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

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Written by NDI EDITOR

Jan 30 2024

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30 Jan 2024 Daily Current Affairs for UPSC CDS, CAPF, NDA & SSB
1. What is Mitochondrial coxiella effector F (MceF)?
Researchers recently discovered a previously unidentified protein named mitochondrial coxiella effector F (MceF) with antioxidant properties produced by Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium.

About Mitochondrial coxiella effector F (MceF):

  • It is a bacterial protein capable of keeping human cells healthy even when the cells have a heavy bacterial burden. 
  • It is produced by Coxiella burnetii, a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium.
  • After invading host cells, Coxiella burnetii releases MceF into cells.
  • MceF interacts with glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), an antioxidant enzyme located in the mitochondria, to improve mitochondrial function by promoting an anti-oxidizing effect that averts cell damage and death, which may occur when pathogens replicate inside mammalian cells.

Key Facts about Coxiella burnetii:

  • It is a Gram-negative intracellular bacterium.
  • It is the causative agent of a serious infection called Q fever, a zoonotic disease that can affect humans and animals.
  • The bacterium is primarily transmitted to humans through the inhalation of contaminated aerosols from infected animals, particularly through the air-borne particles from placental tissues, urine, faeces, and milk of infected domestic animals like cattle, sheep, and goats.
  • It causes atypical pneumonia in humans and coxiellosis in some animals, such as cattle, sheep, and goats.
  • It is highly adapted to invade and control macrophages and monocytes–white blood cells that are part of the organism’s front-line immune defence–inhibiting the host’s responses to the infection.
  • Unlike other bacteria, which cause disease only when they multiply to reach large numbers, a single C. burnetii is enough to make a healthy person sick.
2. What is Generative AI?
A new report predicts that Generative AI (genAI) is poised to become a $100 billion industry by 2026.

About Generative AI:

  • Generative AI, or generative artificial intelligence, is a form of artificial intelligence (AI) in which algorithms automatically produce content in the form of text, images, audio, and video.
  • Unlike traditional AI systems that are designed to recognize patterns and make predictions, generative AI creates new content.
  • Generative AI is powered by foundation models (large AI models) that can multi-task and perform out-of-the-box tasks, including summarization, Q&A, classification, and more. 
  • These systems have been trained on massive amounts of data.
  • It works by using a Machine Learning (ML) model to learn the patterns and relationships in a dataset of human-created content. It then uses the learned patterns to generate new content. 
  • Typically, it starts with a simple text input, called a prompt, in which the user describes the output they want. Then, various algorithms generate new content according to what the prompt is asking for.
  • Popular Generative AI Tools:
    • ChatGPT: ChatGPT is an AI-powered chatbot developed by OpenAI, with a unique ability to not only generate written content but also converse with users fluently.
    • Bard: Bard is a generative AI chatbot created by Google, based on LaMDA language model technology. It can answer questions asked by users or create new content from text or image prompts.

What is Machine Learning (ML)?

  • It is defined as a discipline of artificial intelligence (AI) that provides machines with the ability to automatically learn from data and past experiences to identify patterns and make predictions with minimal human intervention.
  • Machine learning methods enable computers to operate autonomously without explicit programming.
  • ML applications are fed with new data and they can independently learn, grow, develop, and adapt.
  • ML algorithms use computation methods to learn directly from data instead of relying on any predetermined equation that may serve as a model.
3. INS Sumitra
The Indian Navy's INS Sumitra recently rescued fishermen hijacked by pirates along the east coast of Somalia and the Gulf of Aden.

