UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February 2025
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February 2025 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February (2025)
• Ethanol Production India
• Falling Indian Rupees
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Gender Budget
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton
Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton
• Fentanyl Crisis
Fentanyl Crisis
• International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
• Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy)
Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy)
• Amplifiers
Amplifiers
• Plastic Degradation Bacteria
Plastic Degradation Bacteria
Mapping:
• South Sudan
South Sudan
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February 2025
#### GS Paper 3 :
Ethanol Production India
Syllabus: Biofuel
Source: TH
Context: Union Minister of Road Transport & Highways said that India will achieve its target of 20% ethanol blending of petrol in the next two months, at least a year ahead of what was originally planned.
• The government has expanded ethanol production capacity to 1,600 crore litres, with maize emerging as a crucial feedstock.
Ethanol Fuel Production
What is Ethanol Fuel?
• Ethanol is a renewable biofuel derived from sugarcane, grains, and other biomass.
• It is blended with petrol to reduce crude oil dependency, lower emissions, and promote energy security.
How is Ethanol Produced?
• Fermentation: Sugars from sugarcane juice, molasses, grains (maize, rice, jowar, bajra, millets) are fermented using yeast.
• Distillation: Ethanol is separated from the fermented mixture and purified.
• Dehydration: Water is removed to produce anhydrous ethanol for blending with petrol.
• Blending: Mixed with petrol at 5%, 10%, or 20% (E5, E10, E20) ratios.
Current Status of Ethanol Production in India:
• Ethanol blending reached 15% in 2024, targeting 20% (E20) by 2025.
• Ethanol distillery capacity expanded to 1,600 crore litres, aiming for 1,700 crore litres by 2025.
• Sugar-based ethanol contributes 400 crore litres, grain-based ethanol (maize, rice) contributes 700 crore litres.
Challenges in Ethanol Production:
• Feedstock Availability: Dependence on sugarcane and grains risks affecting food security.
• Water-Intensive Crops: Sugarcane and rice require high water usage, raising sustainability concerns.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Limited ethanol storage and blending infrastructure in many states.
• Logistics & Transportation: Interstate ethanol movement faces regulatory hurdles.
• Economic Viability: High production costs and fluctuating raw material prices impact profitability.
Role of Maize in Ethanol Production:
· Maize contributes nearly 400 crore litres of ethanol, a significant increase from near-zero in 2020.
· Maize-based ethanol is more sustainable than sugarcane due to lower water consumption.
· Government promoting maize cultivation, leading to a 10% increase in maize farming area.
· Distiller’s Dried Grains with Soluble (DDGS), a byproduct of maize ethanol, is used as poultry feed, balancing food security.
Way Ahead for Ethanol Production:
• Diversifying Feedstock: Increase use of damaged grains, agricultural waste, and lignocellulosic biomass.
• Infrastructure Development: Expand ethanol blending depots and storage across India.
• R&D in Advanced Biofuels: Invest in 2G and 3G biofuels for sustainable ethanol production.
• Policy Reforms: Streamline state-level ethanol movement and ensure stable pricing.
• Farmer Incentives: Promote crop diversification and support for ethanol-producing farmers.
Conclusion:
India’s ethanol push is a major step towards energy security, reduced oil imports, and sustainable fuel use. However, challenges related to feedstock availability, infrastructure, and economic feasibility need strategic policy interventions. A balanced approach with maize, sugarcane, and advanced biofuels will ensure a resilient ethanol economy.
Insta Links:
• Ethanol-blending-program
• Do you think India will meet 50 percent of its energy needs from renewable energy by 2030? Justify your answer. How will the shift of subsidies from fossil fuels to renewables help achieve the above objective? Explain. (UPSC-2022)
Falling Indian Rupees
Syllabus: Economics
Source: IT
Context: The Indian rupee is falling continuously against the US dollar, hitting a record low due to US President new tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada.
What is Exchange Rate?
• The exchange rate is the value of one currency in terms of another, determining how much domestic currency is needed to buy one unit of foreign currency.
• Exchange rates fluctuate based on demand and supply in the currency market, influenced by trade, investments, and monetary policies.
How Does Exchange Rate Work?
• Demand-Supply Dynamics: If demand for the US dollar rises more than the rupee, the dollar strengthens, and the rupee weakens.
