With an aim to increase greenery in urban areas, Nagar Van Yojana (NVY), launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, recently achieved the 100-day target of 100 Nagar Vans.
The scheme offered Rs 4 lakh per hectare to promote afforestation in urban areas through citizen participation.
International Affairs
4. Emu, a flightless bird recently in news, is native to which country? – Australia
Researchers have discovered that emu wing bones exhibit significant shortening and asymmetrical fusion, driven by differences in embryonic movement.
This study sheds light on the evolutionary processes that shape skeletal structures in these unique birds. Emus are flightless running birds from the ratite family, one of the most primitive modern bird families.
They are the second-largest living birds, after ostriches. Emus are found only in Australia, inhabiting diverse regions from coastal areas to high mountains.
Science & Technology
5. Which organization recently launched India’s first comprehensive cancer multi-omics data portal? – Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA)
The Indian Cancer Genome Atlas (ICGA) has launched India’s first comprehensive cancer multi-omics data portal.
This platform offers open access to data from Indian cancer patients to improve cancer research and treatment. It includes DNA, RNA, and protein profiles of breast cancer patients, linked with clinical outcomes.
Currently, the portal has data from 50 breast cancer patients, with plans to expand to over 500 patients next year. The data is freely available under India’s PRIDE guidelines, promoting ethical sharing.
ICGA is a national initiative supported by a public-private-philanthropic partnership with over 50 experts contributing.
6. Recently, the Indian Council of Medical Research received the 2024 @UN Inter-Agency Task Force Award for its contribution in which field? – Non-communicable diseases
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) received the 2024 @UN Inter-Agency Task Force Award for its significant contributions to preventing and controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and enhancing mental health.
This recognition highlights ICMR’s contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goals related to health.
This recognition highlights ICMR’s initiatives, such as establishing national centres for Assistive Health Technology and conducting extensive surveys.
7. Recently, what innovative pest control solution was developed by scientists from JNCASR and ICAR? –NBAIR –Sustainable pheromone dispenser
Researchers from JNCASR and ICAR-NBAIR have created a sustainable pheromone dispenser that ensures a controlled release rate of pheromones, significantly reducing pest control costs.
This innovation utilizes a mesoporous silica matrix, allowing for stable pheromone release and improved efficiency in pest management.
The technology aims to benefit farmers by transitioning from laboratory research to large-scale industrial production, thus enhancing agricultural practices while promoting environmentally friendly methods in pest control.
Short News
Places in News
8. In which city did Defense Minister Rajnath Singh recently inaugurate Sainik School? – Jaipur
The United States National Cricket League has appointed former International Cricket Council CEO Aaron Lorgat as its commissioner with an aim to popularise the sport in the US.
A former first-class cricketer, Lorgat served as ICC CEO from 2008 to 2012.
State Current Affairs
10. Pallikaranai Marshland, recently in the news, is located in which state? – Tamil Nadu
A bathymetric study is being conducted around Pallikaranai marshland to measure the amount of sludge that can be removed.
This study, essential for wetland restoration and flood management, is a response to the increasing pressures from encroachments and sewage discharge.
The marsh is a freshwater and partly saline wetland located 20 km south of Chennai, Tamil Nadu. It acts as a flood buffer for the Chennai and Chengalpattu districts.
The marsh includes 65 wetlands connected to the Bay of Bengal through Okkiyam Madavu and Kovalam Creek. Pallikaranai is a Ramsar site in India.
