UPSC Daily Current Affairs - 17th Aug 2024 - Edukemy - Blog (2024)

Today’s daily current affairs briefing for UPSC aspirants explores the latest developments relevant to the upcoming civil services examination. Our focus today includes a critical analysis of recent policy changes, international affairs, and national developments, all of which play a pivotal role in shaping India’s socio-political and economic landscape. Stay informed and stay ahead in your UPSC preparations with our daily current affairs updates, as we provide you with concise, well-researched insights to help you connect the dots between contemporary events and the broader canvas of the civil services syllabus.

Steps for Implementing Land Reforms in India

Tags: GS Paper – 3, Economy- Land Reforms Mobilization of Resources Inclusive Growth

Why in the news?

• Recently, the Centre will provide states with Rs 10,000 crore in incentives for implementing land-related reforms in rural and urban areas, and Rs 5,000 crore for creating a Farmers’ Registry during the financial year 2024-25 (FY25).

Recent Announcements for Land Reforms Under the Scheme:

• Rural Areas:
  • Unique Land Parcel Identification Numbers (ULPIN): ULPIN, also known as Bhu-Aadhaar, will be assigned to land parcels in rural areas.
  • Purpose of ULPIN: This unique number will identify every surveyed parcel of land, aiming to prevent land fraud, particularly in rural regions where land records are outdated and often disputed.
  • Digitization of Cadastral Maps: Cadastral maps will be digitised, and land subdivisions will be surveyed to reflect current ownership.
  • Comprehensive Land Registry: A comprehensive land registry will also be established.
• Urban Areas:
  • Financial Incentives: States will receive financial incentives to digitise land records using Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping.
  • IT-based Systems: States are required to develop IT-based systems for property record administration, updating, and tax management.

Major Initiatives Undertaken for Land Reforms:

• Pre-Independence Era:
  • Land Ownership Structure: During British rule, land ownership was concentrated in the hands of zamindars, jagirdars, and other intermediaries, leaving farmers without direct land ownership.
  • Challenges: Key issues included the concentration of land in a few hands, exploitative leasing practices, poorly maintained land records, and fragmented land holdings, which impeded effective land reforms.
• Post-Independence Reforms:
  • Committee Recommendations (1949): A committee led by J. C. Kumarappa recommended comprehensive agrarian reforms, including:
  • Abolition of Intermediaries: Eliminating intermediaries like zamindars to directly link cultivators with the state.
  • Tenancy Reforms: Controlling rent, ensuring tenure security, and granting ownership to tenants.
• Ceilings on Landholdings:
  • Introducing Land Ceiling Acts to cap maximum land ownership and prevent concentration.
  • Based on Kumarappa’s recommendations, ceilings were set to three times the economic holding size required for a family’s livelihood.
  • By 1961-62, ceiling limits varied by state and were standardised in 1971 with national guidelines ranging from 10 to 54 acres depending on land type and productivity.
• Consolidation of Landholdings:
  • Addressing land fragmentation by consolidating small, scattered plots into larger, manageable units.

• Most states enacted consolidation laws, with Punjab and Haryana enforcing compulsory consolidation and other states adopting voluntary consolidation.

Recent Initiatives:

• Digital India Land Record Modernisation Programme (DILRMP):
  • Launched in 2008, this program aims to digitise and modernise land records and establish a centralised land record management system.

• SVAMITVA Scheme:
  • The Survey of Villages and Mapping with Improvised Technology in Village Areas (SVAMITVA) involves the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, State Panchayati Raj Departments, State Revenue Departments, and the Survey of India.
  • To map land parcels in rural areas using drone technology and Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS).

Related Challenges and Steps for Improvement

Challenges:

• Entrenched Power Structures: Large landowners often resist reforms, obstructing the enforcement of land ceiling acts and redistribution policies.
• Complex Land Records: Outdated and complicated record-keeping systems lead to disputes and hinder land identification for redistribution.
• Land Fragmentation: Land division among heirs results in economically unviable holdings, with average operational holdings decreasing from 2.28 hectares in 1970-71 to 1.08 hectares in 2015-16.
• Legal and Implementation Issues: Weak enforcement of land reform laws and loopholes, such as unclear ceiling limits on a family basis, undermine reform efforts.
• Urbanisation Pressures: Rapid urban development creates challenges in farmland acquisition and farmer displacement.
• Productivity vs. Equity: Balancing land redistribution with effective farming practices is a significant challenge.

