Daily Current Affairs Quiz 19 February 2023

a) Biofilm formation

PseAcinetobacter baumanii, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli are proven biofilm-forming bacteria. Researchers from ARCI, an autonomous institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), have developed a nanocomposite coating ((named at ARCI as ATL)) by combining water repellence and biocidal property (combinatorial approach), which exhibits both hydrophobic and biocidal behaviour. ATL was deposited on different surgical sutures made of silk, nylon, and polyglactin 910 (vicryl) in addition to surgical instrument grade stainless steel 420 coupons and tested for biofilm inhibition against American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) and clinical isolate strains of proven biofilm-forming bacteria such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Acinetobacter baumanii, Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli

A newly developed nanocomposite coating can inhibit biofilm formation and also kill attached bacteria, thereby helping tackle growing post-operative infections, a common occurrence these days due to antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

c) It is a deep zone of inland body of free-standing water, located below the range of effective light penetration.

The profundal zone is a very cold zone, such as an ocean or a lake, located below the range of effective light penetration. This is typically below the thermocline, the vertical zone in the water through which temperature drops rapidly. The lack of light in the profundal zone determines the type of biological community that can live in this region, which is distinctly different from the community in the overlying waters. The profundal zone is part of the aphotic zone.

d) Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha

Article 93 of the Indian Constitution mandates the election of the Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha.
The Deputy Speaker of Lok Sabha is the second-highest ranking legislative official in the House of the People. The Supreme Court recently issued notices to the Centre and five states namely Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Jharkhand over the failure to elect a Deputy Speaker.

a) 1 only

The primary legislation governing organ transplantation in India is the Transplantation of Human Organs Act, passed in 1994. It provides a system to regulate the removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs for therapeutic purposes and for the prevention of commercial dealings in human organs. It also legalizes the concept of ‘brain death’, the permanent cessation of all brain functions. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Living Donor is any person not less than 18 years of age who voluntarily authorizes the removal of any of his organ and/or tissue, during their lifetime, as per prevalent medical practices for therapeutic purposes. The donor can be a family member, relative, friend, neighbour, or in-law. Deceased Donor is anyone, regardless of age, who can become an organ and tissue donor after their death (Brainstem/Cardiac). Consent of a near relative or a person in lawful possession of the dead body is required. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare removed the clause that people beyond 65 years could not receive cadaver organ transplants.

b) Rajasthan

The Rajasthan state Forest Department has proposed to construct a zoo inside Keoladeo National Park, a World Heritage Site popularly known as Bharatpur bird sanctuary.
The Wetland Ex-Situ Conservation Establishment (WESCE) aims to display a range of wetland species, including rhinos, water buffaloes, crocs, dolphins and exotic species. AFD, an arm of the French government, has agreed to fund up to Rs 1,200 crore over eight years. Experts raise questions about the zoo coming up in a significant habitat for migratory birds.