Scientists at Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics, Kolkata, have built bacterial computers to perform computational tasks

About Bacterial Computers (or Cell-Based Computers)

• Bacterial computers are a form of biocomputers where living bacterial cells, like Escherichia coli, are genetically engineered to perform computational tasks. 
  • These computers use the natural processes of cells, such as gene regulation and protein expression, to solve problems.
• Instead of relying on silicon chips and electricity like conventional computers, bacterial computers use:

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• • Genetic Circuits: Engineered DNA sequences act like software to direct the bacteria.
  • Chemical Inputs and Outputs: Problems are encoded in the form of chemical signals, and the bacteria respond by producing fluorescent proteins or other measurable outputs.

Mechanism and Functioning of Bacterial Computers

Bacterial computers behave like artificial neural networks (ANNs).

• Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs): 
  • ANNs consist of layers of processing units called nodes.

• • Each node processes inputs, performs computations, and produces outputs, which may serve as inputs for subsequent nodes.
  • The complexity of tasks increases with the number of layers in the ANN.
• Genetic Circuits in Bacteria:
  • Bagh’s team introduced transcriptional genetic circuits in Escherichia coli bacteria.
  • During transcription, bacteria convert DNA into RNA and subsequently into proteins.

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• • Synthetic promoters and transcription factors were added to bacteria to trigger specific genetic responses, forming mechanisms like feedback and feed-forward loops, similar to those in machine learning models.
• Bactoneurons as Single-Layered ANNs: Four chemical inducers acted as inputs to the bactoneurons, determining whether the circuits were switched “on” or “off.”
  • A combination of 14 bactoneurons was created to perform specific computational tasks.

Input and Output Mechanisms

• Binary Coding of Inputs: Problems were translated into binary code, with the presence of chemical inducers represented as ‘1’ and their absence as ‘0.’
  • For example:
    • Presence of three chemicals (111) and absence of one (0) signified the number 7.
    • Absence of three chemicals and presence of one indicated the number 4.
• Fluorescent Proteins as Outputs:
  • The presence of red or green fluorescent proteins in the bacteria signified outputs, interpreted in binary.
  • For instance:
    • Green fluorescence (1) but no red fluorescence (0) indicated “yes.”

Computational Capabilities

• Prime Number Identification:
  • When asked if 7 is a prime number, the bacterial computer responded “yes” by expressing green fluorescent protein but not red.
• Complex Mathematical Tasks:
  • Whether a number between 0 and 9 was a perfect power (e.g., 8=2^3).
  • Whether adding three to an integer would create a prime number (e.g. “is 2 + 3 a prime number?”)
  • Whether a letter between A and L was a vowel.
• Application in Optimization Problems:
  • Solved problems like finding the maximum number of pie pieces from a given number of cuts.
  • Outputs were interpreted using additional fluorescent proteins, such as blue and orange, providing solutions in binary form, later converted to decimal.

Potential Applications of Bacterial Computers

• Computing: Bacterial computers can eventually be used to outsource computational tasks, reducing reliance on traditional silicon-based computers.
• Medical Technology: Engineered bacteria can operate autonomously in the human body to diagnose and act on diseases.
  • The technology has potential applications in early cancer detection, precise treatment delivery, and molecular diagnostics.
• Space Exploration:
  • Enables resource utilization and autonomous operations on planets like Mars.
  • Bacteria could adapt to local conditions without human intervention.
• Microscale Computation:
  • Overcomes the limitations of silicon-based microprocessors.
  • Advances miniaturised computing for specialised tasks.
• Basic Science: Raises philosophical and scientific questions about intelligence, as bacteria perform traditionally human or computer-specific tasks.

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Comparison of Cell-Based Biocomputing and Normal Computing

Significance and Future Prospects

Scientific Implications

• Redefining Intelligence: The research shows that single-celled organisms can perform complex tasks. This challenges our current definition of intelligence.
• Understanding Cognitive Functions: By studying bacterial computation, we can learn more about the biochemical processes that could support cognitive functions in humans and animals.
• New Problem-Solving Methods: Bacterial computers can solve problems like pattern recognition. This opens the door for using biological systems in computing.

Vision for the Future

• Advanced Bacterial Computers: Scientists aim to create more advanced bacterial computers. These systems could solve complex problems in molecular biology.
• Integration with Biotechnology: Bacterial computers could be used in medicine and diagnostics. They could help with real-time data analysis and decision-making.
• Distributed Biocomputing Systems: There is potential for networks of bacterial computers. They could collaborate to solve large-scale problems in areas like space exploration.

