India to Use Food Irradiation to Mitigate Onion Shortages Amid Declining Output
Context: To prevent shortages and price hikes, the Indian government plans to utilize radiation processing (food irradiation) to extend the shelf life of a 100,000 tonne onion buffer stock. This initiative comes as India, a major onion exporter, faces a 16% decline in onion output for the 2023-24 season, reducing production to an estimated 25.47 […]
Recombinant Proteins
Context: Researchers at the Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, have developed a novel method for the production of recombinant proteins. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About Recombinant Proteins: Application of Recombinant Proteins: What is Protein? -Source: The Hindu
RBI Launches Three Major Initiatives
Context: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched three major initiatives. Relevance: Facts for Prelims RBI’s Digital Initiatives PRAVAAH Portal: Retail Direct Mobile App: FinTech Repository: EmTech Repository: -Source: The Hindu
First GPS-Tagged Eurasian Whimbrel Spotted in Chhattisgarh
Context: For the first time, a long-distance migratory bird, the Eurasian or common whimbrel, tagged with a Global Positioning System (GPS) transmitter, was captured on camera in the state of Chhattisgarh. Relevance: GS III: Species in News About the Eurasian Whimbrel Distribution: Habitat: Physical Features: Behavior: Conservation Status: -Source: The Hindu
Overview of Microcephaly
Context: Recently, a study revealed that a gene called SASS6 and its variants have been implicated in a developmental process that causes microcephaly. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Overview of Microcephaly Definition and Detection: Causes: Common causes include: Symptoms: Treatment: -Source: The Hindu
Golden Rice
Context: Recently, a court in the Philippines recently revoked biosafety permits for commercial propagation of genetically modified golden rice and Bt eggplant. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Golden Rice Introduction: Development: Cultivation: Economic and Nutritional Impact: -Source: Down To Earth
Himalayan serow
Context: Recently, a Himalayan serow was spotted in the central part of Nameri National Park and Tiger Reserve. Relevance: GS III: Species in News Dimensions of the Article: Himalayan Serow Physical Description: Species Variants: Dietary Habits: Habitat and Distribution: Conservation Status: Key Facts About Nameri Tiger Reserve Location: Geographical Boundaries: Flora: Fauna: -Source: The Hindu […]
Astronomical Transients
Context: Recently, the Indian-American astronomer Shrinivas Kulkarni was awarded the Shaw Prize for Astronomy in 2024 for his work on the physics of astronomical transients. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Astronomical Transients Definition: Significance: Examples of Transients: Supernovae: Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN): Fast Radio Bursts (FRB): -Source: The Hindu
Oedocladium Sahyadricum
Context: A group of phycologists from the Department of Botany at Catholicate College in Pathanamthitta has discovered a new algal species in the Western Ghats. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Oedocladium sahyadricum: An Overview Introduction: Features: Dioecious and Terrestrial: Appearance: Practical Applications: Medicine and Agriculture: Ecosystem Role: -Source: The Hindu
Overview of INS Kiltan
Context: Indian Naval Ship Kiltan arrived at Muara, Brunei and was accorded a warm welcome by the Royal Brunei Navy. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Overview of INS Kiltan Key Features: Innovative Superstructure: Advanced Weaponry & Sensors: Armaments: