DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

By admin: Nov. 11, 2024

Scientists discover a new fire-resilient and dual-blooming species of Dicliptera

Tags: Environment

Scientists discover a new fire-resilient and  dual-blooming species of Dicliptera 

Why in news?

• A newfire resilient dual blooming speciesexperiences a burst of flowering triggered by the grassland fires and has an inflorescence structure that is rare in Indian species has been discovered in the Western Ghats..
• A recent discovery by a team led byDr. Mandar Datar,including Talegaon-Dabhade based botanist Adittya Dharap and Ph.D. student Bhushan Shigwan, has added a new species to the genus Dicliptera, which they have named Dicliptera polymorpha. 

Features:

• Dicliptera polymorpha is a distinctive species, notable for itsfire-resilient, pyrophytic habit and its unusual dual-blooming pattern.
•  In addition to its typical post-monsoon flowering, the species exhibits a second, vigorous burst of flowering triggered by the grassland fires commonly set by locals in the region. 
• It is the only known Indian specieswith this spicate inflorescence structure, with its closest allies being found in Africa.
• The species was named Dicliptera polymorpha to reflect its diverse morphological traits.
•  Despite these harsh conditions, the species has adapted to survive and bloom twice a year. The first flowering phase occurs from post-monsoon (early November) to March or April, while the second flowering phase in May and June is triggered by fires.
• During this second phase, the woody rootstocks produce dwarf flowering shoots, leading to a more abundant but shorter flowering period.

Importance:

• The discovery of Dicliptera polymorpha holds important conservation implications. 
• The species' unique adaptation to fire and its limited habitat range in the Western Ghats highlight the need for careful management of grassland ecosystems. 
• Frequent human-induced fires, while part of the species' life cycle, must be balanced to prevent habitat degradation that could threaten its survival. 
• Protecting the grasslands from overuse and ensuring that fire management practices support biodiversity are crucial steps in conserving this newly discovered species.
• This discovery underscores the importance of preserving the Western Ghats' delicate ecosystems, which harbour many yet-to-be-discovered species with unique adaptations.
• The Western Ghats, one of India's four global biodiversity hotspots.

IIT Ropar have unveiled an innovative solution to make continuous passive motion (CPM) therapy more accessible and affordable.

Tags: Science and Technology

 IIT-Ropar 

Why in news?

• In a significant breakthrough for post-surgical knee rehabilitation, researchers at IIT Ropar have unveiled an innovative solution to make continuous passive motion (CPM) therapy more accessible and affordable.

Important Points:

• The team at IIT Ropar has developed a Completely Mechanical Passive Motion Machine for Knee Rehabilitation that has been awarded a patent .
• Unlike traditional motorized CPM machines, which are expensive and depend on electricity, the newly developed device is entirely mechanical.
• It utilizes a piston and pulley system, which stores air as the user pulls a handle, enabling smooth and controlled motion to aid in knee rehabilitation. This simple yet effective design eliminates the need for electricity, batteries, or motors, making it both lightweight and portable.
• The mechanical CPM machine offers a promising alternative to costly electric machines that are often out of reach for many patients, especially in rural areas with unreliable electricity supply. By reducing the reliance on electricity, it makes continuous passive motion therapy feasible even in off-grid locations.

Significant:

• Its portability allows for patients to use it in the comfort of their homes, reducing the need for prolonged hospital stays and rehabilitation visits.
• The introduction of this mechanical machine offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly alternative, opening up new possibilities for affordable healthcare solutions in knee rehabilitation.
• The development of this innovative device marks a significant step towards improving access to healthcare for all, particularly in regions where resources are limited. 
• “This device has the potential to revolutionize knee rehabilitation in India, where access to advanced medical technology can be limited, particularly in rural areas.
• 
  

Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes over as 51st Chief Justice of India

Tags: Person in news

Justice Sanjiv Khanna takes over as 51st Chief Justice of India

Why in news?

• President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) to Supreme Court judge Justice Sanjiv Khanna on Monday  (November 11, 2024).
• Justice Sanjiv Khanna succeeds Justice D.Y. Chandrachud,who retired on Sunday (Nov. 10), and his term will last until May 13, 2025.