• Trade and Investments: Higher US imports, foreign investments, and capital outflows reduce rupee demand, depreciating its value.
• Inflation & Interest Rates: Higher inflation or lower interest rates in India reduce investor confidence, leading to rupee depreciation.
Factors Leading to Fall of Rupee:
• Trade Imbalances & Tariffs:
• US tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada have strengthened the US dollar, weakening emerging market currencies, including the rupee. India’s higher imports vs. exports increase demand for US dollars, depreciating the rupee.
• US tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada have strengthened the US dollar, weakening emerging market currencies, including the rupee.
• India’s higher imports vs. exports increase demand for US dollars, depreciating the rupee.
• Strengthening US Dollar & Fed Policy:
• The US Federal Reserve’s tight monetary policy has led to higher bond yields, attracting global investors to US assets. The dollar index rose to 109.8, strengthening the US dollar against major global currencies.
• The US Federal Reserve’s tight monetary policy has led to higher bond yields, attracting global investors to US assets.
• The dollar index rose to 109.8, strengthening the US dollar against major global currencies.
• Foreign Institutional Investment (FII) Outflows:
• Global investors are pulling out funds from Indian equity markets, leading to higher dollar demand. The fear of a trade war and global economic slowdown has triggered capital outflows.
• Global investors are pulling out funds from Indian equity markets, leading to higher dollar demand.
• The fear of a trade war and global economic slowdown has triggered capital outflows.
• Inflation & Interest Rate Differential:
• Higher inflation in India compared to the US reduces purchasing power, making the rupee less attractive. Lower interest rates in India discourage foreign investments, further weakening the rupee.
• Higher inflation in India compared to the US reduces purchasing power, making the rupee less attractive.
• Lower interest rates in India discourage foreign investments, further weakening the rupee.
Impact of Falling Rupee on Indian Economy
• Negative Impacts
• Higher Import Costs: India imports 80% of its crude oil, making fuel, raw materials, and essential goods more expensive. Inflation Surge: Costlier imports increase input costs, leading to higher inflation and reduced purchasing power. Widening Current Account Deficit (CAD): Rising trade deficit and costlier dollar-denominated imports worsen India’s CAD, pressuring forex reserves. FII Outflows: A weak rupee reduces investor confidence, leading to stock market declines and capital flight.
• Higher Import Costs: India imports 80% of its crude oil, making fuel, raw materials, and essential goods more expensive.
• Inflation Surge: Costlier imports increase input costs, leading to higher inflation and reduced purchasing power.
• Widening Current Account Deficit (CAD): Rising trade deficit and costlier dollar-denominated imports worsen India’s CAD, pressuring forex reserves.
• FII Outflows: A weak rupee reduces investor confidence, leading to stock market declines and capital flight.
• Positive Impacts:
• Stronger Export Competitiveness: A weaker rupee makes Indian exports cheaper, boosting IT, pharma, and textile exports. Higher Remittances: NRIs sending money to India benefit from better exchange rates, increasing remittance inflows.
• Stronger Export Competitiveness: A weaker rupee makes Indian exports cheaper, boosting IT, pharma, and textile exports.
• Higher Remittances: NRIs sending money to India benefit from better exchange rates, increasing remittance inflows.
Way Ahead:
• Enhancing Export Competitiveness: Strengthen Make in India and promote value-added exports to reduce trade imbalances.
• Managing Inflation & Interest Rates: Ensure monetary policies align with inflation control while maintaining growth momentum.
• Boosting Forex Reserves: Encourage higher FDI inflows and reduce non-essential imports to stabilize the rupee.
• Diversifying Trade & Reducing Oil Dependence: Invest in renewable energy and explore alternative trade partners to reduce reliance on crude oil and dollar transactions.
• Improving Investor Confidence: Strengthen India’s macroeconomic fundamentals, ensuring policy stability to attract long-term foreign investments.
Conclusion:
The rupee’s decline reflects global economic volatility, trade war fears, and strong US dollar dynamics. While higher exports and remittances provide some relief, rising inflation and CAD remain concerns. India must focus on macroeconomic stability, trade diversification, and policy interventions to sustain economic growth amid currency fluctuations.
Insta Links:
• Real-effective-exchange-rate-REER
• How would the recent phenomena of protectionism and currency manipulations in world trade affect macroeconomic stability of India? (UPSC-2018)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February 2025 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Gender Budget
Context: The Gender Budget allocation in the Union Budget 2025-26 increased to ₹4.49 lakh crore, marking a 37.25% rise from ₹3.27 lakh crore in 2024-25.
