UPSC Prelims Facts Corner – 11 July 2023

Injecting ageing monkeys with Klotho can improve their cognitive function, a study reveals.

  • Klotho is a longevity factor protein.
  • A naturally occurring protein that declines in our bodies with age.
  • Applications –New treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

India has joined United Nation’s Group of Global Crisis Response Group (GCRG).

  • GCRG –
    • Set up by – UN Secretary General (UNSG) in 2022
    • Aim – To mobilize solutions and develop strategies to help countries address the interlinked crisis with food, energy and finance.
    • 6 Champions Group – Bangladesh, Barbados, Denmark, Germany, Indonesia and Senegal.

Microsoft researchers announced a significant breakthrough in the creation of Majorana Zero Modes.

  • All subatomic particles that make up matter are called fermions.
  • Fermions possess 4 quantum numbers, with one of them being quantum spin, which only has half-integer values.
  • Bound states of fermions that are their own antiparticles are called Majorana zero modes.
  • Potential implications for revolutionizing quantum computing.

Nano urea was approved after all scientific studies by several governmental institutions and departments where 500-ml bottle of nano urea will replace one bag of 45 kilograms of urea.

  • Nano Urea –
    • A nanotechnology-based revolutionary Agri-input that provides nitrogen to plants.
    • Developed and patented by – Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) [only nano fertilizer]
    • Contains 4.0 % total nitrogen (w/v)
    • It has a desirable particle size of about 20-50 nm and more surface area and number of particles.
    • Benefits – Improve crop productivity, soil health, and nutritional quality of produce.

Leaders of the Solomon Islands and China signed deals on police, economy, technology etc.

  • Solomon Islands –
    • Location – Melanesia [East of Papua New Guinea & northwest of Vanuatu]Comprising more than 990 islands.Capital – Honiara (Guadalcanal Island)
    • Geographical Features –
      • Consists of a double chain of volcanic islands and coral atolls in Melanesia
      • Its ocean-equatorial climate is extremely humid throughout the year.

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