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

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Written by NDI EDITOR

Jan 14 2024

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14 Jan 2024 Daily Current Affairs for UPSC CDS, CAPF, NDA & SSB
1. AN-32 Aircraft
The Indian Air Force (IAF) recently located the wreckage of an An-32 aircraft that went missing nearly seven-and-a-half years ago.

About the AN-32 Aircraft:

  • The AN-32 (Antonov AN-32) is a Soviet-origin military transport aircraft.
  • It is designed and manufactured by the Antonov Design Bureau of Ukraine for the Indian Air Force (IAF). 
  • It was purchased by India from the erstwhile Soviet Union in 1984. The IAF has a fleet of around 100 AN-32 planes.
  • Its NATO reporting name is Cline.
  • Features:
    • The aircraft is designed to manoeuvre day and night in tropical and mountainous regions, even in hot climatic conditions (up to 55°C).
    • It is powered by two single-shaft turboprop engines.
    • An-32 can fly at a maximum speed of 530 km/h, and its cruise speed is 470 km/h. 
    • The range and service ceiling of the aircraft are 2,500km and 9,500m, respectively.
    • The aircraft weighs around 16,800 kg, and its maximum take-off weight is 27,000 kg.
    • It can take off and land on rough airfields and dirt runways. 
    • The aircraft can transport either 7.5 tons of cargo, 50 passengers, 42 paratroopers, or 24 patients and three medical crews over domestic and international air routes.
    • It also has a limited bombing role and is used for paratrooping operations.
Source : Wreckage of IAF's AN-32 aircraft traced seven-and-a-half years after it went missing

2. What is HD 63433d?
Astronomers recently unveiled the discovery of an Earth-like planet, younger and closer than any previously identified, named HD 63433d.

About HD 63433d:

  • It is an Earth-like exoplanet that orbits a sun-like star called HD 63433 (also known as TOI 1726).
    • The star is about 73 light years away from the sun and is part of the group of stars moving together that make up the constellation Ursa Major.
    • The star HD 63433 shares similarities with our sun in size and type but is significantly younger, at roughly 400 million years old.
  • It is the smallest confirmed exoplanet, younger than 500 million years old. 
  • It’s also the closest Earth-sized planet discovered so far, and it’s about 400 million years old.
    • For comparison, Earth and the rest of our solar system are around 4.5 billion years old, meaning HD 63433 d appears to be just around 10% of the age of our planet.
  • It’s the third planet found in orbit around its star. This planet is eight times closer to its star than Mercury is to the Sun.
  • Because of its proximity to its star, which has 99% the mass of our sun, the planet is tidally locked, just like the moon is to Earth.
    • This means that one side of the planet, its dayside, constantly faces the star and is permanently blasted with stellar radiation, while the cooler nightside perpetually faces out into space.
    • This pushes surface temperatures on the planet's dayside up around 2,300 degrees Fahrenheit (1,260 degrees Celsius).
  • Its orbit is remarkably short, completing a full revolution around its star every 4.2 days.
  • Being so hot, so close to its star, and so small, this planet likely lacks a substantial atmosphere.
Source : New Earth-like planet discovered in Big Dipper constellation

3. SBI Green Rupee Term Deposit (SGRTD) Scheme?
The State Bank of India (SBI) recently introduced the SBI Green Rupee Term Deposit (SGRTD) scheme to mobilise funds to support environment friendly initiatives and projects.

About SBI Green Rupee Term Deposit (SGRTD) Scheme:

  • It is an initiative of the State Bank of India (SBI)with the aim of raising money to finance environment-friendly projects.
  • The deposit scheme is open to resident individuals, non-individuals, and non-resident Indian (NRI) customers.
  • The current framework permits green deposits to be denominated in rupees only.
  • It offers investors the flexibility to choose from three distinct tenors: 1,111 days, 1,777 days, and 2,222 days.
  • Interest Rate:
    • SGRTD will offer 10 basis points (bps) interest rates below the card rate for retail and bulk deposits for respective tenors.
    • Senior Citizens/ Staff/ Staff Senior Citizens are eligible for an additional interest rate over the applicable rate for the public.
    • The benefit of additional interest shall not be available to NRI Senior Citizens/NRI Staff.
  • Premature withdrawals are allowed under the scheme.
  • Loan/ overdraft facility will be available against the deposit.

What is a Green Deposit?

  • A Green deposit is an interest-bearing deposit, received by the regulated entities (RE) for a fixed period, the proceeds of which are earmarked for being allocated towards green finance.
  • The deposits raised under the framework are covered by the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC).
Source : SBI unveils green rupee term deposit scheme

4. What are the BS-VI Norms?
The Supreme Court recently directed the Union government to frame a national policy to phase out heavy-duty diesel vehicles like trucks and trailers, and replace them with BS-VI vehicles.