Way Forward:

• Technology Integration: Utilise advanced technologies such as satellite imaging, Artificial Intelligence (AI), and blockchain for digitising and securing land records, enhancing transparency and reducing disputes.
• Legal Framework Enhancement: Strengthen and rigorously enforce land reform laws, address loopholes, and improve implementation mechanisms.
• Learning from Successful Practices: Emulate successful land reform practices from states like West Bengal and Kerala, where reforms have been effective due to strong political will.
• Land Consolidation Initiatives: Promote land consolidation through voluntary pooling and cooperative farming models to enhance agricultural efficiency.
• Equitable Land Acquisition: Develop transparent and fair land acquisition policies with adequate compensation and rehabilitation measures for displaced farmers.
• Support for New Landowners: Provide comprehensive support, including agricultural training, access to credit, and market linkages, to new landowners to improve farming productivity and sustainability.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ)

Prelims:

Q:1 With reference to land reforms in independent India, which one of the following statements is correct? (2019)

1. The ceiling laws were aimed at family holdings and not individual holdings.
2. The major aim of land reforms was providing agricultural land to all the landless.
3. It resulted in cultivation of cash crops as a predominant form of cultivation.
4. Land reforms permitted no exemptions to the ceiling limits.

Ans: (b)

Mains:

Q:1 Establish a relationship between land reforms, agricultural productivity and elimination of poverty in the Indian economy. Discuss the difficulties in designing and implementation of agriculture – friendly land reforms in India. (2013)

Source: IE

Reshape the Governance Structures of AI Companies

Tags: GS-3, Science & Technology- AI- Awareness in various sc. and tech fields

Why in the news?

• Recently, corporations embracing stakeholder capitalism are prioritising products such as Generative AI with focus necessitates governance models that balance profit-making with broader social responsibilities, highlighting a shift in corporate priorities.

Data Access Issues:

• Dependence on Data: AI advancement requires extensive data, raising privacy concerns due to potential breaches.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: Companies like Meta face challenges over data use for AI, with regulators demanding pauses due to privacy issues.
• Algorithmic Bias: AI systems can perpetuate biases, as seen with Amazon discontinuing a biassed recruiting algorithm.

Purpose vs. Strategy:

• Conflict Between Purpose and Profit: Companies like OpenAI struggle when profit motives conflict with social objectives, exemplified by CEO Sam Altman’s dismissal.
• Shareholder Primacy: Despite alternative models, profit pressure often overshadows social benefits.
• Corporate Governance Issues: Internal conflicts in companies like OpenAI question the effectiveness of public benefit structures.
• Potential Shift to For-Profit Models: OpenAI’s potential shift to a for-profit model reflects a trend of prioritising profit over social objectives.

Real-World Examples of AI Bias:

• Meta’s Privacy Issues: Meta faced regulatory scrutiny in Europe, leading to a pause in training large language models with public content from Facebook and Instagram due to privacy concerns from the Irish privacy regulator.
• Amazon’s Recruiting Algorithm: Amazon halted a recruiting algorithm after discovering it exhibited gender bias.
• AI Bias in Language Models: Researchers at Princeton found AI software favouring European names over African-American names, highlighting how AI can perpetuate existing biases and create inequality.

Corporate Responses to AI Governance Issues:

• OpenAI and Anthropic’s Governance Models: Both companies have adopted governance structures prioritising public good. Anthropic uses a Long-Term Benefit Trust model with financially disinterested members to ensure long-term ethical considerations.
• OpenAI Controversy: OpenAI’s shift to a hybrid model with a capped profit-subsidiary led to controversy, including CEO Sam Altman’s dismissal over commercialization concerns. The incident highlighted the tension between profit motives and public benefit, despite creative governance structures.

What Needs to Be Done: A Workable Strategy

• Enhancing Long-Term Profit Gains: Encourage companies to align public benefit goals with long-term financial returns.
• Incentivizing Managerial Compliance: Reward managers for achieving financial success while adhering to ethical standards, with bonuses tied to ethical performance.
• Reducing Compliance Costs: Simplify processes and offer government incentives, such as tax benefits, to reduce the cost of ethical governance practices.
• Promoting Ethical AI Development: Establish ethical standards for AI governance, similar to the EU’s proposed guidelines for high-risk AI systems.
• Setting Accountability: Ensure transparency, regular audits, diversity in teams, and education in ethics. Consider amendments to corporate governance laws to support these efforts.

