Daily Current Affairs and News Analysis 24-02-2025

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HKU5-CoV-2

  • Newly Discovered Bat Coronavirus: HKU5-CoV-2, identified in China, is a new bat coronavirus.

    • Why: It’s the starting point for understanding the virus.

  • Similarity to SARS-CoV-2: HKU5-CoV-2 resembles the virus that caused the COVID-19 pandemic.

    • Why: Highlights potential for human health concern, similar to COVID-19.

  • Belongs to Merbecovirus Subgenus: This subgenus also includes the MERS virus.

    • Why: Establishes a family connection, suggesting potential for respiratory illness.

  • Can Bind to Human ACE2 Receptors: Similar to SARS-CoV-2, suggesting potential for animal-to-human transmission.

    • Why: Indicates the virus can enter human cells.

  • Lower Binding Affinity: HKU5-CoV-2 has a lower binding affinity to human ACE2 than SARS-CoV-2, making its large-scale infection ability uncertain.

    • Why: Suggests a possibly lower risk but needs monitoring.

  • Potential for Intermediate Hosts: The virus can bind to multiple mammalian species, potentially spreading through an animal before infecting humans.

    • Why: Explains a possible path for transmission.

  • No Confirmed Human Cases: Symptoms are currently unknown, but may be similar to MERS and COVID-19.

    • Why: Emphasizes the need for continued monitoring.

  • Led by Shi Zhengli: The discovery was made by virologists led by “Batwoman.”

    • Why: Names the key researcher, highlighting expertise in coronavirus research.

Pintail Duck

  • Unprecedented Sighting: A flock of Northern Pintail ducks was spotted at a high altitude of 13,500 feet in Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, marking an unusual event.
  • Migratory Species: Northern Pintails are migratory waterfowl known for their extensive travels. They are migratory birds in India.
  • Global Distribution: They are found on every continent except Antarctica, primarily living north of the equator.
  • Distinctive Appearance: They are easily recognizable by their pointed tail feathers. Males are buff-gray with a chocolate head and white chest stripe; females are mottled brown.
  • Size and Abilities: These ducks can be over 60 cm long with a wingspan up to 91 cm, known for their aerodynamic build, enabling them to fly up to 48 mph.
  • Lifespan: Northern Pintails can live up to 22 years in the wild.
  • Conservation Status: They are listed as ‘Least Concern’ by the IUCN Red List.

XR: Immersive Reality

  • XR Defined: Extended Reality (XR) combines Virtual Reality (VR), Augmented Reality (AR), and Mixed Reality (MR) to blend virtual and physical worlds.
  • Types of XR: VR creates fully immersive digital environments, AR overlays digital information on the real world, and MR allows real and digital objects to coexist and interact.
  • Hackathon’s Purpose: The XR Creator Hackathon, organized by Wavelaps with the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s WAVES 2025 initiative, provides a platform for XR developers and innovators.
  • Hackathon Impact: Offers opportunities for individuals like S. Bala Subramaniyam with XR patents to showcase their ideas, even with challenges to enter this field and helps others with similar limitations
  • Key Areas of Focus: Finalists are focusing on healthcare, fitness, education, immersive tourism, e-commerce, and digital media.
  • Applications of XR: XR solutions are being developed for medical training, mental wellness, personalized fitness, virtual learning, skill-based training, virtual travel, shopping experiences, and entertainment.
  • WAVES 2025 Initiative: Designed to position India as a global leader in content creation, technology integration, and creative industry growth.
  • Government Support: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting is actively promoting XR development and innovation.

IFC

  • IFC’s Decision: The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the World Bank’s private lending arm, has withdrawn a proposed $40 million loan for waste-to-energy (WTE) incineration projects in Gujarat, India.

  • Reason for Rejection: The decision was made due to sustained opposition from communities, environmental groups, and civil society organizations. They raised concerns about pollution, public health risks, and the financial viability of the projects.

  • Projects Involved: The loan was intended to support Abellon Clean Energy Limited (ACEL) in constructing four WTE plants in Gujarat, which would incinerate 3,750 tonnes of unsegregated municipal solid waste daily.