About BS-VI Norms:

  • Bharat stage (BS) emission standards are laid down by the government to regulate the output of air pollutants from internal combustion engine and spark-ignition engine equipment, including motor vehicles.
  • India has adopted BS Emission Standards since 2000, modelled on European Union norms.
  • The first emission norms with the name ‘India 2000’ were introduced in the year 2000. BS2 and BS3 were introduced in 2005 and 2010, while BS4 norms came into effect in 2017 with stricter emission standards or norms.
  • The BS standards regulate tailpipe emissions of air pollutants, including particulate matter, SOx, and NOx, as well as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and methane.
  • Who sets them? The standards and timeline for implementation are set by the Central Pollution Control Board under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.
  • In April 2020, India leapfrogged from BS-IV to the implementation of BS-VI. The central government has mandated that vehicle makers must manufacture, sell, and register only BS-VI (BS6) vehicles from April 1, 2020.
    • It is applicable for cars, trucks, buses, three-wheelers, and two-wheelers (motorcycles, scooters, and mopeds).
    • This emission norm does not apply to off-highway equipment and vehicles such as tractors, back-hoe loaders, excavators, etc.
  • Difference between BS-IV and BS-VI:
    • Both BS-IV and BS-VI are unit emission norms that set the maximum permissible levels for pollutants that an automotive or a two-wheeler exhaust can emit.
    • Compared to BS4, BS6 emission standards are stricter. 
    • The main difference is in the amount of sulphur in the fuel, which is reduced from 50 ppm in BS IV fuel to 10 ppm in BS VI fuel for both gasoline and diesel. Hence, BSVI engines produce less harmful emissions and pollutants.
Source : Frame policy to phase out heavy diesel vehicles: Supreme Court to Centre

5. Classical Language
Recently, the West Bengal Chief Minister urged the central government to include ‘Bengali’ as a classical language.

About Classical Language:

  • Criteria evolved by Government of India to determine declaration of a language as a Classical language is as under: -
    • High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years;
    • A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers;
    • The literary tradition be original and not borrowed from another speech community;
    • The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.
  • Currently, six languages enjoy the ‘Classical’ status: Tamil (declared in 2004), Sanskrit (2005), Kannada (2008), Telugu (2008), Malayalam (2013), and Odia (2014).
  • The benefits it provides once a language is notified as a Classical language:
    • Two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in classical Indian languages.
    • A Centre of Excellence for studies in Classical Languages is set up.
    • The University Grants Commission is requested to create, to start with at least in the Central Universities, a certain number of Professional Chairs for the Classical Languages so declared.”

Key facts about Bengali Language

  • It is an official language of West Bengal.
  • It is the second most spoken language in India and the seventh most spoken language in the world.
  • The Bengali people have a rich heritage and culture dating back to prehistoric times.
  • Bengali is written from left to right.
Source : Mamata asks PM to officially list Bengali as ‘classical language’

6. ANUBHAV Awards
The submission deadline for ANUBHAV Awards Scheme 2024 is March 31, 2024.

About ANUBHAV Awards:

  • It recognizes the contribution made by Retired Officials to Nation building while working in Government and to document the administrative history of India by written narratives.
  • The ANUBHAV Portal, established in March 2015, serves as an online platform for retiring and retired government employees to share their experiences. 
  • The portal was launched by the Government of India, Ministry of personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Pension & Pensioners' welfare.
  • Objectives
    • It aims to create a database of significant suggestions and work experiences.
    • It channels the human resource of retiring employees for nation building.
    • Enable Ministries/ Departments to take crucial steps while considering useful and replicable suggestions.
  • Eligibility: To participate in the scheme, retiring Central Government employees/pensioners are required to submit their Anubhav write ups, 8 months prior to retirement and up to 1 year after their retirement.
  • Thereafter, the write-ups will be published after assessment by concerned Ministries/Departments. The published write-ups will be shortlisted for Anubhav Awards and Jury Certificates.
  • Each ANUBHAV Awardees will be felicitated with a medal and certificate and a Prize of 10,000 rupees, whereas a Jury certificate Winner will be presented with a medal and a certificate.
  • Till date, 54 ANUBHAV awards have been conferred from 2016 to 2023.
Source : ANUBHAV Awards Scheme, 2024’

7. What is I-STEM?
I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map) is launching the Samavesha project at IISc., Bengaluru, on January 16 to enhance research collaboration in India by enhancing accessibility to facilities and labs.