Case Study: In the US, Delaware has set an example by passing a public benefit corporation law that requires companies to consider the public good. This law could serve as a model for encouraging companies to think beyond profit and prioritise societal benefits.

Implementation Challenges:

• Global Regulation: AI’s global nature complicates regulation due to varying country-specific laws.
• Rapid Technological Advancements: Keeping up with technology’s rapid pace poses a challenge for effective regulation.
• Balancing Regulation and Innovation: Striking a balance is crucial to ensure ethical governance without stifling technological progress.

Conclusion

Reshaping AI governance structures is crucial for aligning AI development with societal values. Integrating ethical considerations into corporate governance is essential for sustainable AI growth and its positive societal impact.

UPSC Civil Services Examination PYQ

Mains

Q:1 The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (2020)

Source: TH

National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS)

Tags: GS-3, Economy- Major Crops & Cropping Patterns– NPSS

Why in the news?

• Recently, The Centre Govt. has launched the AI-based National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS) to help farmers connect with agriculture scientists and experts for pests’ control.

National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS):

• About:
  • On August 15, the Indian Government launched the National Pest Surveillance System (NPSS), an AI-driven platform aimed at connecting farmers with agricultural scientists and experts for effective pest management.
• Objectives:
  • Reduction of Pesticide Reliance: The NPSS seeks to decrease farmers’ dependence on pesticide retailers by promoting a scientific approach to pest control.
  • Improved Pest Management: By utilising AI tools, the system aims to enhance the analysis of pest data, thereby facilitating more effective pest control and management.
• Key Features:
  • AI Integration: AI tools will analyse pest data to provide actionable insights for pest management.
  • Image Sharing: Farmers can capture and send images of infested crops or pests to experts for accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
  • Enhanced Connectivity: The platform will connect scientists with approximately 14 crore farmers across India, improving the dissemination of pest management information.
  • Timely Information: Farmers will receive prompt updates on pest attacks, which will help in increasing productivity and conserving soil health.
  • Implementation: The system will be rolled out at the state level through outreach programs, requiring no additional funding.
• Structure of NPSS:

• Working of NPSS:

• System Operation: NPSS operates through an AI-based platform that processes pest-related data, facilitates communication between farmers and experts, and provides timely management advice.
• State-Level Implementation: The system will be integrated into existing agricultural frameworks at the state level to ensure effective outreach and utilisation.
• Proposed Outcomes:
  • Pest Surveillance and Management: NPSS aims to create a national system for pest surveillance, offering timely access to expert support for pest identification and management.
  • Prevention of Pest Epidemics: The system is designed to prevent pest epidemics and minimise crop loss by enabling real-time data submission and analysis.
  • Repository Creation: A national repository of pest scenarios will be established, which will assist public agencies in identifying pest hotspots and formulating effective plant protection policies.

UPSC Civil services Examination PYQ

Prelims

Q:1 With reference to Neem tree, consider the following statements:

1. Neem oil can be used as a pesticide to control the proliferation of some species of insects and mites.
2. Neem seeds are used in the manufacture of biofuels and hospital detergents.
3. Neem oil has applications in the pharmaceutical industry.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Answer: C

Source: TH

Nanjarayan and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary & Tawa Reservoir as New Ramsar Sites

Tags: GS-3, Ecology & Environment- Biodiversity -Ramsar Sites

Why in the news?

• Recently, the Indian government designated Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary and Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary in Tamil Nadu and Tawa Reservoir in Madhya Pradesh as new Ramsar Sites.
• This brings India’s total number of Ramsar Sites to 85. Tamil Nadu now leads with 18 Ramsar Sites, followed by Uttar Pradesh with 10.