  • Community Concerns: Local residents and activists feared the projects would worsen air and water pollution, contribute to climate change, and undermine sustainable waste management practices.

  • Financial Viability Questions: ACEL has faced financial difficulties, including significant losses and difficulties meeting loan interest payments, casting doubt on the project’s long-term viability.

  • Call for Action: Activists are urging other financial institutions like the Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and the Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency (IREDA) to reconsider their loans to ACEL and stop funding similar projects.

  • Alternative Solutions: Campaigners advocate for sustainable waste management solutions like reducing single-use plastics, promoting waste segregation, and investing in decentralized waste processing.

  • IFC’s Role: The IFC’s initial role involves offering investment, advisory, and asset-management services to promote private-sector development in developing nations.

IFC

Zagros Range

  • Sinking Zagros Mountains: A geological study reveals that a region surrounding the Zagros Mountains in Iraq is being pulled into the Earth due to the sinking of the Neotethys oceanic slab, a process driven by plate tectonics. This process is extremely slow, occurring over millions of years.
  • Formation and Location: The Zagros Mountains, a major mountain range in Central Asia, were formed by the collision of the Arabian and Eurasian plates. They stretch 1,500 kilometers from Turkey to Iran, acting as a historical natural barrier.
  • Significance as a Barrier: Historically, the Zagros Mountains have acted as a natural barrier, defining boundaries between cultures and empires, influencing the ancient and modern worlds.
  • Geological Composition: The mountains are primarily composed of limestone and shale rocks from the Mesozoic Era and Paleogene Period.
  • Climate and Vegetation: The region has a semi-arid temperate climate. It features broad-leaved forests dominated by oak and pistachio trees, along with steppe vegetation.
  • Practical Implications of Research: The study aids in constructing geological models for earthquake prediction by revealing Earth’s interior activity. This understanding helps determine earthquake locations and intensity.
  • Highest Peak: Mount Dena, the highest peak of Zagros, reaches an elevation of 14,465 feet.
  • Influence on Energy Production: The research aids in understanding topography changes, helping in estimating the geothermal gradient for electricity production.

Zagros Range

Ex Gratia Payment

  • Definition: Ex-gratia payments are voluntary payments made out of moral obligation, not legal requirement, for damages or claims. They are a gesture of goodwill.

  • Purpose: Often used to express goodwill, maintain relationships, or mitigate negative public image.

  • Distinction from Compensation: Compensation is a legally mandated payment to rectify losses; ex-gratia payments are not a legal obligation.

  • Cash Payments: The recent Ministry of Railways’ cash distribution of ex-gratia payments, while unusual, is not contrary to existing guidelines. These cash payments are designed as immediate relief for initial expenses after a tragedy. However, bank transfers are preferred for better accountability and transparency.

  • Government Practices: Previous examples of ex-gratia payments, like those during the Covid-19 pandemic, had detailed guidelines, using Aadhaar-linked Direct Benefit Transfer procedures. Some payouts involve an immediate cash portion followed by a second portion after documentation.

  • Legal Considerations: Ex-gratia payments are generally not taxable, unless made in lieu of salary or wages. The amount is not fixed but depends on individual needs and circumstances.

Soliga People

  • Recognition & Appreciation: Prime Minister Modi highlighted the Soliga tribe’s contribution to tiger conservation in the BRT Tiger Reserve in “Mann Ki Baat”.

  • Indigenous Community: The Soliga are an indigenous, forest-dwelling tribe primarily found in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, residing near the Biligiri Rangana Hills and Male Mahadeshwara Hills.

  • Tiger Conservation & Coexistence: The Soliga are recognized for their worship of tigers and their practices that minimize human-animal conflict. Their sustainable lifestyle contributes to wildlife habitat preservation.

  • Historical Significance: The Soliga were the first tribal community to have their forest rights recognized within a tiger reserve through a 2011 court judgment.

  • Language & Culture: They speak the Dravidian language Sholaga, along with Kannada and Tamil. Their culture is deeply rooted in the forest ecosystem.

