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DAILY DOSE 8^th OCT – 2024 CURRENT AFFAIRS

1) India signs $750-mn currency swap deal with forex-starved Maldives

India’s recent $750 million currency swap agreement with the Maldives aims to alleviate the island nation’s foreign currency crisis.
This partnership emphasises India’s commitment to supporting the Maldives amid its economic challenges.
The agreements signed also include launching the RuPay card and cooperation in various sectors, reinforcing people-to-people connections.

2) Genome editing is bringing clarity to the study of hereditary cancers:

Genetic editing, particularly through techniques like CRISPR, allows precise modifications in DNA, holding immense promise in treating cancer.
This technology can correct mutations, personalise treatments, and overcome drug resistance.
Correcting Mutations: Genetic editing can target and correct specific mutations responsible for causing cancer.
Identifying Drug Targets: It allows researchers to understand the role of genes in cancer progression and identify new drug targets.
Personalised Therapies: Genetic editing can be used to develop therapies tailored to an individual’s genetic profile, improving treatment outcomes.

3) On ‘casteist’ provisions in prison manuals

On October 3, the Supreme Court declared caste-based division of labour in prisons as unconstitutional, violating prisoners’ fundamental rights.
Provisions in State prison manuals, which reinforced caste inequalities, were struck down.
The court directed States and Union Territories to amend these manuals and ensure compliance within three months.
The Supreme Court directed all States and Union Territories to amend their prison manuals within three months to eliminate such discriminatory practices.
It also ordered reforms to the Union government’s Model Prison Manual, 2016, and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act, 2023, to address similar issues.

4) How high-performance buildings are the next step towards a sustainable future

· As India’s urban population grows, adopting high-performance buildings (HPBs) can address sustainability challenges and meet climate goals.

· HPBs optimise energy efficiency and enhance occupant well-being, positioning them as vital for future urban development.

· Buildings contribute significantly to global emissions, especially in rapidly growing cities.

· They account for 40% of total global energy consumption over their lifespan, leading to about 28% of energy-related carbon emissions.

The Amazon River, the world’s largest river, is experiencing unprecedented low water levels due to climate change-induced droughts.
In some areas, water levels have fallen to historic lows, with sections of the river shrinking to mere pools only a few feet deep.
Key tributaries of the Amazon, spanning over 1,000 miles each, have also seen water levels drop drastically, disrupting the river’s ecosystem and its essential role in connecting remote communities.
The Amazon River, a crucial transportation route for remote regions in South America, has become gridlocked due to the severe drop in water levels. The drought has hampered the movement of people and goods, leaving boats unable to operate effectively.

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) introduced the Mutual Funds Lite (MF Lite) framework on September 30 to promote passively managed mutual fund schemes.
This initiative aims to attract new players to the mutual fund industry, offer diversified and less risky investment opportunities for retail investors, and enhance market liquidity.
The MF Lite framework represents a significant step towards creating a robust, inclusive, and diversified mutual fund ecosystem in India. Adopting global best practices, focusing on investor education, and using technology for transparency will ensure sustainable growth and responsible investment opportunities in the passive mutual fund space.

7) UGC report on PhD excellence

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has initiated a Ph.D. excellence citation to recognize outstanding research work by scholars in Indian universities, aiming to promote original research and academic excellence across disciplines.
Higher education reforms: Highlights efforts by UGC to promote quality research in Indian universities, aligning with policies to improve educational standards.
Government initiatives: Reflects India’s focus on enhancing academic excellence and encouraging innovation through structured recognition.
Human resource development: Emphasizes the importance of nurturing skilled researchers to contribute to national development and knowledge economy.

8) “Free to Think 2024” report

India’s academic freedom has significantly declined over the past decade, with growing concerns over political influence and restrictions on student protests at universities. This trend has been highlighted in the “Free to Think 2024” report, which examines global academic freedom.
Key Findings:
The report covers 391 attacks on higher education in 51 countries between July 2023 and June 2024.
Highlights political control and a Hindu nationalist agenda influencing India’s universities.
Restrictions on student protests noted in institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and South Asian University (SAU).

9) ISRO third launch pad

ISRO is expanding its space capabilities by establishing a third launch pad at Sriharikota, aiming to support new technologies like the New Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV), while enhancing redundancy for critical missions and future space endeavors.
Redundancy: Acts as a backup to ensure uninterrupted GSLV launches if issues arise with the second launch pad.
Horizontal integration for NGLV: Designed for horizontal assembly of the NGLV, focusing on liquid engine boosters, enhancing assembly efficiency.
Increased payload capacity: Supports NGLV’s higher payloads — 20 tonnes to LEO and 9 tonnes to GTO, up from current vehicle capabilities.

10) Nobel Prize for Medicine, 2024

The Nobel Prize for Medicine in 2024 has been awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for their groundbreaking work in discovering microRNA and its role in gene regulation.
Laureates: Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun.
Work recognized: Discovery of microRNA and its role in post-transcriptional gene regulation.
Research focus: They studied the roundworm C. Elegans and identified how the lin-4 microRNA regulates the lin-14 gene by inhibiting its protein production.