25 May 2024 Daily Current Affairs 

About Neanderthals:

• They were an extinct relative of modern humans once found across Europe, extending into Central and Southwest Asia.
• Species: Homo neanderthalensis
• They are our closest extinct human relative.
  • Current evidence from both fossils and DNA suggests that Neanderthal and modern human lineages separated at least 500,000 years ago.
• The last populations of Neanderthals are thought to have died out roughly 40,000 years ago, several thousand years or so after a wave of modern humans migrated deeper into Europe.
• Although they are long extinct, their genes are still present in modern human DNA. 
• Features:
  • Some defining features of their skulls include the large middle part of the face, angled cheek bones, and a huge nose for humidifying and warming cold, dry air. 
  • Their bodies were shorter and stockier than modern humans, another adaptation to living in cold environments.
  • But their brains were just as large as modern humans and often larger-proportional to their brawnier bodies.
  • Their bones reveal that they were extremely muscular and strong, but led hard lives, suffering frequent injuries.
  • Unlike modern humans, Neanderthals didn't have much of a chin.
  • Neanderthals made and used a diverse set of sophisticated tools, controlled fire, lived in shelters, made and wore clothing, were skilled hunters of large animals, ate plant foods, and occasionally made symbolic or ornamental objects. 
  • There is evidence that Neanderthals deliberately buried their dead and occasionally even marked their graves with offerings, such as flowers.
    • No other primates, and no earlier human species, had ever practiced this sophisticated and symbolic behavior.

• About Preeclampsia: 

  • It is a serious condition that can happen after the 20th week of pregnancy or after giving birth (called postpartum preeclampsia).
  • Most people who have preeclampsia have dangerously high blood pressureand may have problems with their kidneys or liver.
    • High blood pressure (also called hypertension) can stress the heart and cause problems during pregnancy.
  • What causes preeclampsia? It is believed to come from a problem with the health of the placenta (the organ that develops in the uterus during pregnancy and is responsible for providing oxygen and nutrients to the fetus). 
  • Symptoms:
    • Many people with preeclampsia do not have any symptoms.
    • For those that do, some of the first signs of preeclampsia are high blood pressure, protein in the urine, and retaining water (this can cause weight gain and swelling).
    • Other signs of preeclampsia include Headaches, Blurry vision or light sensitivity, Dark spots appearing in your vision, Right side abdominal pain, Swelling in your hands and face (edema), and Shortness of breath.
  • While most people who have preeclampsia have healthy babies, this condition can cause serious problems.
    • It can also affect other organs in the body and be dangerous for both the mom and her developing fetus.
    • It can cause preterm delivery and even death.
  • Treatment:
    • The only cure for preeclampsia is to give birth.
    • Even after delivery, symptoms of preeclampsia can last 6 weeks or more.
    • Treatment, if necessary, is based on how far along the pregnancy is, and may include induced labor or a Caesarean section (C-section).

Source: Are you aware of Preeclampsia? Early detection can save lives

 

3. What is Ferroptosis?

A new study by researchers found that ferroptosis is the major cell death mechanism that underlies COVID-19 lung disease.

About Ferroptosis:

• It is a form of regulated cell death caused by a toxic buildup of lipid peroxides on cell membranes.
• It is different from other forms of cell death, such as apoptosis. This type of cell death requires iron, which is why it has the name “FERroptosis.”
• How does it happen?
  • Lipid peroxides, which are generated through normal metabolic activities, can lead to oxidative damage to cell membranes.  
  • Ferroptosis is characterized by a reduction in intracellular glutathione (GSH) and decreased activity of glutathione peroxidase, so that lipid peroxides cannot be oxidized, leading to an increase in lipid peroxidation from iron. 
  • Our cells have powerful defense mechanisms to maintain cell survival.
  • However, when our defense mechanisms become defective, unchecked lipid peroxides accumulate to toxic levels, damage membrane integrity, and kill cells through ferroptosis.
• Several studies have linked ferroptosis with many diseases, including ischemia-reperfusion and kidney injuries, nervous system diseases, cancer, and blood diseases.

What is Apoptosis?

• Apoptosis is a process of programmed cell death that occurs in multicellular organisms.
• It is a highly regulated and controlled process that occurs normally during development and aging as a homeostatic mechanism to maintain cell populations in tissues.
  • For example, the separation of fingers and toes in a developing human embryo occurs because cells between the digits undergo apoptosis.
• It also occurs as a defence mechanism such as in immune reactions or when cells get damaged by disease or by noxious agents.
• It can be triggered by mild cellular injury and by various factors internal or external to the cell; the damaged cells are then disposed of in an orderly fashion.
• It involves condensation of the nucleus and cytoplasm, followed by cellular partitioning into well-defined fragments for disposal.

Source: Research shows that ferroptosis, a form of cell death, occurs in severe COVID-19 patient lungs

4. What is ASMPA Missile?

France has marked a significant milestone in its defence capabilities by successfully testing the updated ASMPA supersonic missile, capable of carrying a nuclear warhead.

