Top News Highlights- 23 August 2024

Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant (KAPP-4) Operational at Full Capacity

• Key Details: KAPP-4, a 700 MW pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) in Gujarat, is now operational at full capacity.
• Advanced Safety Features: Incorporates thin-walled pressure tubes and a Passive Decay Heat Removal System, reducing the risk of severe accidents similar to Fukushima.
• Future Projections: 14 more units of this kind are expected by 2031-32, enhancing India’s nuclear power capacity.

Impact of e-Commerce on India’s Economy

• Positive Aspects: E-commerce is growing at a 27% CAGR, accounting for 7.8% of retail sales in 2022, boosting consumer welfare and increasing employment, especially for women.
• Concerns Raised: Issues like predatory pricing, reduced consumer choices, and potential job losses in traditional retail were highlighted, with privacy concerns also noted.
• Regulations: Governed by Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020, and the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

4D-Printed Artificial Blood Vessels

• Technology Overview: 4D printing has evolved from 3D printing, enabling materials to change shape or function over time in response to environmental stimuli.
• Applications: Significant in medical grafts, soft robotics, and aerospace due to its dynamic functionality and material efficiency.
• Challenges: Limited availability of technology and material degradation issues are current barriers.

Review of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) by Finance Ministry

• RRBs Role: Established under the RRB Act, 1987, RRBs aim to provide banking and credit facilities to rural sectors, contributing significantly to rural development and financial inclusion.
• Issues: Challenges include poor deposit mobilization, human resource constraints, and competition from commercial banks.
• Way Forward: Structural consolidation and recapitalization are suggested to enhance efficiency and performance.

EU Nature Restoration Law

• Legislation Details: The EU’s first continent-wide nature restoration law aims to restore 20% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
• Targets: Restoration of 30% of terrestrial and marine ecosystems and planting three billion trees by 2030.
• Implementation: Member states are required to prepare National Restoration Plans by 2026.

Genome Editing in Plants: ISDra2TnpB Tool

• Innovation: ISDra2TnpB, derived from the bacteria Deinococcus radiodurans, is a next-gen genome editing tool that overcomes the size limitations of CRISPR-Cas9 and Cas12.
• Applications: Effective on both monocots and dicots, enabling broader applications in genome engineering.

Key Concepts and Policies

• Kakrapar Nuclear Power Plant (KAPP-4): A 700 MWe PHWR with advanced safety features to mitigate nuclear accidents.
• e-Commerce Regulations: Governed by Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020.
• 4D Printing: Advanced manufacturing technique enabling dynamic and adaptive materials.
• Regional Rural Banks (RRBs): Banks aimed at rural financial inclusion, face challenges that require structural reforms.
• EU Nature Restoration Law: Legislation targeting the restoration of degraded ecosystems across the EU.
• Genome Editing Tool ISDra2TnpB: A new tool for precise genome editing, addressing limitations of existing CRISPR technologies.