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  • [pib] Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayaloka-Locana enter ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific regional register’

    Why in the news?

    The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra and Sahrdayaloka-Locana have been included in ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific regional register’.

    About UNESCO’s ‘Memory of the World (MOW) Asia-Pacific regional register’

    Details
    History and Establishment Initiated in 1992 by UNESCO.

    Asia-Pacific Regional Committee (MOWCAP) was set up in 1998.
    Parent Organization Overseen by UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization).
    Objective To safeguard, preserve, facilitate access to, and increase awareness of documentary heritage. Focuses specifically on the Asia-Pacific region.
    Examples of Inscribed Items Includes items like Japan’s “Sugihara’s Visas for Life”, Australia’s “Mabo Case Manuscripts”, and Vietnam’s “Ba Chuc Massacre Archives”.
    Impact and Outreach Supports preservation, digitization, accessibility of documents; provides grants and organizes workshops, meetings, and exhibitions to promote knowledge sharing. 
    Reference

    About the Texts

    • Ramcharitmanas:

    • Written by Tulsidas in the 16th century, the Ramcharitmanas is an epic poem in Awadhi, a dialect of Hindi, and is a retelling of the Sanskrit epic Ramayana.
    • It narrates the life of Lord Rama, his virtues, the ideals of Dharma, and his reign during Ram Rajya.
    • Hanuman Chalisa is a combination of 40 verses from the same epic.

    • Panchatantra:

    • The Panchatantra is a collection of ancient Indian animal fables that dates back to at least the 3rd century BCE. 
    • Originally written in Sanskrit by Vishnu Sharma.
    • Its stories are crafted as simple yet vibrant narratives that aim to impart practical life lessons through the interactions of anthropomorphized animals.

    • Sahrdayaloka-Locana

    • The Sahrdayaloka-Locana is a Sanskrit treatise on poetics written by Jagannatha Paṇḍitaraja in the 17th century.
    • It is considered one of the most important works of Sanskrit literary criticism.
    • The text discusses the concept of “Sahrdaya“, which refers to a sensitive or discerning reader or critic.

     

    PYQ:

    [2016] With reference to the cultural history of India, the memorising of chronicles, dynastic histories and epic tales was the profession of who among the following?

    (a) Shramana

    (b) Parivraajaka

    (c) Agrahaarika

    (d) Maagadha

  • Species in news: Himalayan Magpies 

    Why in the news?

    Blue magpie species are frequently observed from Kashmir to Myanmar.

    About Himalayan Magpies

    • Magpies belong to the Corvidae family, which also includes crows, jays, and ravens.
    • These birds are typically noisy and inquisitive, often featured as omens in folklore around the world.
    • Species Distribution and Habitat:
      • Gold-billed Magpie (Urocissa flavirostris): Also known as the yellow-billed blue magpie, this species inhabits high altitudes between 2,000 and 3,000 meters above sea level, thriving in the high-altitude zones of the Himalayas from Kashmir to Myanmar.
      • Red-billed Magpie: Found at slightly lower altitudes than the gold-billed magpie.
      • Blue Magpie: Occupies lower altitudes and is more likely to be found near human settlements. It builds nests in rhododendron trees.
    • IUCN Status: ‘Least Concerned’

    Observations:

    • The best sightings of yellow and red-billed magpies are along a trekking corridor in Western Sikkim, which spans from tropical forests at lower altitudes to Alpine landscapes.
    • Over 250 species of birds have been documented in this region, with significant bird activity around 2,500 meters.

    PYQ:

    [2014] If you walk through countryside, you are likely to see some birds stalking alongside the cattle to seize the insects, disturbed by their movement through grasses.

    Which of the following is/are such bird/birds?

    1. Painted Stork
    2. Common Myna
    3. Black-necked Crane

    Select the correct answer using the code given below.

    (a) 1 and 2

    (b) 2 only

    (c) 2 and 3

    (d) 3 only

  • Decoding C. Elegans Worm: A Remarkable Discovery

    Why in the news?

    Researchers at Princeton University found that Caenorhabditis elegans can inherit the ‘knowledge’ to avoid a disease-causing bacterium, Pseudomonas vranovensis, across several generations after initially consuming it.

    C. Elegans: Breakthrough made in Scientific Research

    • C. elegans can inherit the ‘knowledge’ to avoid a disease-causing bacterium, Pseudomonas vranovensis, across several generations after by consuming it.
    • The study revealed that the worms ingested small RNA (sRNA) molecules from P. vranovensis, which then altered their feeding behaviour to avoid the bacteria.
    • This sRNA interacts with the worm’s gene maco-1, affecting its neurological functions.
    • These sRNAs are passed down to at least four subsequent generations, demonstrating a form of transgenerational epigenetic inheritance.

