26 Dec 2023 Daily Current Affairs for UPSC, CDS, NDA, CAPF AC SSB

1. New jumping spiders

Recently, a team of researchers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu have discovered two new species of jumping spiders that belong to the genus Afraflacilla.

About New Jumping spiders:

Specimens of Afraflacilla Kerala were spotted in Irinjalakuda and Kuttanad while Afraflacilla adavathurensis was discovered from Adavathur in Tiruchirappalli.
Only three species belonging to the Afraflacilla genus had been hitherto discovered in the country.
Features:
- According to the researchers, these species have interesting diagnostic features consisting of dark brown carapace with fine bands of white setae covering laterally.
- Their abdomens are light brown and display white bands formed of white hairs that cover it laterally.
- Jumping spiders of the genus Afraflacilla are widespread from Africa to Australia with various known species found in Middle East, South and Southeast Asia, Central, Eastern and Western Europe, numerous African countries and Australia.
- Recent findings have revealed the presence of the genus in Rajasthan, Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Source : Two jumping spider species discovered from Kerala, Tamil Nadu

2. Reindeer

Researchers have discovered that the more time reindeer spend ruminating, the less time they spend in non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep.

About Reindeer:

These are one of the largest species of deer.
Reindeers are classified as mammals that belong to the family of Cevidae.
These are the only mammals known to see ultraviolet light which allows them to spot predators whose white fur is more visible in UV light.
A reindeer has the ability to use their nose to warm the air they breathe in before it enters its lungs.
Both male and female reindeer grow antlers. However, male reindeer antlers tend to be twice as big in size.
Habitat: These are found in polar and Arctic climates.
Distribution: They have been spotted in Europe, Asia, and North America.
Diet: Classified as herbivores, reindeer live on diets of plants and vegetation.
Conservation status:
- IUCN: Vulnerable

Key findings of the research

The researchers speculate that this multitasking might help reindeer get enough sleep during the summer months, when food is abundant and reindeer feed almost 24/7.
They found that reindeer slept approximately the same amount during winter, summer, and autumn, despite the fact that they were much more active during the summer.

Source : Like sheep and goats, reindeer too sleep while chewing their cud

3. Epulopiscium Viviparus

For the first time, scientists have sequenced the genome of a mysterious species of giant bacterium Epulopiscium Viviparus that can be seen without a microscope.

About Epulopiscium Viviparus:

It is a bacteria which live symbiotically in the guts of a fish, Naso tonganus, in tropical ocean environments.
The first member of Epulopiscium – whose name comes from the Latin words for "a guest" and "of a fish" – was discovered in 1985.
Epulopiscium Viviparus has modified its metabolism to make the most of its environment, by using a rare method to make energy and to move (the same swimming method is used by the bacteria that cause cholera), and by devoting a huge portion of its genetic code to making enzymes that can harvest the nutrients available in its host’s gut.
It makes enzymes that are highly efficient at nutrient extraction from their host fish, especially carbohydrates called polysaccharides from the algae that forms a large part of N. tonganus's diet.
It has plentiful enzymes that make ATP too, the 'energy currency' that supports a wide variety of cellular processes.
Researchers discovered space for these molecules in a unique membrane, similar to the mitochondria of more complex organisms.

Source : Researchers Sequence Genome of Giant Symbiotic Bacterium

4. Indian Ocean Naval Symposium

Recently, the 8th edition of Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS) Conclave of Chiefs (CoC) was conducted by Royal Thai Navy at Bangkok, Thailand.

About the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium:

The ‘Indian Ocean Naval Symposium’ (IONS) is a voluntary initiative that seeks to increase maritime cooperation among navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region by providing an open and inclusive forum for discussion of regionally relevant maritime issues.
It was conceived by the Indian Navy in 2008 as a forum which seeks to enhance maritime cooperation among Navies of the littoral states of the Indian Ocean Region.
The inaugural edition of IONS was held in Feb. 2008 at New Delhi, with the Indian Navy as the Chair for two years (2008 - 2010).
It endeavours to generate a flow of information between naval professionals that would lead to common understanding and possibly cooperative solutions on the way ahead.

Source : INDIAN OCEAN NAVAL SYMPOSIUM (IONS) – 2023

5. National Programme on Anganwadi-cum-Creches

Recently, the Union Minister of Women and Child Development inaugurated the National Programme on Anganwadi-cum-Creches in New Delhi.

About the National Programme on Anganwadi-cum-Creches:

The Anganwadi-Cum-Creche initiative under the Palna Scheme underwent revisions and was included as part of the Samarthya sub-component of Mission Shakti, starting from April 2022.
The central aim of Anganwadi-cum- Creches is to meet the demand for quality childcare facilities and enable women to actively participate in the workforce.
The Government of India aims to set up 17,000 creches across the country.

