CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• A British man has recently achieved a new Guinness World Record for the highest altitude ski BASE jump, launching from a height of 18,753 feet from a cliff on Mera Peak.
• About Mera Peak:
  • Location: Mera Peak is situated in the Khumbu region of Nepal.
  • Elevation: Standing at 6,476 meters (21,247 feet) above sea level, it is the highest trekking peak in Nepal.
  • Geography: The peak dominates the watershed between the lush, wooded valleys of the Hinku and Hongu Drangkas.
  • Significance: Often regarded as the gateway to Everest, Mera Peak is positioned on the southeastern side of the Everest region.
  • Climbing Information: While most trekkers ascend to Mera Central, the highest point is actually Mera North Peak.
  • First Ascent: Mera Peak was first successfully climbed in 1953 by Colonel Jimmy Roberts and Sen Tenzing.

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• A recent study has discovered that a protein called importin-7 (IPO7) acts as a carrier, transporting the flavivirus core protein through the nuclear membrane and into the nucleus.
• About Flaviviruses:
  • Definition: Flavivirus refers to any virus within the Flaviviridae family.
  • Structure: Flaviviruses have enveloped, spherical virions (virus particles) with diameters ranging from 40 to 60 nanometers.
  • Genetic Material: The genome of flaviviruses consists of single-stranded positive-sense RNA (ribonucleic acid) and is non-segmented.
  • Impact on Humans: Flaviviruses can cause a range of diseases, including severe neuro-infections that may lead to significant metabolic disorders or even death.
  • Notable Viruses: Among the most dangerous members of the Flavivirus family are the Yellow Fever virus, Dengue virus, Zika virus, West Nile virus, Japanese Encephalitis virus, Tick-Borne Encephalitis virus, Kyasanur Forest virus, Alkhurma virus, and Omsk virus.
  • Vectors: Aedes mosquitoes are the primary vectors for many flaviviruses, playing a major role in the transmission of Dengue, Zika, and Yellow Fever. However, ticks and other flying insects can also spread these viruses between individuals and from animals to humans.
  • Hepatitis C: Hepatitis C is the only non-vector-borne flavivirus, transmitted solely through direct blood-to-blood contact between humans.

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• A recent study has created a comprehensive atlas detailing all the cells involved in the regeneration of the zebrafish spinal cord.
• About Zebrafish:
• Description: Zebrafish are small freshwater fish, typically measuring 2-3 cm in length, found in tropical and subtropical regions.
• Appearance: Named for the horizontal blue stripes running along their bodies, zebrafish are native to the Indo-Gangetic plains of South Asia, where they inhabit paddy fields, stagnant water, and streams.
• Why Researchers Study Zebrafish:
• Regeneration Capabilities: Zebrafish are of great interest to developmental biologists due to their remarkable ability to regenerate nearly all their organs, including the brain, heart, eyes, and spinal cord.
• Research Advantages: They offer several benefits over rodent models in the study of vertebrate development and diseases. Zebrafish can be bred in large numbers at relatively low costs and have a high degree of genetic similarity to humans.
• Genetic Similarity: About 70 percent of zebrafish genes have counterparts in humans, and over 80 percent of genes known to cause diseases in humans are also present in zebrafish.

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• Recently, researchers have rediscovered a rare species of owlfly, Glyptobasis dentifera, in Kerala after a span of 75 years.
• About Owlfly Species:
  • Classification: Owlfly species belong to the Order Neuroptera, which encompasses holometabolous insects. In contrast, dragonflies are classified under the Order Odonata, which includes hemimetabolous insects. Owlfly species are often mistaken for dragonflies due to their similar appearance, though they are taxonomically distinct.
  • Distinctive Features: Two key characteristics of owlfly species are their long, clubbed antennae—almost as long as their bodies—and their prominent, bulging eyes. Some species also develop wing coloration after emerging from their larval stage.
  • Behavior: Adult owlfies are aerial predators that feed on other insects. As a defense mechanism, they can release a strong, musk-like chemical when threatened.
  • Reproduction: Owlfies typically lay their eggs in clusters on the tips of twigs and limbs. The female owlfly creates a protective shield beneath the eggs to safeguard them from predators.
  • Larval Stage: Owlfly larvae are usually found in soil or within trees, where they cluster together for protection.

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• The Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare (DOPPW) has introduced a cutting-edge centralized pension processing software named 'Bhavishya' for use across all central government Ministries and Departments.
• About Bhavishya Software:
• Overview: Bhavishya is an online Pension Sanction & Payment Tracking System launched by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances, and Pensions. It aims to tackle issues related to delays, clerical errors, financial losses, and harassment experienced by pensioners.
• Features:
• Auto Registration of Retirees: The software is integrated with the payroll package, automatically filling in basic data for retiring employees. It also provides management information systems (MIS) to various departments and to DOPPW about the number of employees expected to retire in the next 15 months.
• Strict Timelines: Bhavishya sets stringent deadlines for each stage of the pension processing workflow. The process begins online 15 months before retirement, requiring the pensioner to complete only a single form.
• Transparency and Accountability: The system ensures complete transparency and accountability in the pension processing procedure. It facilitates easy identification of delays and assigns responsibility for addressing them.
• e-PPO (Electronic Pension Payment Order): Bhavishya is integrated with the Public Financial Management System (PFMS) module of the Central Pension Accounting Office (CPAO). The e-PPO is transmitted from the concerned Ministry/Department’s Pay and Accounts Office (PAO) to CPAO and subsequently to the bank.