About INS Sumitra:

  • It is the fourth and last Saryu-class patrol vessel of the Indian Navy.
  • It is based on an indigenous design and constructed by Goa Shipyard Limited.
  • It was commissioned in 2014 and is based in Chennai under the Eastern Naval Command.
  • The primary role of the ship is to undertake surveillance of the country’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) besides other operational tasks such as anti-piracy patrols, fleet support operations, maritime security of offshore assets, and escort operations.
  • Features:
    • Measuring about 105 metres in length, 13 metres in breadth, and displacing 2,200 tonnes, the ship can achieve a speed of 25 knots.
    • The ship has a range of 6,500 nautical miles.
    • It is propelled by two diesel engines.
    • The ship’s weapon and sensor outfits include a 76.2 mm gun (super rapid gun mount), close-in weapon systems, and the latest navigational and early warning radars.
    • It is capable of embarking one Dhruv/Chetak helicopter.
    • It is also equipped with two rigid inflatable fast-motor boats.
4. Ratle Hydro Electric Project
The government recently announced diversion of Chenab river water through diversion tunnels to expedite the 850-MW Ratle Hydro Electric Project in Jammu & Kashmir.

About Ratle Hydro Electric Project:

  • It is an 850 MW run-of-river hydroelectric power project being built on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar District of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The project is being developed by Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation (RHPCL), which was formed as a joint venture (JV) between Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) and India’s state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
  • The project comprises a 133-metre-tall and 194.8-meter-long concrete gravity dam, a diversion dam, and an underground powerhouse on the right bank of the river.

Key Facts about Chenab River:

  • It is a major river of India and Pakistan.
  • Origin: It is formed by the confluence of two streams, Chandra and Bhaga, at Tandi in the upper Himalayas in the Lahaul and Spiti Districts of Himachal Pradesh.
  • In its upper reaches, it is also known as the Chandrabhaga.
  • It is a tributary of the Indus River.
  • Course:
    • It flows west through Jammu and Kashmir union territory, between the steep cliffs of the Siwalik Range (south) and the Lesser Himalayas (north).
    • Turning southwest, it continues into Pakistan, descending from the uplands into the broad alluvial lowlands of Punjab province. 
    • After receiving the Jhelum River near Trimmu, the Chenab empties into the Sutlej River, a tributary of the Indus River.
  • Its total length is about 605 miles (974 km), and it feeds several irrigation canals. 
  • Tributaries: The tributaries of the Chenab River include Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Bhut Nalla, Marusudar, and Lidrari.
5. Sloth bear
Karnataka has witnessed instances of human-sloth bear confrontations, raising concerns for both communities and wildlife enthusiasts.

About Sloth bear:

  • Scientific Name: Melursus ursinus
  • Sloth bears are one of the eight bear speciesfound across the world.
  • They are myrmecophagous, meaning, they find bugs and termites to be their most sought-after meal.
  • Habitat: They live in a variety of dry and moist forestsand in some tall grasslands, where boulders, scattered shrubs and trees provide shelter.
  • Appearance: They have long, shaggy dark brown or black fur and curved claws, which are the longest out of any of the bear species.
  • Conservation Status
    • IUCN: Vulnerable
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
  • Key to mitigate human-sloth bear confrontations: Enhancing habitat connectivity, minimising human-wildlife interaction zones, and implementing responsible waste management practices.
  • Sloth Bear Sanctuaries in India: Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Karnataka), Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Gujarat).
6. Exercise -Sada Tanseeq
In a major boost of ties, the militaries of India and Saudi Arabia are conducting their first Joint Military Exercise named as Sada Tanseeq.

About Exercise Sada Tanseeq:

  • It is the inaugural edition of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ commenced at Mahajan, Rajasthan.
  • The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 29th January to 10th February 2024.
  • Aim of the Exercise is to train troops of both sides for Joint Operations in Semi Desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
  • The Exercise will enable both the sides to share their best practices in the tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting operations in sub-conventional domains.
  • It will facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops from both the sides.
  • The Exercise will involve Establishment of Mobile Vehicle Check Post, Cordon & Search Operation, House Intervention Drill, Reflex Shooting, Slithering and Sniper Firing. 
  • The Exercise will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond. 
7. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
Recently, the military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their immediate withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS.

