Published on: December 12, 2024

Snippets : 12 DECEMBER 2024

Snippets : 12 DECEMBER 2024

  • American Express, in partnership with Safe Water Network, has launched a three-year initiative called Program Vasundhara to promote environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate resilience in Bengaluru and Gurugram. Key efforts include constructing an 18-million-liter rainwater harvesting structure at Aivarakhandapura Lake in Bengaluru to improve local water availability and providing AI-powered weather insights to help farmers with crop management. In Gurugram, the program focuses on reforestation in the Aravalli region by planting 15,000 trees, restoring 10,000 hectares of land, and implementing solar solutions in public spaces to lower carbon emissions. Additionally, nearly 1,000 women from 85 villages will receive training to launch sustainable agricultural and conservation enterprises. The program emphasizes ecosystem restoration, climate action, community engagement, capacity building, and knowledge-sharing to align with India’s sustainability goals.
  • The Centre will bear an additional cost of ₹425.62 crore in the financial year 2024-25 due to inflation under the Centrally Sponsored PM POSHAN Scheme, which replaced the Mid-Day Meal Scheme in 2021 with a financial outlay of ₹1.31 trillion for 2021-26. Covering 11.7 crore students in Classes 1 to 8 and Balvatika in government and government-aided schools, the scheme provides 100-150 grams of food grains daily and ensures at least 700 calories of nutritional intake. Key features include school nutrition gardens, supplementary nutrition in aspirational districts, Tithi Bhojan for special meals, and Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) to eliminate leakages. Recent adjustments increased material costs to ₹6.19 and ₹9.29 per meal for primary and upper primary students respectively, with revised nutritional provisions such as pulses, vegetables, and oil. States contribute additional resources, while the Centre provides full foodgrain support, including transport and subsidies, ensuring meal costs of ₹11.54 for primary and ₹16.74 for upper primary students.
  • The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) latest surveys highlight declining consumer confidence regarding the general economic situation, employment, income, and spending habits, with the Current Situation Index (CSI) dropping to 94.0 in November 2024, while the Future Expectations Index (FEI) slightly improved to 121.9, reflecting optimism about future income and spending despite concerns over inflation, which saw the median perception rise to 8.4%, alongside revised inflation forecasts for FY2025 due to rising food prices and housing costs; these findings from the Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS) and Inflation Expectations Survey guide monetary and fiscal policy adjustments to address economic challenges.
  • Indian scientists at the Centre for Stem Cell Research (CSCR), Christian Medical College, Vellore, led by Alok Srivastava and funded by the Union Department of Biotechnology, have developed a novel gene therapy for severe haemophilia A, a rare hereditary bleeding disorder, without using adenoviruses. Tested on five patients in Tamil Nadu, the therapy successfully prevented bleeding episodes over 14 months, offering a promising alternative to conventional treatments like frequent Factor VIII injections, monoclonal antibodies, and costly long-term management that can exceed ₹2.54 crore per patient over a decade. Unlike existing FDA-approved gene therapies like Roctavian, which require immune suppression and use adenoviruses, this Indian innovation demonstrates a cost-effective, one-time solution with reduced bleeding incidents, addressing the needs of India’s large patient pool of 40,000–1,00,000 individuals.
  • The BLE Gateway and Node System, developed under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) with a funding of ₹110 crore, aims to revolutionize IoT applications across agriculture, logistics, and smart cities. Key features include connectivity through 4G, Wi-Fi, and LAN; long-range communication up to 1 km (line-of-sight); and the ability to manage over 100 connected BLE nodes. Its weatherproof, compact design and low power consumption make it cost-effective and durable, while wireless connectivity reduces installation costs. Integration with mobile apps, cloud platforms, and various sensors supports remote monitoring, data security through BLE encryption, and scalability. Sector-specific benefits include precision farming, logistics optimization, and smart city applications, with real-time data monitoring and energy-efficient solutions ensuring operational efficiency and security.
