UPSC Quiz – 2024 : IASbaba’s Daily Current Affairs Quiz 25th June 2024

·       miRNAs play crucial roles in various cellular processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis.

·       CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) have identified 439 miRNAs associated with invasive breast cancer.

·       Out of 439 miRNAs, only 107 qualified as potential biomarkers for different types, grades, and stages of invasive ductal carcinoma.

·       Identification of miRNAs involved in the regulation of the initiation and progression of breast cancer holds great promise for the development of molecular tools for early diagnosis and prognosis.

·       miRNAs are released into the bloodstream as part of ‘Circulating Nucleic Acids (CNAs).

·       In cancer, the types and amounts of miRNAs released can be different from those in healthy individuals.

·       This could lead to a liquid biopsy system, which would be particularly beneficial for developing countries.

·       The approach aims to be affordable, quick, and robust, potentially improving breast cancer diagnosis in rural areas where women may be reluctant to undergo physical examinations.

·       The Parliamentary Oath is prescribed in the Third Schedule of the Indian Constitution.

·       According to Article 99, every Member of Parliament (MP) must take the oath or make an affirmation before taking their seat in the House.

·       Oath emphasizes allegiance to the Constitution, upholding sovereignty and integrity, and faithfully discharging duties.

·       Language of the Oath – MPs can take the oath in any of the 22 languages specified in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

·       This provision ensures linguistic diversity and inclusion in the parliamentary process.

·       Traditionally, a significant number of MPs choose to take their oaths in Hindi or English.

·       Historical Evolution – The oath has evolved since the drafting of the Constitution. Initially, the draft did not include the invocation of God.

·       However, after discussions in the Constituent Assembly, the option to swear in the name of God was included to respect the faith of the oath-takers.

·       The most significant amendment came with the Constitution (16th Amendment) Act, 1963, which added the commitment to uphold India’s sovereignty and integrity.

·       Procedure for Taking the Oath – Before taking the oath, MPs must submit their election certificates for verification.

·       This safeguard was introduced after a person falsely posed as an MP in 1957.

·       The first session of a new Lok Sabha begins with the Pro-tem Speaker administering the oath to the elected members.

·       MPs must use the name mentioned in their election certificate and strictly adhere to the prescribed text.

·       MPs in Jail – MPs who are in jail can take the oath in Parliament, provided they receive permission from the court.

·       This ensures they do not lose their seat due to absence from Parliament for 60 days, as stipulated by the Constitution.

·       They are found only in the Spain and Portugal.

·       It is the world’s most endangered feline species.

·       Recently the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has moved its conservation status from ‘Endangered’ to ‘Vulnerable’ in its red list.

·       The population of it has increased exponentially from 62 mature individuals in 2001 to 648 in 2022 due to various conservation efforts.

·       LIFE Lynx-Connect project – It led the conservation action for the Iberian lynx, called the lynx’s revival as “the greatest recovery of a cat species ever achieved through conservation”.

The conservation efforts includes:

·       Increasing the abundance of its prey, the Endangered European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus),

·       Protecting and restoring Mediterranean scrub and forest habitat,

·       Reducing deaths caused by human activity and

·       Translocations and an ex-situ breeding programme, both of which have been key to increasing numbers.

Threats

·       Susceptible to diseases from domestic cats

·       Poaching and road kills

·       Habitat alterations related to climate change

·       ITEC aims to share India’s developmental experience and expertise with other developing countries, enhancing India’s role as a responsible global player.

·       It is administered by the Development Partnership Administration-II Division of the Ministry of External Affairs.

·       ITEC has trained over 200,000 officials from more than 160 countries in both civilian and defence sectors, making it one of the oldest and largest capacity-building programs globally.

·       It provides nearly 10,000 fully-funded training opportunities through about 400 courses at over 100 premier Indian institutions annually.

·       During the pandemic, ITEC shifted to online platforms, training nearly 10,000 professionals in healthcare and governance-related fields.

·       It offers tailored programs to meet specific requests from partner countries, demonstrating flexibility and responsiveness.

·       The Committee has made 106 recommendations covering various aspects with total financial investment of Rs 1,00,000 crore over a five year period.

The key recommendations of the committee are:

·       The performance of Indian Railways being inadequate is largely due to poor infrastructure and resources, and lack of empowerment at the functional level.

·       Since there is need for an independent mechanism for safety regulation, it recommended for the creation of a statutory Railway Safety Authority with enough powers to have a safety oversight on the operational mode of Railways.

·       Restructuring of the Research Design and Standards Organization (RDSO) for greater empowerment.

·       It also recommends that a Railway Research and Development Council (RRDC) be set up directly under the government.

·       It recommends the adoption of an Advanced Signalling System (akin to the European Train Control System) for the entire trunk route length of 19,000 km within 5 years.