     

    About C. Elegans Worm

    • C. elegans, or Caenorhabditis elegans, is a small, transparent nematode (roundworm) widely used in scientific research.
    • It is about 1 mm in length, making it easy to study under a microscope.
    • It has a simple body plan, which simplifies many types of biological research.
    • C. elegans was the first multicellular organism to have its entire genome sequenced in 1998.

    Key Features of C. Elegans Worm

    • Short lifespan and quick regeneration: It has a short lifespan of about 2-3 weeks and develops from an egg to an adult in just 3-5 days. This allows for quick generation turnover and facilitates studies on genetics and developmental biology.
    • Transparency:  It allows researchers to easily observe its internal structures and developmental processes in real time.
    • Genetic information: This has provided a wealth of genetic information and made it a powerful tool for genetic studies.
    • Consistent Somatic Cell Count: Adult C. elegans have exactly 959 somatic cells, and their lineage has been fully mapped, providing a consistent model for studying cell development and death.

    PYQ:

    [2021] Consider the following:​

    1. Bacteria​

    2. Fungi​

    3. Virus​

    Which of the above can be cultured in artificial/synthetic medium?​

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Aurora Borealis: What are Northern and Southern lights? Why do they occur?

    Why in the news?

    • In a rare event, the night sky over Hanle village in Ladakh was illuminated by the northern lights or aurora borealis.
      • Concurrently, the southern lights, or aurora australis, were observed in New Zealand and Australia.

    What are Auroras?

    • Auroras are natural light displays that appear as bright, swirling curtains in the night sky.
    • They are typically seen near the Poles but can occasionally be observed at lower latitudes.
    • These lights can display a range of colors, including blue, red, yellow, green, and orange, due to the interaction of solar particles with different gases in the Earth’s atmosphere.
    • The phenomenon is known as:
    1. Aurora borealis in Northern Hemisphere and
    2. Aurora australis in Southern Hemisphere

    What causes Auroras?

    • Interaction with Earth’s Magnetic Field: As the solar wind approaches Earth, it interacts with the planet’s magnetic field, causing some charged particles to enter the atmosphere near the poles.
    • Interaction with Gases: These particles interact with gases in the upper atmosphere, producing colourful flashes of light. Collision with oxygen produces green light, while interaction with nitrogen results in shades of blue and purple.

    Reasons for Aurora in Ladakh:

    • Intense Solar Activity: Auroras can extend to lower latitudes during periods of intense solar activity, such as solar flares and coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
      • The CMEs are from the AR13664 region of the sun that has produced several high-energy solar flares
    • Localized magnetic anomalies: Variations in Earth’s magnetic field could potentially influence the occurrence of auroras in specific areas, including regions at lower latitudes.

    Impact on Tech Infrastructure 

    • Auroras can pose challenges to space-dependent technologies and operations.
    • Disruptions in Global Positioning Systems (GPS), radio communications, flight operations, power grids, and space exploration endeavors may occur during such events.

    PYQ:

    [2022] If a major solar storm (solar flare) reaches the Earth, which of the following are the possible effects on the Earth?

    1. GPS and navigation systems could fail.
    2. Tsunamis could occur at equatorial regions.
    3. Power grids could be damaged.
    4. Intense auroras could occur over much of the Earth.
    5. Forest fires could take place over much of the planet.
    6. Orbits of the satellites could be disturbed.
    7. Shortwave radio communication of the aircraft flying over Polar Regions could be interrupted.

    Select the correct answer using the code given below:

    (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 only
    (b) 2, 3, 5, 6 and 7 only
    (c) 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7 only
    (d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7

     

  • India backs Palestine’s bid for full UN membership

    Why in the news?

    India has voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution recommending Palestine’s admission as a full member of the United Nations.

    Arab push for Palestine’s Membership

    • The emergency special session was convened by the Arab Group, with the UAE presenting the resolution in support of Palestine’s full membership.
    • The resolution calls for the Security Council to “reconsider” Palestine’s membership favourably, based on its determination that Palestine is qualified for UN membership.
    • The resolution received overwhelming support, with 143 votes in favour, including India’s, nine against, and 25 abstentions.
    • As an observer state, Palestine currently lacks voting rights in the General Assembly and cannot nominate candidates to UN organs.

    India’s Stance on Palestine:

    • In 1988, India recognized the State of Palestine.
    • In 1996, India opened its Representative Office to the Palestine Authority in Gaza, later relocating it to Ramallah in 2003.

