UPSC Prelims Current Affairs for 29 January 2026

JALAJ Livelihood Centres Latest News

Recently, the union Minister of Jal Shakti inaugurated 25 JALAJ Livelihood Centres.

About JALAJ Livelihood Centres

• It is a joint initiative of the Namami Gange Mission and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
• Aim: It is aimed at integrating river conservation with sustainable livelihoods in the Ganga river basin.
• Jalaj is based on the circular economy model where the local people will be trained in sustainable livelihood practices and mobilized to contribute to biodiversity conservation and clean river ecosystem.

Features of JALAJ Livelihood Centres

• The initiative promotes community ownership of conservation efforts while creating dignified livelihood opportunities, with a special focus on women’s participation.
• Jalaj is a concept to establish symbiotic linkages between river and people.
• The Jalaj established at different locations in the Ganga basin represent the culture and communities indigenous to that area.
• These are established as holistic Centres of overall community well-being, conservation education and livelihood training.
• It will have facilities for dissemination of the information on aquatic biodiversity conservation, livelihood training and sale centres for the products developed by livelihood trainees.

Source: PIB

Phosphorus Latest News

Phosphorus accumulation in US farmland is causing significant water pollution.

About Phosphorus

• It is a highly reactive nonmetallic chemical element of the nitrogen family (Group 15 [Va] of the periodic table).
• It has the symbol P and atomic number 15.
• The two main forms of phosphorus are white phosphorus and red phosphorus.
  • White phosphorus is a poisonous waxy solid, and contact with skin can cause severe burns. It glows in the dark and is spontaneously flammable when exposed to air.
  • Red phosphorus is an amorphous, non-toxic solid.

Uses of Phosphorus

• White phosphorus is used in flares and incendiary devices.
• Red phosphorus is in the material stuck on the side of matchboxes, used to strike safety matches against to light them.
• By far the largest use of phosphorus compounds is for fertilisers.
  • Ammonium phosphate is made from phosphate ores.
  • The ores are first converted into phosphoric acids before being made into ammonium phosphate.
• Phosphorus is also important in the production of steel.
• Phosphates are ingredients in some detergents but are beginning to be phased out in some countries.
  • This is because they can lead to high phosphate levels in natural water supplies, causing unwanted algae to grow.
• Phosphates are also used in the production of special glasses and fine chinaware.

Biological Role of Phosphorus

• The main function of phosphorus is in the formation of bones and teeth.
• It plays an important role in how the body uses carbohydrates and fats.
• It is also needed for the body to make protein for the growth, maintenance, and repair of cells and tissues.
• Phosphorus also helps the body make ATP, a molecule the body uses to store energy.

Occurrence of Phosphorus

• Because phosphorus cannot naturally occur in the environment, it is typically mined from phosphates.
• Phosphates typically accumulate at the bottom of rivers and lakes, within different rocks, and in large mineral deposits around the world.
• Natural phosphates exist inside every living thing. They comprise DNA, RNA, ATP, phospholipids, and other compounds crucial for cellular function and, by extension, life.
• The main food sources are the protein food groups of meat and milk, as well as processed foods that contain sodium phosphate.

Source: DTE

Indo-Pacific Leopard Shark Latest News

Recently, conservationists have initiated Thailand's first rewilding effort with the release of a young Indo-Pacific leopard shark into the waters off Maiton Island. 

About Indo-Pacific Leopard Shark

• Indo-Pacific leopard sharks are also called zebra sharks.
• Their names come from their distinctive patterning, which changes over time. 
• These are slow-swimming reef sharks whose bodies have either a spotted or striped pattern depending on their age.
• Habitat: Found in tropical waters of the Indo-Pacific usually in the coastal waters.
• Reproduction: These sharks are oviparous, meaning the females lay eggs 
• Diet: Leopard sharks primarily eat molluscs & crustaceans, as well as small bony fishes.
• Life Span: The average lifespan for a leopard shark in the wild is 18 to 24 years.
• Threats: Overfishing and habitat loss.
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Endangered

Source: Reuters