What is Gender Budget?
• Gender Budgeting is a fiscal tool aimed at promoting gender equality by ensuring government resources are allocated to uplift women and girls.
• Introduced in 2005-06, it assesses how policies impact women’s economic and social development.
Gender Budget Allocations in 2025-26:
• Total Gender Budget: ₹4.49 lakh crore (8.86% of Union Budget).
• Increase from Previous Year: ₹1.22 lakh crore (37.25%) from ₹3.27 lakh crore (2024-25).
Relevance of Gender Budget in UPSC Exam
• GS Paper 2 – Governance, Social Justice, and Women Empowerment
• Gender Budgeting as a Governance Tool: Helps in understanding policy-making for gender equality and effective government interventions. Women-Centric Policies: Evaluates schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mission Shakti, and their impact on women’s welfare and empowerment.
• Gender Budgeting as a Governance Tool: Helps in understanding policy-making for gender equality and effective government interventions.
• Women-Centric Policies: Evaluates schemes like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Mission Shakti, and their impact on women’s welfare and empowerment.
• GS Paper 3 – Economic Development, Inclusive Growth, and Budgeting
• Role in Economic Growth: Highlights how women’s participation in the workforce enhances GDP and economic productivity. Budgeting & Financial Inclusion: Examines resource allocation, financial policies, and inclusive growth strategies benefiting women.
• Role in Economic Growth: Highlights how women’s participation in the workforce enhances GDP and economic productivity.
• Budgeting & Financial Inclusion: Examines resource allocation, financial policies, and inclusive growth strategies benefiting women.
• Essay Paper – Women & Economy, Gender Equality Policies
• Women as an Economic Asset: Emphasizes gender-inclusive policies to achieve sustainable development and economic equity. Feminization of Poverty: Explores how gender-responsive budgeting helps tackle poverty and economic disparities for women.
• Women as an Economic Asset: Emphasizes gender-inclusive policies to achieve sustainable development and economic equity.
• Feminization of Poverty: Explores how gender-responsive budgeting helps tackle poverty and economic disparities for women.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February 2025 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton
Source: IE
Context: Union Finance Minister announced a five-year mission to boost the productivity and sustainability of Extra-Long Staple (ELS) cotton farming in India during the Union Budget 2025-26.
About Extra-Long Staple (ELS) Cotton:
• What is ELS Cotton? ELS cotton refers to cotton varieties with fibre lengths of 30 mm and above, known for their superior quality, softness, and durability. Primarily derived from the Gossypium barbadense species, also known as Egyptian or Pima cotton.
• ELS cotton refers to cotton varieties with fibre lengths of 30 mm and above, known for their superior quality, softness, and durability.
• Primarily derived from the Gossypium barbadense species, also known as Egyptian or Pima cotton.
• Features: Longer Fibres: Fibre length exceeds 30 mm, making it ideal for premium textiles. High Quality: Produces finer, stronger, and smoother yarns, used in luxury fabrics. Durability: Resistant to wear and tear, suitable for high-end clothing and home textiles.
• Longer Fibres: Fibre length exceeds 30 mm, making it ideal for premium textiles.
• High Quality: Produces finer, stronger, and smoother yarns, used in luxury fabrics.
• Durability: Resistant to wear and tear, suitable for high-end clothing and home textiles.
• Regions Grown In: Global: Mainly grown in Egypt, China, Australia, and Peru. India: Cultivated in Atpadi taluka (Maharashtra), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), and parts of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
• Global: Mainly grown in Egypt, China, Australia, and Peru.
• India: Cultivated in Atpadi taluka (Maharashtra), Coimbatore (Tamil Nadu), and parts of Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh.
• Difference Between Short, Medium, and Long Staple Cotton:
Parameter | Short Staple | Medium Staple | Long Staple (ELS)
Fibre Length | Below 25 mm | 25-28.6 mm | 30 mm and above
Species | Gossypium hirsutum | Gossypium hirsutum | Gossypium barbadense
Quality | Coarser, less durable | Moderate quality | Superior quality
Uses | Low-cost textiles | Everyday fabrics | Luxury textiles
Yield per Acre | High | Moderate | Low (7-8 quintals)
• Issues with ELS Cotton in India:
• Low Yield: ELS cotton yields 7-8 quintals per acre, significantly lower than medium staple varieties (10-12 quintals).
