Daily Current Affairs

To The Point Notes

1.Estonia

Estonia is a country located in Northern Europe, bordering Latvia and Russia. It is a former Soviet Union member that is renowned for its advancements in technology and cybersecurity.

Key Facts:

• Baltic Country (along with Latvia and Lithuania)
• Major Rivers: Emajõgi and Pärnu
• Highest Point: Suur Munamagi

India-Estonia Relations

• India first recognized Estonia in 1921 (League of Nations)
• Re-recognition after Soviet collapse (1991)
• Established diplomatic relations in 1991 (Helsinki)

Cybersecurity Collaboration

• Estonia is looking to partner with India to strengthen cybersecurity infrastructure.
• Estonia has a strong track record in cybersecurity, having faced a large-scale DDoS attack in 2007.

 

 

2.Potential Acquisition of Mirage 2000 Fighter Jets

Context:

• India is considering buying 12 used Mirage 2000s from Qatar to address the IAF’s depleting fighter jet fleet due to MiG retirements.

About Mirage 2000:

• Origin: Designed by Dassault Aviation (France)
• Type: 4th-generation, multirole fighter aircraft
• IAF Acquisition: Around 51 Mirage 2000s in multiple batches (3 squadrons stationed at Gwalior Air Force Station)

Key Features:

• Versatility: Air-to-air combat, ground attack, reconnaissance, and nuclear strike missions.
• Combat Proven:
  • Played a decisive role in the Kargil War with high-altitude precision strikes using laser-guided bombs.
  • Demonstrated effectiveness in the 2019 Balakot airstrikes.
• Modernization: Ongoing upgrade program to extend operational life and capabilities until 2035.

 

 

3.Plutonium Isotope Fission

Plutonium (Pu):

• Silvery-gray radioactive metal.
• 5 common isotopes: Pu-238, Pu-239, Pu-240, Pu-241, Pu-242.
• All are fissile (nucleus splits with neutron impact).

Applications:

• Pu-239: Primary fuel in nuclear weapons (highest fissile material content).
  • Produced from U-238 in nuclear reactors.
• Pu-240:
  • Considered a contaminant in weapons-grade plutonium due to spontaneous fission (alpha emission).
  • Used in long-lived power sources (e.g., pacemakers, space missions).

Recent Development:

• New measurement of neutron energy released during Pu-240 fission.

India’s Nuclear Program:

• Stage 1: Pressurized heavy-water reactors using uranium isotopes as fuel.
  • Produce Pu-239 along with energy.
• Stage 2 (March 2024): Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam.
  • Focuses on plutonium fission for efficient fuel utilization.
  • Pu-239 nucleus captures a neutron:
    • 27-38% chance of becoming Pu-240 (uncertain fission energy).
    • Can further transform into Pu-241.

Note: Pu-240 presence is common in reactors and nuclear weapon fallout.

 

 

4. microRNA Biomarkers

CSIR-CCMB Discovery:

• Scientists at CSIR-CCMB identified a potentially cost-effective and non-invasive method for detecting breast cancer.
• Method utilizes microRNAs (miRNAs) – small molecules regulating cellular processes.

miRNAs as Biomarkers:

• Analyzed miRNA signatures in cancer samples to identify those associated with invasive breast cancer.
• 107 miRNAs identified as potential biomarkers for classifying different breast cancer types, grades, and stages.

Liquid Biopsy Potential:

• Cancer cells release circulating nucleic acids (CNAs) detectable in blood plasma.
• Identified miRNA biomarkers could be used in a liquid biopsy system for cancer detection from a single blood drop.

Significance:

• Paves the way for miRNA-based breast cancer diagnosis.
• Offers a refined, cost-effective, and non-invasive approach for early detection.
• Biomarker discovery is crucial for early detection, classification, and monitoring of cancer.

 

 

5.ISRO’s Pushpak

ISRO Mission:

• Successful landing of Pushpak Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) for the third time (RLV LEX-03 mission).

Testing Objectives:

• Challenging conditions:
  • Deviations from intended orbit during descent.
  • Severe wind conditions.

Vehicle Design:

• Reuses winged body and flight systems from previous experiment.
• Utilizes multiple sensors:
  • Inertial sensor
  • Radar altimeter
  • Pseudolite system
  • NAVIC satellite system

Significance:

• Reduce launch costs and maintain space competitiveness.
• Reusable design allows for satellite deployment and runway landing like an airplane.
• Validated critical technology: advanced algorithm for correcting trajectory errors.

 

6.India-Russia Military Cooperation Gets a Boost

Logistics Agreement Approved by Russia:

• A significant step towards increased military engagement between India and Russia.

Agreement Details:

• Facilitates mutual logistical support for:
  • Peacekeeping missions
  • Humanitarian assistance
  • Joint military exercises
• Provides critical services like:
  • Refueling
  • Maintenance
  • Supplies
• Enhances interoperability between the two militaries.

Validity and Renewal:

• 5 years with automatic renewal unless terminated by either party.

Building on Existing Ties:

• This pact strengthens the longstanding India-Russia military relationship.
• Follows a 2021 agreement on military-technical cooperation until 2030.

India’s Strategic Outlook:

• Similar logistics agreements exist with the US, France, South Korea, Singapore, Australia, and Japan.
• These pacts enhance India’s:
  • Strategic reach
  • Operational readiness
  • Ability to sustain complex military deployments.