Daily Current Affairs
To The Point Notes
Environment
1.WIPO Treaty on Genetic Resources & Traditional Knowledge
Context: After 25 years, WIPO concluded a treaty on Genetic Resources (GRs) and Traditional Knowledge (TK).
Genetic Resources (GRs):
- Found in plants, crops, animals (e.g., medicinal plants).
- Cannot be directly patented, but inventions based on them can (often through patents).
Traditional Knowledge (TK):
- Knowledge of indigenous and local communities about using and conserving GRs, often passed down for generations.
- May be used in research leading to patented inventions.
About the Treaty:
- Requires patent applicants to disclose:
- Country of origin of GRs.
- Source of GRs and associated TK.
- This disclosure helps protect:
- Indian GRs and TK from misappropriation abroad (where disclosure is not mandatory).
Significance:
- First WIPO treaty on IP, GRs, and TK.
- First WIPO treaty with specific provisions for indigenous peoples and local communities.
Way Ahead:
- A win for developing countries (including India) and indigenous communities.
- Helps bridge conflicting interests within the intellectual property (IP) system.
World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO):
- UN agency for intellectual property.
- 193 member states (developed and developing countries).
- Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland.
Economy
2.ZiG: Zimbabwe’s Gold-Backed Currency
Context: Zimbabwe launched the ZiG, a gold-backed currency, to tackle hyperinflation and currency instability.
Background:
- Sixth national currency in 15 years.
- Follows 2009 collapse of Zimbabwe dollar due to hyperinflation (5 billion %).
Gold-Backed:
- ZiG’s value tied to physical gold reserves held by the government.
- Aims for stability and prevents devaluation.
- Denominations: 1ZiG, 2ZiG, 5ZiG, etc.
Challenges:
- Public skepticism due to past currency failures.
- Black market fluctuations: Up to 17 ZiG per US dollar.
Goal: Restore public trust in Zimbabwe’s monetary system.
Economy
3.Eucalyptus Plantations
Context: Kerala allows planting Eucalyptus for financial gain, raising environmental concerns.
About Eucalyptus:
- Genus of fast-growing trees native to Australia (>800 species).
- Rotates every 9 years (compared to Acacia at 18 years).
Importance:
- Wood Source: 70% of India’s pulp and paper industry relies on Eucalyptus.
- Carbon Sequestration: Eucalyptus plantations absorb CO2 (369.2 mg/ha in 6 years).
- Soil Improvement: Can increase soil carbon storage in agri-silviculture systems.
Environmental Concerns:
- Invasive Species: Disrupts natural ecosystems in Kerala.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Eucalyptus plantations may displace wildlife, forcing them into human areas.
Economy
4.RBI Initiatives for Public Access
New Measures:
- RBI launched three initiatives to improve public access:
- PRAVAAH Portal
- Retail Direct Mobile App
- Fintech Repository
PRAVAAH Portal:
- A secure online platform for individuals and businesses.
- Simplifies application process for RBI approvals (licenses, authorizations).
- One-stop shop for regulatory interactions, improving efficiency.
Retail Direct Mobile App:
- Enables retail investors to access the Retail Direct platform.
- Allows transactions in government securities (G-Secs).
- Features:
- Open Retail Direct Gilt accounts with RBI.
- Participate in G-Secs auctions.
- Buy and sell G-Secs in the secondary market.
- Available on Android and iOS app stores.
Fintech Repository:
- Comprehensive database of India’s fintech sector.
- Improves regulatory understanding of the sector.
- Information on:
- Indian fintech companies
- Products & services offered
- Applicable regulations
EmTech Repository (related initiative):
- Tracks adoption of emerging technologies (AI, ML, etc.) by RBI-regulated entities (banks, NBFCs).
Overall Goal:
- Enhance public access to the RBI.
- Streamline regulatory approvals and transactions.
Person in News
5.Major Radhika Sen Wins UN Military Gender Advocate Award
Award:
- Recognizes efforts in promoting gender equality in peacekeeping missions.
- Awarded on International Day of UN Peacekeepers (May 30th).
- Second Indian recipient after Major Suman Gawani (2019).
Major Radhika Sen’s Contribution:
- Served with MONUSCO in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Established Community Alert Networks:
- Platform for community leaders, youth, and women to voice security concerns.
- Earned trust of conflict-affected communities.
- Led mixed-gender patrols, fostering a safe space for collaboration.
- Role model for both men and women in peacekeeping.
International Day of UN Peacekeepers (2024 Theme: “Fit for the Future, Building Better Together”)
- Honors UN peacekeeping personnel (soldiers, police, civilians).
- Established in 2002 by the UN General Assembly.
UN Peacekeeping Role:
- Department of Peace Operations leads peacekeeping efforts.
- Goal: Help countries in conflict create lasting peace.
- Authorized by Chapter VII of the UN Charter (Security Council).
Environment
6.New Algal Species Discovered in Western Ghats
- Discovery: A group of psychologists from the Department of Botany at Catholicate College, Pathanamthitta found a new algal species.
- Species: Oedocladium sahyadricum (named after the Western Ghats – Sahyadri)
- Location: Natural forests of Kumbhavurutty region, Kollam, Kerala (first Oedocladium species recorded in the state)
- Appearance: Velvety green, moss-like protonema, turning yellowish-green with maturity.
- Significance: Provides ideal conditions for growth of terrestrial microalgae due to the rich plant diversity of the Western Ghats.
- Publication: Discovery published in Taiwania, an international biodiversity journal.
- Potential Applications: Medicine, agriculture, and production of astaxanthin (natural pigment with health benefits).
Environment
7.Dhole (Cuon alpinus)
Habitat: Forests, grasslands, mountains (South & Southeast Asia)
Appearance: Reddish coat, bushy tail, large ears (fox & wolf mix)
Social: Highly social, live & hunt in packs (5-12, up to 30)
Diet & Hunting: Medium-sized ungulates (deer, boar), cooperative hunting
Communication: Whistles, clicks, growls (hunts & social bonding)
Reproduction: Varies geographically, females birth 4-6 pups (gestation: 60-63 days)
Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN Red List) – habitat loss,prey depletion, human-wildlife conflict
History
8.Mauxi Village: Neolithic Discoveries
Location: Mauxi (Mhaus) village, Sattari taluka, Goa
Discovery:
- Ancient rock carvings found on the Zarme riverbed.
- Confirmed by ASI to belong to the Neolithic period (discovered by locals 20 years ago).
Carvings:
- Animals (zebus, bulls, antelopes)
- Footprints and cupules (circular cavities)
- 20 etchings made using the bruising technique
Significance:
- Neolithic period (12,000 years ago – 4500 BCE) marked the shift to agriculture and animal domestication.
- Carvings depict early inhabitants and their lifestyle.
- A trident carving suggests the site’s use in later Iron Age as well.
- Presence of the Dhawad community (early settlers and ironsmiths) adds another layer to the history.
Facts & Figures:
- Stone Age: Divided into Paleolithic, Mesolithic, and Neolithic based on tool advancements and societal changes.
- Neolithic Age: Began around 12,000 years ago and ended between 4500 BCE and 2000 BCE.
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