• Lack of Market Linkages: Farmers struggle to secure premium prices for ELS cotton due to inadequate market access and infrastructure.
• Technological Gaps: Limited access to advanced seeds, agronomic practices, and pest-resistant technologies like HtBT cotton.
• Import Dependency: India imports 90% of its ELS cotton(20-25 lakh bales annually) to meet textile industry demands.
Insta links:
Fentanyl Crisis
Source: IE
Context: US President has imposed 25% tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada over fentanyl trafficking, linking the opioid crisis to trade policies.
About Fentanyl:
• What is Fentanyl?
• Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid approved for pain relief and anesthesia, nearly 100 times stronger than morphine.
• It is commonly used in medical settings for treating severe pain, but illicitly produced versions contribute to the opioid epidemic.
• Why is Fentanyl a Crisis in North America?
• Highly Addictive: It mimics opioid effects, causing euphoria and dependence, leading to abuse.
• Illicit Supply Chain: China supplies precursor chemicals, which are processed in Mexico and smuggled into the US.
• Overdose Deaths: In 2021, over 75% of 107,000 US drug overdose deaths involved opioids, mainly fentanyl.
• Policy Challenge: Strained US-China relations hinder cooperation on drug control measures.
• Stealth Distribution: Often laced into other drugs, leading to unintentional overdoses.
Insta links:
• Opioid-painkiller
International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)
Source: PIB
Context: The International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) has officially come into force as a treaty-based intergovernmental organization with its headquarters in India.
• The alliance has received ratifications from India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, Somalia, and Liberia.
About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA):
• Launched: April 9, 2023, by Prime Minister of India during Project Tiger’s 50th anniversary.
• Headquarters: India (National Tiger Conservation Authority, MoEFCC).
• Aim & Objectives:
• Global Conservation of seven big cats – Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. Prevent Illegal Wildlife Trade by strengthening anti-poaching laws and enforcement. Financial & Technical Support for conservation efforts in range and non-range countries. Climate Change Mitigation by integrating conservation with sustainability initiatives.
• Global Conservation of seven big cats – Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma.
• Prevent Illegal Wildlife Trade by strengthening anti-poaching laws and enforcement.
• Financial & Technical Support for conservation efforts in range and non-range countries.
• Climate Change Mitigation by integrating conservation with sustainability initiatives.
• Species Covered:
• Seven Big Cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma. India hosts five of these: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Cheetah (excluding Jaguar and Puma).
• Seven Big Cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, Puma.
• India hosts five of these: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Cheetah (excluding Jaguar and Puma).
• Functions & Operations:
• Collaborative Platform to share best conservation practices globally. Research & Monitoring through data sharing and ecological studies. Funding & Resource Mobilization for conservation projects and habitat protection. Policy Advocacy to align conservation strategies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Collaborative Platform to share best conservation practices globally.
• Research & Monitoring through data sharing and ecological studies.
• Funding & Resource Mobilization for conservation projects and habitat protection.
• Policy Advocacy to align conservation strategies with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Funding & Governance:
• Budget Allocation: ₹150 crore (2023-28) by the Union Cabinet. Inspired by International Solar Alliance (ISA) with a Director-General appointed by MoEFCC.
• Budget Allocation: ₹150 crore (2023-28) by the Union Cabinet.
• Inspired by International Solar Alliance (ISA) with a Director-General appointed by MoEFCC.
Insta links:
Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy)
Source: BS
Context: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has sought a response from the Centre on the use of Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish) and Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy) as biological mosquito control agents, despite being classified as invasive alien species by the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA).
About Gambusia Affinis (Mosquitofish):
• What is it?
• A small freshwater fish native to North America, widely introduced for mosquito control. Recognized as one of the 100 worst invasive alien species globally.
• A small freshwater fish native to North America, widely introduced for mosquito control.
• Recognized as one of the 100 worst invasive alien species globally.
• Habitat & Distribution:
• Thrives in freshwater bodies like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers. Found in temperate and tropical regions due to its adaptability.
• Thrives in freshwater bodies like ponds, lakes, and slow-moving rivers.
• Found in temperate and tropical regions due to its adaptability.
