Daily Current Affairs

To The Point Notes

Polity

1.Central Information Commission (CIC)

Context: Supreme Court upholds CIC’s power to form benches and frame regulations for effective functioning (July 2024)

About CIC:

• Established under the Right to Information Act (RTI Act), 2005.
• Statutory body.
• Composition:
  • Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)
  • Up to 10 Information Commissioners
• Appointment: By President on recommendation of a committee led by Prime Minister.
• Term: 3 years

Powers and Functions:

• During inquiry, has powers of a civil court:
  • Summon & enforce attendance of witnesses.
  • Order production of documents.
  • Examine public records (cannot be withheld).
• Decisions are final and binding.

 

 

 

Science and Technology

2.Wolbachia Bacteria

Context: Study shows Wolbachia manipulates wasps to eliminate males (July 2024)

About Wolbachia:

• Common bacteria found in 50% of insect species (mosquitoes, fruit flies, etc.).
• Lives inside insect cells and transfers through eggs.

Use for Mosquito Control:

• Targets Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which spread diseases like dengue.
• Mosquitos with Wolbachia are released into the wild population.
• When Wolbachia-infected males mate with uninfected females, eggs don’t hatch.
• Reduces overall Aedes aegypti population.

 

 

 

Economy

3.World Youth Skills Day:

• Designated by UN General Assembly (Nov 2014).
• 2024 Theme: “Youth Skills for Peace and Development”.
• Marks 5th anniversary of Skill India Mission.

Skill India Mission:

• Empowers youth with employable skills.
• Offers courses aligned with National Skill Qualification Framework (NSQF).
• Focuses on practical skills and technical expertise.

 

 

 

Economy

4.Makhana (Fox Nut)

• News (July 2024): Bihar government seeks Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Makhana, a high-demand aquatic crop.
• Biological Name: Euryale ferox
• Family: Nymphaeaceae (same as water lilies)
• Food Value: Unique, highly nutritious, and non-cereal food source.
• Global Production:
  • India dominates with 70-80% of the world’s Makhana.
  • Within India, Bihar is the kingpin, producing over 80% of the national crop.
  • Key Production Areas: Darbhanga, Madhubani, Saharsa, Katihar, Purnea, Supaul, Kishanganj, Araria, and Sitamari districts in Bihar.
• International Presence: While commercially cultivated primarily in India, Makhana also grows wild in Japan, Korea, China, Bangladesh, and Russia.

 

 

Economy

5.Bancassurance: Boosting Insurance Penetration

Context: Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) aims to leverage Bancassurance for its “Insurance for All by 2047” goal.

What is Bancassurance?

• Strategic partnership between banks and insurance companies.
• Insurers offer products directly to bank’s customers.
• Benefits:
  • Improved market access and cost efficiency for insurers.
  • Convenience and potentially better deals for customers (but IRDAI cautions against mis-selling).

Importance:

• Widening the Safety Net: National Insurance Academy report suggests 60-70% of Indians lack insurance. Bancassurance bridges this gap using banks’ existing customer base.
• Customized Solutions: Banks can tailor insurance products to customer needs (e.g., health insurance linked to bank accounts).
• Simpler Sales Process: Existing bank relationships ease the sales process.
  • Streamlined underwriting and KYC procedures reduce costs and risks for insurers.
• Holistic Approach: Banks can integrate insurance into financial planning, improving customer experience and understanding their needs.

 

 

Economy

6.Pink Bollworm:

Context: Central Institute for Cotton Research (ICAR) uses AI for real-time Pink Bollworm monitoring in a pilot project.

About Pink Bollworm (Pectinophora Gossypiella):

• Destroys developing cotton parts (squares & bolls).
• Adult: Thin grey moth laying eggs on buds, flowers, and bolls.
• Global Problem: Native to Asia, now in most cotton-growing countries.
• Cryptic Nature: Damage unseen until bolls open (often too late!).
  • Cuts and stains cotton fibers, reducing quality.
• Devastating Infestations: 30-90% of cotton crops can be affected.

Cotton & India:

• Economic Importance: Cotton (aka “white gold”) is crucial globally.
• Indian Cotton Production: India cultivates all four cotton species and hybrids.
• Bt Cotton: India introduced genetically modified Bt Cotton (Bollgard II) for resistance against American, Pink, and Spotted Bollworms.

Challenge: Pink Bollworm has developed resistance to Bt Cotton over time.

 

 

 

Environment

7.Kashmiri Willow

In the Spotlight: Cricket bats made from Kashmiri willow gaining global popularity.

About the Tree:

• Scientific Name: Salix alba (a type of willow)
• Location: Kashmir region of India (introduced during British era)
• Height: Up to 30 meters
• Fast Growing: Efficient conversion of sunlight to energy

Note:

• Forms symbiotic relationships with fungi for better nutrient uptake.