About ASMPA Missile:

• The Air-Sol Medium Range (ASMP/ASMP-A) is an air-launched land-attack supersonic cruise missile that carries a nuclear payload. It is a central component of France’s nuclear deterrent
• Versions:
  • ASMP-A, an upgraded version of the ASMP, arrived into French service in 2009. This version had an extended range of up to 500 km, and supported a new 300 kt thermonuclear warhead. 
  • The ASMPA-R project is a renovated version of the AMSPA intended to add additional range and support another advance in its warhead. 
• Features:
  • It is an inertial-guided, air-to-surface missile most likely directed by terrain-mapping and a pre-programmed onboard computer. 
  • The motor assembly is comprised of a solid-propellant engine which fires after the missile has been released from the aircraft.
    • Upon ignition, the missile accelerates to Mach 2.0 in five seconds, after which the booster cartridge is ejected from the ramjet exhaust nozzle.
    • Then, the liquid (kerosene)–powered ramjet motor takes over and accelerates to a maximum speed of Mach 3.0, depending on the altitude.

Source: France Conducts Successful Test of ASMPA Supersonic Nuclear Missile Amid Global Tensions

5. What is Arab League?

The Arab League recently called for UN peacekeeping forces in the Palestinian territories during a summit in Bahrain's Manama.

About Arab League:

• The Arab League, also called the League of Arab States (LAS), is a regional organization of Arab states in the Middle East and parts of Africa.
• Formation:
  • It was formed in Cairo on March 22, 1945.
  • It was chartered in response to concerns about postwar colonial divisions of territory as well as strong opposition to the emergence of a Jewish state on Palestinian territory.
• Goals:
• • The overall aim of the league is to promote Arab interests.
  • Its main goals are to strengthen and coordinate the political, cultural, economic, and social programs of its members and to try to settle disputes among them or between them and third parties.
  • In 1950, the members also agreed to provide military support to help defend each other.
• Headquarters: Cairo, Egypt.
• Official language: Arabic
• Members:
  • Currently, it has 22 members. The founding member states of the league are Egypt, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen.
  • Members who joined later are Libya, Sudan, Tunisia, Morocco, Kuwait, Algeria, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Mauritania, Somalia, the Palestine Liberation Organization, Djibouti, and Comoros.
  • The League regards Palestine as an independent state. 
• There are four nations that were conferred observer status by the League: Brazil, Eritrea, India, and Venezuela.
• Council:
  • The highest body of the league is the Council, composed of representatives of member states, usually foreign ministers, their representatives, or permanent delegates. 
  • The League makes decisions on a majority basis, but there is no mechanism to compel members to comply with resolutions.
  • Each member has one vote on the Council, with decisions binding only on those states that have voted for them.

Source: Arab League Demands UN Peacekeepers In Palestinian Regions; Israel’s Ally U.S. Responds | Watch

6. Mount Ibu

Recently, Mount Ibu erupted again, sending ash 4 km high, as streaks of purple lightning flashed around its crater.

About Mount Ibu:

• The Ibu volcano is an active stratovolcano located along the NW coast of Halmahera Island in Indonesia.
• Ibu's activities follow a series of eruptions of different volcanoes in Indonesia, which sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire" and has 127 active volcanoes.

What is Stratovolcano?

• Stratovolcano is also called a composite volcano.
• Characteristics:
  • This volcanic landform is characterized by a conical shape formed by layers of volcanic material deposited during successive volcanic eruptions.
  • These volcanoes tend to slope gently at the base but rise quickly near the summit to form tall mountain peaks.
  • They are typically found above subduction zones, and they are often part of large volcanically active regions, such as the Ring of Fire that frames much of the Pacific Ocean.
  • These are build up on height by layering lava, ash and tephra. By definition, they have alternating layers of pyroclastic and lava.
• Examples for Stratovolcano are Nevado del Ruiz Volcano and Ubinas Volcano (Andes Mountains of Colombia).

Source: Ash soars 4 km into sky as Indonesian volcano erupts with dramatic purple lightning

7. Project Udbhav

The Indian Army, under its initiative Project Udbhav, is delving into the epic battles of the Mahabharata and the strategic brilliance of past Indian dynasties, shaping India's rich military heritage.

