Researchers have completed a first draft of atlases of the developing human brain .

• The research is part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health’s BRAIN Initiative Cell Atlas Network (BICAN).

Key-findings of Research 

• Scientists chart how the many types of brain cells emerge and mature from the earliest embryonic and foetal stages until adulthood.
• Findings could  help in  tackling certain brain-related conditions like autism and schizophrenia.

About BICAN

• It is a collaborative effort between neuroscientists, computational biologists and software engineers to create a open-access comprehensive atlas of the human brain.

Recent debates over rejection of nomination papers have renewed calls to reform India’s electoral nomination process under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RPA, 1951).

Key provisions (Sections 33-36, RPA 1951):

• Section 33 - Nomination filing: Candidates submit nomination papers signed by self and proposers (one for party, ten for independents).
• Section 33A - Disclosure: Mandatory declaration of criminal cases, assets, liabilities, and education.
• Section 33B - Limitation: Restricts disclosures beyond Section 33A.
• Section 34 - Security deposit: ₹25,000 (Lok Sabha) or ₹10,000 (Assembly), forfeited if below one-sixth votes.
• Section 35 - Notification: Returning Officer (RO) announces nomination, scrutiny, and withdrawal schedule.
• Section 36 - Scrutiny: RO examines and may reject defective papers.

Recently, volcanic lighting was mentioned in the news.

What is a Volcanic Lightning?

• It is a powerful electrical discharge caused by a volcanic eruption rather than from an ordinary thunderstorm.
• Cause: The primary mechanism is the collision and rubbing of ash particles (near ground) or ice particles (higher up) within the volcanic plume, generating static electricity and building up electric charges.
• Significance: The lightning acts as a natural early warning system of oncoming eruptions.

Google plans to build a large artificial intelligence data centre on Australia’s Christmas Island.

About Christmas Island

• Location: In Indian Ocean, 1500 km North West of Australian mainland.
• Nicknamed the "Galapagos of the Indian Ocean". 
• It is a 135 sq. Km island famous for its annual migration of millions of red crabs, sea birds, whale sharks and spectacular coral reefs. 
• Christmas Island is well positioned to monitor Sunda Strait, Lombok Strait, Malacca Straits.

The Standing committee of the National Board for Wildlife has recommended reinstating Rhesus Macaque under Schedule II of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

• It will restore its statutory protection against illegal capture & cruelty.

About Rhesus Macaque

• Scientific Name: macaca mulatta 
• Native: to mainland Asia.
• These are nonhuman primates that share approximately 93% genetic sequence identity with humans. 
• Diet: omnivores
• Characteristics: They are both arboreal and terrestrial.
• Conservation status:
  • Least Concern (IUCN).

The Centre has extended the deadline for applying for Promotion of Research and Innovation in Pharma & MedTech (PRIP) Scheme.

About PRIP Scheme

• Launched by: the Department of Pharmaceuticals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers.
• Financial outlay: ₹5000 crores
• Aim: Transforming India into a global powerhouse for R&D in the Pharma MedTech sector.
• Features:
  • Component A: Strengthening the research Infrastructure with setting up of Centres of Excellence at National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research (NIPERs).
  • Component B: Promotion of Research and Innovation in the Pharma MedTech sector.