RBI released a draft Framework on Alternative Authentication Mechanisms for Digital Payment Transactions.

• Framework will be applicable to all Payment System Providers and Payment System Participants, as defined in the Payment and Settlement Systems (PSS) Act, 2007.

About AFA Framework

• All digital payment transactions shall be authenticated with an additional factor(s) of authentication (AFA), unless exempted.
• All digital payment transactions, other than card present transactions, shall ensure that one of the factors of authentication is dynamically created, i.e., the factor is generated after initiation of payment, is specific to the transaction and cannot be reused.

Indian Air Force is all set to host, first multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti, at Sulur (Tamil Nadu) and Jodhpur (Rajasthan).

• More than 30 countries will participate, exercise aims to strengthen strategic relationship.

Researchers from South Korea have successfully demonstrated the ability to control specific brain regions in mice using magnetic fields, known as Nano - Magnetogenetic Interface for Neuro Dynamics (Nano-MIND) technology. 

About Nano-MIND

• It uses magnetic fields and magnetized nanoparticles to selectively activate targeted brain circuits, allowing for its wireless, remote, and precise modulation.
• Significance: Can pave way for better understanding and manipulating complex brain functions such as cognition, emotion, and motivation; improve understanding sophisticated artificial neural networks, etc.

As per a study, Alzheimer’s drug Leqembi slowed disease progression in patients over three years.

• Leqembi is an antibody intravenous (IV) infusion therapy that targets and removes beta-amyloid from the brain. 

About Alzheimer Disease

• It is the most common type of dementia.
• It begins with mild memory loss and possibly leads to loss of the ability to carry on a conversation and respond to the environment.
• Symptoms can first appear after age 60, and the risk increases with age.

Union Ministry of Education announced guidelines for implementation of bagless days for students of Classes 6 to 8.

• Previously, National Education Policy 2020 recommended that all students will participate in a 10-day bagless period sometime during Grades 6-8 where they intern with local vocational experts such as carpenters, gardeners, potters, artists, etc.

About Guidelines

• Objectives: To build observation-based learning capacity, develop understanding of connectedness of community and interdependence, to promote dignity of labour through hands on activity, etc.
• Activities covered: Visit and survey of vegetable markets, charity visits, survey and report writing on pet care,  doodling, etc.

Government allocated ₹7,212 crore to Nirbhaya Fund for FY 2023-24

Nirbhaya Fund   

• It was created for the implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing the safety and security for women in the country. 
• It is a non-lapsable corpus fund administered by the Ministry of Finance. 
• Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD) is the nodal Ministry to appraise/recommend proposals and schemes to be funded under Nirbhaya Fund. 
  • Funding pattern: 60:40 for all States; 90:10 for States with difficult terrains; 100% for UTs
• Covers One Stop Centres scheme, a component  under Mission Shakti.

Recently, a breach of Privilege notice was moved in Rajya Sabha against the Union Home Minister.

About Privilege motion

• If a member believes their privilege has been breached or misused, a motion or complaint can be raised to the Chairman or Speaker.
  • Parliamentary privileges are certain rights enjoyed by each House collectively and by members of each House individually, such as freedom of speech, etc.
  • Article 105 deals with Powers, privileges, etc., of the Houses of Parliament and of the members and committees.
• Question of privilege can be raised subject to 2-conditions:
  • Question shall be restricted to a specific matter of recent occurrence.
  • Matter requires intervention of the House.

Heavy rainfall in the Cauvery basin has led to increased water release from Krishna Raj Sagar (KRS) dam.

About KRS Dam

• It is built across the River Cauvery at Kannambadi (Mandya) during the rule of Wodeyar dynasty.
• Named as Krishnaraja Sagara in 1917 after the king Krishnaraja Odeya IV.
• Significance: Supply water to the hydro-electric power station at Shivasamudra, drinking water to the Mysore City, as well as for a continuous supply of Kaveri water to irrigational purposes.