10 January 2024: Daily Current Affairs Updates

Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP); GS-2(IR) ▪️Why in the News: The Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP) recently signed a Multi-Donor Trust Fund with International Solar Alliance aiming to mobilize $100 million to fund high-impact solar energy projects.

‣ About the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet (GEAPP):

* Alliance Composition: GEAPP is a coalition comprising philanthropy, governments, technology experts, policy makers, and financing entities.

‣ Mission:

o. Facilitate the transition of emerging and developed economies to a clean energy model.

o. Promote universal energy access and inclusive economic growth.

o. Align efforts to achieve critical global climate targets within the next decade.

> Key Objectives:

o. Reduce 4 gigatons of projected future carbon emissions.

• Expand access to clean energy to one billion people.

• Create 150 million new jobs.

• Initiatives Announced by GEAPP:

• 1. Multi-Donor Trust Fund

• Partnership with ISA: GEAPP has strengthened its collaboration with the International Solar Alliance (ISA) by signing onto ISA's Multi-Donor Trust Fund

• Objective: Mobilize $100 million to support impactful solar energy projects.

• GEAPP's Role:

👉🏻 Provide governance oversight.

👉🏻Facilitate fundraising efforts.

Leverage expertise in energy transition planning, financing, and project implementation.

Neuroptera Species; GS-3 (Environment and Ecology) ▪️Why in the news: Researchers have found two rare Order Neuroptera species,

Glenochrysa zeylanica and Indophanes barbara from Kerala.

‣ Neuroptera Species:

> Indophanes barbara:

• Taxonomy: Indophanes barbara is an antlion species belonging to the Myrmeleontidae family.

• Larval Characteristics:

• The larvae of Indophanes barbara do not construct pits like other common antlion species.

• They prefer to live under loose soil surfaces, where they remain shielded from direct sunlight, wind, and rain.

• Adult Morphology:

• Adults of Indophanes barbara are frequently misidentified as damselflies by non-taxonomists due to their morphological resemblance.

• They can be easily distinguished by their long, distinct antennae, which are a key identifying feature.

• Taxonomic Classification:

o. Indophanes barbara is classified under the Order Neuroptera, which includes holometabolous insects.

• Damselflies, however, belong to the Order Odonata, which consists of hemimetabolous insects.

Anemia Phone; GS-3 (Science and Technology) ▪️Why in the news: AnemiaPhone, a technology developed by Cornell University researchers to accurately, quickly, and cheaply, assess iron deficiency, has been transferred to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for integration into its programmes for anaemia.

‣ Development:

• AnemiaPhone is an innovative technology created by researchers at Cornell University, United States, to assess iron deficiency accurately, swiftly, and cost-effectively.

> Integration in India:

• The technology has been transferred to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for inclusion in its programs focusing on anemia reduction, women's health, and maternal and child health.

• Purpose:

• AnemiaPhone facilitates rapid screening and diagnosis of iron deficiency, enabling intervention at the point of need.

> Significance in India:

• Iron deficiency, a leading cause of anemia, affects 50% to 70% of pregnant women in India.

• How It Works:

• Process:

¿ A small finger stick is used to extract a drop of blood, which is placed on a test strip similar to a COVID-19 home test.

• The system processes the sample within minutes to assess iron deficiency.

• Data Handling:

The results are uploaded to a clinical database using a mobile phone, wireless tablet, or computer for further analysis.

• Healthcare Applications:

• Health workers can use the results for immediate interpretation, offering guidance, triage, referral, or intervention at the site of screening.

Soapstone Mining; GS-3(Environment) ▪️Why in the news: The Uttarakhand High Court has pulled up the authorities for unregulated soapstone mining in Bageshwar, a district with more than 160 mines at present.

• Overview:

• Soapstone, also known as Steatite, is a metamorphic rock composed primarily of talc, a naturally occurring mineral

• It is widely used in construction and design for applications such as countertops, sinks, hearths, and sculptures.

o. Depending on its source, soapstone may contain varying amounts of other minerals, including micas, chlorite, amphiboles, quartz, magnesite, and carbonates.

Formation of Soapstone:

• At Convergent Plate Boundaries:

👉🏻 Soapstone is commonly formed in regions where the Earth's crust experiences heat and directed pressure, such as at convergent plate boundaries. r In these areas, rocks like peridotites, dunites, and serpentinites can undergo metamorphism, transforming into soapstone.

• Through Metasomatism:

👉🏻 On a smaller scale, soapstone can also form when siliceous dolostones are altered by exposure to hot, chemically active fluids in a process known as metasomatism.

• Properties of Soapstone:

o. Soapstone is a relatively soft material but is highly dense and resistant to heat, making it suitable for various industrial and artistic applications.

• Global Production:

• The leading producers of soapstone include China, India, Brazil, the United States, and Finland

• Major Reserves in India:

o. According to the Indian Bureau of Mines, Rajasthan accounts for 57% of India's soapstone reserves, followed by Uttarakhand with 25%.

• Applications of Soapstone:

• Powdered Form: Soapstone in powdered form is often mixed with corn starch and used as baby powder.

• Industrial Uses: It serves as a thickening agent, lubricant, and an ingredient in ceramics, paint, and roofing materials. It is also a key ingredient in many cosmetics.