    About United Nations

    Details
    Background  Resulted from the devastation of World War I and II

    Highlighted the need for a more effective international body to maintain peace and prevent future conflicts.
    Predecessor The League of Nations, created in 1919 after World War I, aimed at peacekeeping but failed during World War II.
    The Atlantic Charter Issued in August 1941 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt (USA) and Prime Minister Winston Churchill (UK), this document outlined principles for a post-war world and set the stage for the UN’s creation.
    Naming The term “United Nations” was coined by President Roosevelt in 1941 to describe the allied nations opposed to the Axis powers.
    Declaration by United Nations On January 1, 1942, representatives from 26 Allied nations, including India under British colonial rule, signed this declaration in Washington DC, formalizing their alliance and war objectives.
    Official Formation UN was officially established on October 24, 1945, when its Charter was ratified by 51 member countries

    It included 5 permanent Security Council members: France, Republic of China, Soviet Union, UK, and US.
    First General Assembly The inaugural meeting of the UN General Assembly took place on January 10, 1946.
    Core Goals
    1. To maintain international peace and security.
    2. To foster friendly relations among nations.
    3. To cooperate in solving international problems and in promoting respect for human rights.
    4. To be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in attaining these common ends.
    India’s Role India was a founding member of the United Nations, having signed the initial Declaration alongside 25 other Allied nations during World War II.

     

    Rights and Privileges:

    • The rights and privileges of member states in the United Nations are designed to ensure that all members can effectively participate in the organization’s activities and benefit from its resources.

    PYQ:

    [2022] With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements:

    1. It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision.
    2. It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year
    3. It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval.

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    (a) 3 only
    (b) 1 and 3
    (c) 2 and 3
    (d) 1 and 2

  • What is Interim Bail?

    Why in the news?

    The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case till to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections.

    What is Interim Bail?

    • Interim bail in India is a temporary release granted to an accused person from custody under Section 439 Cr.
    • It can be granted to address urgent matters such as medical emergencies, family crises, or other significant personal issues.

    Legal Provisions for Interim Bail

    Interim bail in India is NOT explicitly defined under a specific statute but is derived from the discretionary powers granted to courts under various legal provisions.

    The most relevant laws and principles include:

    1. Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC): While the CrPC does not explicitly mention “interim bail,” it provides the framework for granting bail in general. Sections like 437 (bail in non-bailable cases by Magistrate), 438 (anticipatory bail), and 439 (special powers of High Court or Court of Session regarding bail) are used by courts to grant bail, including interim bail, based on judicial discretion.
    2. Constitutional Provisions: The Constitution of India under Article 21, which guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, is often interpreted to include the right to bail as part of the fair and just legal process.

     

    Back2Basics: What is Bail?

    • Bail is the conditional release of a defendant with the promise to appear in court when required.
    • The term also means the security that is deposited in order to secure the release of the accused.
    • In India’s legal world, the term offense has been categorized as bailable offenses and non-bailable under the Code of Criminal Procedure.

    Why need Bail?

    • Bail is a fundamental aspect of any criminal justice system.
    • A person can defend himself/herself better when he/she is free, thus ensuring free trial.
    • The practice of bail grew out of the need to safeguard the fundamental right to liberty.
    • Liberty is the right of one whose guilt has not yet been proven.

    Types of Bail in India

    • Depending upon the sage of the criminal matter, there are commonly three types of bail in India:
    1. Regular Bail: Granted to a person who has already been arrested and is in custody. This type of bail is provided under Sections 437 and 439 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC). It allows the accused to be released from custody while the trial is ongoing.
    2. Anticipatory Bail: Under Section 438 of the CrPC, anticipatory bail is a pre-arrest legal process. It is granted when a person apprehends arrest on an accusation of having committed a non-bailable offence. This type of bail ensures that the accused will be released on bail in the event they are arrested.
    3. Interim Bail: This is temporary bail granted for a short period. Interim bail is often granted to allow the accused some relief until a final decision on their regular or anticipatory bail plea is made.

    Conditions for Grant of Bail in Bailable Offences

    • Section 436 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, lays down that a person accused of a bailable offense under IPC can be granted bail if:
    1. There are sufficient reasons to believe that the accused has not committed the offence.
    2. There is sufficient reason to conduct a further inquiry in the matter.
    3. The person is not accused of any offence punishable with death, life imprisonment or imprisonment up to 10 years.

    Conditions for Grant of Bail in Non-Bailable Offences

    • Section 437 of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 lays down that the accused does not have the right to apply for bail in non-bailable offences.
    • It is discretion of the court to grant bail in case of non-bailable offences if:
    1. The accused is a woman or a child, bail can be granted in a non-bailable offence.
    2. There is a lack of evidence then bail in non-Bailable offenses can be granted.
    3. There is a delay in lodging FIR by the complainant, bail may be granted.
    4. The accused is gravely sick.