• Characteristics:
• Size: Males grow up to 4 cm, females up to 7 cm. Diet: Eats zooplankton, insects, and mosquito larvae but only in small proportions. Impact: Outcompetes native fish species, leading to biodiversity loss.
• Size: Males grow up to 4 cm, females up to 7 cm.
• Diet: Eats zooplankton, insects, and mosquito larvae but only in small proportions.
• Impact: Outcompetes native fish species, leading to biodiversity loss.
About Poecilia Reticulata (Guppy):
• What is it?
• A live-bearing freshwater fish, native to northeast South America, commonly known as millionfish or rainbow fish. One of the most widely distributed aquarium fish.
• A live-bearing freshwater fish, native to northeast South America, commonly known as millionfish or rainbow fish.
• One of the most widely distributed aquarium fish.
• Habitat & Distribution:
• Found in tropical and subtropical freshwater bodies globally. Adaptable to varied ecological conditions.
• Found in tropical and subtropical freshwater bodies globally.
• Adaptable to varied ecological conditions.
• Characteristics:
• Size: Males are smaller than females but have ornamental fins. Diet: Consumes algae, aquatic insect larvae, and organic matter.
• Size: Males are smaller than females but have ornamental fins.
• Diet: Consumes algae, aquatic insect larvae, and organic matter.
Contribution to Mosquito Control:
• Predatory Behaviour: Both species consume mosquito larvae, reducing populations in water bodies.
• Biological Control Agents: Introduced in many countries to combat vector-borne diseases like malaria and dengue.
• Efficiency Debate: While effective in mosquito suppression, they also disrupt native aquatic ecosystems, leading to food scarcity for indigenous fish species.
Insta links:
• Gambusia-fish
Amplifiers
Source: TH
Context: The role of amplifiers in transforming communication, entertainment, and technology has been highlighted, focusing on their working principles, types, and applications.
About Amplifiers:
• What is an Amplifier?
• An electronic device that enhances the amplitude of an electrical signal without altering its original characteristics. Used in audio systems, telecommunications, medical devices, and scientific instruments.
• An electronic device that enhances the amplitude of an electrical signal without altering its original characteristics.
• Used in audio systems, telecommunications, medical devices, and scientific instruments.
• How Does an Amplifier Work?
• Signal Input: A weak electrical signal from a source (e.g., microphone, sensor). Pre-amplification: Initial boosting of signal with minimal noise using a preamp circuit. Voltage Amplification: A transistor-based circuit increases voltage by controlling collector current. Current & Power Boosting: Driver and power stages ensure stable voltage and increased current. Output Stage: The amplified signal is delivered to a speaker, antenna, or recording device.
• Signal Input: A weak electrical signal from a source (e.g., microphone, sensor).
• Pre-amplification: Initial boosting of signal with minimal noise using a preamp circuit.
• Voltage Amplification: A transistor-based circuit increases voltage by controlling collector current.
• Current & Power Boosting: Driver and power stages ensure stable voltage and increased current.
• Output Stage: The amplified signal is delivered to a speaker, antenna, or recording device.
• Types of Amplifiers:
• Class A: High fidelity, used in audio equipment but low efficiency. Class B: More efficient but introduces signal distortion, used in basic sound systems. Class AB: A mix of Class A & B, preferred in home theatres and professional audio. Class C: Highly efficient but distorted, used in radio frequency transmitters. Class D: Digital switching amplifiers, highly efficient, used in public address systems.
• Class A: High fidelity, used in audio equipment but low efficiency.
• Class B: More efficient but introduces signal distortion, used in basic sound systems.
• Class AB: A mix of Class A & B, preferred in home theatres and professional audio.
• Class C: Highly efficient but distorted, used in radio frequency transmitters.
• Class D: Digital switching amplifiers, highly efficient, used in public address systems.
• Applications of Amplifiers:
• Audio Systems: Enhances sound in speakers, microphones, and PA systems. Telecommunication: Used in radio transmitters, mobile networks, and fiber optics. Medical Devices: Found in ECG, ultrasound, and hearing aids for signal processing. Scientific Research: Used in astronomy, particle physics, and seismology. Industrial & Military: Radar, sonar, and electronic warfare applications.
• Audio Systems: Enhances sound in speakers, microphones, and PA systems.