Key points about Palna Scheme:

The erstwhile National Creche Scheme has been reorganised and renamed as Palna Scheme under the sub scheme ‘Samarthya’ of ‘Mission Shakti’.
Objectives
- To provide day-care facilities for children (6 months to 6 years) of working mothers in the community.
- To improve nutrition and health status of children.
- To promote physical, cognitive, social and emotional development (Holistic Development) of children.
- To educate and empower parents /caregivers for better childcare.
Services: The scheme will provide an integrated package of the following services:
- Daycare Facilities including Sleeping Facilities.
- Early Stimulation for children below 3 years and Pre-school Education for 3 to 6 years old children.
- Supplementary Nutrition (to be locally sourced)
- Growth Monitoring.
- Health Check-up and Immunization.
Target group: The scheme focuses on children of 6 months to 6 years, of working women in rural and urban areas who are employed for a minimum period of 15 days in a month, or six months in a year.

What is a creche?

A creche is a facility which enables parents to leave their children while they are at work and where children are provided a stimulating environment for their holistic development.
Creches are designed to provide group care to children, usually up to 6 years of age, who need care, guidance and supervision away from their home during the day.

Source : Government aims to set up 17,000 creches across the country

6. FAME India Phase II

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Industry recently recommended that the Centre should extend the deadline of the Faster Adoption & Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles (FAME) - II Scheme by at least three more years.

About FAME India Phase II:

Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India Phase II (FAME India Phase II) is a scheme for promotion of electric mobility in the country.
It has an outlay of Rs. 10,000 Crore for a period of 3 years commencing from 1st April, 2019. The FAME India Phase II has been extended for a period of two years after 31st March, 2022.
Implementing Agency: Department of Heavy Industry, Ministry of Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises.
The main objective of the scheme is to encourage faster adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles by offering an upfront incentive on the purchase of electric vehicles and also by establishing a necessary charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
The scheme will help address the issue of environmental pollution and fuel security.
This scheme is the expanded version of the scheme titled 'FAME India I, which was launched on 1st April, 2015, with a total outlay of Rs. 895 crores.
Features of FAME India Phase II:
- The emphasis is on the electrification of public transportation, which includes shared transport.
- Demand incentives on the operational expenditure model for electric buses will be delivered through State/city transport corporation (STUs).
- In the 3W and 4W segments, incentives will be applicable mainly to vehicles used for public transport or registered for commercial purposes.
- In the e-2Ws segment, the focus will be on private vehicles.
- Through the scheme, it is planned to support 10 Lakh e-2W, 5 Lakh e-3W, 55000 4Ws, and 7000 buses.
- To encourage advanced technologies, the benefits of incentives will be extended to only those vehicles which are fitted with advanced batteries like lithium-ion batteries and other new technology batteries.
- The scheme proposes the establishment of charging infrastructure, whereby about 2700 charging stations will be established in metros, other million-plus cities, smart cities, and cities of hilly states across the country so that there will be availability of at least one charging station in a grid of 3 km x 3 km.
- Under the scheme of FAME-II, the demand incentive for e-2W has been increased to Rs. 15,000/KWh from Rs. 10,000/KWh, with an increase in cap from 20% to almost 40% of the cost of the vehicle to increase the adoption of e-2W.

Source : Parliamentary panel recommends FAME-II scheme’s extension by at least 3 more years

7. NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System)

The Russian Military has reportedly struck Norwegian NASAMS and French Crotale-NG AD systems at the Starokostiantyniv airfield in the Khmelnytskyi Region, the Russian Defence Ministry said recently.

About NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System):

It is a medium-range ground-based air defence system.
The NASAMS provides short- to medium-range air defence against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and drones.
This air defence system is stationary. It is best suited to defend important stationary assets, such as key military assets, infrastructure, or cities.
It was designed and developed jointly by Raytheon (United States) and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (Norway).
NASAMS is operated by 13 countries and has been integrated into the U.S. National Capital Region’s air defence system since 2005.
In addition to the U.S., Norway, Finland, Spain, Netherlands, Oman, Lithuania, Indonesia, Australia, Qatar, Hungary, Ukraine, and one undisclosed country depend on NASAMS for homeland defence and the protection of critical assets.
Features:
- It is the world's first networked short- and medium-range air defence system that could integrate with other equipment and air defence systems.
- It features an X-Band, 360-degree phased array air defence radar with a 75-kilometre range to identify targets.
- The NASAMS is armed with three launchers, each carrying up to six missiles.
- The system can engage 72 targets simultaneously in active and passive modes.
- It uses AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles, which have been modified for ground launch and have an engagement range of about 30 kilometres.
- The NASAMS is fitted with a fire distribution centre (FDC) command-and-control unit to perform battle management command, control, communications, computers, and intelligence functions.

Source : Russia Says NASAMS, French Crotale-NG AD Systems Destroyed Using Aircraft, UAVs, Missiles & Artillery

8. Key Facts about Strait of Gibraltar

Iran has recently threatened to close the Strait of Gibraltar and the Mediterranean Sea unless Israel stops bombing Gaza.