     

    PYQ:

    [2021] With reference to India, consider the following statements :​

    1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such accused is locked up in police station, not in jail.​

    2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court.​

    Which of the statements given above is/are correct?​

    1. 1 only ​
    2. 2 only​
    3. Both 1 and 2 ​
    4. Neither 1 nor 2​

  • Kerala bans Oleander Flowers in Temple Offerings

    Why in the news?

    Kerala temple authorities have banned the use of oleander flowers in offerings following the accidental poisoning of a woman who chewed oleander leaves.

    What is Oleander?

    • Nerium oleander, commonly known as oleander or rosebay, is a plant cultivated worldwide in tropical, subtropical, and temperate regions. 
    • Known for its drought tolerance, the shrub is often used for ornamental and landscaping purposes.
    • In Kerala, it’s called arali or kanaveeram and is used for natural fencing along highways and beaches.
    • According to the IUCN Red List, Nerium oleander (Oleander) is classified as Least Concern

    Traditional Medicinal Uses:

    • Termed as “desert rose” in ancient texts, oleander has been trusted with its medicinal properties such as a hangover cure, in cancer treatments, and as an antiviral.
    • The Ayurvedic Pharmacopoeia of India mentions oleander, particularly the use of oil from the root bark to treat skin diseases.
    • oleander’s use in treating skin diseases, leprosy, wounds, itching, and parasites.

    Toxicity of Oleander:

    • Oleander is highly toxic due to cardiac glycosides present in all parts of the plant.
    • Cardiac glycosides like oleandrin and digitoxigenin exert pharmacological effects on the heart, leading to nausea, vomiting, irregular heartbeat, and, in severe cases, death..

    PYQ:

    [2018] Why is a plant called Prosopis Juliflora often mentioned in the news?

    (a) Its extract is widely used in cosmetics

    (b) It tends to reduce the biodiversity in the area in which it grow

    (c) Its extract is used in the synthesis of pesticides

    (d) None of the above

  • What is an Interpol Blue Corner Notice?

    Why in the news?

    • Karnataka’s political landscape is rocked by accusations of sexual abuse against a sitting MP belonging to a prominent political family.
    • Following explicit video leaks allegedly implicating him, Interpol has issued a Blue Corner notice, as he remains on the run.

    INTERPOL’s Notice System:

    • The Interpol issues various types of notices to its member countries about individuals who are either missing or wanted.
    • While these notices aren’t legally binding and countries aren’t required to act on them, they are commonly used to arrest and extradite suspects.

    The following entities can request for a notice:

    • Notice request by the Member Country
    • International Criminal Tribunals and the International Criminal Court can also request notices for individuals accused of serious crimes like genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity under their jurisdiction.
    • The United Nations can request notices related to enforcing sanctions imposed by the Security Council.

    What are Blue Corner Notice?

    • Purpose: Blue corner notice, also known as an “enquiry notice,” facilitates sharing critical crime-related information, including criminal records verification and locating individuals.
    • Example: In January 2020, Interpol issued a blue corner notice to locate fugitive Nithyananda, a self-styled godman.

    About INTERPOL (International Criminal Police Organization)

    Details
    Overview
    • Established in Vienna, Austria (1923), it enables cross-border police cooperation and supports and assists all organizations, authorities and services whose mission is to prevent or combat international crime.
    • An inter-governmental organization comprising 195 member countries,
    • Facilitates better coordination among police forces globally
    Functions
    • Enables member countries to share and access data on crimes and criminals
    • Offers technical and operational support to member countries
    • Manages 19 police databases containing information on crimes and criminals, accessible in real-time
    • Provides investigative support, including forensics, analysis, and assistance in locating fugitives worldwide.
    Working
    • Run by a Secretary General
    • Headquarters located in Lyon, France
    • Global complex for innovation based in Singapore.
    • Several satellite offices in different regions.

    I-24/7 Service: Global Police Communications System that provides a common platform for the member countries’ police organizations to share sensitive and urgent police information.
    India’s Membership
    • Joined in June 1956.
    Functioning in Member Countries
    • Each member country has a National Central Bureau (NCB), serving as the central point of contact for the general secretariat and other NCBs worldwide
    • NCBs are typically managed by police officials and situated in the government ministry responsible for policing (e.g., CBI in India)
    • Interpol’s databases contain various information, from names and fingerprints to stolen passports, accessible in real-time to member countries
    • Provides investigative support to member countries, aiding in forensic analysis and locating fugitives globally.
    Notices Interpol issues seven types of notices:

    1. Red Notice: Seeks the location and provisional arrest of fugitives.
    2. Blue Notice: Requests information about a person’s identity or activities.
    3. Green Notice: Warns about individuals likely to repeat crimes.
    4. Yellow Notice: Aids in locating missing persons.
    5. Black Notice: Seeks information about unidentified bodies.
    6. Orange Notice: Warns of imminent threats to public safety.
    7. Purple Notice: Seeks or provides information on criminal methods.