• Telecommunication: Used in radio transmitters, mobile networks, and fiber optics.
• Medical Devices: Found in ECG, ultrasound, and hearing aids for signal processing.
• Scientific Research: Used in astronomy, particle physics, and seismology.
• Industrial & Military: Radar, sonar, and electronic warfare applications.
Insta links:
• Electrical-safety
Plastic Degradation Bacteria
Source: TH
Context: Scientists are exploring bacteria-based solutions for plastic degradation, with companies and research institutions developing engineered enzymes and microbial strains to accelerate the breakdown of polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and other plastics.
Bacteria and Plastic Degradation:
• Bacteria That Break Down Plastic:
• Ideonella sakaiensis: Discovered in Kyoto Institute of Technology, breaks down PET plastics using two enzymes. X-32 Bacteria: Degrades PET, polyolefins, and polyamides, effective against tough carbon-carbon bonds. Vibrio natriegens: Genetically engineered to attach PET-degrading enzymes for rapid plastic breakdown. Bacillus subtilis: Incorporated into biodegradable plastics, activated in compost for gradual degradation.
• Ideonella sakaiensis: Discovered in Kyoto Institute of Technology, breaks down PET plastics using two enzymes.
• X-32 Bacteria: Degrades PET, polyolefins, and polyamides, effective against tough carbon-carbon bonds.
• Vibrio natriegens: Genetically engineered to attach PET-degrading enzymes for rapid plastic breakdown.
• Bacillus subtilis: Incorporated into biodegradable plastics, activated in compost for gradual degradation.
• Enzymatic Plastic Degradation:
• Scientists have engineered enzymes like PETase and MHETase, enhancing their efficiency for large-scale use. French company Carbios developed heat-stable PET-degrading enzymes that break down 90% of PET in 10 hours. Enzyme-derived breakdown products can be used for recycling and circular economy models.
• Scientists have engineered enzymes like PETase and MHETase, enhancing their efficiency for large-scale use.
• French company Carbios developed heat-stable PET-degrading enzymes that break down 90% of PET in 10 hours.
• Enzyme-derived breakdown products can be used for recycling and circular economy models.
• Challenges & Limitations:
• Time Factor: Bacterial degradation can take months to years, slowing industrial applications. Scalability: Producing and deploying bacteria or enzymes at an industrial scale is costly. Selective Efficiency: Many strains work only on specific plastics, limiting universal application. Regulatory Issues: Concerns exist over introducing engineered bacteria into ecosystems. Crystalline PET Resistance: Most bacteria struggle to degrade highly crystalline PET, like plastic bottles.
• Time Factor: Bacterial degradation can take months to years, slowing industrial applications.
• Scalability: Producing and deploying bacteria or enzymes at an industrial scale is costly.
• Selective Efficiency: Many strains work only on specific plastics, limiting universal application.
• Regulatory Issues: Concerns exist over introducing engineered bacteria into ecosystems.
• Crystalline PET Resistance: Most bacteria struggle to degrade highly crystalline PET, like plastic bottles.
Insta links:
• Plasticizers-degradation
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 4 February 2025 Mapping:
South Sudan
Source: DC
Context: The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) has declared a famine in its controlled territories, including the Nuba Mountains and parts of Blue Nile State.
About South Sudan:
• Location: Landlocked country in East Africa.
• Capital: Juba.
• Neighbours: Bordered by Sudan, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo (south), and the Central African Republic.
• Geography: Rivers: The Nile River flows through the country, with the Sudd, one of the world’s largest wetlands, located in central South Sudan. Mountains: The Imatong Mountains in the southeast, with the highest peak being Mount Kinyeti (3,187 meters). Landscape: Features vast plains, tropical savannahs, floodplains, and forested mountains.
• Rivers: The Nile River flows through the country, with the Sudd, one of the world’s largest wetlands, located in central South Sudan.
• Mountains: The Imatong Mountains in the southeast, with the highest peak being Mount Kinyeti (3,187 meters).
• Landscape: Features vast plains, tropical savannahs, floodplains, and forested mountains.
About Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N)
• Emerged as a breakaway faction of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM)after South Sudan’s independence in 2011.
• Primarily represents the interests of the Nubaand Blue Nile regions in Sudan.
• Advocates for greater autonomy, political representation, and resource sharing for marginalized regions in Sudan.
Insta links:
• Darfur-sudan
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