About Economic Community of West African States:

  • It is also known as CEDEAO in French.
  • It is the regional group which was established in 1975 through the Lagos Treaty.
  • Mandate: Promoting economic integration among its members.
  • The vision of ECOWAS is the creation of a “borderless region” that is well-integrated and governed in accordance with the principles of democracy, rule of law and good governance.
  • Members: Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’ Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo.
  • ECOWAS’ larger aims are to have a single common currency and create a single, large trading bloc in areas of industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, financial issues, and social and cultural matters.
  • Along with the goals of economic cooperation, it has attempted to quell military conflicts in the region. 
  • It also operated a regional peacekeeping operation known as ECOMOG, led by Nigeria in the 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Headquarters: Abuja, Nigeria.
8. Laughing gull
Recently, a laughing gull, a migratory bird from North America, has been sighted for the first time in the country at the Chittari estuary in Kasaragod district.

About Laughing gull:

  • The bird is known for its unique laughter-like calls which resemble human laughter.
  • Habitat: These are a coastal species and are only occasionally seen very far inland.
  • Distribution: These birds are mainly found on the Atlantic coast of North America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
  • Diet: They are opportunistic carnivores and scavengers. They eat mainly fish, shellfish, crabs, molluscs, insects, bird eggs, and young birds.
  • Features
    • These are medium-sized gulls with fairly long wings and long legs that impart a graceful look when they are flying or walking. They have stout, fairly long bills.
    • They take 2-3 years to gain adult plumage.
  • Conservation Status
    • IUCN: Least Concern

What is an estuary?

  • An estuary is an area where a freshwater river or stream meets the ocean.
  • When freshwater and seawater combine, the water becomes brackish, or slightly salty.
  • Types of Estuaries
    • Coastal plain estuaries: These are created when sea levels rise and fill in an existing river valley.
    • Tectonic estuaries: It is formed due to the shifting together and rifting apart of the Earth's crust.
    • Bar-built estuaries: When a lagoon or bay is protected from the ocean by a sandbar or barrier island, it is called a bar-built estuary.
    • Fjord estuaries: These are a type of estuary created by glaciers. Fjord estuaries occur when glaciers carve out a deep, steep valley.
9. What are E-Ink displays?
With their crisp, paper-like screens, E-Ink displays like the Kindle are a pleasure to read on.

About E-Ink displays:

  • These are a special type of screen technology often used in e-readers like the Amazon Kindle.
  • The technology was originally developed in the 1990s at MIT and is now owned by E Ink Corporation.
  • Working:
    • The screens work using tiny microcapsules filled with positively charged white particles and negatively charged black ones suspended in fluid inside the display.
    • By applying positive or negative electrical charges to different areas of the screen, the white or black particles can be made to rise to the surface, creating the text and images on the display.
    • Unlike LCD and LED displays that use a backlight, E Ink displays reflect light – just like paper. This makes them easier on the eyes for long reading sessions.
    • They also require very little power since they don’t need a backlight and only use energy when the image changes.
    • The lack of backlighting also means that they are easier to read under brighter lighting conditions, which isn’t the case with LCD/LED displays at all – legibility actually takes a hit under bright sunlight.
  • Advantages:
    • They consume very little power compared to LCD and OLED displays. An E Ink display only draws power when the image is changed, meaning it can display a static image for weeks or months without needing a charge.
    • They cause less eye strain for the user. 
  • Disadvantages:
    • It has a slow refresh rate compared to LCD and OLED displays, making them unsuitable for video or animation.
    • It has limitations on colour and resolution compared to other display technologies.
    • The niche nature of E-Ink manufacturing means the displays remain expensive, especially in larger sizes.
  • Other applications: It is used in bus stop displays and walking direction signs and restaurants menu boards etc.
About Authour
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Written by NDI EDITOR

National Defence Institute's Editor

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