  • Researchers from Bengaluru’s Raman Research Institute (RRI) have identified the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) in Hanle, Ladakh, as the most suitable site for space-based quantum communication, outperforming other evaluated locations like Mount Abu, Rajasthan, and ARIES, Nainital. Quantum-Key Distribution (QKD), a secure communication method leveraging quantum mechanics, ensures data protection by exposing eavesdropping through invasive quantum measurements. With applications in banking, defence, and healthcare, QKD operates in the terahertz (THz) range, far surpassing classical communication frequencies. The IAO’s dry, cold environment, low atmospheric pressure, and minimal water vapour result in the least signal loss, making it an optimal location for advancing quantum communication.
  • The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Ltd. (BMRCL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Bagmane Developers Pvt. Ltd. for constructing the DRDO Sports Complex Metro Station as part of the Blue Line (Phase-2A) of Namma Metro. This is the third MoU for the Blue Line, and Bagmane Developers will fund ₹40 crore for naming rights for 20 years. Additionally, for ₹10 crore per station, direct connectivity from the concourse level to Bagmane’s campuses at Seetharamapalya, Bellandur, and ISRO metro stations will be established for 30 years, subject to State government approval. The project, funded through an Innovative Financing Mechanism, has already received a ₹10 crore advance. The 17 km Blue Line, connecting Central Silk Board to K.R. Pura via 13 stations along the Outer Ring Road, aims to provide a sustainable, efficient mobility alternative for Bengaluru’s residents, IT employees, and commuters, reducing traffic congestion and environmental pollution.
  • Mahadevapura zone, as has been trend, has topped the list of eight zones under the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) in property tax collection.
  • Mohammad al- Bashir named Syria’s interim PM
  • The Subaru Telescope recently captured a pair of interacting galaxies designated as NGC 5257 and NGC 5258.
  • A recent study published in the prestigious journal ‘Food Frontiers highlighted that extract from a traditional fermented bamboo shoot variety of Tripura, popularly called ‘Melye-amiley’ has anti-obesity effects.
  • Recently, researchers from the National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) in Odisha, studied a unique triple-star system called GG Tau A.
  • Scientists from the University of Bristol and the UK Atomic Energy Authority have developed the world’s first carbon-14 diamond battery, a groundbreaking innovation combining radioactive decay, synthetic diamonds, and plasma chemistry. This battery uses carbon-14, a radioactive isotope with a half-life of 5,700 years, chosen for its short-range radiation that is easily absorbed by solid materials. Operating similarly to solar panels, it captures fast-moving electrons from within the diamond structure rather than light particles. The applications are extensive: it could revolutionize healthcare by powering devices like pacemakers and hearing aids, eliminating the need for frequent battery replacements. Furthermore, it holds promise for extreme environments, such as space missions and remote terrestrial locations, where traditional battery replacement is impractical, ensuring long-lasting and reliable energy sources.
  • Researchers at IIIT-Delhi have developed AgeXtend, an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered platform designed to discover molecules that could slow down ageing and promote healthier lives.
  • The World Health Organization’s (WHO) latest World Malaria Report (2024) reveals significant progress against malaria in the South East Asia Region, with estimated cases falling by 82.4% from 22.8 million in 2000 to 4 million in 2023. India accounted for about half of all estimated cases in 2023, followed by Indonesia, and together they accounted for about 88% of malaria deaths in the region. Despite this progress, malaria remains a serious global health threat, with an estimated 2.2 billion cases and 12.7 million deaths averted since 2000. As of November 2024, 44 countries and one territory have been certified malaria-free by WHO.
  • The Central Road Research Institute (CRRI), a part of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has collaborated with the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to tackle Bengaluru’s road issues through innovative, eco-friendly methods. On Avenue Road, near Anjani Temple, CRRI conducted a pilot project using Ecofix technology, which repairs potholes with a mix of industrial waste like steel slag aggregates and a customised binder, even in waterlogged conditions without dewatering. Developed by Dr. Satish Pandey of CSIR-CRRI and tested in multiple Indian states, this durable solution is set to be adopted by BBMP during monsoons when hot mix plants are inactive. With India generating 19 million tonnes of steel slag annually, projected to reach 60 million tonnes by 2030, Ecofix not only ensures sustainable road maintenance but also advances eco-friendly waste management practices.
  • Saudi Arabia will host the men’s football World Cup in 2034 while the 2030 edition will be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, with one-off matches in three South American countries, world football’s governing body FIFA