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Concerns with Bacterial Computing

• Ethical Issues: Using living organisms for computational purposes raises moral and ethical questions about the manipulation of life for non-natural functions.
• Environmental Risks: The accidental release of genetically modified bacteria into the environment could disrupt ecosystems or lead to unintended consequences, such as the spread of synthetic genes.
• Stability and Reliability: Biochemical reactions in bacteria can be influenced by environmental factors like temperature, pH, and nutrient availability, affecting the consistency and accuracy of computations.
• Biosafety Concerns: Engineered bacteria may evolve or exchange genetic material with natural microbes, potentially creating harmful strains.
• Scalability Limitations: Current bacterial computing systems are limited in the complexity and scale of problems they can handle, making them unsuitable for high-demand applications.
• Regulatory Challenges: The use of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) for computing will require strict regulatory frameworks to address safety, ethical, and societal concerns.

Way Forward for Bacterial Computing

• Enhanced Biosafety Measures: Develop stringent containment protocols and safeguards to prevent accidental release of genetically modified bacteria into the environment.
• Scalable Design: Focus on improving the scalability of bacterial computing systems to handle more complex computational tasks efficiently.
• Integration with Traditional Computing: Combine bacterial computing with conventional silicon-based systems to harness the strengths of both technologies for hybrid computing solutions.
• Public Awareness and Ethical Discourse: Encourage transparent discussions on the ethical implications and societal impacts of bacterial computing to build public trust and acceptance.
• Regulatory Frameworks: Establish clear regulations for research, development, and application of bacterial computing, ensuring compliance with ethical and biosafety standards.
• Application-Oriented Research: Focus on developing real-world applications, such as medical diagnostics, environmental monitoring, and space exploration, to demonstrate the practical benefits of the technology.

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Conclusion

Bacterial computing combines biology and technology, offering promising solutions to computational challenges at a microscale. While concerns around ethics, safety, and scalability remain, continued research and innovation can unlock its potential for transformative applications in healthcare, space exploration, and beyond.

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Recently, the G20 summit 2024 convened in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to discuss climate change, ongoing battles in Ukraine, Gaza, and Lebanon, and other issues like global coalition against hunger.

Key Takeaways from the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro

• Climate Change: No breakthrough on climate financing was achieved, with leaders only acknowledging the need for scaling up climate finance from billions to trillions, without specifying the sources.
• Ukraine War: The war in Ukraine remained a central issue, with G20 leaders expressing support for peace initiatives but not addressing Russian aggression directly.

Also Read: G20 Summit 2024

• Lebanon and Gaza Ceasefire: G20 leaders called for ceasefires in Gaza and Lebanon, stressing the need for a lasting truce consistent with UN resolutions.
• Taxing the Super-Rich: There was support for efforts to effectively tax ultra-high-net-worth individuals, marking a significant move towards international collaboration on tax policies.
• Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty: A global coalition against hunger was announced, with 82 nations signing on, aiming to reduce hunger and reach half a billion people by the end of the decade.

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About Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty

• The Global Alliance against Hunger and Poverty is a global initiative launched by Brazil during its G20 presidency. 
• Membership: The alliance brings together a diverse group of stakeholders, including:
  • 148 founding members, including 82 countries, the African Union, the European Union, 24 international organisations, nine international financial institutions, and 31 philanthropic and non-governmental organisations.  
• Goal: Its primary goal is to eradicate hunger and poverty worldwide by 2030. 
  • The alliance aims to achieve tangible results, such as reducing poverty rates, improving food security, and enhancing social protection systems.  
• Three Pillars: The alliance operates on three pillars:
  • National Coordination: Strengthening national policies and strategies to address hunger and poverty.  
  • Financial Mobilization: Raising funds to support initiatives and programs aimed at reducing hunger and poverty.  
  • Knowledge Integration: Sharing knowledge and best practices to improve the effectiveness of interventions.  
• Headquarters: The technical headquarters will be at FAO i.e. Rome, Italy, but with functional autonomy. 
  • Brazil has committed to finance 50% of the costs by 2030, with contributions from partners such as Germany, Norway, Portugal, and Spain. 
• India’s Role: India is an active member of the Global Alliance and has committed to supporting its goals.
• Strategic commitments:
  • Expanding cash transfer programs to reach 500 million people
  • Providing school meals to an additional 150 million children
  • Assisting 200 million children up to age 6 and pregnant women with health programs.

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The Ministry of Finance revised guidelines for capital restructuring by CPSEs.