Career:

• Educated in law at Delhi University's Campus Law Centre, Justice Khanna began his legal career with the Delhi Bar Council in 1983.
•  His distinguished roles included senior standing counsel for the Income Tax Department, standing counsel for Delhi, and executive chairman of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)

Landmark judgments:

• Justice Khanna has been part of several landmark judgments, including upholding the sanctity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), declaring Electoral Bonds scheme unconstitutional.
• He was also part of a bench that upheld the abrogation ofArticle 370 in Jammu and Kashmir and granted interim bail to former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Mauritius New Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam

Tags:

Mauritius New Prime Minister Dr. Navin Ramgoolam

Why in news?

• Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulates Mauritius’ Prime Minister Navin Ramgoolam on his election victory .

Dr. Navin Ramgoolam:

• Navin Ramgoolam, 77, leader of the Alliance of Change coalition,looks set to become the next leader of the Indian Ocean archipelago.
• Current Prime Minister of Mauritius,Pravind Jugnauth, 62has accepted that his coalition, L'Alliance Lepep, has suffered a "huge defeat" following Sunday's parliamentary election.

Location of Mauritius:

• Mauritius is known as one of Africa's most stable democracies,situated in theIndian Ocean.
•  Port Louis, the capital city of Mauritius, is a vibrant town. Located in the north-west of the country.

Demography of Mauritius:

•  As of 2023, the population of Mauritius is 1,300,557. 
•  The majority of the population of Mauritius is Hindu, with a significant Christian minority. 

Crocodile Conservation Centre at Anaikarai

Tags: Environment

Crocodile Conservation Centre  at Anaikarai

Why in news?

• A Crocodile Conservation Centre at Anaikarai near Kumbakonam in Thanjavur district (Tamil Nadu)is to be established by the Forest Department to mitigate human-crocodile conflict in the Kollidam.

Aims:

• The centre will be established at a cost of 2.5 crore based on a detailed proposal sent by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, Chennai to mitigate human-crocodile conflict in the Kollidam.
•  To create awareness among local communities on human safety and conservation of the reptiles.

Crocodile Conservation Project:

• The Crocodile Conservation Project was launched in 1975 in Odisha's Bhitarkanika National Park: 
• The project was launched in response to the threat of extinction due to habitat loss and indiscriminate killing for commercial purposes. 
• The project's success is attributed to the breeding and rearing centers established in 34 locations across India.
•  World Crocodile Day, also known as World Crocodile Day, is celebrated all over the world on 17 June every year. 
• The main objective of celebrating World Crocodile Day is a global campaign to raise public awareness about the endangered crocodiles and alligators around the world and highlight their plight.

Annual Reptile Census 2023:

• According to the Annual Reptile Census 2023, a slight increase in the number of saltwater crocodiles has been recorded in the areas around Bhitarkanika National Park in India.
• The three main species of crocodilians in India are the saltwater crocodile, the mugger, and the gharial. 
• The Kendrapara district of Odisha is theonly district in India where all three species are found.

Space Exercise ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’

Tags: Defence

Space Exercise ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’

Why in news?

• First Ever Space Exercise ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’ hosted by Defence Space Agency begins in New Delhi.

Important Points:

• ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’, a three day Exercise to war-game the growing threats from and to Space Based Assets and Services, is being conducted by the Defence Space Agency of Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff from 11 - 13 Nov 24. 
• Exercise Antariksha Abhyas is a first of its kind exercise being conducted and is expected to help secure national strategic objectives in space and integrate India’s space capability in military operations.

Aims:

• The Space Exercise aims to provide enhanced understanding of space based assets and services and to gain understanding of operational dependency on space segments between stakeholders. 
• In addition, it intends to identify vulnerabilities in conduct of operations in the event of denial or disruptions of space based services. 

Participants:

• It will have participants from the Defence Space Agency and its allied units along with personnel from the Army, Navy and the Air Force. Specialist branches under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff viz Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency and Strategic Forces Command would also be active participants in conduct of the exercise. 
• Representatives from Indian Space Research Organisation and the Defence Research & Development Organisation  will also take part in it.
•