Genetic Testing
Athletes are turning to genetic testing for improving their performance.
- Analyses an individual’s DNA to identify genetic variants that may influence various traits, including athletic performance, health risks, and nutritional needs.
- Performed on a sample of blood, hair, skin, amniotic fluid, or other tissue.
- Significance –
- Identifies genetic factors to enhance endurance and strength.
- Tailors diet plans by detecting allergies and nutrient absorption issues.
- Reveals genetic risks for injury and recovery times for tailored care
Bend-toed geckos
Scientists discover six new lineages of bent-toed geckos from the Northeast.
- Discovered from – Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram
- Nocturnal species.
- Found along forest streams, rocks and vegetation in multiple locations.
Woody Encroachment
A study reported the impact of woody encroachment on open ecosystems.
- Increase of tree and shrub cover and is widespread across most ecosystems.
- Entails the conversion of open habitats to habitats with greater tree cover and/or shrub density.
- Results in homogenisation of an ecosystem
- Woody encroachment in open ecosystems like savannahs and grasslands has reduced number of native grassland birds.
Ransomware
National Payments Corporation of India temporarily suspends payments in banks possibly affected by ransomware attack.
- A type of malware that holds a victim’s sensitive data or device hostage, threatening to keep it locked unless the victim pays a ransom to the attacker.
- Examples – WannaCry, NotPetya, etc.
- Types of Ransomwares –
- Crypto ransomware – Holds victim’s data hostage by encrypting it.
- Leakware/doxware – Steals sensitive data & threatens to publish it.
- Wipers – Threaten to destroy data if victim does not pay the ransom
World Trade Statistical Review 2023
World Trade Statistical Review (WTSR) 2023 released.
- Released by – WTO
- Objective – Looks into the latest developments in world trade, featuring key data on global trade in merchandise and commercial services.
- Key highlights –
- China, USA and Germany remained the top 3 merchandise exporters
- India retains 8th position in global agriculture exports in 2023 and 7th in services exports.