About Strait of Gibraltar:

It is a narrow waterway separating Europe from Africa and connecting the Mediterranean Sea to the Atlantic Ocean.
Until the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869, the Strait of Gibraltar served as the only access point to the Mediterranean Sea.
Borders: It is bordered by Spain and the British Overseas Territory of Gibraltar in the north, and by the African country of Morocco and the Spanish exclave of Ceuta in the south.
It is about 58 km long and has a width of about 13 km at its narrowest point.
Its depth ranges from 300 to 900 metres, and it forms a significant gap between the high plateau of Spain and the Atlas Mountains of Northern Africa.
Geological studies have revealed that the strait was formed due to the northward movement of the African Plate towards the European Plate.
It is one of the busiest waterways in the world. Approximately 300 ships cross the Strait every day, about one ship every 5 minutes.
An important port located on the strait is the Moroccan port of Tanger-Med, near Tangier.
Pillars of Heracles:
- The strait’s eastern end, located between the Rock of Gibraltar in the north and Mount Hacho or Jebel Moussa in the south, has a width of about 23 km.
- These two land features on the strait’s eastern extremity are known as the Pillars of Heracles.

Source : Iran threatens to shut Strait of Gibraltar as tensions ramp up

9. Leprosy

The Odisha government recently declared leprosy a reportable disease in the state.

About Leprosy:

Leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease, is a chronic infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria, Mycobacterium leprae.
The disease predominantly affects the skin, the peripheral nerves, the mucosal surfaces of the upper respiratory tract, and the eyes.
Left untreated, the disease may cause progressive and permanent disabilities.
It is more common in tropical and subtropical areas.
It is a neglected tropical disease (NTD)that still occurs in more than 120 countries.
It is known to occur at all ages, ranging from early childhood to old age.
Transmission:
- The disease is transmitted through droplets from the nose and mouth.
- Prolonged, close contact over months with someone with untreated leprosy is needed to catch the disease.
- The disease is not spread through casual contact with a person who has leprosy, like shaking hands or hugging, sharing meals, or sitting next to each other.
Symptoms: It usually takes about 3 to 5 years for symptoms to appear after you come into contact with the bacteria that cause leprosy.
- The main symptom of leprosy is disfiguring skin sores, lumps, or bumps that don’t go away after several weeks or months.
- Nerve damage can lead to:
  - Loss of feeling in the arms and legs
  - Muscle weakness
- People may also have a stuffy nose or nosebleeds if the disease affects the mucous membranes in their nose.
Treatment:
- It is curable with multidrug therapy (MDT),and treatment during the early stages can prevent disability.
- Moreover, the patient stops transmitting the disease when they begin treatment.

National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP):

It is a centrally sponsored Health Scheme under the National Health Mission of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of India.
The Programme is headed by the Deputy Director of Health Services (Leprosy) under the administrative control of the Directorate General Health Services, Govt. of India.
While the NLEP strategies and plans are formulated centrally, the programme is implemented by the States/UTs.
The major concern of the Programme is to detect cases of leprosy at an early stage and provide complete treatment, free of cost, in order to prevent occurrence of Grade II Disability (G2D) in affected persons.

Source : Odisha declares leprosy a reportable disease

10. Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary

The Union Ministry of Environment and Forest recently issued a draft notification declaring a one-kilometre area from the boundaries of the Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary in Kangra district as an eco-sensitive zone.

About the Pong Dam Lake Wildlife Sanctuary:

Location: It is situated in the Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh.
Pong Dam Lake (also known as Maharana Pratap Sagar) is a manmade reservoir formed due to the construction of Pong Dam on the Beas River in the wetland zone of Shivalik Hills.
In 1983, the entire reservoir was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary by the Himachal Pradesh government.
One of the largest man-made wetlands in Northern India, Pong Dam also serves as a sanctuary for the largest population of migratory birds, along with a number of endemic species.
Pong Dam Lake was declared a Ramsar Site in November 2002.
The climate of the region is subtropical.
Flora:
- There are several tree species that produce edible fruit for the birds.
- There is also some submerged aquatic vegetation in the wetland, but pronounced seasonal changes in water level and shoreline do not support extensive areas of emergent vegetation.
- The main tree species include Acacia, Jamun, Shisham, Mango, Mulberry, Ficus Kachnar, Amla, and Prunus.
Fauna:
- It includes animals like Sambhar, Barking Deer, Wild Bear, Nilgai, Clawless Otter, and Leopards.
- Avifauna include Bar headed geese, Pintails, common pochards, coots, Grebes, Cormorants, Herons, Storks, angle fowls, peafowl, Grey partridges, etc.

Source : Assembly in Session: 1 km around Pong sanctuary declared eco-sensitive zone

26 Dec 2023 Daily Current Affairs for UPSC CDS, CAPF, NDA & SSB

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