CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• The Minister for Minority Affairs has recently unveiled the new Jiyo Parsi Scheme portal.
• Overview of the Jiyo Parsi Scheme:
  • The Jiyo Parsi Scheme is a distinctive Central Sector initiative spearheaded by the Ministry of Minority Affairs aimed at curbing the decline in the Parsi community's population in India. Launched in the 2013-14 period, the scheme is designed to counteract the decreasing numbers of Parsis by employing scientific methods and structured measures to stabilize their population in the country.
• Key Components of the Scheme:
  • Medical Assistance: Provides financial support to Parsi couples for medical treatments in accordance with established medical standards.
  • Health of Community: Offers financial aid to Parsi families for child care and the support of elderly individuals.
  • Advocacy: Conducts outreach and advocacy programs to raise awareness within the Parsi community.

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• Antibiotics, particularly broad-spectrum ones, can significantly disrupt the balance of gut bacteria, a condition known as dysbiosis.
• Understanding Dysbiosis:
  • Dysbiosis refers to an imbalance in the community of microorganisms living together in a microbiome. Our bodies host various microbiomes—groups of microorganisms that coexist with us and provide essential functions.
  • A healthy microbiome is characterized by a diverse range of microorganisms, with no single type overpowering the others. In contrast, dysbiosis is marked by a lack of diversity and balance among these microorganisms, which can alter their normal functions.
• How Dysbiosis Occurs:
  • Dysbiosis usually arises when the bacterial composition of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, including the stomach and intestines, becomes disrupted. Causes of dysbiosis can include infections, the use of antibiotics, or certain dietary factors.
• Effects of Dysbiosis:
  • An imbalance in the microbiome can lead to the dominance of a single type of microorganism. This imbalance increases susceptibility to infections from both internal and external sources and can interfere with the essential functions that microbiomes perform.
• Symptoms:
  • While dysbiosis can sometimes be asymptomatic, it may also present with symptoms such as abdominal pain, bloating, and vomiting. It can also affect the skin, often due to harmful bacteria or an overgrowth of one type of bacteria.
• Treatment:
  • Treating dysbiosis primarily involves enhancing the diversity of the gut microbiome. Several approaches are used to address this, including:
    • Fecal Microbiota Transplantation
    • Probiotic Therapy
    • Microbial Metabolic Pathway Therapy
• If dysbiosis is linked to an underlying disease or condition, targeted treatment for that specific issue will be necessary.

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• The Corbett Tiger Reserve recently conducted an awareness campaign in honor of World Elephant Day.
• About Corbett Tiger Reserve:
  • Located at the base of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand, Corbett Tiger Reserve spans three districts: Pauri, Nainital, and Almora.
• Establishment:
  • Corbett is India’s first national park, established in 1936 under the name Hailey National Park. In 1957, it was renamed Corbett National Park to honor Jim Corbett, a renowned naturalist and conservationist. Today, the Tiger Reserve covers a total area of 1,288.31 square kilometers, having expanded beyond its original boundaries.
• Terrain:
  • The reserve features a diverse landscape of undulating terrain and numerous valleys, through which the rivers Ramganga, Pallaen, and Sonanadi flow. It primarily encompasses the Bhabar and lower Shivalik regions, characterized by a deep water table, porous soil with boulders and sand deposits.
• Flora:
  • The vegetation in Corbett includes sal and mixed forests, complemented by grasslands and riparian zones. The grasslands, locally referred to as ‘Chaur,’ result from former settlements or clearings. Evergreen Sal trees and other species like Sheesham and Kanju dominate the ridges. The Lantana weed, although widespread, poses a significant challenge for reserve management.
• Fauna:
  • The reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, including the iconic tigers and elephants. It also supports a range of other predators such as leopards and small carnivores, ungulates like sambar, hog deer, and spotted deer, as well as diverse bird species, reptiles (including gharials and crocodiles), and fish.

