UPSC QUIZ 05.07.2024

Explanation:

• Researchers at the Institute for Stem Cell Science and Regenerative Medicine (InStem) have developed an anti-pesticide fabric to neutralise organophosphate-based pesticides based on earlier work on topical gels for pesticide detoxification.

Anti-pesticide fabric

• This is a special type of fabric. It has tiny molecules covalently bonded to the cellulose of the fabric, making the fabric breathable and durable.
• The small molecules covalently bonded to the fabric are nucleophile in nature and can detoxify pesticides on contact through nucleophile-mediated hydrolysis.
• This fabric attacks the pesticide molecule and breaks it down into non-toxic products. The pesticide is inactivated before it reaches the skin surface.

Explanation:

• US Congress passed the Promoting a Resolution to Tibet-China Dispute Act, also known as the Resolve Tibet Act.This legislation aims to promote a peaceful resolution to the Tibet-China dispute according to international law and the United Nations (UN) Charter through peaceful dialogue without preconditions.

Resolve Tibet Act 2024

• It is a legislation passed by the United States Congress in June 2024.
• It is the third notable act by the US government regarding Tibet, following the Tibetan Policy Act (2002) and the Tibetan Policy & Support Act (2020).

Key Provisions

• It aims to strengthen the US's position on Tibet and pressure China into resuming negotiations with the Dalai Lama.
• The Act aims to enhance US support for Tibet and empower US State Department officials to actively counter disinformation about Tibet from the Chinese government.
• The Act will also push for negotiations "without preconditions" between the Chinese government and the Dalai Lama or his representatives or the democratically elected leaders of the Tibetan community.

Explanation:

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has joined Project Nexus, a multilateral international initiative to enable instant cross-border retail payments by interlinking domestic Fast Payments Systems (FPSs).

Project Nexus

• Project Nexus is conceptualised by the Innovation Hub of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS).
• It seeks to enhance cross-border payments by connecting multiple global domestic instant payment systems (IPS).
• It is the first BIS Innovation Hub project in the payments area to move towards live implementation.

Explanation:

• India becomes the first country to prepare a comprehensive checklist of its entire fauna, covering 104,561 species.
• Launched by Union Minister Bhupender Yadav on the 109th Foundation Day of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) in Kolkata.

Government’s Commitment to Biodiversity

• PM’s Vision for Nature: PM Modi’s vision emphasized through programs like ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ and Mission LIFE, promoting sustainable consumption and conservation.
• International Initiatives: The International Big Cat Alliance and the successful relocation of cheetahs to India highlight the government's efforts in biodiversity conservation.

Explanation:

• Central Railway installed a 10 MWp floating solar plant in Igatpuri lake, Western Ghats.
• This is the first floating solar plant initiative by Indian Railways.
• The plant is part of efforts to leverage renewable energy sources, including solar and wind energy.
• Goal: Zero carbon emission by 2030.

Additional Solar Plants

• Commissioned 12.05-MWp solar plants on station rooftops and buildings.
• 4-MWp solar plants installed last year.
• Saved Rs 4.62 crore in 2023-24 and reduced carbon footprint by 6,594.81 MT.
• Plans to install an additional 7-MWp solar plant in the current year.