  • Population: As per the 2011 Census, their population is about 33,871 in Karnataka and 5,965 in Tamil Nadu.

  • Traditional Practices: They are known for their respect for nature, using it sustainably.

Pagri Sambhal

  • What: The “Pagri Sambhal Jatta Movement” was a significant peasant uprising in 1907 against oppressive British agricultural laws in Punjab.
  • Why: These laws, including the Punjab Land Alienation Act, the Punjab Land Colonisation Act, and the Doab Bari Act, severely restricted farmers’ land ownership, sale rights, and increased their financial burdens through taxes. They favored moneylenders and landlords, leading to debt and land loss for many farmers.
  • Key Figures: Led by Ajit Singh (Bhagat Singh’s paternal uncle) and supported by figures like Kishan Singh (Bhagat Singh’s father) and Lala Lajpat Rai. Banke Dayal coined the slogan “Pagri Sambhal Jatta,” which became a symbol of resistance.
  • Impact: The movement resulted in mass protests, civil disobedience, and the British government partially withdrawing the oppressive clauses. It was a pivotal moment in the fight against British rule and inspired future resistance movements, including the Ghadar Movement and Bhagat Singh’s revolutionary activities. Ajit Singh was exiled but later returned to India.
  • Modern Relevance: Observed as “Pagri Sambhal Diwas” on February 23rd. Farmers protesting at the Punjab and Haryana borders since February 13th, 2024, have observed the date to honor the movement, continuing the legacy of resistance for farmer rights. It is a reminder of the long struggle for agricultural justice.

NCISM

  • NCISM’s Achievement: The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) concluded the first phase of the ‘Desh Ka Prakriti Parikshan Abhiyaan’ with five Guinness World Records.
  • Abhiyaan Details: Over 1.29 crore individuals participated in the ‘Prakriti Parikshan’ (nature assessment), exceeding the target of 1 crore.
  • Record Categories: The Guinness World Records include: most pledges for a health campaign in a week, month, and overall; largest online photo album; and largest online video album.
  • NCISM’s Role: NCISM is a statutory body constituted under the NCISM Act, 2020. It is responsible for regulating medical institutions and professionals of the Indian System of Medicine (ISM).
  • NCISM’s Functions: Key functions include
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    setting policies, assessing healthcare resource needs, and ensuring compliance with regulations.
  • Ministry of Ayush’s Support: The Ministry of Ayush supported the campaign.
  • Campaign Details: The campaign aimed to promote Ayurveda’s role in preventive healthcare and lifestyle management.
  • Impact of Prakriti Parikshan: The program involved 1,81,667 volunteers, reflecting unity in diversity.
  • Vision: The campaign is an initiative that can create a data-driven approach that can facilitate evidence-based research.

Palk Strait

  • Recent Arrests: 32 fishermen from Tamil Nadu were arrested by the Sri Lankan Navy on February 23, 2025, for alleged poaching in the Palk Strait. Five trawlers were also seized. This marks a fresh incident of ongoing tensions.

  • Fishermen Protest: Various fishermen associations in Rameswaram have initiated an indefinite strike to protest the frequent arrests by the Sri Lankan Navy. They are seeking intervention from both the Union and State governments.

  • Confiscation of Assets: The Sri Lankan government announced the auction of 67 trawlers, including those seized in 2024. This has been a source of distress among the fishermen, and there are concerns regarding the government silence in this issue.

  • Calls for Government Action: Political leaders like K. Annamalai and G.K. Vasan have urged the Indian government to intervene, condemn the arrests, and negotiate with the Sri Lankan government to secure the release of the fishermen and their vessels.

  • Recurring Issue: The arrests are part of a pattern. Over 100 Tamil Nadu fishermen have been arrested, and 20 trawlers seized by the Sri Lankan Navy since the beginning of the year. The Sri Lankan Courts have been imposing heavy fines and prison sentences.

  • Location and Importance: The Palk Strait is a narrow inlet of the Bay of Bengal separating India and Sri Lanka, making it a crucial fishing ground for fishermen from both nations. It

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    connects the Bay of Bengal with the Gulf of Mannar and is named after Robert Palk.