Daily Current Affairs
Prelims Exam
Geography
1.Slope Stabilization in Tamil Nadu: Soil Nailing and Hydroseeding
Project: Highways department in Tamil Nadu is using a combined approach to stabilize slopes along major roads in the Nilgiris.
Soil Nailing:
- Geotechnical engineering technique to strengthen soil slopes.
- Steel tendons are drilled and grouted into the soil, creating a reinforced mass like a retaining wall.
- Methods:
- Drilled & Grouted: Most common, uses pre-drilled holes and grouting for permanent stabilization.
- Driven: Fast for temporary work, but less corrosion resistant.
- Jet Grouted: Used for loose soil, injects grout with steel bar insertion.
- Launched: Uses compressed air to shoot steel bars into the soil.
Applications:
- Stabilizing slopes and landslides
- Supporting excavations
- Repairing retaining walls
Hydroseeding:
- Applies a mixture of seeds, fertilizer, and organic materials to soil.
- Promotes grass and plant growth to hold topsoil and prevent erosion.
Combined Benefit:
- Soil nailing provides immediate structural reinforcement.
- Hydroseeding creates a long-term solution by establishing vegetation for lasting slope stability and erosion control.
Art and Culture
2.Sahitya Akademi Fellowship
- Highest literary honor in India awarded by Sahitya Akademi (India’s National Academy of Letters).
- Bestowed on writers with outstanding contributions to Indian literature.
- Limited to 21 recipients at any given time, known as the ‘immortals of literature’.
Sahitya Akademi
- Established: March 12, 1954 (autonomous organization)
- Goal: Develop Indian literature, set high literary standards, and promote cultural unity through 24 Indian languages.
Other Fellowship
- Premchand Fellowship: Awarded for research on Indian literature or creative writing by authors from SAARC countries (excluding India).
Source : https://www.thehindu.com/books/ruskin-bond-awarded-sahitya-akademi-fellowship/article68165584.ece
Environment
3.Disappearing Silk Cotton Trees in South Rajasthan (Bombax ceiba L.)
- The Silk Cotton Tree (Semal Tree) is vanishing from South Rajasthan, harming the environment and local communities.
- Local Name: Semal Tree
- Description: Lofty deciduous tree with buttressed base and conical prickles.
- Habitat: Moist deciduous & semi-evergreen forests, plains (up to 1400m).
- Distribution in India: Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Assam, Bihar, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh.
- Benefits:
- Fire-resistant shade provider.
- Pioneer tree for restoring wastelands.
- Helps fight climate change by absorbing carbon.
- Home to rock bees (spikes deter predators).
- Food source for tribal communities (roots).
- Provides materials for tools, instruments, and fuel.
- Significance:
- Multiple Uses: Valuable for wildlife, insects, and tribal communities.
- Fire-resistant & Cooling Properties: Provides shade and reduces fire risk.
- Pioneer Tree: Generates rich biomass for reclaiming wastelands.
- Carbon Sequestration: Fixes carbon and sheds leaves before flowering.
- Bio-indicator: Late flowering might predict hot summers or delayed monsoons.
- Habitat for Rock Bees: Spikes deter sloth bears, a natural predator.
- Food Source: Tribal communities consume the reddish root during monsoons.
- Agroforestry: Provides food, fodder, and fuelwood.
- Cultural Significance:
- Garasia tribe believes in descent from semal trees.
- Kathodi tribe uses wood for musical instruments.
- Bhil tribe uses wood for utensils.
Environment
4.Sea Anemone Bleaching in Lakshadweep
- First observed: Lakshadweep Islands (2024)
About Sea Anemones
- Marine invertebrates: Order Actiniaria
- Predatory: Sting prey
- Colorful: White, green, blue, orange, red, mauve
- Habitat: Attached to reefs, rocks, or burrow in mud/sand
- Symbiotic relationship: With algae for energy (threatened by bleaching)
Threats
- Bleaching: Makes them more susceptible to disease and increases mortality.
- Loss of symbiotic algae: Deprives them of primary energy source.
Conservation
- Urgent need for comprehensive efforts in Lakshadweep.
- Mitigate climate change: Reduce global emissions.
- Address rising sea temperature (33°C documented in Agatti island).
Science and Tech.
5.Xenotransplantation: Using Animal Organs for Human Transplants
Xenotransplantation is transplanting animal organs or tissues into humans to address the shortage of donor organs.
What is it?
- Transplanting animal organs or tissues into humans to address organ shortage.
- First attempted in the 1980s (heart transplant).
Why is it needed?
- Shortage of donor organs – Many patients die waiting for transplants (e.g., kidney).
- Potential treatment for other diseases (e.g., neurodegenerative disorders, diabetes).
How does it work?
- Similar to regular transplants, but with additional steps:
- Genetic modification of animal organ to reduce rejection by human body (e.g., CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing).
- Constant monitoring after surgery to track body’s response.
Why pigs?
- Pig organ size can be matched to human recipient’s needs.
- Pig anatomy and physiology are similar to humans.
- Widespread and cost-effective pig breeding.
Complications:
- Organ rejection by human immune system.
- Potential for infections due to animal viruses.
- Risk of cross-species retrovirus transmission.
Recent case:
- First patient receiving a genetically modified pig kidney lived for 2 months after surgery.
- Cause of death not linked to transplant.
Geography
6.Nairobi Declaration on Fertilizer and Soil Health
Endorsed by: African Presidents
Goal: Boost agricultural production in Africa
- Triple domestic fertilizer production in 10 years.
Other Key Points:
- Increased bargaining power for Africa on climate issues.
- Green investment opportunities in Africa’s emerging economies (blue & green).
- Support for a carbon tax on fossil fuels, maritime transport, and aviation.
- Demands fulfilment of the $100 billion annual climate finance pledge.
- Proposes debt relief for African countries:
- Extended repayment periods.
- 10-year grace period.
Defence
7.India-France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI (7th Edition)
- Location: Umroi, Meghalaya, India (Joint Training Node)
- Frequency: Biennial (alternating between India and France)
- Last Edition: France, November 2021
- Aim: Enhance joint military capability for multi-domain operations under UN mandate (Chapter VII) in semi-urban and mountainous terrain.
- Objectives:
- Achieve high physical fitness
- Refine tactical drills
- Share best practices in Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs)
- Participants:
- India: 90 personnel (Rajput Regiment + others) + Observers from Navy & Air Force
- France: 90 personnel (13th Foreign Legion Half-Brigade)
- Duration: 14 days