Daily News Analysis : 16 July 2024

Higher Syphilis cases detected in Mumbai

As per data from Mumbai AIDS Control Society (MDACS), 6000 cases of Syphilis have been detected by improved testing. Syphilis is a sexually transmitted infection and is caused by the bacteria Treponema Pallidum. The bacteria can stay in the body for many years and can also pass from mother to baby during pregnancy. 

Key Points:

A) Doctors say unsafe sex with multiple partners is the most common cause of the infection.
B) Syphilis symptoms can manifest subtly, initially presenting as painless ulcers in the genital area, which may go unnoticed and heal spontaneously.
C) It can affect both men and women and is typically spread through direct contact with a syphilis sore during vaginal, anal or oral sex.

Geological link discovered between India and Antarctica

Scientists from National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) have made a new discovery that states the ancient connection between the Indian subcontinent and Antarctica. The study shows evidence of a collision between India and East Antarctica over a billion years ago. NGRI is a research laboratory of CSIR and established in 1961 in Hyderabad, Telangana. 

Key Points:

A) Proterozoic Cuddapah Basin played key role in geodynamic evolution of India-East Antarctica terrain.
B) Supercontinent Gondwana includes present-day South America, Africa, Arabia, Madagascar, India, Australia & Antarctica ago.
C) Geologists say that Antarctica and India were one giant continent that broke apart 1.5 billion years ago.

Flood situation in Bihar due to rise in Bagmati River

Flood situation has arisen in Bihar’s muzaffarpur due to rise in water level of Bagmati river. Bagmati river is a river in South-central Nepal and is considered holy by both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple of Pashupatinath which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Gokarneswara Temple are located on the banks of the river. 

Key Points:

A) Although most rivers in north Bihar were below the danger level, the Bagmati river’s water level rose sharply due to upstream flows. 
B) It was flowing 1.29cm above the danger level at Kataunjha and around 1cm at Benibad. 
C) Despite the generally lower levels, the strong currents were eroding riverbanks, causing the loss of arable land and even some hamlets in certain areas.

New security feature Number Lock unveiled by Google Fi wireless

The Google Fi Wireless have recently introduced a new security feature called “Number Lock”. The new feature empowers users to take control and prevent growing cybersecurity threat SIM swapping. The Sim Swapping scam occurs when a malicious actor convinces your carrier to transfer your phone number to a new SIM card in their possession. 

Key Points:

A) Once activated, the feature will lock your phone number within your SIM card, disabling any further attempt to transfer your number. 
B) The feature will keep working unless you disable it. 

Mission to save Indian Flapshell Turtle

The scientists from Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) have recently launched a mission to save an Indian Flapshell Turtle. The shell of the Turtle cracked after an accident. It is a freshwater species of turtle found in South Asia and its IUCN status is Vulnerable. 

Key Points:

A) Attempts to use blouse hooks, glue, and an ortho surgical pin initially failed to reunite the broken shell. 
B) Success finally came with a ring of ortho surgical pins, connected by a stapler. 
C) Currently, the turtle remains under observation, and the team is praying for its full recovery, assisted by Bareilly’s Divisional Forest Officer Diksha Bhandari, who authorized its treatment at IVRI.

NITI Gearshift Challenge

As a part of e-FAST India initiative, NITI AAYOG has recently launched NITI Gearshift Challenge. The major aim of the initiative is to foster innovative business models for the Adaptation of zero-emissions trucks in India. e-FAST initiative was launched to decarbonize road based freight transportation helping India achieve its Net Zero Commitments by 2070.

Key Points:

A) The NITI GearShift Challenge invites students, transport service practitioners, academics, and researchers to develop innovative business models that address financial, technical, and operational challenges in the adoption of electric trucks.
B) The program has garnered participation from e-FAST India knowledge partners, financial institutions, and industry forums.
C) India’s freight sector is vital to the economy, ensuring the smooth delivery of goods to over 1.4 billion people.

Wolbachia Bacteria

Scientists from Shenyang Agricultural University (SAU) have recently published a study that states Wolbachia Bacteria have changed the Wasp Encarsia Farmosa’s reproductive system thereby creating groups of only females. Wolbachia is a type of bacteria found in insects and approximately 6 in 10 Insects around the world have Wolbachia. 

Key Points: 

A) Wolbachia bacteria are also present in insect eggs but they are absent in the sperm. 
B) This means females can transmit Wolbachia to their offspring whereas males can’t — from the bacteria’s point of view, an evolutionary dead-end. 
C) As a result, Wolbachia have evolved ways to manipulate their insect hosts to produce more female than male progeny.

Sabeera Haris wins ISSF junior World cup

Indian shooter Sabeera Haris has won third place at ISSF Junior World Cup in Porpetto, Italy in women’s trap category. Sabeera is a class 11th student at Aligarh Muslim University(AMU). Carey Garrison of US won gold followed by Sofia Gori of Italy who won Silver. 

Key Points:

A) Sabeera, an 11th grade student of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), hit 29 of her 40 goals in the final after Italian Sofia Gori, who scored all 50 goals, won the prize money by scoring 39 goals in the quota.
B) Carey Garrison of the United States won gold with 40 hits to her name.
C) Earlier, she participated in Junior World Cup twice at Germany in 2022 and 2023, and in Junior World Championship at Croatia in 2022.

Argentina lifts record 16th Copa America 2024 title

Argentina beat Colombia 1-0 and won a record 16th Copa America title. Lautaro Martinez of Argentina scored the last minute goal in extra time. The final was held at the Hard Rock System in Florida. Martinez was named as the tournament’s leading scorer. 

Key Points:

A) The win, which saw Argentina move ahead of Uruguay after the pair had been tied on 15 Copa titles, marked Angel di Maria’s final international match.
B) Argentina’s latest title comes on the back of their triumphs at the 2022 World Cup and 2021 Copa America.
C) Copa America is a football competition in which South American countries participate.

Alcaraz beats Djokovic at Wimbledon 2024 final

Carlos Alcaraz of Spain won Wimbledon 2024 final beating Djokovic with the scoreline 6-2, 6-2, 7-6(4). Djokovic was seeded 2nd and Carlos was Seeded 3rd in the tournament. Djokovic had beaten Musetti while Carlos had beaten Daniel Medvedev in the semis to reach finals.

Key Points:

A) Alcaraz has now become only the sixth man to win the French Open and Wimbledon back-to-back.
B) Alcaraz, who remains the youngest World No.1, became the fourth after Mats Wilander, Bjorn Borg and Boris Becker to win 4 Grand Slams at the age of 21 or under.