UPSC QUIZ 10.04.2024

Explanation:

• A 'minibrain' has been developed in the laboratory by scientists at the University of California. This research has been published in the journal Cell Stem Cell. The 'minibrains' developed by scientists are known as cerebral organoids.

Minibrain or Cerebral Organoid

• It is developed from stem cells.
• Stem cells are derived either from adult human cells or from human fetal tissue.
• Thus scientists collect adult cells and then expose them to chemicals to restore them to a stem cell-like state.
• Scientists then embed these stem cells in a protein-rich matrix.
• Matrix: It is a substance that helps in the division of cells and forms a 3D shape.
• They look like pinhead-sized clusters of human brain cells.

Explanation:

• A team of researchers has released a large "three-dimensional" map of the universe.
• This map can provide some information about dark energy. It has been made with the help of DESI (Dark Energy Spectroscopic Instrument).
• It is an instrument Once fitted in the telescope, it can capture light from 5,000 galaxies at the same time.
• This can provide information about the mysterious force that is expanding the universe uncontrollably.
• Created by more than 900 researchers from across the world. Indian institute Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (Mumbai) is also participating in this.

Help in creating three-dimensional maps

• DESI is installed in the Mayall 4-Meter Telescope installed in the state of Arizona in the United States.
• Using it, researchers have been able to measure light coming from six million galaxies, creating a massive map of the universe.
• Some of these galaxies existed 11 billion years ago.

Explanation:

• Tata Group collaborated with Taiwan's PSMC to set up a 300 mm wafer fabrication plant in Gujarat with plans to launch 28nm (nanometer) chips in 2026.The Government of India has also recently approved two assembly and testing plants in Gujarat and Assam.

Semiconductor Chip

• Semiconductors/Semiconductors: Semiconductors have electrical conductivity properties between conductors and insulators that can be modified by introducing dopants. Semiconductor chips, transistors, fabrication technologies, and wafers are interdependent components essential to the functionality of electronic devices. Transistor specific technologies Semiconductor chips produced on wafers using semiconductors act as the building blocks of chips, enabling the creation of complex devices that power modern technology.

Explanation:

• A new gold-backed currency called ZiG has been introduced by Zimbabwe.
• The meaning of the name ZiG is "Zimbabwe Gold". The new ZiG banknotes will come in denominations between ₹1 and ₹200.
• Coins would also be introduced to address the shortage of American coins.
• It is the latest effort to stabilize an economy that has been moving from crisis to crisis for the past 25 years.
• ZiG replaced the Zimbabwe dollar, RTGS, which has lost three-quarters of its value so far this year.
• In March, annual inflation reached 55% – a seven-month high.
• Zimbabweans have 21 days to exchange old, inflation-hit notes for the new currency.
• However, the US dollar, which accounts for 85% of transactions, will remain legal tender and will continue to be preferred by most people.
• The new currency is being implemented with immediate effect and banks will be required to convert existing Zimbabwe dollar balances into ZiG.

Explanation:

• Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched awareness campaign on food safety aspects at major markets of Delhi.
• The campaign has been launched in collaboration with the Food Safety Department, Delhi.
• It has been launched from the Khan Market and INA Market of Delhi on 8th April, 2024.
• It will mainly focus on the detection and mitigation of pesticide residue and food product contaminants.
• During the programme, the owners of food businesses were sensitized on issues such as the value of organic farming and the need to test raw materials.
• The owners of food businesses were also sensitized on the dangers of pesticide residues, artificial ripening, and the use of banned chemicals for wax coating.
• The Food Safety on Wheel mobile lab project by FSSAI was introduced to the traders and market associations.
• The Food Safety on Wheel mobile lab has a number of quick testing assays that can find up to 50 pesticide residues in a variety of food matrices.