Cell – The Basic Unit of Life | Functions, Organelles & MCQs

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Image
🧬Cell – The Basic Unit of Life A cell is the smallest structural and functional unit of life . It is the building block of all living organisms, carrying out essential processes like growth, energy production, and reproduction. For competitive exams like NEET , UPSC, SSC, and State PSCs, understanding the structure and functions of the cell is important because it forms the foundation of biology. Questions are frequently asked on cell theory , organelles , plant vs. animal cells, and cell division , making this topic a high-scoring and must-prepare section . 🕵🏻‍♂️Discovery of Cell The discovery of the cell was a turning point in biology, and many scientists contributed step by step to our understanding. In 1665, Robert Hooke observed thin slices of cork under a simple microscope and saw small box-like structures. He called them “cells” because they looked like the tiny rooms (cells) in a monastery. In 1674, Anton van Leeuwenhoek developed a better microscope and was ...
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May 2025 Current Affairs: Insights on ONGC Oil Discovery, Kerala Oil Spill, and CBSE Sugar Board

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 Stay updated with the most important current affairs of May 27, 2025. This compilation includes defense, science, governance, appointments, MoUs, and cultural sites – all relevant for upsc UPPCS, State PSC, SSC, and other exams.

1. ONGC Finds New Oil and Gas in Mumbai Offshore 

What Happened?

  • ONGC (Oil and Natural Gas Corporation) has discovered new oil and gas reserves in the Mumbai Offshore basin.

  • The discoveries are named Suryamani and Vajramani.

Where Were These Found?

  • These discoveries were made in areas given under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) — a scheme that allows companies to choose areas they want to explore.

Why Is It Important?

  • These new discoveries will help increase India’s oil and gas production.

  • This can help reduce our dependence on imported energy.

  • It also shows that policies like OALP are working to boost domestic energy exploration.

2. Kerala Oil Spill 

What happened?

  • Cargo ship MSC ELSA 3 (Liberian-flagged) sank 15 nautical miles off Alappuzha coast, Kerala.

  • It carried 640 containers, including hazardous materials, diesel (84.44 MT), and furnace oil (367.1 MT).

What is an Oil Spill?

  • An oil spill is the release of liquid petroleum into the environment, especially marine areas, due to accidents.

  • It causes water pollution and harms marine ecosystems.

Impact on Marine Life:

  • Oil coats the gills, feathers, and skin of marine animals and birds, reducing mobility and survival.

  • It reduces oxygen levels, damages coral reefs, and contaminates fish and seafood.

Cleanup Methods Used:

  • Oil dispersants sprayed to break oil into smaller droplets.

  • Pollution control vessels deployed by the Indian Coast Guard.

  • Booms and skimmers used to contain and remove surface oil.

Response:

  • Indian Coast Guard took swift action using aircraft and patrol vessels.

  • Kerala CM held an emergency meeting.

  • Fishing banned in affected zones to prevent contamination.

3. CBSE ‘Sugar Board’ Initiative – 2025

What is it?

  • CBSE directed 24,000+ schools to create ‘Sugar Boards’ to spread awareness about the risks of high sugar intake among students.

  • Inspired by a campaign started by food influencer Revant Himatsingka.

What are ‘Sugar Boards’?

  • Visual boards showing amount of sugar in soft drinks, juices, junk food, etc.

  • Include recommended sugar limits, health risks, and healthier alternatives.

  • Example: A 300 ml aerated drink = 8 teaspoons of sugar (1 tsp ≈ 4g).

Why is it needed?


  • Rise in Type 2 Diabetes in children, mainly due to high sugar consumption and availability of sugary food in schools.

  • As per estimates:

    • 397 per lakh Indian children have Type 2 Diabetes (2nd highest after China).

    • Children aged 4–10 consume 13% of daily calories from sugar.

    • Ages 11–18 consume 15%, far above the WHO limit of 5%.

Role of NCPCR:

  • National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) pushed for sugar boards in all schools, including State boards.

FSSAI and HFSS Standards:

  • FSSAI is working on defining HFSS (High Fat, Sugar, Salt) foods for school meals.

  • No clear standards yet; discussions are ongoing.

  • Current claims (like “low sugar”) must meet FSSAI rules (≤5g per 100g).

  • India currently follows WHO’s limit: max 25g sugar/day for children.

4. India’s First 9,000 HP Electric Locomotive – D9

 Inauguration:

  • Inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on May 26, 2025

  • Location: Dahod Locomotive Workshop, Gujarat

 Key Features:

  • Horsepower: 9,000 HP

  • Speed: Up to 120 km/h

  • Freight Capacity: Can haul 4,500–5,800 tonnes

Manufacturing Details:

  • Developed by Siemens Mobility

  • Part of a ₹26,000 crore contract for 1,200 locomotives over 11 years

  • ~90% components made in India (Nashik, Aurangabad, Mumbai)

  • Final assembly at Dahod facility

 Sustainability Goal:

  • Aims to shift freight share from 27% to 45%

  • Expected to reduce carbon emissions by 450 million tonnes over its lifecycle

Advanced Technologies:

  • VR-based safety training

  • Locomotive simulators

  • Modern carriage handling systems

 Strategic Importance:

  • Boosts ‘Make in India’ and export potential

  • Strengthens India’s position in global railway manufacturing

5. Launch of Bharat Forecasting System (BFS)

  • Introduction: The Ministry of Earth Sciences launched the Bharat Forecasting System (BFS), developed by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM), Pune.

  • Features:

    • Provides high-resolution weather forecasts with a 6 km grid, surpassing global models from the U.S., UK, and Europe.

    • Powered by the supercomputer Arka (11.77 petaflops, 33 petabytes).

    • Aims to enhance disaster management, agriculture, and public safety.

6. India Becomes the World’s 4th Largest Economy

  • Milestone Achieved: India has surpassed Japan to become the world's fourth-largest economy, with a nominal GDP of $4.187 trillion. 

  • Future Projections: India is poised to overtake Germany to become the third-largest economy within the next 2.5 to 3 years.

👇Here is the Mindmap for your quick recap of important current affairs
  • comment if you want PDF.

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