About the Three New Ramsar Sites

• Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary:
  • Location: Northeastern Uthukuli Taluk, Tiruppur District, Tamil Nadu.
  • Size: 125.865 hectares.
  • Features: Restored by a local king centuries ago; supports agriculture, groundwater recharge, and relies on Nallar drainage rainfall.
  • Biodiversity: Hosts species such as Bar-headed Goose, Northern Shoveler, Spot-billed Pelican, and Heronry.
  • Management: Designated as Tamil Nadu’s 17th bird sanctuary; managed by the local community and forest department.
• Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary:
  • Location: Coromandel Coast, Villupuram district, north of Pondicherry.
  • Size: 5151.6 hectares.
  • Features: Large brackish lake connected to the Bay of Bengal via Uppukalli Creek and Edayanthittu Estuary; includes estuarine, creek-fed brackish, and freshwater basins.
  • Vegetation: Includes degraded mangrove patches with Avicennia species and extensive reed areas (Typha angustata).
• Tawa Reservoir:
  • Location: Confluence of Tawa and Denwa rivers, near Itarsi town, Madhya Pradesh.
  • Purpose: Originally built for irrigation; also supports power generation and aquaculture.
  • Features: Situated within Satpura Tiger Reserve, bordering Satpura National Park and Bori Wildlife Sanctuary.
  • Tributaries: Major tributaries include Malani, Sonbhadra, and Nagdwari. The Tawa River is the longest tributary of the Narmada River.
  • Wildlife: Hosts Spotted Deer and Painted Stork.

What is the Ramsar Convention?

• About: The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty, signed in 1971 in Ramsar, Iran, under UNESCO, aimed at conserving wetlands of international importance.
• India’s Involvement: The convention came into force in India on February 1, 1982, designating significant wetlands as Ramsar Sites.
• Montreux Record: A register within the Ramsar List for wetlands where ecological changes have occurred or are likely due to human activities or pollution.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Prelims:

Q:1 Consider the following statements: (2019)

1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India.
2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention.
3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (c)

Q:1 With reference to a conservation organisation called ‘Wetlands International’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (2014)

1. It is an intergovernmental organisation formed by the countries which are signatories to the Ramsar Convention.
2. It works at the field level to develop and mobilise knowledge, and use the practical experience to advocate for better policies.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: (b)

Mains:

Q.:1 What is wetland? Explain the Ramsar concept of ‘wise use’ in the context of wetland conservation. Cite two examples of Ramsar sites from India. (2018)

Source: PIB

India’s Becoming a Global Leader in Semiconductor Production

Tags:GS– 3, Economy- Growth & Development- Inclusive growth- Industry

Why in the news?

• On the 78th Independence Day, the Prime Minister reaffirmed India’s ambition to become a global leader in semiconductor production and achieve the target of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

About:

• Historical Shift: India, once an importer of mobile phones, has developed a robust manufacturing ecosystem, positioning itself as a significant manufacturing hub.
• Investment Appeal: The country is now attracting substantial global investments, with a focus on becoming a leader in semiconductor production.
• State Competitiveness: State governments must implement effective policies to attract these investments, emphasising good governance and law and order.

India’s Semiconductor Industry:

• Market Value: In 2022, the Indian semiconductor market was valued at $26.3 billion, with projections indicating a growth to $271.9 billion by 2032, at a CAGR of 26.3%.
• Components: Semiconductor devices include diodes, transistors, photovoltaic cells, LEDs, and piezo-electric crystals.

Factors Favouring India:

• Skilled Workforce: India excels in STEM education, providing a skilled workforce for semiconductor manufacturing and R&D.
• Cost Advantage: Lower labour costs and an efficient supply chain make India a cost-effective location for semiconductor manufacturing.
• Global Supply Chain Diversification: India is emerging as a key player in back-end assembly and testing, with potential for front-end manufacturing.
• Policy Support: The Indian government has leveraged the global semiconductor supply chain disruption post-pandemic to position India as a viable alternative to China.

Government Initiatives:

• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM): A division within Digital India Corporation aimed at developing a strong semiconductor and display ecosystem.
• Schemes:
  • Semiconductor Fab Scheme: Offers 50% fiscal support for the project cost for all technology nodes.
  • Display Fab Scheme: Provides 50% fiscal support for the project cost.
  • Compound Semiconductor Scheme: Supports 50% of capital expenditure, including discrete semiconductor fabs.
  • Recent Approvals: In February 2024, the government approved three semiconductor plants—two in Gujarat and one in Assam.

Way Ahead:

• Exponential Growth: India is set for rapid growth in the semiconductor sector through strategic initiatives and partnerships.
• International Cooperation: MoUs with the European Commission and Japan underscore India’s commitment to enhancing global semiconductor ecosystems.
• Future Outlook: With continued efforts, India aims to become a leading semiconductor manufacturing hub, driving technological progress and economic growth.

Source: PIB

Prerana Programme

Tags: GS-2, Governance- Education- Govt. Schemes & incentives

Why in the news?

• The Union Minister of Education recently engaged with students, teachers, parents of PM SHRI Schools, and alumni of the Prerana Programmes.

