Daily Current Affairs

To The Point Notes

1. A Surge in Ethanol Blending in India

Context

• In the current supply year (November 2023-October 2024), cereal grains have overtaken sugarcane as the primary feedstock for ethanol production in India.
• This shift marks a significant change in the country’s ethanol blending strategy.

Ethanol Production Statistics

• As of June 30, 2024, sugar mills and distilleries have supplied 401 crore litres of ethanol to oil marketing companies.
• Of this, 211 crore litres (52.7%) were produced using maize and damaged foodgrains, while 190 crore litres came from sugarcane-based feedstocks like molasses and whole juice/syrup.
• This is the first-time grain-based ethanol production has surpassed 50%, a substantial increase from previous years.

Ethanol Blending Targets

• Ethanol is 99.9% pure alcohol that can be blended with petrol.
• The government aims to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2025.
• The current average blending ratio for India stands at 13% for this supply year, up from 12.1% in 2022-23 and only 1.6% in 2013-14.
• Monthly data for 2023-24 shows a steady increase in the blending percentage, peaking at 15.9% in June.

Production Process and Feedstocks

• The production of ethanol involves fermenting sugar with yeast. For cane juice or molasses, sucrose is broken down into glucose and fructose.
• Grains, however, contain starch, which must first be converted into simpler sugars before fermentation.
• Until 2017-18, ethanol was produced only from C-heavy molasses, a byproduct of sugarcane processing.

2.Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum

Context

The Union Minister of Culture and Tourism has inaugurated the Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum at Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site in New Delhi.

About the Museum

• Unique Design: This museum is the country’s first sunken museum, showcasing over 500 artefacts that have never been displayed before. The museum’s layout draws inspiration from medieval ‘baolis’ or traditional water tanks, highlighting the legacy of Mughal emperor Humayun.
• Background: The concept of the museum stems from a UNESCO recommendation that significant World Heritage Sites should have interpretation centres or site museums at their entrance zones. These centres provide cultural context for the heritage site, enhancing the visitor experience significantly.
• Architectural Integrity: The museum is designed to be underground, preserving the visual integrity of the monuments within the complex.

Humayun’s Tomb

• Historical Significance: The tomb of Humayun, the second Mughal Emperor of India, was constructed by his widow, Biga Begum (Hajji Begum), between 1569 and 1570, 14 years after his death.
• Architect: The tomb was designed by Mirak Mirza Ghiyath.
• ‘Dormitory of the Mughals’: Known as the ‘dormitory of the Mughals’, the tomb’s cells house over 150 members of the Mughal family.
• Archaeological Setting: The tomb is situated in an archaeologically significant area, centered around the shrine of the 14th-century Sufi Saint, Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya.
• Architectural Innovation: It was the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and inspired several major architectural innovations, eventually leading to the construction of the Taj Mahal.

3.Oropouche Fever

Context

Brazil has recently reported its first-ever fatalities due to Oropouche Fever, a disease transmitted by mosquitoes and exhibiting symptoms similar to dengue.

About Oropouche Fever

• Cause: Oropouche Fever is caused by the Oropouche virus, a member of the Orthobunyavirus genus. This virus was initially identified in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955.
• Transmission: The primary vector for the Oropouche virus is the Culicoides paraensis midge, a tiny insect known for its efficiency in spreading the virus. Despite its mode of transmission, there is no evidence to suggest human-to-human transmission.
• Symptoms: The disease presents symptoms very much like those of dengue, including fever, chills, muscle pain, and joint discomfort.

4.Sturgeon: Ancient Giants Under Threat

Sturgeons, living fossils from the dinosaur age, are facing a critical crisis.

These large, slow-growing fish, found in rivers and coastal waters across the Northern Hemisphere, have been overexploited for their prized caviar. Overfishing, habitat destruction, and illegal trade have pushed many sturgeon species to the brink of extinction.

Key Points:

• Ancient Lineage: Sturgeons are among the oldest living fish species.
• Global Distribution: Found in Europe, Asia, and North America.
• Economic Value: Overfished for caviar, a delicacy made from their eggs.
• Conservation Status: Many species are critically endangered, including the stellate, Russian, and beluga sturgeon.
• Ecological Importance: Sturgeons play vital roles in river ecosystems.

Urgent conservation efforts are needed to protect these magnificent creatures and restore their populations.