Daily Current Affairs 

To The Point Notes

1.Oeko-Tex Certification for Eri Silk: A Milestone for Northeast India

Eri Silk: A Sustainable and Ethical Textile

• Origin: Native to Northeast India, particularly Assam and Meghalaya.
• Etymology: Derived from the Assamese word “era” meaning “castor.”
• Sustainability: Known as “Ahimsa” or “peace” silk, harvested cruelty-free after silkworms naturally exit cocoons.
• Production Process:
  • Silkworm Species: Samia ricini
  • Diet: Castor plant leaves
  • Lifecycle: 45-50 days
  • Harvesting: Cocoons boiled to remove sericin, then spun into yarn
  • Spinning: Labor-intensive process using handlooms, floor looms, or power looms
• Unique Characteristics: Soft, warm, woolly texture, durable, naturally off-white, can be dyed with natural or chemical dyes.
• Environmental and Ethical Aspects: Cruelty-free, eco-friendly production, supports rural livelihoods, particularly women empowerment.
• Geographical Significance: Major producing regions: Assam and Meghalaya, ideal climate for cultivation.
• Applications: Apparel, furnishings, artisanal products.

Oeko-Tex Certification: A Global Standard

• Oeko-Tex: International certification system for textiles and leather products, ensuring safety and sustainability.
• Types of Certifications: Standard 100, Made in Green, Leather Standard, STeP, ECO Passport.
• Global Reach: Recognized globally with partner institutes in over 60 countries.
• Criteria and Testing: Tests for harmful substances, regulated and non-regulated, REACH Regulation compliance, product classification based on skin contact.

Silk: A Natural Fiber with a Rich History

• Production Process: Cultivation of silkworms, spinning of cocoons, extraction of silk filaments, weaving.
• Types of Silk: Mulberry silk, Eri silk, Tussar silk, Muga silk, spider silk.
• Global and Indian Silk Industry: China is the largest producer and exporter, followed by India, Brazil, Uzbekistan, and Thailand. India is a major producer of Eri silk.

Key Points:

• NEHHDC’s Oeko-Tex certification for Eri silk is a significant achievement for Northeast India.
• Eri silk is a sustainable and ethical textile with unique characteristics.
• Oeko-Tex certification ensures product safety and environmental responsibility.
• The global silk industry is growing, with India being a major player in Eri silk production.

 

 

 

2.Uk Man Sets New Guinness World Record for Highest Altitude Ski-BASE Jump

Mera Peak: A Challenging Venture

• Location: Khumbu region of Nepal.
• Altitude: 6,476 meters (21,240 feet) above sea level.
• Significance: Highest trekking peak in Nepal, dominating the watershed between Hinku and Hongu Drangkas.
• Summits: North Mera Peak (6,476m), Central Mera Peak (6,461m), South Mera Peak (6064m).
• Panoramic Views: Offers stunning 360-degree views of five 8000m+ peaks: Everest, Kangchenjunga, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu.

Notable Peaks of the Himalayas

• Mount Everest: Highest peak in the world (8,849m).
• K2: Second highest peak (8,611m).
• Kangchenjunga: Third highest peak (8,586m).
• Lhotse: Fourth highest peak (8,516m).
• Makalu: Fifth highest peak (8,485m).
• Cho Oyu: Sixth highest peak (8,188m).
• Dhaulagiri: Seventh highest peak (8,167m).
• Manaslu: Eighth highest peak (8,163m).
• Nanga Parbat: Ninth highest peak (8,126m).
• Annapurna I: Tenth highest peak (8,091m).

 

 

3.Flaviviruses: A Growing Threat

A Diverse and Dangerous Family

• Flaviviruses: Arthropod-borne pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks.
• Notable Viruses: Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), dengue virus (DENV), Zika virus (ZIKV), West Nile virus (WNV), tick-borne encephalitis virus.
• Diseases: Severe diseases, including dengue fever, microcephaly, Guillain-Barré syndrome.
• Global Impact: DENV causes 390 million infections annually, JEV causes 70,000 cases.

New Mechanism of Propagation

• Importin-7 (IPO7): Crucial carrier protein for flavivirus core protein into the host cell nucleus.
• Potential Therapeutic Target: Targeting IPO7 could inhibit viral replication.

Scientific Breakthrough

• Study: Investigated the impact of IPO7 on flavivirus propagation.
• Findings: Absence of IPO7 significantly hindered viral particle production.
• Implications: Targeting IPO7 could lead to the development of specific and efficient inhibitors.

Therapeutic Potential

• New Approach: Developing drugs that inhibit IPO7 to block viral core protein transport.
• Broad-Spectrum Antivirals: Potential for IPO7 inhibitors to be effective against multiple flaviviruses.

Moving Forward

• Drug Development: Identifying and synthesizing IPO7 inhibitors.
• Clinical Trials: Assessing safety and efficacy of potential inhibitors.
• Broad-Spectrum Antivirals: Exploring the potential of IPO7 inhibitors.

Arthropod-Borne Diseases

• Transmission: Spread by infected mosquitoes, ticks, sandflies, and midges.
• Prevalence: High in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Public Health Impact: Significant impact on public health and economies.

 

 

 

 

4.Green Tug Transition Program (GTTP) 

• Launch Date: Officially launched today by Union Minister of Port Shipping and Waterways in New Delhi.
• Objective: Transition from conventional fuel-based harbor tugs to greener alternatives, enhancing environmental sustainability in India’s maritime sector.
• GTTP Under ‘Panch Karma Sankalp’:
  • Announcement Date: May 22, 2023.
  • Goal: Decarbonize maritime operations by phasing out fuel-based tugs and replacing them with green tugs powered by cleaner fuels.
• Phase 1 (Oct 1, 2024 – Dec 31, 2027):
  • Ports Involved: Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority, Deendayal Port Authority, Paradip Port Authority, O. Chidambaranar Port Authority.
  • Plan: Each port to procure or charter at least two green tugs.
  • Design: Tugs to follow standardized designs by the Standing Specification Committee (SSC).
  • Investment: Approx. INR 1000 Crores.
  • Technology: Initial tugs will be battery-electric, with future potential for hybrid, methanol, and green hydrogen.
• Impact on Domestic Industry:
  • ‘Make in India’ Initiative: All tugs to be built in Indian shipyards.
  • Employment: Significant job creation in shipbuilding and ship design.
• Future Goals:
  • By 2040: All tugs in Indian Major Ports to transition to green tugs.
  • Post-2033: New tugs built for Indian ports must comply with ASTDS-GTTP standards.
• Alignment with Maritime Vision 2030:
  • MIV 2030: Launched by PM Modi in 2020 to make India a global leader in maritime safety, sustainability, and environmental responsibility.
  • Targets:
    • 60% of power demand at major ports from renewable energy.
    • 30% reduction in carbon emissions per ton of cargo by 2030.
  • Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047: 30% reduction in GHG emissions from port vessels by 2030.
• Technological Focus: Harbor tugs as ideal candidates for electric propulsion and alternative fuels to reduce emissions while ensuring operational efficiency.