Daily Current Affairs 

To The Point Notes

1.Cyanide Sensor

In News

• Developed by: Dr. Ravi Kumar Kanaparthi, Central University of Kerala
• Purpose: Highly sensitive and selective cyanide detection

About Cyanide

• Potent toxin found in plants, fruits, and microorganisms.
• WHO limit in potable water: <0.19 mg/L.
• Lethal effects.

About the Sensor

• Enhances safety by detecting low concentration cyanide.
• Color change: Yellow to colorless upon cyanide detection.
• Highly selective: Detects cyanide without interference.

Importance

• Prevents cyanide poisoning (e.g., Idukki incident).
• Ensures public safety.

 

 

2.Californium Element

In News

• The police in Bihar’s Gopalganj seized 50 grams of the highly radioactive metal Californium.

About

• Californium is a silvery-white synthetic radioactive metal with the atomic number 98 on the periodic table. 
• It was first synthesized in 1950 at Berkeley, California, from where it derives its name, by bombarding curium with alpha particles. 
• Californium is a very strong neutron emitter and is used in portable metal detectors for identifying gold and silver ores, to help identify water and oil layers in oil wells, and detect metal fatigue and stress in airplanes.

 

3.Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP)

• Context:
  The Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways has introduced the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for the Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) in New Delhi.

Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP):

• The GTTP aims to gradually replace conventional fuel-based harbor tugs at Indian Major Ports with green tugs powered by cleaner and more sustainable alternative fuels.
• In the first phase of the GTTP, four Major Ports—Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, and V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority—will either procure or charter a minimum of two green tugs each.
• The program’s objective is to ensure that at least 50% of all tugs are converted to Green Tugs by 2030, with the ultimate aim of having Green Tugs operational at all major ports in India.

 

 

4.Impact of Artificial Lights on Plants

• Issue: Artificial lights, especially streetlights, disrupt natural night-day cycles.
• Plant Changes: Leaves become tougher under constant light, making them inedible for insects.
• Insect Decline: Reduced herbivory due to tough leaves leads to fewer insects, impacting the entire food chain.
• Nutrient Alteration: Artificial lights change nutrient levels and defensive compounds in leaves.
• Widespread Concern: Insect population decline is a global issue, and artificial lights are a contributing factor.
• Potential Impacts: Lower insect populations can affect bird populations and overall ecosystem balance.
• Need for Research: Further studies are required to understand the full extent of this issue and develop mitigation strategies.

 

 

5.Nord Stream Pipeline

Context

• Sept 2022: Nord Stream pipelines sabotaged in Baltic Sea.
• Perpetrators unidentified.

Nord Stream Pipeline

• Twin subsea gas pipelines.
• Russia to Europe via Baltic Sea.
• Operated by Nord Stream AG.
• Route: Vyborg (Russia) to Lubmin (Germany).
• Crosses EEZs of Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Germany.
• Nord Stream 1: Completed 2011.
• Nord Stream 2: Completed Sept 2021.

Importance for Europe

• Heavy reliance on Russian gas (~40%).
• Limited alternatives (LNG infrastructure).
• European Green Deal increased dependence.
• Industrial pressure for Nord Stream.
• Economic impact: Gas for factories, offices, power.

Importance for Russia

• Major revenue source (~40% budget).
• Bypasses transit countries, cuts costs.
• Increases European dependence.