Current Affairs

1. THE FIRST HUMAN PATIENT HAS RECEIVED AN IMPLANT FROM BRAIN-CHIP STARTUP NEURALINK RECENTLY –

• Initial results show promising neuron spike detection.
• Spikes are activity by neurons, which the National Institute of Health describes as cells that use electrical and chemical signals to send information around the brain and to the body.
• It gives hope that the startup technology will help patients overcome paralysis and a host of neurological conditions.
• Neuralink is a neurotechnology company founded by Elon Musk in 2016.
• The company’s main goal is to develop brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) that can be implanted in the human brain. These BCIs would allow people to control computers and other devices with their thoughts, and could also be used to treat a variety of neurological conditions.
• Neuralink’s BCI is a small, flexible device that is implanted in the motor cortex of the brain. The device contains thousands of tiny electrodes that can detect the electrical activity of neurons.

 

2. DIFFERENCE BETWEEN INTERIM BUDGET VS FULL BUDGET –

• As the political landscape gears up for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India, discussions surrounding the country’s financial planning take center stage.
• The interim budget serves as a temporary financial plan presented by the incumbent government when its term is ending or during a transition of power.
• Typically presented at the beginning of the financial year, the interim budget focuses on essential expenditures necessary to sustain governmental operations until a new government presents a comprehensive budget.
• In contrast to the comprehensive nature of the full union budget, the interim budget usually sidesteps major policy announcements or new schemes. Its primary objective is to maintain continuity and stability rather than introduce significant changes in fiscal policy.
• The interim budget typically receives parliamentary approval for a limited period, usually a few months, until the new government unveils its financial agenda.
• In contrast, the full union budget represents the comprehensive financial roadmap of the ruling government for the entire fiscal year. It encompasses all aspects of fiscal policy, including revenue generation, expenditure allocation, and policy initiatives.
• Presented annually by the ruling government, the full union budget delineates the financial priorities and goals for the upcoming fiscal year, covering expenditures, developmental projects, and ongoing schemes.

 

3. BRICS WELCOMES NEW MEMBERS: SAUDI ARABIA, EGYPT, UAE, IRAN, AND ETHIOPIA –

• In a significant development on January 1, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Iran, and Ethiopia officially joined the BRICS group, expanding its membership to ten nations.
• The expansion, initially set to occur during the 15th BRICS summit in August 2023 in Johannesburg, South Africa, aims to enhance the group’s influence on the global stage. Argentina, initially invited, opted out in December.
• The newly enlarged BRICS now boasts a combined population of 3.5 billion and an economy exceeding $28.5tn, constituting around 28% of the global economy. While this growth signals a potential geopolitical shift, analysts express uncertainty over its impact on decision-making and overall group dynamics.