  • FLiRT Variants: Latest Twist in the COVID-19 Saga

    Why in the news?

    The emergence of new variants KP.2 and KP1.1, known as the FLiRT variants, has raised global concerns.

    • Despite vaccination efforts, these variants pose challenges, leading to concerns about a potential rise in COVID-19 cases.

    What are the FLiRT Variants of COVID-19?

    • KP.2 and KP1.1, dubbed ‘FLiRT’ variants, are descendants of the Omicron JN.1 which spread globally over the winter last year.

    Features and Differences from Other Variants

    • New Spike Mutations: The FLiRT group includes two specific mutations that are believed to enhance the virus’s ability to infect human cells.
    • Transmission and Evasion: Preliminary studies suggest that KP.2, the more prevalent of the two, may possess enhanced capabilities to evade immune responses generated by vaccines and previous infections.

    Are FLiRT Variants Riskier than JN.1?

    • Increased Immune Evasion: Research indicates that KP.2 shows a significant ability to escape immunity from both the latest vaccines and previous infections.
    • Reproduction Number: The reproduction number of KP.2 may be higher than that of JN.1, indicating a potentially greater ability to spread.
    • No definitive evidence: While there’s no definitive evidence that FLiRT variants cause more severe illness, their ability to circumvent immune defences can lead to more infections and, by extension, potential increases in hospitalizations.

    PYQ:

    [2022] In the context of vaccines manufactured to prevent COVID-19 pandemic, consider the following statements:

    1. The Serum Institute of India produced COVID-19 vaccine named Covishield using mRNA platform.
    2. Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using vector based platform.
    3. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen based vaccine.

    Which of the statements given above are correct?

    (a) 1 and 2 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 1 and 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Artificial Rain through Cloud Seeding

    Why in the news?

    The Uttarakhand government faced scrutiny from the Supreme Court following Forest fires that claimed lives in the state.

    • Justices highlighted the inefficacy of relying solely on cloud-seeding or rain gods to address the crisis.

    Case Study: Experimenting Artificial Rain in India

    • A recent study published in the Bulletin of the American Meteorological Society (BAMS) highlighted the success of a cloud seeding trial in Maharashtra’s Solapur region, which resulted in an 18% increase in rainfall compared to normal patterns.
    • Scientists from the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology in Pune and other institutes conducted this study.
    • The experiment targeted warm convective clouds with a height above zero degrees Celsius, releasing calcium chloride particles to stimulate rainfall.
    • Spanning from 2017 to 2019, the experiment analyzed 276 clouds using advanced tools like automatic rain gauges, radars, radiometers, and aircraft.
    • Glaciogenic seeding, attempted in clouds containing both ice and water, did not significantly impact rainfall at the seeding location, according to the study’s findings.

    About Cloud-Seeding

    • Cloud seeding is a weather modification technique aimed at altering precipitation patterns by dispersing substances into clouds to stimulate rainfall or snowfall.
    • It is used to mitigate hail, disperse fog, and either induce precipitation or prevent it from occurring in subsequent days.
    • It involves the dispersal of substances like silver iodide, potassium iodide, dry ice, and hygroscopic materials such as table salt into the atmosphere.
    • Techniques include:
    1. Static seeding: promotes ice particle formation in supercooled clouds, and
    2. Dynamic seeding: enhances convective cloud development through the release of latent heat.
    • Dispersion methods range from aircraft and ground-based generators to newer approaches like drones delivering electric charges or infrared laser pulses.

    Limitations: Impact on Environment and Health

    • Concerns persist regarding the potential accumulation of seeding agents in sensitive ecosystems, although detailed studies have shown negligible impacts.
    • The chemicals used, such as silver iodide, may potentially damage the environment and cause health issues like iodine poisoning in high concentrations

    PYQ:

    [2019] In the context of which of the following do some scientists suggest the use of cirrus cloud thinning technique and the injection of sulphate aerosol into stratosphere?

    (a) Creating the artificial rains in some regions

    (b) Reducing the frequency and intensity of tropical cyclones

    (c) Reducing the adverse effects of solar wind on the Earth

    (d) Reducing the global warming