infection.
There are different types of hepatitis, with different causes:
- Viral hepatitis is the most common type. It is caused by one of several viruses -- hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E.
- Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by heavy alcohol use.
- Toxic hepatitis can be caused by certain poisons, chemicals, medicines, or supplements.
- Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic type in which your body's immune system attacks your liver. The cause is not known, but genetics and your environment may play a role.
Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D spread through contact with the blood of someone who has the disease.
Hepatitis B and D may also spread through contact with other body fluids. This can happen in many ways, such as sharing drug needles or having unprotected sex.
Symptoms: Some people with hepatitis do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected.
Common symptoms include: fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-coloured urine and jaundice.
Treatment: There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Recovery from symptoms following infection may be slow and can take several weeks or months.

Source : India's first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine launched in Hyderabad

10. What is Skink?

Recently, a team from the Thackeray Wildlife Foundation (TWF) has discovered the first-ever viviparous skink genus and five new species belonging to it from peninsular India.

Why in the news?

The researchers have named the new genus as 'Dravidoseps', a combination of the Sanskrit words 'Dravid' and ‘Seps'.
This genus ‘Dravidoseps’ is distinct from the genus ‘Subdoluseps’, as it gives birth to its young—instead of laying eggs.
All the five newly discovered species are from the state of Tamil Nadu, and have been named as:
- Dravidoseps gingeeensis’ (from the Gingee Hills),
- Dravidoseps jawadhuensis’ (Jawadhu Hills),
- Dravidoseps kalakadensis’ (Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve),
- Dravidoseps srivilliputhurensis’ (Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve)
- Dravidoseps tamilnaduensis’ (Kolli, Pachaimalai and Yercaud Hills).

About Skink:

Skink is the common name for the lizards that comprise the family Scincidae.
It is typically smooth and shiny with small or rudimentary legs.
It is a type of reptile that has been around since the time of the dinosaurs.
They are mostly secretive ground dwellers or burrowers.
Skinks are highly alert, agile and fast moving and actively forage for a variety of insects and small invertebrates.
Habitat: They can be found in a variety of habitats, from deserts to rainforests, and are well-known for their ability to camouflage with their surroundings.
Distribution: These are represented throughout most of the world but are especially diverse in Southeast Asia and its associated islands, the deserts of Australia, and the temperate regions of North America.

Source : Researchers discover 5 new species of reptiles that give birth to their young ones

23 Jan 2024 Daily Current Affairs for UPSC CDS, CAPF, NDA & SSB

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