Introduction to Prerana Programme:

• Launch Date: January 2024, initiated by the Union Education Ministry.
• Objective: The program is rooted in integrating the principles of the Indian education system and the philosophy of value-based education, which is a foundational element of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Key Features:

• Duration and Participants: Prerana is a week-long residential program designed for selected students from classes IX to XII.
• Learning Approach: It offers an experiential and inspirational learning environment for students, utilising cutting-edge technology where heritage and innovation intersect.
• Selection Process: Each week, 20 students (10 boys and 10 girls) from various regions across the country participate in the program.
• Location: The program operates from a Vernacular School established in 1888, located in Vadnagar, Mehsana District, Gujarat.

Curriculum:

• Development: The curriculum, crafted by IIT Gandhinagar, is grounded in nine value-based themes:
  • Swabhiman and Vinay
  • Shaurya and Sahas
  • Parishram and Samarpan
  • Karuna and Sewa
  • Vividhta and Ekta
  • Satyanishtha and Shuchita
  • Navachar and Jigyasa
  • Shraddha aur Vishwas
  • Swatantrata and Kartavya

Purpose:

• The Prerana Programme, centred on these themes, aims to inspire the youth and nurture a deep respect for India’s unity in diversity, reflecting the essence of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.”

Source: PIB

Gastrodia indica

Tags: GS-3, Ecology & Environment- Biodiversity- Species

Why in the news?

• A unique orchid species, Gastrodia indica, has been recently discovered in the Fambonglho Wildlife Sanctuary, Sikkim.

• Introduction to Gastrodia indica:
  • Notable Feature: It is the first orchid species from India that never opens its flower.
  • Discovery Location: The species was found at an altitude ranging from 1,950 to 2,100 metres above sea level.
  • Classification: This marks the first discovery of a cleistogamous species of the genus Gastrodia in India.
• Characteristics of Gastrodia Genus:
  • General Traits: The Gastrodia genus is known for terrestrial, herbaceous, and holomycotrophic orchids.
  • Reproductive Strategy: Cleistogamous plants, such as Gastrodia indica, are highly specialised, reproducing without relying on external pollinators like insects or wind.
  • Nutrition: As a holomycotrophic species, Gastrodia indica depends entirely on a fungal host for sustenance, lacking chlorophyll and deriving carbon from underground fungi.
• Morphological Comparison:
  • Relation to Other Species: Although morphologically allied to G. exilis and G. dyeriana, a critical examination has revealed significant differences in floral morphological characteristics.
• Habitat and Ecosystem:
  • Environment: This new species thrives in dense, decomposing leaf litter and is associated with tree species such as Magnolia doltsopa, Acer campbellii, and Quercus lamellose.
• Significance and Conservation:
  • Contribution to Diversity: The discovery enhances India’s botanical diversity, increasing the total number of Gastrodia species in the country to 10.
  • Threats: Gastrodia indica faces potential threats due to its limited population and specific habitat requirements.

Source: EM

Geneva Conventions

Tags: GS – 2, IR- Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests

Why in the news?

• Recently, August 12 marked 75 years since the adoption of the Geneva Conventions in 1949.

About the Geneva Conventions:

• Treaties and Content:
  • The Geneva Conventions comprise a set of four treaties, encompassing over 400 articles.
  • These articles establish detailed rules for the treatment of prisoners, the protection of hospitals and medical staff, the allowance of humanitarian aid, and the prohibition of torture, rape, and sexual violence.
• Formalisation: The Conventions were formalised in 1949 by the United Nations.
• Additional Protocols: There are three additional protocols, with the first two formalised in 1977 and the third in 2005.

Focus and Scope:

• Primary Focus: The Geneva Conventions primarily address the treatment of non-combatants and prisoners of war.
• Exclusions: They do not cover the use of conventional, biological, or chemical weapons, which are governed by The Hague Conventions and the Geneva Protocol, respectively.

List of Geneva Conventions:

• The First Geneva Convention:
  • Protection: It protects wounded and sick soldiers on land during war.
  • Applicability: The convention also extends to medical and religious personnel, medical units, and medical transports.
• The Second Geneva Convention:
  • Protection: It safeguards wounded, sick, and shipwrecked military personnel at sea during war.
  • Historical Context: This Convention replaced the Hague Convention of 1907 for the Adaptation to Maritime Warfare of the Principles of the Geneva Convention.
• The Third Geneva Convention:
  • Application: It pertains to the treatment of prisoners of war.
  • Principle: The Convention establishes that prisoners of war must be released and repatriated without delay following the cessation of active hostilities.
• The Fourth Geneva Convention:
  • Protection: It focuses on the protection of civilians, including those in occupied territories.
  • Scope: The Convention includes a brief section on the general protection of populations against specific consequences of war, without addressing the conduct of hostilities.

