Recently, Union government named the 26^th RBI Governor. 

About RBI Governor

• Appointment: By the Central Government as per the Reserve Bank of India (1934) Act. 
• Process: Financial Sector Regulatory Appointment Search Committee, (consisting Cabinet Secretary, current RBI Governor, Financial Services Secretary and two independent members) shortlists candidates. 
  • Final appointment is made by the Cabinet Committee on Appointments, headed by the Prime Minister. 
• Tenure: Holds office for term not exceeding 5 years or as the Central Government may fix while appointing.
  • Eligible for reappointment. 

Recently, scientists experimented with the genetic modification of the Malaria-causing parasite to prevent them from causing disease. 

• Earlier, studies largely focused on the GM Mosquitoes. 

About Malarial Parasites

• 2 of the 5 parasite species (Plasmodium falciparum and Plasmodium vivax) pose the greatest threat of malaria. 
• They are transmitted to people through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. 

About GM Mosquitoes

• They are mass-produced in a laboratory for effective mosquito control and carry two types of genes:
  • Self-limiting gene (prevents female mosquito offspring from surviving) 
  • Fluorescent marker gene (glows under a special red light, enabling their identification). 

Recent study revealed that releasing seized tortoises into forests without scientific planning could worsen conservation efforts. 

About Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans)

• About: Solitary animals, do not hibernate but stay inactive when it is very dry/hot/cold. 
  • Mainly Herbivores and exhibit distinctive obsidian shell with sun-yellow star patterns. 
• Habitat: Endemic to arid regions of northwest India, southern India, and Sri Lanka.
• Threats: Habitat loss, Genetic diversity issues, High demand as exotic pets, trafficking, etc.

• Conservation status:
  • CITES: Appendix I
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
  • IUCN: Vulnerable

Recently, Prime Minister launched the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC)’s Bima Sakhi Yojana.

Bima Sakhi Yojana

• About: Stipendiary Scheme, exclusively for Women, with a stipendiary period of 3 years.
• Stipend:  Rs. 7,000/month for 1^st year; Rs. 6,000/month for 2^nd and Rs. 5,000/month for 3^rd subject to conditions. 
• Target: Provide employment to 2 Lakh Women. 
• Eligibility: Age(18-70 years), Education (Class 10^th Pass) 
• Significance
  • Provide training, after which they can serve as LIC agents. 
  • Opportunity to be considered for the role of LIC Development Officer.

Recent study found an extract from a traditional fermented bamboo shoot variety of Tripura, popularly called ‘Melye-amiley’ having anti-obesity effects. 

Bamboo Shoots

• About: Young sprouts that emerge from the underground stems of bamboo. 
  • They are edible and are a popular ingredient in many Asian dishes, for their unique flavour and texture.
  • In India, Northeast ethnic communities use fresh or fermented bamboo shoots as a preferred food item. 
• Nutritional Values: Rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, fibres, and minerals and very low fat.

Amrit Gyaan Kosh Portal on iGOT platform jointly developed by Capacity Building Commission and Karmayogi Bharat launched.

About Amrit gyan kosh Portal

• Purpose: Capacity Building Commission aims to empower educators and enhance the quality of public administration training across India.
• This comprehensive repository curates best practices from across India, aligning with 15 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• It encompasses diverse policy themes such as health, education, agriculture, and digital governance.

About  iGOT Karmayaogi platform

• All-in-one online platform for civil service officials. 
• It guides learning, hosts discussions, manages careers, and conducts reliable assessments to showcase officials' competency effectively.

Latest RBI survey shows weakened consumer confidence in India's economy, employment, and spending.

About CCS

• It is an economic indicator reflecting optimism or pessimism about the economy and personal finances. 
• It gauges the economy's health from the consumer's perspective. High confidence typically leads to increased consumer spending. 
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) measures it through a bi-monthly CCS.
• CCS responses are measured through two indexes:
  • Current Situation Index (CSI): Consumer sentiment about the economy, employment, and prices compared to a year ago.
  • Future Expectation Index (FEI): Expectations about the economy, employment, and prices a year ahead

Scientists from the University of Bristol and UKAEA have created the world's first carbon-14 diamond battery, a sustainable power source that can last thousands of years.

About Diamond Battery

• The battery uses the radioactive decay of carbon-14(half-life of 5,700 years), an isotope used in radiocarbon dating, to generate electricity.
•  Like a solar panel, the battery converts energy, but instead of light, it uses fast-moving electrons from radioactive decay. 
• Encased in diamond, the battery safely captures radiation, absorbs short-range radiation, and generates low levels of electricity without leakage.

Potential Applications

• Can power devices like pacemakers, hearing aids, and ocular devices.
• ideal for space missions because of long-lasting power for satellites. 
• Can help manage nuclear waste by extracting carbon-14, reducing radioactivity and storage costs.