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Current Affairs – 10 May 2024

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Current Affairs – 10 May 2024

United Nations Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund

Recently, India contributed $5,00,000 to UN Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund, reaffirming unwavering commitment to global fight against terrorism.

About United Nations Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund:

  • It was established in 2009 and transferred to UN Office of Counter- Terrorism (UNOCT) in 2017.
  • Who can contribute? The Fund accepts contributions from Governments, inter-governmental and non-governmental organizations, private institutions and individuals. 
  • Contributions may be unearmarked or earmarked for one of UNOCT’s global programmes or specific initiatives.
  • India’s contribution would support UNOCT’s global programmes — mainly Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and Countering Terrorist Travel Programme (CTTP).
    • They are aimed at building capacities of the member states of eastern and southern Africa to combat the critical issues of financing of terrorism and prevent the movement and travel of terrorists.

Key facts about UN Office of Counter- Terrorism:

  • It was established on 15 June 2017 through the adoption of UN General Assembly 
  • Functions
    • Provide leadership on the General Assembly counter-terrorism mandates entrusted to the Secretary-General from across the United Nations system.
    • Enhance coordination and coherence across the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact entities to ensure the balanced implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.
    • Strengthen the delivery of United Nations counter-terrorism capacity-building assistance to Member States.
    • Improve visibility, advocacy and resource mobilization for United Nations counter-terrorism efforts.
    • Ensure that due priority is given to counterterrorism across the United Nations system and that the important work on preventing violent extremism is firmly rooted in the Strategy.

Batagay Crater

According to a new study a huge crater in Siberia’s permafrost, is growing by 35 million cubic feet every year as the frozen ground melts.

  • Batagay Crater, also known as the “gateway to the underworld,” is located in Russia’s Sakha Republic in the Far East.
  • It is the world’s largest permafrost crater, resembling a megaslump with a rounded cliff face.
  • The crater was first observed on satellite images in 1991 after a section of hillside collapsed in the Yana Uplands of northern Yakutia, Russia.
  • Scientists attribute the formation of the crater to melting permafrost, which had been frozen since the Quaternary Ice Age around 2.58 million years ago.
  • Permafrost is defined as any ground that remains completely frozen at 32°F (0°C) or colder for at least two consecutive years.
  • Permafrost is most commonly found in regions with high mountains and at Earth’s higher latitudes, near the North and South Poles.
  • It covers extensive areas of the Earth, with almost a quarter of the land area in the Northern Hemisphere having permafrost underneath

Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)

The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) has adopted a work plan focused on assessing country landscapes, drafting policy frameworks, and conducting biofuel workshops.

  • The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) is a multi-stakeholder alliance comprising Governments, International Organizations, and Industries.
  • Launched during the 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi, it is an initiative led by India aimed at uniting the largest consumers and producers of biofuels to advance their development and deployment.
  • The alliance seeks to position biofuels as a crucial element in the energy transition while fostering job creation and economic growth.
  • Significance lies in strengthening markets, facilitating global biofuels trade, sharing policy lessons, and providing technical support for national biofuels programs worldwide.
  • GBA intends to accelerate global biofuel uptake by promoting capacity-building, technological advancements, and sustainable utilization across the value chain.
  • It aims to develop, adopt, and implement internationally recognized standards, sustainability principles, and regulations to incentivize biofuel adoption and trade, serving as a repository of knowledge and an expert hub.
  • Currently, 24 countries and 12 international organizations have committed to joining the alliance.

What is Biofuel?

  • Biofuel is a fuel produced from biomass within a short time frame, contrasting with the slow natural processes involved in fossil fuel formation.
  • Different generations of biofuels exist:
    • First generation: Derived from sugar, starch, vegetable oil, or animal fats using conventional technology. Examples include Bioalcohols, Biodiesel, Vegetable oil, Bioethers, and Biogas.
    • Second generation: Produced from non-food crops and waste biomass, such as cellulosic biofuels. Examples include advanced biofuels like biohydrogen and biomethanol.
    • Third generation: Produced from micro-organisms like algae.
    • Fourth generation: Aims not only to generate sustainable energy but also to capture and store CO2.
 
Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) recently introduced a new high-yielding wheat seed variety, HD 3386.

  • The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) is India’s largest and foremost institution dedicated to research, higher education, and training in agricultural science.
  • Situated in Delhi, it is administered by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
  • Established in 1905 at Pusa (Bihar), it began with a generous grant of 30,000 pounds from American philanthropist Henry Phipps.
  • Initially named Agricultural Research Institute (ARI), it functioned with five departments: Agriculture, Cattle Breeding, Chemistry, Economic Botany, and Mycology, with the addition of a Bacteriology unit in 1907.
  • Renamed Imperial Institute of Agricultural Research in 1911, it became Imperial Agricultural Research Institute in 1919.
  • Following a devastating earthquake in 1934, the institute relocated to Delhi in 1936.
  • Post-independence, it was renamed Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI).
  • The mandate of IARI includes basic, strategic, and anticipatory research in field and horticultural crops, development of resource-efficient crop management technologies, and leadership in agricultural research, education, and extension.
  • It serves as a center for academic excellence in post-graduate and human resources development in agricultural science.
  • IARI attained Deemed University status in 1958 and was instrumental in the research leading to the “Green Revolution in India” during the 1970s.
 

Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)

Recently, a 12-year-old boy from USA, became the first person in the world with sickle cell disease to begin a commercially approved gene therapy that may cure the condition.

  • Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is an inherited blood disorder characterized by flawed hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells (RBCs) responsible for carrying oxygen to the body’s tissues.
  • People with SCD have atypical hemoglobin molecules known as hemoglobin S, which can distort RBCs into a sickle or crescent shape, hindering the delivery of oxygen to tissues.
  • This distortion affects blood flow as normally disc-shaped and flexible RBCs become sickle-shaped, hindering their movement through blood vessels and potentially blocking blood flow to various parts of the body.
  • The cause of SCD is a defective gene known as the sickle cell gene, which a person inherits from both parents to develop the disease.
  • Symptoms of SCD include extreme tiredness, swollen hands and feet, jaundice in early stages, progressing to severe pain, anemia, organ damage, and infections in later stages.
  • While a bone marrow transplant (stem cell transplant) can cure SCD, treatments aim to alleviate symptoms, reduce complications, and prolong life expectancy.
  • Gene therapy is being explored as another potential cure, with the UK recently becoming the first country to approve gene therapy treatment for SCD.

Pawan Sindhi Honored with Global Pride of Sindhi Award 2024

Pawan Sindhi was bestowed with the prestigious Global Pride of Sindhi Award 2024 at an event attended by esteemed saints, Mahatmas, and sadhus.

  • Pawan Sindhi was awarded the prestigious Global Pride of Sindhi Award 2024 for his remarkable contributions to society and dedication to serving humanity.
  • The event was attended by esteemed saints, Mahatmas, and sadhus, showcasing a gathering of like-minded individuals promoting the values of humanity, peace, and prosperity.
  • In his acceptance speech, Mr. Sindhi expressed gratitude for the recognition and highlighted the significance of such events in spreading noble messages within society.
  • During his speech, he emphasized the importance of national strength and social service, stating that serving society and respecting gurus and saints are essential for building a better future.
  • Mr. Sindhi’s dedication to social work and humanity has touched many lives, and the award is a testament to his unwavering commitment.
  • He extended thanks to Gurumukh ji and Raju Manwani for their guidance and support, as well as to the press for continuously highlighting his social work and deeds.
  • Mr. Sindhi also thanked society and all those who supported him, acknowledging their contributions to his commendable journey.
  • The Global Pride of Sindhi Award 2024 recognizes Mr. Sindhi’s exceptional efforts in making a positive impact on society and serves as inspiration for others to actively contribute to the welfare of society.
  • The award night served as a platform to promote values of humanity, peace, and prosperity while honoring individuals like Mr. Sindhi who have dedicated their lives to serving society, inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
 

Mumbai & Delhi Among 50 Wealthiest Cities of World: Henley & Partners

Henley & Partners’ Wealthiest Cities Report 2024 reveals Mumbai and Delhi’s debut among the world’s wealthiest cities, with Mumbai ranking 24th and Delhi 37th.

 

  • Mumbai and Delhi have debuted in the top 50 wealthiest cities worldwide, according to the Wealthiest Cities Report 2024 by Henley & Partners and New World Wealth.
  • Mumbai secured the 24th position, boasting 58,800 millionaires, 236 centi-millionaires, and 29 billionaires.
  • Delhi claimed the 37th spot with 30,700 millionaires, 123 centi-millionaires, and 16 billionaires.
  • The report identifies the wealthiest cities based on the presence of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs), centi-millionaires, and billionaires.
  • New York City retains its top position with 349,500 millionaires, collectively possessing over $3 trillion in wealth.
  • The Asia Pacific region is highlighted in the report, with five out of the top 10 wealthiest cities belonging to this region, including Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Beijing.
  • Dubai stands as the wealthiest city in West Asia, ranked 21st globally.
  • Seven of the ten fastest-growing millionaire cities are located in the Asia-Pacific region, with Shenzhen in China leading the pack with a 140% growth in its millionaire population over the last decade.
  • Other rapidly growing millionaire cities include Hangzhou, Guangzhou, Delhi, Beijing, Shanghai, and Mumbai.
  • The top 10 wealthiest cities globally include New York City, The Bay Area, Tokyo City, Singapore, London, Los Angeles, Paris, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Beijing, showcasing the global distribution of wealth concentration.