About I-STEM:

  • I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map) is an initiative of the Office of Principal Scientific Advisor, Government of India.
  • It is developed with the concept “One Nation One Portal” for the scientific community, aimed at “Linking Researchers and Resources”.
  • It assists users to locate the specific facility they need for their R&D work and identify the one that is either located closest to them or available the soonest.
  • The organisation, acting as custodian of the facility may charge the fee for running and maintaining the resources beyond the Project Duration.
  • A panel of Experts will be formed in due course to assist the users by providing information to optimally utilise resources available through I-STEM’s S&T Chat Room.
  • A Digital Catalogue of Technologies and Technologies Products mandated by the Empowered Technology Group is an integral part of the I-STEM web portal.
  • A platform for conducting and hosting industry challenges as mandated by the Empowered Technology Group (ETG) is being developed for Start-ups and Academia for making India “Atma-Nirbhar”.
  • Through a recent GoI directive, institutions with R&D facilities funded by agencies of the GoI are now mandated to list these facilities on the I-STEM Portal.
  • I-STEM protects the IP involved in building the I-STEM Portal, a provisional patent application entitled, "A method and process for efficient use of geographically dispersed resources", has been filed with the Indian Patent Office.
Source : I-STEM to launch Samavesha project on January 16 at IISc Bengaluru to connect researchers with labs and equipment

8. Cervical cancer
In a bid to reduce cases of cervical cancer, the government is likely to roll out an immunisation campaign against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) in the second quarter of the year.

About Cervical cancer:

  • It starts in the cells of the cervix. The cervix is the lower, narrow end of the uterus (womb).
  • In a small percentage of people, the virus survives for years, contributing to the process that causes some cervical cells to become cancer cells.
  • Causes
    • Various strains of the Human papillomavirus (HPV) play a role in causing most cervical cancer.
    • Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common sexually transmitted infection which can affect the skin, genital area and throat.
  • When exposed to HPV, the body's immune system typically prevents the virus from harming.
  • Types of HPV Vaccines available
    • Quadrivalent vaccine (Gardasil): It protects against four types of HPV (HPV 16, 18, 6 and 11). 
    • Bivalent vaccine (Cervarix): It protects against HPV 16 and 18 only.
    • Non-valent vaccine (Gardasil 9): It protects against nine strains of HPV.

How does the vaccine prevent cancers?

  • The quadrivalent vaccines, including the Serum Institute of India’s Cervavac, prevent the entry of four of the most commons types of HPV 16, 18, 6 and 11 thereby preventing infections, genital warts, and eventually cancer.
  • The indigenously developed, cheaper Cervavac will be used in the government campaign.
  • At least 14 HPV types have been identified to have the potential to cause cancer. Among these, HPV types 16 and 18 are considered to be the most oncogenic, causing about 70 per cent of all cervical cancer cases globally.
  • The vaccine has to be administered in adolescent girls before they are sexually active. This is because the vaccine can only prevent the entry of the virus.
  • Prevention
    • Boosting public awareness, access to information and services are key to prevention and control across the life course.
    • Being vaccinated at age 9–14 years is a very effective way to prevent HPV infection, cervical cancer and other HPV-related cancers.
    • Screening from the age of 30 can detect cervical disease, which when treated, also prevents cervical cancer.
Source : India gears up for HPV vaccine drive against cervical cancer: Who can receive this vaccine

9. New Generation Akash missile
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of the New Generation AKASH (AKASH-NG) missile from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha.

About New Generation Akash missile:

  • It is surface-to-air new generation missile.
  • The missile intercepted the high-speed unmanned aerial vehicle at a very low altitude.
  • The test has validated the functioning of the complete weapon system consisting of a missile with an indigenously developed radio frequency seeker, launcher, multi-function radar and command, control and communication system.
  • This was the first trial of the missile against a live target, which was successfully intercepted and destroyed. 
  • Features
    • It is a new generation state-of-the-art surface-to-air missile (SAM) for the Indian Air Force (IAF) to destroy high manoeuvring low radar cross section agile aerial threats.
    • This advanced variant comes with an active electronically scanned array (AESA) multi-function radar that features all three functions - search, track and fire control in one platform.
    • It can defend an area 10 times better compared to any short-range SAM and is capable of engaging up to 10 targets simultaneously.
    • It can strike targets up to 40 km as against the earlier variant’s maximum range of 30 km.
Source : DRDO conducts successful flight-test of New Generation AKASH missile off Odisha coast
About Authour
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Written by NDI EDITOR

National Defence Institute's Editor

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