- Recently, genetic drift, not natural selection, has been pinpointed as the primary force propelling speciation within endangered pupfish species.
- Genetic drift, a fundamental mechanism of evolution, occurs when the prevalence of different forms of a gene, known as alleles, fluctuates by chance within a population over time. This phenomenon arises from random sampling and chance events affecting the survival and reproduction of individuals. These shifts in allele frequencies reflect alterations in the genetic makeup of the population.
- Notably, genetic drift can drive the divergence of new populations from their ancestral counterparts, fueling speculation about its role in the evolution of distinct species.
- The Serum Institute of India (SII) has recently announced the commencement of exports for the 'R21/Matrix-M' malaria vaccine to Africa, marking a significant stride in the global battle against malaria.
- The R21/Matrix-M vaccine represents a novel solution for safeguarding children against malaria. It stands as the second malaria vaccine endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO), following the RTS,S/AS01 vaccine's recommendation in 2021. Developed collaboratively by the Jenner Institute at Oxford University and the Serum Institute of India, with substantial backing from entities like the European and Developing Countries Clinical Trials Partnership ('EDCTP'), the Wellcome Trust, and the European Investment Bank ('EIB'), this vaccine embodies a convergence of international efforts.
- Notably, several African nations have already granted licensure to this cost-effective, highly efficacious vaccine, paving the way for its widespread adoption.
- Airbus Helicopters and the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) have recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), signaling a collaborative effort to facilitate financing for the acquisition of Airbus helicopters within India.
- SIDBI, established on April 2nd, 1990, through legislation by the Indian Parliament, serves as a pivotal financial institution dedicated to promoting, financing, and nurturing the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprise (MSME) sector. Operating under the aegis of the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, SIDBI initially emerged as a wholly owned subsidiary of the Industrial Development Bank of India (IDBI). Presently, the Government of India and 22 other entities, including public sector banks and insurance companies under central government control, hold shares in SIDBI.
- In response to the recent helicopter crash involving Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in East Azerbaijan province, the European Union has mobilized its Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) rapid response mapping service at the request of Iran, as part of a collaborative effort involving multiple agencies.
- The Copernicus EMS programme, named after the eminent 15th-century scientist Nicolaus Copernicus, stands as a cornerstone of the European Union's space initiative, tracing its origins back to its launch in 1998 under the title Global Monitoring for Environment and Security Programme (GMES). Leveraging a combination of satellite data, ground-based sensors, airborne platforms, and marine measurement systems, Copernicus furnishes vital environmental intelligence to a broad spectrum of stakeholders, encompassing researchers, policymakers, public authorities, international organizations, and commercial entities. Its scope encompasses diverse domains, including climate change, disaster management, and agricultural monitoring.
- In a recent development, the Philippines has issued a challenge to China, urging the opening of Scarborough Shoal to international scrutiny following accusations of environmental degradation perpetrated by Beijing.
- Scarborough Shoal, also known as Scarborough Reef, is a cluster of small rocks and islands arranged in a triangular formation within the South China Sea, approximately 220 kilometers from the Philippines' shores. While the largest island boasts a lagoon spanning about sixty square miles, many of the rocks are barely visible above water during high tide, underscoring the shoal's precarious nature.
- Renowned for its deep waters and abundant marine resources, the shoal serves as a vital fishing ground, teeming with diverse aquatic life, including commercially valuable shellfish and sea cucumbers. However, persistent territorial disputes have clouded its status, with both China and the Philippines laying claim to its sovereignty, asserting exclusive rights to its waters.
- A rising tide of online financial deceit, known as Pig Butchering Scams or "sha zhu pan" scams, is sweeping across the globe, with India also feeling the brunt of its impact.
- These scams, aptly named after the practice of luring victims into fraudulent investment schemes akin to fattening pigs before slaughter, entail the creation of fictitious online personas by scammers. Under the guise of friendship and trust-building, these fraudsters target unsuspecting individuals through social media platforms, dating apps, or deceptive messages.
- Once ensnared, the victim—referred to as the "pig"—is gradually led into the world of cryptocurrency trading, purportedly facilitated by a fraudulent trading app. Through fabricated trades, the scammer manipulates the victim into believing they are reaping substantial profits, thereby fostering a false sense of security and trust.
- Amid a surge in global trials and a dishearteningly low success rate of existing medications in addressing mental health challenges, researchers are advocating for the initiation of locally-conducted clinical trials focusing on psychedelic drugs.
- Psychedelic drugs, renowned for their ability to induce altered states of perception, behavior, consciousness, and thought, offer a promising avenue for exploration in mental health treatment. The term "psychedelic" originates from Greek roots signifying "mind" or "soul" and "manifesting," highlighting their capacity to unveil profound experiences within the psyche.
- On June 1, 2020, the PM Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PM SVANidhi) initiative was launched with the aim of providing affordable working capital loans to street vendors, enabling them to restart their livelihoods amidst the challenges posed by the Covid-19 lockdown. Initially slated until March 2022, the scheme's duration has now been extended till December 2024.
- Eligibility for the scheme is limited to beneficiaries from states and union territories that have enacted Rules and Schemes under the Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014.
- PM SVANidhi operates as a micro-credit scheme, offering collateral-free working capital loans starting from Rs. 10,000, with subsequent increments to Rs. 20,000 and Rs. 50,000, accompanied by a 7% interest subsidy.
- The Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) is a quasi-judicial body established in January 1941, specializing in adjudicating appeals under the Direct Taxes Acts.
- Functions:
- ITAT hears appeals from taxpayers regarding orders issued by the Income Tax Authorities.
- Decisions made by ITAT are final; however, appeals to the High Court are permissible if a substantial question of law arises for determination.
- Benches:
- Currently, ITAT operates 63 Benches across 27 states, covering nearly all cities hosting High Courts.
- Composition:
- ITAT comprises one President, supported by ten Zonal Vice Presidents and 115 Members, including Accountant Members and Judicial Members.
- Amphipods belong to the invertebrate order Amphipoda within the class Crustacea. They inhabit diverse environments including the sea, lakes, rivers, sand beaches, caves, and moist tropical islands.
- These creatures are integral to marine ecosystems, playing crucial roles in the marine food chain. Their sizes vary greatly, ranging from a mere millimeter to the impressive Alicella gigantea, which can reach 340 mm in length. Amphipods are incredibly adaptable, found not only in marine habitats but also in freshwater and terrestrial environments, including the deepest ocean trenches.
- As per ISRO's announcement, the countdown has begun for the launch of the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite aboard a Geosynchronous Launch Vehicle.
- INSAT-3DS Satellite represents a continuation of the Third Generation Meteorological Satellite program from Geostationary Orbit. Funded entirely by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), this satellite is poised to enhance meteorological services alongside the currently operational INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites.
- The mission's primary objectives encompass a range of vital tasks:
- Monitoring Earth's surface and conducting oceanic observations across various spectral channels crucial for meteorological analysis.
- Recent scientific breakthroughs have unveiled the presence of water molecules on the surfaces of two asteroids, marking a historic milestone in space exploration. These findings were made possible through data gathered by NASA's SOFIA airborne observatory, which has since been retired.
- About SOFIA (Stratospheric Observatory for Infrared Astronomy):
- SOFIA represented a cutting-edge telescope mounted aboard a Boeing 747 SP aircraft, focusing on studying infrared light emitted by celestial objects. Jointly operated by NASA and the German space agency, it stood as the world's largest airborne astronomical observatory, complementing the capabilities of both space telescopes and terrestrial observatories.
