CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• Researchers at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in India have recently made a breakthrough by identifying a novel strain of lactic acid bacteria during their study of the genetic characteristics of S. thermophilus.
• S. thermophilus, a gram-positive bacterium that does not move or form spores, thrives in both aerobic and anaerobic environments. It is a beneficial probiotic commonly present in the digestive tract, where it plays a crucial role in lactose metabolism by converting it into lactic acid. This bacterium aids in food digestion, enhances nutrient absorption, and combats harmful pathogens. Moreover, it contributes to improved lactose digestion among individuals with lactose intolerance.
• Beyond its digestive benefits, S. thermophilus has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, potentially reducing the risk of conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. It is widely utilized in the production of fermented dairy products like yogurt and is a key component in various probiotic supplements.

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• According to a recent press release from the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the government has launched an ambitious initiative under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of the cultural heritage of 6.5 lakh villages across India.
• The NMCM, overseen by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, is designed to create a robust database encompassing artists, diverse art forms, and cultural resources sourced from cultural organizations under the Ministry of Culture, as well as from other Ministries and States. This initiative leverages a sophisticated IT-enabled platform to achieve its objectives.
• Key goals of the National Mission on Cultural Mapping include raising awareness about the cultural heritage's intrinsic connection with development and cultural identity. The project involves mapping 6.5 lakh villages, documenting their geographical and demographic profiles alongside their creative assets. Additionally, it aims to establish National Registers of Artists and Art practices.

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• The government has recently released operational guidelines for the implementation of incentives to DISCOMs under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a scheme launched on February 15, 2024.
• PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Overview:
  • This government initiative aims to provide free electricity to households across India by subsidizing the installation of solar panels on their rooftops. Under this scheme, households can receive a subsidy covering up to 40% of the cost of solar panel installation. It is expected to benefit approximately 1 crore households nationwide and is projected to save the government Rs. 75,000 crore annually in electricity expenses. The scheme has a total outlay of Rs. 75,021 crore and is slated for implementation until FY 2026-27.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • To qualify for participation, households must be Indian citizens who own houses suitable for solar panel installation and have a valid electricity connection. They should not have previously availed of any other solar panel subsidy.

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• The Ministry of MSME has introduced the "MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing Initiative" (MSME-TEAM Initiative) as part of the Central Sector Scheme "Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP)".
• MSME TEAM Initiative Overview:
  • The MSME-TEAM Initiative aims to support five lakh Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in joining the Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform. This effort includes conducting awareness workshops and providing guidance to facilitate MSMEs' onboarding onto ONDC.
• Financial Assistance:
  • Under this initiative, micro and small enterprises (MSEs) will receive financial support through Seller Network Participants. This assistance covers expenses related to catalogue preparation, account management, logistics, and packaging material and design.

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• In a landmark achievement for India, six-member student teams have recently garnered the nation's most impressive showing to date at the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) 2024.
• About the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO):
  • The IMO is a prestigious World Championship Mathematics Competition held annually in different countries, exclusively for high school students.
  • Its inaugural event took place in 1959 in Romania, initially featuring 7 participating countries. Over the years, it has grown to include more than 100 countries spanning 5 continents.
  • The IMO Board oversees the competition's annual organization, ensuring adherence to regulations and traditions. Although autonomous, the IMO is affiliated with UNESCO, and its Council—known as the IMO Advisory Board—is elected by participating nations.
  • The IMO Foundation, a charitable entity, accepts donations from organizations supporting its mission.

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• Piezoelectricity, a fascinating phenomenon, is responsible for generating the spark inside a stove lighter, which often captivates observers.
• Origins and Mechanism:
  • The term "piezoelectric" derives from the Greek words "piezein," meaning 'to squeeze', and "elektron," referring to amber, a material historically associated with static electricity.
  • Piezoelectricity involves certain materials, such as quartz, ceramics like lead zirconate titanate (PZT), and even biological substances such as bone and tendons, which can generate an electric charge when subjected to mechanical stress.
  • This unique property arises from their crystalline structures, where applying stress distorts the molecular symmetry, creating an imbalance of charges that results in a small electric current.
  • Conversely, some materials exhibit an inverse piezoelectric effect, where applying an electric current induces mechanical deformation.

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• Recently, the Tamil Nadu government unveiled a statue honoring Iyothee Thass Pandithar, a pioneering figure in Dalit rights and anti-caste activism, at Gandhi Mandapam in Chennai.
• About Iyothee Thass Pandithar:
  • Born on May 20, 1845, in the Madras presidency, Iyothee Thass was a staunch advocate against caste discrimination and a practitioner of Siddha medicine.
  • During the 1870s, he organized tribal communities such as the Todas and others from the Nilgiri Hills, galvanizing them into a significant force in the freedom movement.
  • In 1876, he founded the Advaidananda Sabha and collaborated with Rev. John Rathina to publish the influential magazine, Dravida Pandian.
  • In 1891, Iyothee Thass co-established the Dravida Mahajana Sabha alongside Rettamalai Srinivasan, furthering his commitment to social reform.
  • He was instrumental in founding the Sakya Buddhist Society, also known as the Indian Buddhist Association, in Madras in 1898, with branches across South India.
  • To support the activities of the society, he initiated the publication of the weekly magazine, Tamizhan, in 1907.

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• Recently, the Supreme Court has decided to review its 2018 judgment concerning the duration of stay orders to streamline trial proceedings.
• Understanding Stay Orders:
  • A 'stay' or 'stay order' refers to the temporary suspension or postponement of judicial proceedings by a court or legal authority in India to safeguard the rights of individuals.
  • It can suspend an entire case or specific proceedings within a case, effectively halting the operations of the court related to the matter.
  • During the period a stay order is in effect, the actions against the party requesting the stay are halted.
  • Judges may issue stay orders without formal request or notification from the opposing party, particularly in significant developments.
• Two main types of stay orders exist: 'stay of proceedings' and 'stay of execution’:
  • A stay of proceedings is employed when parallel proceedings could influence one another.
  • A stay of execution halts the enforcement of a verdict or judgment, often when innocence or a pardon is believed.
  • Stay orders can be conditional or absolute.