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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 

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

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

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