Key Highlights of the Revised Capital Restructuring Guidelines

• Dividend Payment Mandate: All CPSEs (Central Public Sector Enterprises) are required to pay a minimum annual dividend of 30% of net profit (PAT) or 4% of net worth, whichever is higher.
  • For financial sector CPSEs (e.g., NBFCs), the minimum dividend is 30% of PAT, subject to legal provisions.
• Buyback Option: CPSEs with a net worth exceeding ₹3,000 crore, a cash and bank balance above ₹1,500 crore, and a market price consistently below book value for six months, may consider a share buyback to enhance shareholder value.
• Bonus Shares: CPSEs whose reserves and surplus are 20 times or more than their paid-up equity capital are encouraged to issue bonus shares.
• Share Splits: Listed CPSEs, where the market price exceeds 150 times the face value of shares consistently for six months, may consider splitting shares.
  • A cooling-off period of at least three years is mandated between two successive share splits

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About Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM)

• DIPAM deals with all matters relating to management of Central Government investments in equity including disinvestment of equity in Central Public Sector Undertakings.
• Ministry: DIPAM, as a department under the Ministry of Finance, primarily submits its reports and recommendations to the Ministry of Finance.
• Objective of DIPAM:
  • To maximise value realisation from Central Government investments.
  • To improve public financial management.
  • To promote efficient management of public assets.
• Key Functions of DIPAM: 
  • Strategic Disinvestment: Transferring ownership and control of public sector enterprises to private entities.
  • Minority Stake Sales: Selling a portion of the government’s stake in public sector enterprises.
  • Asset Monetization: Monetizing government assets to generate revenue.
  • Capital Restructuring: Restructuring the capital structure of public sector enterprises.
• Other Functions:
  • Managing Central Government investments in equity.
  • Advising on public enterprise policy matters.
  • Facilitating joint ventures and strategic partnerships.
• Structure: DIPAM is headed by a Secretary to the Government of India.

About Disinvestment

• Disinvestment in India refers to the government’s strategy of selling off its stake in public sector enterprises (PSEs). 
• The primary goals of disinvestment are:
• • Fiscal Consolidation: Raising revenue for the government.
  • Improving Efficiency: Introducing private sector efficiency and competition.
  • Reducing Fiscal Burden: Reducing the government’s financial burden on PSEs.
  • Public Participation: Encouraging public participation in ownership.

There are two main types of disinvestment

• Strategic Disinvestment: This involves selling a substantial portion or the entire government stake in a CPSE, along with the transfer of management control to a private buyer.
• Minority Stake Sale: This involves selling a portion of the government’s stake in a CPSE without transferring management control. 
  • This can be done through methods like Initial Public Offerings (IPOs), Offer for Sale (OFS), or buybacks.

Recent Trends In Disinvestment

• The government has been actively pursuing disinvestment to achieve fiscal targets.
• Focus on strategic disinvestment of non-core CPSEs.
• Increased emphasis on minority stake sales through IPOs and OFSs.

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Different Departments and Responsibilities under the Ministry of Finance

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Two community-based Himalayan organizations have called for immediate action to mitigate disaster risks in the Teesta Valley following the catastrophic glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF) of October 2023.

Impact of 2023 GLOF

• Casualties and Destruction: The 2023 GLOF and the subsequent NHPC, Ltd. power project dam breach claimed more than a hundred lives, disrupted livelihoods, and destroyed assets and critical military installations, apart from ecological devastation in its wake across Sikkim and West Bengal

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About Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) refer to the sudden release of water and sediment from glacial lakes that are naturally dammed by barriers such as moraines (debris of ice, sand, and pebbles) or glacier ice.

Formation and Triggering Mechanism

• Glacial Lake Formation: As glaciers melt, water accumulates behind loose, naturally formed dams made of ice, sand, and other debris (moraine dams).
  • These dams are inherently weak and prone to failure.
• Dam Failure: Moraine dams, made of loose debris, are unstable and susceptible to abrupt failure which leads to sudden and massive release of water from the glacial lake.
• Triggering Events: Initiated by external events such as ice or rockfalls, earthquakes, or heavy rainfall, which weaken or break the natural dams.
• Rising Global Temperatures: Warmer temperatures accelerate glacier melting and weaken sediment and ice barriers, increasing the likelihood of dam failures.
• Dam Erosion and Pressure: Natural dams fail due to erosion caused by rising water levels, a buildup of water pressure, or landslides into the lake.

Key Characteristics

• Type of Flood: Sudden, high-energy flood involving large volumes of water and sediment.
• Impact: Catastrophic downstream effects, including loss of lives, damage to infrastructure, and environmental devastation.

Proposed Solutions for Disaster Mitigation in the Region

Long-Term Strategies

• Land Use and Zoning: Identify and designate high-risk zones for potential evacuation and resettlement.
  • Provide adequate compensation and support for relocated communities.
• Ecosystem Restoration: Launch afforestation programs to control soil erosion and regulate river flow.
• Tourism Revival: Ensure stable infrastructure to boost tourist traffic in the Sikkim-Darjeeling Himalayas.