About Project Udbhav:

• It is collaboration between the Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India(USI), a defence services think tank.
• The project, named ‘Udbhav’, translates to ‘origin’ or ‘genesis’, recognizing the profound knowledge embedded in our nation’s historical texts spanning centuries.
• At its core, the project seeks to amalgamate ancient insights with modern military practices, creating a comprehensive approach to tackle present-day security challenges.
• Aim: This initiative aims to bridge the gap between age-old wisdom and contemporary military education.
• India’s ancient knowledge system, rooted in a 5000-year-old civilizational legacy, boasts a repository of intellectual texts and manuscripts.
• Project Udbhav, as per MoD, aims to facilitate a profound understanding of these systems and their enduring relevance in the modern era.
• This project takes inspiration from
  • Literature like Chanakya's Arthashastra underscores the importance of strategic partnerships, alliances and diplomacy, aligning with modern military practices such as international cooperation and soft power projection.
  • Chanakya’s teachings on statecraft and warfare are studied by various institutions the world over.
  • Similarly, the wisdom of Thirukkural, the classical Tamil text authored by Thiruvalluvar, the Tamil philosopher, advocates ethical conduct in all endeavours, including warfare.
  • This aligns with modern military codes of ethics of just war and principles of Geneva Convention.

Source: Project Udbhav: Indian Army to learn war tactics from vedas, puranas, and Mahabharata

 

8. Sweet sorghum

Sweet sorghum is a hardy, nutritious, biofuel crop that offers solutions in drought-hit southern Africa because of El-Nino phenomenon.

About Sweet sorghum:

• It is the most important millet crop occupying largest area among the cereals next to rice.
• One of the key characteristics of sweet sorghum varieties is their drought resistance. It allows them to enter a dormant state during extended periods of dryness and resume growth afterwards.
• Required climatic conditions and
  • The crop does not prefer high rainfall as high soil moisture or continuous heavy rain after flowering may hamper sugar increase.
  • All soils that have medium depth with good drainage are suited.
  • Depending on the soil (red, black, laterite and loamy) and its depth water requirement may vary which in turn decide the suitability of the crop.
• Unique features of Sorghum
  • It has ability to withstand low water and nitrogen inputs, as well as its tolerance for salinity and drought stress, makes it an ideal crop for farmers in arid regions.
  • Research has shown that, under intense water scarcity conditions, sweet sorghum makes use of its stalk juice to supplement its plant needs.
• It is used in food industry and its stalk is used for the production of value-added products like ethanol, syrup and jaggery and bioenriched bagasse as a fodder and as a base material for cogeneration.
• It can produce grains, animal feed and sugary juice, making it unique among crops.
• The grains from sweet sorghum are prepared as steamed bread or porridge malt for traditional beer, as well as in commercial beer production across the continent.

Source: Sweet sorghum is a hardy, nutritious, biofuel crop that offers solutions in drought-hit southern Africa

 

9. GSAP SKILLS Platform

Recently, the GSAP SKILLS Platform was launched at the Fourth meeting of the Subsidiary Body on Implementation, Convention on Biological Diversity.

 

About GSAP SKILLS Platform:

• Global Species Action Plan(GSAP), the Species Conservation Knowledge, Information, Learning, Leverage and Sharing (SKILLS) platform brings the GSAP’s content online and allows the updating of technical tools and resources in real time.
• It aims to facilitate global collaboration and partnership, connecting decision makers, species conservation practitioners and experts at all levels.
• It provides real-time updates on technical tools and resources, ensuring accessibility and relevance.
  • Each Global Biodiversity Framework target is accompanied by a brief summary and rationale for species conservation interventions, actions, and sub-actions, actors and technical tools and resources for those actions, facilitating the scaling-up of implementation efforts.
• This platform is managed proactively by IUCN to meet the needs from governments and all stakeholders to take actions for species.
• The development of the GSAP SKILLS platform has been principally supported by Ministry of Environment, Republic of Korea, with additional resources from the Tech4Nature Initiative launched by IUCN and Huawei in 2020.

What is Global Species Action Plan?

• It has been developed to support implementation of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) and to address the increasing biodiversity loss worldwide.
• It outlines strategic interventions and actions to conserve and sustainably manage species while ensuring equitable benefits.

Source: IUCN launches GSAP SKILLS - the Global Species Action Plan Online Knowledge Platform

 

10. Advertising Standards Council of India

Recently, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has processed complaints against 101 advertisements (ads) featuring celebrities.

About Advertising Standards Council of India:

• It is a voluntary self-regulatory organisation of the advertising industry in India. It was established in 1985 and is registered as a non-profit company under Section 25 of the Company Act.
• It comprises members from marketing, creative, media, and allied companies in India. It is committed to the cause of self-regulation in advertising, ensuring the protection of the interests of consumers. 
• Purpose of the ASCI code: To control the content of advertisements, not to hamper the sale of products which may be found offensive, for whatever reason, by some people.
• Functions:
  • It seeks to ensure that advertisements conform to its Code for Self-Regulation, which requires advertisements to be legal, decent, honest, truthful, and not hazardous or harmful while observing fairness in competition. 
  • It looks into complaints across all media, such as Print, TV, Radio, hoardings, SMS, Emailers, Internet/website, product packaging, brochures, promotional material, and point-of-sale material, etc.
• It is a part of the Executive Committee of the International Council on Ad Self-Regulation (ICAS).

Source: Advertisement authority acted against 101 advertisements featuring celebrities