CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• A waterspout is a large, rotating column of air and mist that forms over a body of water. It is less powerful than a tornado and typically lasts around five minutes, though some can persist for up to 10 minutes. Waterspouts generally have a diameter of about 165 feet and can produce wind speeds of up to 100 kilometers per hour.
• While waterspouts are most frequently observed in tropical regions, they can occur in various locations. They form under conditions of high humidity and relatively warm water compared to the surrounding air.
• There are two main types of waterspouts: tornadic waterspouts and fair-weather waterspouts.
• Tornadic waterspouts are essentially tornadoes that develop over water or transition from land to water. They are linked with severe thunderstorms and can bring high winds, rough seas, large hail, and intense lightning. These waterspouts can be quite large and potentially cause significant damage.
• In contrast, fair-weather waterspouts are more common and occur solely over water. As the name implies, they form in calm weather conditions and are generally smaller and less hazardous.

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• CRISPR and its Limitations in Plant Genome Editing:
• CRISPR technology, particularly with proteins such as Cas9 and Cas12, has revolutionized genome editing. These proteins function by introducing precise cuts in the DNA, enabling scientists to modify genetic sequences by adding, deleting, or replacing genes. Despite its success, CRISPR's application in plant genome editing faces challenges due to the size of these proteins, which are often too large to be effectively used in plant cells. This has led to a demand for smaller, more efficient tools that can be better integrated into plant systems.
• The ISDra2TnpB Genome Editor:
• To address these challenges, researchers have developed a novel genome-editing tool named ISDra2TnpB, derived from the bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans. This tool is considerably smaller than conventional CRISPR-associated proteins like Cas9 and Cas12, making it more adept at functioning within plant cells.
• Key Features of ISDra2TnpB:
• Size Advantage: ISDra2TnpB is less than half the size of Cas9 and Cas12, allowing for more efficient delivery and action in plant cells.
• High Editing Efficiency: The tool has shown a 33.58% average editing efficiency across plant genomes, presenting a promising alternative for a variety of crops.
• Versatility: ISDra2TnpB has proven effective in editing both monocot plants (such as rice) and dicot plants (such as Arabidopsis).
• Base Editing Capabilities: Researchers have enhanced ISDra2TnpB to create a hybrid base editor capable of swapping single nucleotides in DNA, facilitating more precise genetic alterations.
• Potential Applications in Agriculture:
• The advent of ISDra2TnpB holds significant potential for advancing agricultural practices, particularly in enhancing crop resilience and productivity. Possible applications include:
• Reducing Crop Susceptibility to Pests: By targeting genes associated with pest vulnerability, ISDra2TnpB could contribute to the development of pest-resistant crop varieties.
• Enhancing Nutritional Value: The tool may be employed to eliminate anti-nutritional factors in crops, thus improving their nutritional profile.
• Increasing Crop Resilience to Environmental Stress: ISDra2TnpB could aid in creating more resilient crop varieties, such as shorter rice plants that are less likely to suffer damage during cyclones, which is crucial for regions frequently affected by such events.

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• Atomic clocks represent the pinnacle of precision in timekeeping, essential for applications that demand unparalleled accuracy, including GPS technology, telecommunications, and advanced scientific research. These clocks determine time based on the resonant frequencies of atoms, such as cesium-133.
• In atomic timekeeping, one second is defined by the interval it takes for a cesium atom to complete 9,192,631,770 vibrations. The exceptional stability and accuracy of these atomic vibrations make atomic clocks the most dependable devices for measuring time.
• Types of Atomic Clocks
• Atomic clocks generally fall into two main categories:
  • Cesium Atomic Clocks: The most widely used type, which serves as the foundation for the international time standard, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC).
  • Hydrogen Maser Atomic Clocks: Known for their superior accuracy compared to cesium clocks, these are mainly utilized in scientific research where their exceptional precision is critical.

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• Chandrayaan-3's Discovery:
  • The Pragyan rover on Chandrayaan-3 has uncovered a rock type called ferroan anorthosite in the lunar south pole region. This find is important because it corroborates earlier findings from the Apollo and Luna missions, reinforcing the theory that these rocks are remnants of an ancient magma ocean that once enveloped the moon.
• What is the Lunar Magma Ocean (LMO)?
  • The Lunar Magma Ocean refers to a theorized primordial phase in the moon's history when its surface was entirely molten. This magma ocean is thought to have formed after a colossal impact between early Earth and a Mars-sized body, which led to the moon's creation.
• Ferroan Anorthosite: This rock type provides key evidence of the LMO. As the magma began to cool and solidify, different minerals crystallized at various depths. Ferroan anorthosite, which is rich in calcium and aluminum, floated to the surface, forming the moon's earliest crust.
• Importance of the LMO: The LMO is crucial for understanding the moon's geological history, including the differentiation process where denser materials sank while lighter materials rose, creating the moon's layered structure.
• Scientific Implications:
  • The discovery of ferroan anorthosite bolsters the theory that the moon's early crust originated from a global magma ocean.
  • This finding also implies that the moon has largely avoided significant volcanic activity or plate tectonics, unlike Earth, thereby preserving its ancient surface.
  • General Relativity and Time Dilation: Additionally, this discovery connects to broader concepts such as Einstein's theory of general relativity, which explains how the moon’s lower gravity results in time ticking slightly faster compared to Earth.

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• The Dhangars are a community of shepherds spread across several states, including Gujarat, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra. In Maharashtra, they are classified under the Vimukta Jati and Nomadic Tribes (VJNT) category. The Dhangar community leads a largely isolated lifestyle, predominantly inhabiting forests, hills, and mountainous regions.
• Households and Population:
• Dhangar households are typically small and close-knit, with a strong emphasis on family ties. The community has an estimated population of around 10 million, which constitutes about 9% of Maharashtra's total population.
• Clusters and Sub-Castes:
• Within the Dhangar community, there are approximately 20 sub-castes and clusters, each with its own unique customs and traditions.
• Occupation:
• The Dhangars primarily depend on sheep and goat herding for their livelihood. They practice a mix of nomadic pastoralism, semi-nomadism, and agrarian activities in rural areas.
• Seasonal Migration:
• After the bajra harvest concludes in October, the Dhangars embark on their annual migration in search of better grazing grounds for their livestock.
• Culture:
• During their migration, the Dhangars engage in various customs and rituals, including the worship of their ancestors. Singing, particularly during the night, is a central element of Dhangar culture, serving both social and ceremonial functions. This tradition of song, known as sumbaran, is a vital part of their oral heritage.