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About Teesta River

• Origin: Begins in the Himalayas near Chungthang, Sikkim.
• Path in India: Flows southward, carving a deep gorge through the Siwalik Hills east of Darjeeling, West Bengal.
  • Passes through the Sivok Khola pass onto the plains of West Bengal.
• Path in Bangladesh:
  • Enters Bangladesh and flows southeastward.
  • Joins the Jamuna River (the Brahmaputra’s name in Bangladesh).
• Original Path: Previously flowed directly south into the Padma River (the main channel of the Ganga in Bangladesh).
• Course Alteration: Around 1787, the Teesta changed its course, flowing eastward to join the Jamuna.
• River Basin Distribution:
  • India: 83% of the catchment area lies in India.
  • Bangladesh: 17% of the catchment area is in Bangladesh.
• Major Barrages:
• • Gajoldoba Barrage: Located in West Bengal, India.
  • Duani Barrage: Situated in Bangladesh.
• Regional Importance: The Teesta River plays a critical role in irrigation, hydroelectric power generation, and sustaining the livelihoods of communities in both India and Bangladesh.

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Dhudmaras of Chattisgarh has been selected by the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) for its Best Tourism Village Upgrade programme.

• Recognized among 20 villages worldwide for support in improving tourism infrastructure and quality of life.

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About Dhudmaras Village

• Location: Situated in the Kanger Valley National Park, Chhattisgarh’s Bastar district.
  • Nestled in dense forests with the Kanger River flowing through it, creating an ideal eco-tourism destination.
• Local Tribal Involvement: Younger members of the Dhurwa Tribe (Part of Gond Tribe) trained to lead adventure activities.
• Cultural Richness: Rich in biodiversity, natural beauty, and traditional tribal lifestyles known for local cuisine and tribal handicrafts.

About Best Tourism Villages Initiative

• It is Part of the UNWTO Tourism for Rural Development Programme, launched in 2021 by UNWTO.
• Objective: Recognize and promote outstanding rural destinations committed to sustainable tourism practices.
• Eligibility:
  • Villages with a maximum of 15,000 inhabitants.
  • Located in landscapes with traditional activities (agriculture, forestry, etc.).
  • Strong community values and lifestyle.
  • Applications submitted by UNWTO Member States.
• Selection Criteria For Best Tourism Village (9 areas):
  • Rich cultural and natural resources.
  • Preservation and promotion of cultural heritage.
  • Economic sustainability through business development.
  • Social inclusion and equality.
  • Environmental protection and responsible tourism.
  • Strong tourism development and value chain integration.
  • Public-private partnerships and community engagement in tourism planning.
  • Access and communication infrastructure.
  • Health, safety, and security measures for residents and tourists.

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About UNWTO (United Nations World Tourism Organisation)

• It is the United Nations agency responsible for the promotion of responsible, sustainable and universally accessible tourism.
• Established: 1975
• Headquarters: Madrid, Spain
• Membership:
  • 160 Member States (including India)
  • 6 Associate Members and 2 Observers
  • Over 500 Affiliate Members (private sector, NGOs, educational institutions)

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The Supreme Court inquired about the delay in the delimitation process for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland after the 2020 Presidential order rescinding the deferral notification.

Key Highlights of the Case

• Judicial Observations: SC emphasised the need to initiate the process immediately after the deferment was withdrawn.
  • The Chief Justice of India (CJI) stated that delimitation is a statutory obligation, requiring compliance once the notification is revoked.
• Petitioners’ Stand: The Delimitation Demand Committee filed a plea urging the court to intervene and ensure delimitation in the four northeastern states given that  the deferment had already been lifted by the President.
• Election Commission’s Position:
  • Election Commission of India (ECI), argued that delimitation could proceed only upon the Centre’s directive.
  • The court questioned this stance, asserting that the President’s withdrawal of deferment suffices to commence delimitation.
• Centre’s View:  Cited unfavourable conditions in Manipur and ongoing discussions for other states.
  • The Supreme Court directed updates on progress during the next hearing in January 2025.

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About Delimitation

• Delimitation is the act of redrawing boundaries of Lok Sabha and state Assembly seats to represent changes in population. 

• The main objective of delimitation is to provide equal representation to equal segments of a population.
• Delimitation of constituencies is periodically carried out to reflect not only an increase in population but changes in its distribution.

