CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• Researchers have revealed an intriguing mechanism that explains the reduction and asymmetry of emu wing bones.
• About Emus:
  • Emus are part of a group of flightless running birds known as ratites, considered the most primitive among modern bird families. They rank as the second-largest living bird species in the world, following the ostrich.
  • Distribution: Emus are native to Australia, inhabiting various regions across the continent, from coastal areas to the heights of the Snowy Mountains.
  • Features: Standing over 1.5 meters (5 feet) tall and weighing more than 45 kg (100 pounds), adult female emus are generally larger and heavier than males. Both sexes have a brownish plumage with dark gray heads and necks. Their long necks and legs are notable, while their wings are tiny, measuring less than 8 inches (20 centimeters). Emu feet are adapted with three toes and possess fewer bones and muscles compared to those of flying birds. They can sprint at speeds nearing 50 km (30 miles) per hour, and when threatened, they defend themselves by kicking with their large three-toed feet. Additionally, their powerful legs enable them to leap up to 7 feet (2.1 meters) vertically. Emus are omnivorous and typically live for five to ten years.
  • Conservation Status: According to the IUCN Red List, emus are classified as Least Concern.

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• Researchers have discovered that the current treeless, rugged grasslands of the Falkland Islands were once home to a vibrant, diverse rainforest up to 30 million years ago.
• About the Falkland Islands:
  • Also referred to as the Malvinas Islands, the Falkland Islands are a self-governing overseas territory of the United Kingdom. This archipelago is situated in the South Atlantic Ocean, approximately 500 km from the mainland of South America.
  • The islands consist of two main landmasses, East Falkland and West Falkland, along with several hundred smaller islands. These two larger islands are divided by Falkland Sound (the strait). Geographically, the islands lie in both the southern and western hemispheres of the Earth, covering a total area of 12,173 sq. km (4,700 sq mi).
• Climate:
  • The Falkland Islands experience a cool temperate oceanic climate, marked by mild weather without significant extremes.
• Capital:
  • Stanley (also known as Port Stanley), located on East Falkland, serves as the capital of the islands.
• Demographics:
  • The population is predominantly English-speaking, with about 88% of residents identifying as Falklanders of African-Irish descent.
• Economy:
  • Sheep farming occupies nearly all of the land on the two main islands outside Stanley.
• Currency:
  • The official currency is the Falkland pound, which is pegged to the British pound.
• Government:
  • Executive authority is held by the British crown, with the islands’ administration led by a governor appointed by the crown. While the Falkland Islands have a degree of self-governance, the British government oversees foreign affairs and defense matters.

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• The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) has recently unveiled India’s first comprehensive multi-omics data portal for cancer research.
• About the ICGA Cancer Multi-Omics Data Portal:
  • This portal marks India’s inaugural comprehensive platform offering open access to data from Indian cancer patients. It aims to revolutionize cancer research and treatment for the Indian population by providing clinically correlated data specifically from Indian cancer patients.
  • The portal will uniquely offer data that encompasses DNA, RNA, and protein profiles of breast cancer patients, integrated with clinical outcomes. Initially, it features data from 50 breast cancer patients, with plans to expand the dataset to include over 500 patients in the coming year. This data is freely available to the global research community under India’s PRIDE (Promotion of Research and Innovation through Data Exchange) guidelines, which encourage ethical sharing and collaboration in cancer research.
• Key Facts about the Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA):
  • The ICGA is a national initiative dedicated to mapping cancer across India, backed by a foundational organization. The ICGA Foundation is a not-for-profit entity operating through a partnership among public, private, and philanthropic sectors.
  • It benefits from the collaboration of over 50 clinicians, researchers, and data analysts. The mission of the foundation is to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment for Indian patients while contributing to the global understanding of cancer biology. Its initial project focuses on the multi-omics profiling of breast cancer, with plans to broaden its scope to other cancer types in the future.

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• Amid growing controversy surrounding the Tirupati Laddu, AR Dairy, the supplier of ghee to the renowned Lord Balaji temple, recently defended the quality of its products, asserting that their samples have passed inspection by authorities.
• About Tirupati Balaji Temple:
  • The Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, commonly known as the Tirupati Balaji Temple, is a prominent Hindu temple located in the hill town of Tirumala, within the Chittoor district of Andhra Pradesh. Situated at an elevation of 853 meters above sea level on Venkata Hill—one of the seven hills of Tirumala—it is dedicated to Lord Sri Venkateswara, an incarnation of the god Vishnu. The temple is referenced in several sacred texts, including the Garuda Purana and the Brahma Purana.
• History:
  • The temple's origins can be traced back to the Pallava dynasty, which influenced the region significantly during the 9th century. The Chola dynasty later played a vital role in its development and patronage. During the Vijayanagara Empire, the temple received substantial contributions, further entrenching its significance in South India's religious landscape. A key moment in its history was during the 12th century when the revered saint Ramanuja revitalized the temple and its rituals. Today, it stands as one of the richest temples in the world, known for the substantial donations and wealth it receives. A notable practice among devotees is the offering of hair and various riches to honor the deity.
• Tirupati Laddu:
  • The famed Tirupati Laddu, distributed as prasad at the temple, holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, further enhancing its reputation.
• Architecture:
  • The temple showcases exquisite Dravidian architecture, with construction believed to have begun around 300 AD. It features three entrances leading to the sanctum sanctorum, the first of which is known as Mahadwaram. A striking 50-foot gopuram (gateway) stands before the entrance. The complex includes two circumambulation (parikrama) paths. The main shrine is topped by a gold-plated tower called Ananda Nilayam, which houses the primary deity within. The temple's expansive courtyards, intricate pillars, and elaborately designed halls reflect the essence of Hindu spirituality through their stunning sculptures and artistry.

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• The Finance Ministry has recently urged banks to establish robust monitoring and oversight mechanisms to effectively manage pending cases in Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs).
• About Debt Recovery Tribunals (DRTs):
  • DRTs are specialized judicial bodies created under the Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993 (DRT Act). They play a vital role in enforcing creditor rights and streamlining the debt recovery process in accordance with Indian law.
  • Types of Cases Handled: The primary responsibility of DRTs is to adjudicate and resolve disputes related to debt recovery from banks, financial institutions, and other designated entities. DRTs can hear cases involving disputed loans exceeding Rs 20 lakh. The Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets & Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act) enables banks and financial institutions to recover secured debts from borrowers without initial court intervention. Aggrieved parties can file Securitisation Appeals (SAs) with DRTs against actions taken by secured creditors under the SARFAESI Act.
• Structure of DRT:
  • President: A judicial officer appointed by the central government, qualified to be a District Judge.
  • Members: Administrative and technical members appointed by the central government.
• Under Section 22(2) of the Recovery of Debts Due to Banks and Financial Institutions Act, 1993, DRTs possess various powers, including:
  • Summoning and examining individuals under oath.
  • Requiring the discovery and production of documents.
  • Receiving evidence via affidavits.
  • Issuing commissions for the examination of witnesses or documents.
  • Reviewing their own decisions.
  • Dismissing applications for default or deciding them ex parte.
  • Setting aside any order of dismissal for default or ex parte decisions.
  • Addressing any other prescribed matters.
• Jurisdiction: Each DRT is established for a defined territorial jurisdiction, which encompasses cases related to the recovery of debts owed to banks and financial institutions within that area.
• Appeals and Enforcement: Parties dissatisfied with DRT decisions can appeal to the Debts Recovery Appellate Tribunal (DRAT). Currently, there are 39 DRTs and 5 DRATs operating across the country, each led by a Presiding Officer and a Chairperson, respectively.