Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)
While inaugurating DRI’s new headquarters, in New Delhi Union Finance Minister urged it to adopt a holistic and technology-driven approach to tackle smuggling and narcotics trade.
About DRI
- Apex anti-smuggling agency of India, under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, Ministry of Finance.
- Functions: Enforces the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and over fifty other allied Acts including the Arms Act, NDPS Act, COFEPOSA, Wildlife Act, Antiquities Act etc.
- It undertakes collection, collation, analysis and dissemination of intelligence relating to smuggling, carries out investigations, etc.
- Tags :
- Customs Act, 1962
- DRI
Nanozyme
Researchers at Indian Institute of Science (IISc) developed an artificial metal-based nanozyme (vanadium pentoxide (V2O5) to clamp down on abnormal blood clotting caused by conditions like pulmonary thromboembolism (PTE).
- Under normal conditions, an injured blood vessel witnesses the activation of platelets to form clots while under PTE over-activation of platelets occur causing excess blood clots or thrombosis leading to mortality.
About Nanozymes
- They are nanomaterials with intrinsic enzyme-like properties.
- Compared to natural enzymes, they exhibit the unique advantages including high catalytic activity, low cost, high stability, easy mass production, etc.
- Tags :
- Nanozyme
- Nanomaterials
SHUKR Gene
Researchers from CSIR- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), Hyderabad, shed light on the molecular innovations in flowering plants that help explain abominable mystery through newfound gene, called SHUKR (or sperm).
- CCMB is a premier research organization in frontier areas of modern biology.
About SHUKR Gene
- It controls a group of genes called F-box, which help manage proteins involved in developing healthy pollen.
- SHUKR and its F-box genes evolve fast, explaining Darwin’s “abominable mystery” or the sudden rise and success of flowering plants in evolutionary history.
- Tags :
- Abominable Mystery
- SHUKR Gene
- CCMB
Kerch Strait
Recently, Ukraine claimed responsibility for the underwater explosion that damaged the Kerch bridge.
- The 19km Bridge over the Kerch Strait is the direct link between the transport network of Russia and the Crimean peninsula.
About Kerch Strait
- Location: The Kerch Strait connects the Sea of Azov and the Black Sea.
- A strait is a narrow body of water that connects two larger bodies of water.
- Significance: Key route for exports of Russian grain and crude oil, fuel oil, LNG, etc.
- Tags :
- Kerch Strait
- Black Sea
- Sea of Azov
Article 311 (2)
The J&K Lieutenant Governor dismissed three government employees for alleged terror links using powers under Article 311(2) (c).
About Article 311 (2)
- Provides ‘Right to informed inquiry’ before dismissal, removal, or reduction to a lower rank to those employed in
- All India Services or
- in civil capacities or under the Union or a State,
- However, no enquiry is needed if
- Person is convicted of a crime,
- Authority is satisfied that holding an inquiry is not practical (reasons must be recorded in writing).
- President/Governor, is satisfied that, in the interest of the security of the State it is not expedient to hold such inquiry
NOTE: Provisions under Article 311 are enforceable in a court of law
Source
- Tags :
- All India Services
- President
- Governor
- Article 311
International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT)
ICRISAT, in collaboration with the Research and Information System for Developing Countries (RIS), launched the ICRISAT Centre of Excellence for South-South Cooperation.
- ICRISAT also signed an MoU with DAKSHIN (Development and Knowledge Sharing Initiative), which is India’s initiative for strengthening South-South cooperation through capacity building and development partnerships.
About ICRISAT
- Headquarters: Hyderabad, Telangana
- Genesis: Established as a Non-profit research centre under the CGIAR consortium in the 1970s.
- CGIAR (Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research) is a global research group dedicated to achieving food security and sustainable agriculture.
- Purpose: To improve food security in semi-arid regions and support smallholder farmers in drylands.
- Global Footprint: Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, and other dryland regions globally.
- Achievements
- Awarded the Africa Food Prize in 2021.
- Developed the world’s first pigeon pea hybrid
- Tags :
- ICRISAT
- CGIAR
- DAKSHIN
Thermophilic Bacteria
Scientists believed that Thermophilic bacteria from hot springs are untapped sources of powerful antibiotics.
About Thermophilic bacteria
- Definition: Thermophiles are microorganisms that can grow between 40 and 90 °C.
- Reasons for Heat tolerance: They form spores, a dormant, resistant state that helps them survive harsh conditions.
- Applications:
- Bioconversion of xylose to ethanol
- Crude Oil Degradation
- Heavy Metal Recover
- Saccharification of Agricultural Residues
- Hygiene Indicator in Dairy Products
- Breast Cancer Treatment
- Remediation of Textile Dyes
- Tags :
- Bacteria
- Thermophilic Bacteria
Ungulates
Wildlife Institute of India and National Tiger Conservation Authority did India’s first survey of ungulates (hoofed animals).
- Study warns that Ungulates (Hoofed animals) which are key prey species for tigers are declining in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh.
About Ungulates
- Classification: They are primarily herbivorous mammals, including the chital, antelopes, sambar, nilgai, wild pig, barking deer, gaur, and wild boars.
- Habitat: Grasslands, Forests and mountainous regions
- Significance:
- Aid forest and grassland regeneration through seed dispersal.
- Influence nutrient cycling and soil health
- Play key role in sustaining carnivores like tiger, leopard, dhole, hyena, and jackal)
- Threats: Habitat loss, poaching, competition with livestock for grazing, changing rainfall patterns
- Tags :
- Ungulates
- Harbivorous
- Mammals