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• Western Railway has announced that Kandivali and Dahisar railway stations will be included in the newly launched Amrit Bharat Station Scheme (ABSS).
• About the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme:
  • The Amrit Bharat Station Scheme is an initiative by Indian Railways, introduced in February 2023 by the Ministry of Railways, aimed at redeveloping railway stations across India. The scheme focuses on the long-term enhancement of railway stations through comprehensive master planning and phased development.
  • The scheme is designed to address the specific needs of each station, taking a holistic approach to improvement. It aims to upgrade railway stations into modern, well-equipped hubs featuring enhanced passenger amenities, better traffic management, inter-modal connectivity, and improved signage.
• Key Objectives:
  • Modern Passenger Amenities: Includes clean and hygienic waiting areas, well-maintained restrooms, special facilities for the disabled, and food and beverage options.
  • Improved Traffic Circulation: Involves creating distinct entry and exit points for passengers and vehicles, expanding roads and footpaths, and enhancing parking facilities.
  • Inter-Modal Integration: Ensures seamless connectivity between railway stations and other transportation modes like buses, taxis, and auto rickshaws.
  • Upgraded Signage: Features clear, multilingual signage to guide passengers effectively.
  • Sustainability: Promotes the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances.
  • Eco-Friendliness: Includes rainwater harvesting systems, green spaces, ballastless tracks to reduce noise and vibration, and roof plazas to provide extra space for commercial activities and passenger services.
• The ultimate goal of the scheme is to transform these stations into dynamic city centers, offering a range of modern amenities and services to passengers.

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• The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently achieved a successful maiden flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), named GAURAV, from the Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force (IAF).
• About the Long Range Glide Bomb (GAURAV):
  • The GAURAV is a 1,000 kg class air-launched glide bomb designed for long-range precision strikes. It is capable of targeting enemy airstrips, bunkers, hardened installations, and buildings with high accuracy.
• Key Features:
  • Air-to-Surface Capability: GAURAV is equipped with conventional warheads intended for a variety of strategic targets.
  • Integration with Fighter Aircraft: The bomb is designed to be compatible with fighter aircraft, enhancing its operational flexibility.
  • Guidance System: It utilizes an Inertial Navigation System (INS) coupled with digital control for precise targeting.
  • Indigenous Development: The GAURAV has been developed in India by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad.
  • Navigation: Post-launch, the glide bomb employs a sophisticated hybrid navigation system combining INS and GPS data to accurately guide itself to the target.
• During the recent flight test, the GAURAV glide bomb demonstrated exceptional accuracy by striking a target placed at Long Wheeler’s Island. The entire flight data from the test was meticulously recorded by telemetry and electro-optical tracking systems managed by the Integrated Test Range along the coastline.

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• A recent research expedition has identified a diverse range of medicinal plants at Brahmayoni Hill in Gaya, Bihar, including Gymnema sylvestre, commonly known as Gurmar.
• About Gymnema Sylvestre:
  • Gymnema sylvestre is a perennial plant renowned for its anti-diabetic properties.
• Common Names:
  • Gymnema
  • Australian Cowplant
  • Periploca of the Woods
• Distribution:
  • This tropical plant is native to India, flourishing in the wild in the tropical forests of central, western, and southern India. It is also found in tropical regions of Africa, Australia, and China.
• Properties:
  • Gymnema sylvestre is rich in various active compounds such as gymnemic acid, gymnemasides, anthraquinones, flavones, hentriacontane, pentatriacontane, phytin, resins, tartaric acid, and formic acid. Its most notable feature is its ability to lower blood sugar levels, attributed to gymnemic acid. This compound binds to receptor sites in the intestinal lining, reducing the desire for sweet foods.
  • Additionally, the plant contains flavonoids and saponins. Flavonoids have antioxidant effects, while saponins assist in regulating lipid metabolism and lowering cholesterol levels.
• Applications:
  • Gymnema sylvestre was utilized in the development of the anti-diabetic drug BGR-34 by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).