What is the News ?

Recently, scientists at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal (IISER Bhopal) pinpointed a particular circular RNA (circRNA) named 'ciTRAN.' This circRNA plays a vital role in the replication of the HIV-1 virus, which causes AIDS, inside the human body.

Facts About:

• Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a molecule found in living cells that carries genetic instructions and aids in protein production.
• Most RNAs have a linear, open-end structure, but circular RNA, known as 'circRNA,' forms a closed loop.
• CircRNA plays a crucial role in regulating gene expression and is essential for various biological processes.
• Its involvement in the replication of HIV-1 was not well understood for a long time.
• Identifying circular RNA can be challenging because it is typically present in lower amounts, making it harder to detect in its natural form.
• During viral infections, the abundance of viral genetic material can make it difficult to isolate less common components like circular RNA.

What is the News ?

JP Morgan Chase & Co will add Indian government bonds to its emerging markets bond index starting in June 2024.

Facts About:

• This index serves as a benchmark for measuring how well international government and corporate bonds from emerging market countries perform.

             These countries must meet specific liquidity and structural requirements.

• Emerging market bonds are debt instruments issued by developing nations.

             They usually offer higher yields compared to bonds from developed countries.

• A total of 23 Indian Government Bonds (IGBs) with a combined notional value of $330 billion are eligible for inclusion.

             They are all categorized as "fully accessible" for non-residents.

• Advantages of this inclusion:

             This development is expected to lead to higher demand for the Indian rupee, potentially protecting it from depreciation.

              Lower borrowing costs could support important infrastructure projects.

              Increased liquidity may result in more efficient trading conditions.

• India's local bonds will become part of JP Morgan's Government Bond Index-Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) index.
• They are expected to make up a maximum of 10 percent of the GBI-EM Global Diversified Index (GBI-EM GD).