Scientists affiliated to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have developed an Indigenous ‘anti-pesticide’ suit called Kisan Kavach.

About Kisan kavach

• Developed by BRIC-inStem, Bangalore, it is designed to protect farmers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure.
• The kit consists of a trouser, pullover, and a face-cover made of ‘oxime fabric’.
  • Oxime fabric can chemically breakdown any of the common pesticides that get sprayed onto cloth or body during spraying operations.

Bilateral naval exercise 'SLINEX' between Sri Lanka and India began under aegis of Eastern Naval Command.

About SLINEX

• It began in 2005 as a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka.
• Participating Vessel: India will be represented by INS Sumitra whereas Shrilankan fleet will be represented by SLNS Sayura.
• Structure of Exercise: It has two phases, sea phase and harbor phase.

Ministry of Textiles encouraging research & development into new natural fibers, including milkweed fiber.

About Milkweed fiber

• It is a unique natural fiber extracted from the seed pods of milkweed plants (Asclepias syriaca L).
  • The plant is native to North America. In India, it is found as a wild plant in Rajasthan, Karnataka & Tamil Nadu.
• Properties: It contains oily material & lignin, a woody plant substance, which makes them too brittle for spinning.
  • Its amphiphilic material that can exhibit both hydrophilic (water absorbing) & hydrophobic (water-repelling/resisting) properties.
• Applications: Used as an absorbent material, water-safety equipment (life jackets & belts) etc. 

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in has set up the country’s first diabetes biobank in Chennai.

• Diabetes is a chronic, metabolic disease in which the pancreas produces little or no insulin by itself.

About Diabetes Biobank

• It is a repository of population-based biological samples. 
• It will gather, process, store and distribute biospecimens to assist scientific studies with the permission of the ICMR.
• The biobank will help scientists study the genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors behind diabetes. 

Israel plans to expand settlements in Golan Heights.

• Israel captured Golan Heights from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War & annexed it in 1981 (not recognized internationally).

About Golan Heights 

• Location: Located in southwestern Syria, Golan Heights is rocky plateau bordering Israel, Lebanon and Jordan.
  • It is bounded by Jordan River & Sea of Galilee (west), Mount Hermon (north), seasonal Wadi Al-Ruqqād (east), Yarmūk River (south). 
• Strategic Importance:
  • Monitoring Syrian movements: Syria’s capital Damascus is only 60 km (visible from Heights) from Golan Heights.
  • Provides a natural buffer against any military advancement from Syria.

A recent study revealed that lower sulphate concentrations in air combined with low temperatures (around -35°C) reduce acidity of particulate matter (PM) particles.

• This reduction in acidity increases production of HMS, a component of PM2.5.

About HMS

• Formation:
  • Typically formed through reaction of formaldehyde and sulphur dioxide in presence of liquid water. 
  • In cold regions these reactions can occur even in aerosol particles.
• Impact: It is a part of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) which can cause air pollution and cause health issues. 
  • Presence of HMS in aerosols contributes to haze formation and deteriorates air quality.

Lok Sabha approves Supplementary Demands for Grants-First Batch for 2024-2025

• The government sought Parliament's approval for additional expenditure of over ₹87,762 crore.

About Supplementary Demand for Grants

• Purpose: These are presented when the initially authorized budgetary allocation for a service is insufficient,
  • or when new expenditure arises for services not contemplated in the original budget.
• Process: President lays a statement before Parliament showing estimated additional expenditure needed. 
  • The demand is then debated and approved by both Houses of Parliament.
• Timing: These are passed before the end of the financial year.

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) develops an advanced version of SARAT.

• It will enhance accuracy and support Indian Search and Rescue (SAR) agencies, like Indian Coast Guard, in sea operations.

About SARAT

• Developed under Make in India in 2016, it aims to facilitate search and rescue operations at sea, locating individuals or vessels in distress quickly.
• This tool is also available as a mobile application for the users.

About INCOIS

• Genesis: Established as an autonomous body in 1999 under Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
• Mandate: To provide best possible ocean information and advisory services to society
• Activities: Provides round-the-clock monitoring and warning services for coastal population on tsunamis, storm surges, high waves, etc.