Process of Delimitation

• Article 82: Parliament is to enact a Delimitation Act after every Census. Once the Act is in force, the Union government sets up the Delimitation Commission.
• Article 170: States also get divided into territorial constituencies as per Delimitation Act after every Census.
• The Commission is supposed to determine the number and boundaries of constituencies in a way that the population of all seats, so far as practicable, is the same. 
• The Commission is also tasked with identifying seats reserved for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.

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Previous delimitation exercises

• Delimitation Commissions have been set up four times — 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002 under the Acts of 1952, 1962, 1972 and 2002. 
• There was no delimitation after the 1981, 1991 and 2001 Censuses.
• However, the 2002 Act did not make any changes in total Lok Sabha seats or their apportionment between various states. 
  • It also left out a few states including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland and Manipur from the exercise due to security risks.
• The central government reconstituted the Delimitation Commission for these four states as well as the union territory of Jammu and Kashmir in 2020.

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Recently, Indian Bisons or Gaurs were counted in the first-ever census of the animals conducted in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary.

Key Highlights of the Survey

• Population Count: 659 Indian Bisons (Gaurs) recorded in Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Odisha.
• Healthy Breeding Space and relocation :One-third of the Gaur population comprises young individuals, reflecting improved breeding conditions.
  • Post-relocation of 400 families two years ago, meadows have become nutritious habitats for bison.

About Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary

• Location: Bargarh district, Odisha, near the Hirakud Dam on the Mahanadi River.
• Vegetation: Dry deciduous mixed forests.
• Wildlife: Four-horned antelope, Indian leopard, Indian elephant, Sambar, Chital and Gaur (Indian Bison)
• Special Feature:
  • Ushakothi Waterfalls
  • Associated with the freedom fighter Veer Surendra Sai

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About Indian Bison (Gaur): Bos Gaurus

• The Indian Bison, also known as the Gaur, is the largest extant bovine and the tallest wild cattle species in the world. 
• Distribution: These majestic creatures are native to South and Southeast Asia, with the majority of the population residing in India.
• Size: They are massive animals, with adult bulls weighing up to 1,500 kg (3,300 lbs) and standing over 2 metres (6.6 ft) tall at the shoulder.
• Appearance: Gaurs have a distinctive dark brown to black coat with a lighter-colored patch on their foreheads. Their horns are large and curved.
• Social Behavior: Gaurs are social animals and live in herds of up to 30 individuals, led by a dominant bull.
• Habitat: Foothills and meadows with abundant food sources like grass, bamboo, siali, palas, and fruit-bearing plants.
  • Evergreen and moist deciduous forests
  • Can also survive in dry deciduous forests
  • Not found in Himalayan regions above 6,000 ft
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I.

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Recently, the Indian  Prime Minister visited the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

• It is the first Indian Prime Ministerial visit to the country since Manmohan Singh in 2007.
• The first-ever visit by an Indian PM to Nigeria was Jawaharlal Nehru in 1962, followed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 2003.

Key Highlights of the PM Modi Visit to Nigeria

• High Level Discussion: PM Modi met President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and held a delegation-level discussion.
• Honor: PM Modi was awarded Nigeria’s national honor, Grand Commander of the Order of Niger, an accolade previously bestowed only upon Late Queen Elizabeth II.
• Outcomes of PM Modi’s Visit
  • Strategic Agreement: Six agreements were reached during the visit which would further strengthen the strategic partnership.
  • MoUs Signed: Three Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit.
    • Three MoUs are — on Cultural Exchange Programme, Customs Cooperation and Survey Cooperation. 

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India-Nigeria Bilateral Relations

• Historical Ties: India established its diplomatic presence in Lagos in 1958, two years before Nigeria’s independence in 1960.
• Economic and Trade Partnership: India is Nigeria’s largest trading partner, while Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in Africa.
  • India heavily imports Nigerian crude oil, making Nigeria a key energy partner.
  • Indian investments in Nigeria are valued at $27 billion, with potential for growth.
• Cultural and Educational Exchange: Indian teachers, doctors, and professionals have contributed significantly to Nigerian society.
  • Indian movies and cultural products have been popular in Nigeria since the 1970s.
• Indian Diaspora: Nigeria hosts approximately 50,000 Indians, the largest Indian community in West Africa.
• Military Cooperation: India established Nigeria’s National Defence Academy in Kaduna in 1964 and provided military instructors for nearly two decades.
  • Around 27,500 Nigerians have received training in India, including in prestigious institutions like the Defence Services Staff College (DSSC), Wellington.
• Healthcare and Education: India is the top destination for medical care for Nigerians, offering high-quality treatment at affordable costs.
• Maritime and Energy Cooperation
  • Security in the Gulf of Guinea has emerged as a new area of collaboration due to potential benefits for maritime security.
  • Energy cooperation is vital, as Nigeria supplies 11–12% of India’s crude oil requirements.