Signatories of the Geneva Conventions:

• Ratification: The Geneva Conventions have been ratified by 196 states, encompassing all United Nations member states.
• Protocol Ratifications:
  • First Protocol: Ratified by 174 states.
  • Second Protocol: Ratified by 169 states.
  • Third Protocol: Ratified by 79 states.
• Russia’s Withdrawal:
  • Article 90 Withdrawal: In 2019, Russia withdrew its declaration under Article 90 of Protocol 1, possibly in anticipation of its future invasion of Ukraine.
• Historical Context:
  • The Soviet Union ratified the four conventions and the first two protocols of the Geneva Conventions.
  • However, these were not ratified by Russia, creating a potential risk that the Russian government could disavow responsibility under the Conventions.

Source: IE

Biosurfactant

Tags: GS-3, Science & Technology- Biotechnology- Biomolecules

Why in the news?

• A research group recently conducted a critical analysis of biosurfactants’ application in the food industry, focusing on the challenges associated with their large-scale commercialization.

Biosurfactants:

• About:
  • Definition: Biosurfactants are surface-active molecules produced by microorganisms, either on their cell surface or secreted extracellularly.
  • Function: These molecules form a thin film on the surface of microorganisms, aiding in their detachment or attachment to other cell surfaces.
  • Role in Microbial Activity: They are involved in regulating bacterial motility and quorum sensing.
• Features of Biosurfactants:
  • Physical Characteristics: Microbial biosurfactants exhibit high emulsification, solubilization, foaming, adsorption, and other physical properties.
  • Stability: These molecules are highly stable across a wide range of pH levels, temperatures, and salinities, making them ideal for food applications.
  • Safety: Being eco-friendly biomolecules, biosurfactants do not impart toxic effects, rendering them safe for human consumption.
• Applications of Biosurfactants:
  • Food Industry: Biosurfactants are used in various food products, such as bakeries and salad dressings.
  • Heavy Metal Removal: They can remove heavy metals from vegetables and are used to boost immunity in fish by providing protection against pathogens.
  • Natural Antioxidant: Biosurfactants can also be employed as natural antioxidants in food products to prevent early spoilage.

Surfactants:

• Definition: Surfactants are molecules that migrate across the interfaces of oil and water, water and oil, or air and water, forming an emulsion.
• Utility in Food Industry: Surfactants are widely used in the food industry as lubricants and foamers to emulsify fats in batters, improve shelf life, act as dispersing agents, and retain moisture.
• Issues with Synthetic Surfactants:
  • Health Concerns: The accelerated use of synthetic food additives and emulsifiers in dietary products has led to imbalances in the body’s microbiome, gut-related disorders.
  • Increased intestinal barrier permeability, which negatively impacts beneficial microbiota.

Source: PIB

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What are daily current affairs?

A: Daily current affairs refer to the most recent and relevant events, developments, and news stories that are happening around the world on a day-to-day basis. These can encompass a wide range of topics, including politics, economics, science, technology, sports, and more.

Q: Why is it important to stay updated with daily current affairs?

A: Staying updated with daily current affairs is crucial because it helps individuals make informed decisions in their personal and professional lives. It enables people to understand the world around them, stay aware of significant events, and engage in informed discussions about important issues.

Q: Where can I access daily current affairs information?

A: There are various sources for daily current affairs, including newspapers, news websites, television news broadcasts, radio programs, and dedicated apps or newsletters. Social media platforms are also widely used to share and access current affairs information.

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A: To incorporate daily current affairs into your routine, consider setting aside specific times each day to read or watch news updates. You can also subscribe to newsletters or follow news apps to receive curated content. Engaging in discussions with peers or participating in online forums can further enhance your understanding of current events.

Q: What are some tips for critical analysis of daily current affairs?

A: When analyzing daily current affairs, it’s essential to cross-reference information from multiple sources to ensure accuracy. Additionally, consider the source’s credibility and bias, if any. Develop the ability to identify the main points and implications of news stories, and critically evaluate the significance and impact of the events reported.

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