Challenges 

• Economic Diversification Gaps: Indian relationship with Nigeria is mainly based on the oil export from Nigeria and pharmaceutical and engineering goods from India. 
  • This lack of diversification increases vulnerability to price and global market trend changes. 
• Pending agreements: Critical agreements like Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA) and  Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) have not been concluded which hinders economic collaboration and investment flows.
• Logistical, training, and resource-sharing: India and Nigeria’s defence cooperation face various challenges 
  • Transport of resources and personnel.
  • consistent planning and resource allocation for an effective training program. 
  • Procuring defence equipment promptly is a hurdle. 
  • procedural complexities in sharing of technologies and expertise in counter-terrorism. 
• Cultural and Educational Exchange: Although the academic exchange is increasing between Nigeria and India, however, Nigeria’s underdeveloped internet infrastructure hinders the full potential of knowledge sharing. 

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Way forward

• Boost Trade and Investment:   Increase trade by  facilitating business delegations and stronger collaboration. 
  • It can be done by focusing on new investment areas like agriculture, healthcare, energy, and technology.
• Enhance Defence and Security Cooperation:  Promote joint maritime operations and counter-terrorism initiatives. 
• Promoting Cultural and Educational exchange: India can strengthen its relation with Nigeria by enhancing cultural interactions.
  • It can be done through film festivals, academic linkages, and tourism promotion.
• Bilateral Agreements: To increase trade and investment, India and Nigeria should finalise all pending agreements like Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), and Economic Cooperation Agreement (ECA).

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The Guru Ghasidas Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh has been declared India’s 56th and the state’s fourth tiger reserve, enhancing conservation under NTCA’s Project Tiger initiative.

About Guru Ghasidas Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve

• Location: Northern Chhattisgarh; borders Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand.
• Landscape: Nestled in the Chota Nagpur plateau and partly in the Baghelkhand plateau.
• Size: Third-largest tiger reserve in India, after Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam (Andhra Pradesh) and Manas (Assam).
• Connectivity: Linked to Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh) in the west and Palamau Tiger Reserve (Jharkhand) in the east.
• Rivers: Origin of major rivers like Hasdeo, Gopad, and Baranga; catchment for Neur, Bijadhur, Banas, and Rehand rivers.
• Flora: Sub-tropical and deciduous forests dominated by Sal (Sakhua) trees.

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About Project Tiger

• Project Tiger is a wildlife conservation effort launched in 1973 to protect India’s endangered tiger population. It aims to ensure a viable tiger population in its natural habitats.
• Objective: Conservation of tigers through designated protected areas (tiger reserves).
• Integration: Tiger reserves may overlap with national parks or wildlife sanctuaries (e.g., Sariska Tiger Reserve).
• Legal Basis: Established under Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Implementation: State governments notify reserves with advice from NTCA.

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National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA)

• Established: 2006 under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Role: Oversees tiger conservation efforts across India.
• Composition:
• • Chairperson: Union Minister for MoEFCC.
  • Vice-Chairperson: Minister of State for MoEFCC.
  • Members: Three MPs, MoEFCC Secretary, and others.

Key Facts about Tiger Reserves in India

• Total Tiger Reserves: 56
• State with Most Tiger Reserves: Madhya Pradesh (11)
• Tiger Reserve with Highest Number of Tigers:  Jim Corbett National Park, Uttarakhand –  (252 Tigers)
• State with Most Tigers: Madhya Pradesh has the maximum number (785) of tigers in the country, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444), according to the data.

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The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) launched One Day One Genome initiative to highlight India’s vast microbial diversity.

About One Day One Genome Initiative

• The Initiative aims to release fully annotated genomes of unique bacterial species found in India.
• Make genomic data publicly accessible, complemented by graphical summaries, genome assembly details, and infographics.
• Highlight microbes’ scientific and industrial potential.

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Role of Microorganisms in Ecosystems

• Environmental Impact: Drive biogeochemical cycles and soil formation. They also aid pollutant degradation and methane production, contributing to global homeostasis.
• Agriculture: Support nitrogen fixation, nutrient cycling, and pest control.
  • Their symbiotic association with plants enhances nutrient and water uptake.
• Human Health: Microbial cells outnumber human cells in the body. They are crucial for digestion, immunity, and mental health.

Genome Sequencing

• It is a process that determines the complete DNA sequence of an organism, including genes and non-coding regions.
• It identifies the precise order of the nucleotide bases (adenine, cytosine, guanine, thymine) in DNA.

Benefits of Genome Sequencing

• Accelerates genetic engineering and development of new crop varieties.
• Deciphers host-pathogen interactions.

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India ranks 23rd globally in the Sustainable Trade Index 2024, With an overall score of 24.

About Sustainable Index Report 2024

It is developed  by Hinrich Foundation and IMD highlights and ranks global economies in trade sustainability based on three pillars: 

• Economic growth
• Societal advancement
• Environmental resilience

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Top 10 most sustainable trade economies in the world

• New Zealand: Retains its position as the most sustainable trade economy for the third consecutive year.
  • Scores highest across all pillars: economic, societal, and environmental.
• United Kingdom: Maintains strong performance in societal and environmental areas, despite minor economic setbacks.
• Australia: High societal scores with steady progress in economic and environmental resilience.

India’s Position in the Sustainable Trade Index 2024

• Rank: 23rd globally
• Overall Score: 24
• Economic Score: 62.3
• Societal Score: 13.3
• Environmental Score: 43.1

Key Observations for India

• Economic Strength:
  • India’s robust economic growth reflects its status as the world’s fifth-largest economy, with notable advancements in trade and industrial policies.
• Societal Challenges:
  • Persistent issues such as poverty, gender inequality, and social disparities limit societal progress.
• Environmental Concerns:
  • Air pollution, deforestation, and limited environmental policies hinder performance in this area.

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Aphantasia

Context:  A new study on aphantasia was conducted by the University of Glasgow which examined the link between auditory and visual senses.

More on the News

• Blindfolded participants were exposed to sounds like birds in a forest, a bustling crowd, and traffic noise.
• Results showed:
  • In people without aphantasia, auditory scenes activated the brain’s visual cortex, creating neural patterns.
  • Spectrum of Visualisation Ability
    • The study suggests that mental visualisation occurs on a spectrum, varying from person to person.
      • This highlights the complex interconnection between different parts of the brain.
      • In individuals with aphantasia, these neural patterns were weaker or absent.

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What is Aphantasia?

• Aphantasia is a condition where individuals have very limited or no ability to visualise mental images.
• It is not a disability but simply a variation in how some people process mental imagery.
• Historical Context of Aphantasia
  • British polymath Francis Galton first identified the concept of aphantasia in the 1880s.
  • The term “aphantasia” was coined in 2015 by neurologist Adam Zeman.
    • It is estimated to affect roughly 2% of the population.

Auditory-Visual Connection in the Brain

• When people hear sounds, their minds often create visual representations influenced by past experiences.
  • For instance, the sound of a crying baby may evoke an image of a child in one’s mind.
• Those with aphantasia, however, lack this ability to visualise vividly or at all.

PM Internship Scheme in Top Companies (Scheme) Pilot Project

Context: Recently, 6.5 lakh youth had applied for internships under the PM Internship Scheme in Top Companies (Scheme) pilot project.

More on the news

• The Union government has opened up a portal for India’s top 500 companies to participate in the one-year internship scheme.

About PM’s Internship Scheme

• It was introduced in the 2024 Union Budget as part of the government’s efforts to boost employment opportunities.
• Nodal Agency: Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• Objective: Bridge the gap between the skill sets of unemployable youth and those needed by employers.
• Target: The project will provide on-the-job training to one crore people over five years.

Internship Details

• Each applicant could apply for up to five different internships, so the total number of applications does not equal the number of individuals.
• Interns will work for a year-long tenure, starting from December 2, 2024, as per the original timeline.
• Candidates could specify preferences for sector, functional role, State, and district while applying.
• Internship Features and Scope
  • Internships will last for 12 months and provide exposure to real-world workplaces to enhance employability.
  • Participating companies can nominate vendors and suppliers to join the scheme.
  • Companies will appoint nodal officers for grievance redressal, monitored by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
• Stipend and Financial Benefits
  • Interns will receive a monthly stipend of ₹5,000:
    • ₹500 from the participating companies’ CSR funds.
    • ₹4,500 via direct benefit transfer to their Aadhaar-linked bank accounts.
  • A one-time grant of ₹6,000 will be provided to cover incidental expenses upon joining.

Eligibility Criteria

• Open to youth aged 21–24 years who meet the following conditions:
  • Educational qualifications: High school pass, ITI certificate, polytechnic diploma, or degrees such as BA, B.Sc, B.Com, BBA, BCA, or B.Pharma.
  • Annual family income should be less than ₹8 lakh in 2023-24.
  • Not enrolled in post-graduate programs or other government training/apprenticeship schemes.
  • Excludes children of regular government employees and graduates from premier institutes like IITs, IIMs, and NIDs.

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Grievance Redressal Assessment And Index (GRAI) 2023

Context: Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023  has been launched by the  Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology  Dr Jitendra Singh.

About Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023:

• This is the 2nd edition of GRAI.
  • The first edition of GRAI 2022 was released on 21 June 2023.
• Conceptualised by: The index is designed by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), Ministry of Personnel and Training, Administrative Reforms, Public Grievances and Pensions.
• Recommended By: It is based on the recommendation of Parliamentary Standing Committee of Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions 
• Objective: To present organisation-wise comparative analysis and provide valuable insights about strengths and areas of improvement regarding grievance redressal mechanism.
• Data Source: Data between January and December 2023 was used from the Centralised Public Grievance Redressal and Management System (CPGRAMS) to compute the index.
• Assessment: Eighty-nine Central Ministries and Departments were assessed and ranked on the basis of four Dimensions And 11 Indicators.
  • The report gives a 2 dimensional color coded (vertical and horizontal) analysis of the root causes of effective redressal of grievances of each Ministries and Departments.
• Dimensions: Efficiency; Feedback; Domain; Organisational Commitment 

Key Highlights

• Ranking: Ministries and Departments are grouped in three groups based on the number of grievances registered in calendar year 2023 at CPGRAMS.

• Positive Trajectory: 85 out of 89 Ministries And Departments showed an improvement In their GRAI Scores In 2023 Over 2022. 
• Growth Statistics: Approximately 10% Of the Ministries/Departments achieved Over 50% growth, while 28% recorded 25-50% growth. 
  • A majority of 57% exhibited incremental growth of up to 25% in their scores.

Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS)

• It is an online platform for grievance redressal available to the citizens 24×7 to lodge and track their complaints to the public authorities on any subject related to service delivery. 
• It is a single portal connected to all the Ministries/Departments of Government of India and States.
• Accessibility: It is also accessible to the citizens through mobile application integrated with UMANG.

Bharat NCX 2024

Context: The Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024) was inaugurated to fortify India’s cybersecurity resilience recently.

• The event will be held from November 18 to November 29, 2024.

About Bharat NCX 2024

• Organized By: The ceremony was organized by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU).
• It is a 12-day exercise aimed at strengthening India’s cybersecurity resilience
• Objective: To prepare India’s cybersecurity professionals and leadership to tackle evolving threats with advanced cyber defense, incident response capabilities, and strategic decision-making.
• Features:
  • Immersive Training: The participants will be trained on cyber defense and incident response, live-fire simulations of cyberattacks on IT and OT systems
  • Strategic Decision-Making: Senior management from across sectors will come together to simulate decision-making in a national-level cyber crisis
  • The CISO’s Conclave: It will feature Chief Information Security Officers from government, public, and private sectors
  • Bharat Cybersecurity Startup Exhibition: It will showcase innovative solutions from Indian startups, emphasizing their role in enhancing the nation’s cybersecurity infrastructure. 

The National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS)

• NSCS is an unit under the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) which formulates India’s policies related to strategic interests which shape its national security in areas of defense, foreign policy, internal security etc
• Establishment: The NSCS was set up by former Prime Minister Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998 with Shri Brajesh Misra as the first National Security Advisor
• Headed By: The Prime Minister heads the body with The National Security Advisor acting as its secretary.
• Vision: A secure & resilient nation; A networked government, a cohesive society, an engaged people.
• Mandate: It aims to provide the strategy, direction and long term vision to the governmental arms responsible for national security to adequately prepare them  to address all possible threats.

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Global Soil Conference 2024

Context: Union Minister addressed the inaugural session of the Global Soil Conference 2024 in PUSA, New Delhi recently.

About Global Soil Conference 2024

• It is a pivotal international event focused on advancing sustainable soil management practices.
• Organised by: Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS), New Delhi under the aegis of International Union of Soil Sciences, Italy in Collaboration with Indian council of Agricultural Research, National Academy of Agricultural Sciences, New Delhi.

Theme: “Caring Soils Beyond Food Security : Climate change mitigation & Ecosystem Services”.

Key Objectives

• Enhancing Soil Productivity:
  • To promote actionable, farmer-centric solutions for improving soil fertility and resilience.
• Integrating Climate Action:
  • To align soil health initiatives with climate mitigation strategies and global sustainability goals.
• Fostering Ecosystem Services:
  • To highlight soil’s role in supporting biodiversity, regulating water cycles, and providing critical ecosystem services.
• Strengthening Global Collaboration:
  • To encourage partnerships between nations and institutions in advancing soil research and formulating sustainable policies.

International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS)

• It is a global organization dedicated to promoting the study and sustainable management of soils. Based in Italy, 
• It serves as a vital platform for advancing scientific research, education, and policy development in soil sciences. 
• It works collaboratively with governments, institutions, and researchers to address critical challenges related to soil health and its role in global sustainability.

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