News In Short 03-1-2025

India Meteorological Department (IMD)

Syllabus :GS 1/Geography

In News

• India Meteorological Department (IMD) will complete 150 years of service on January 15, 2025.

About India Meteorological Department (IMD)

• Established: 1875
• Role: National Meteorological Service of India and principal government agency for meteorology and allied subjects.
• Parent Ministry: Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
• Headquarters: New Delhi.
• Global Role: One of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization.
• Roles and Responsibilities: IMD provides current and forecast meteorological information for weather-sensitive sectors like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, and offshore oil exploration.
  • It issues warnings for severe weather events such as tropical cyclones, dust storms, heavy rains, snow, cold and heat waves that can cause destruction to life and property.
  • It provides essential meteorological data for agriculture, water resource management, industries, and oil exploration.
  • It conducts and promotes research in meteorology and related disciplines.

Major Initiatives of IMD

• National Monsoon Mission (NMM): Improves monsoon forecasts to help agriculture, water management, and disaster planning.
• Mausam App: A mobile app for weather updates, forecasts, and severe weather alerts.
• Doppler Weather Radars (DWR): Tracks storms, rainfall, and wind patterns for accurate weather predictions.
• Agro-Meteorological Advisory Services (AAS): Provides weather-based advice to farmers for better crop planning.
• System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting (SAFAR): Monitors air quality and weather in major cities to guide pollution management.

Source: PIB

Saraswati River

Syllabus: GS1/ Geography

Context

• A continuous water eruption at a borewell drilling site in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, has sparked claims of a subterranean Saraswati River beneath the desert landscape.

About the Saraswati River

• The river is mentioned over 80 times in the Rigveda and is believed to have dried up more than 5,000 years ago due to climatic and tectonic shifts.
• It originated in the Himalayas and flowed through Haryana, Rajasthan, North Gujarat, and Pakistan before reaching the Gulf at the Western Sea, spanning approximately 4,000 km.
• The river had two branches—western and eastern—that joined at Shatrana, 25 km south of Patiala.
  • The western branch, represented by the ancient Satluj, flowed through the channels of the present-day Ghaggar-Patialiwali rivulets. 
  • The eastern branch, supported by the Markanda and Sarsuti rivers, is now known as the Tons-Yamuna rivers.

Source: TOI

Methylcobalamin

Syllabus: GS2/ Health

In News

• The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has provided guidelines for the use of methylcobalamin in food supplements and other products.
  • Banned in 2016, ban lifted in 2021, but formal notification is still pending.

Methylcobalamin

• About: A naturally occurring form of Vitamin B12 found in foods like fish, meat, eggs, and milk.
  • Essential for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production, and nerve function.
• Functions: Helps in cell multiplication, blood formation, and protein synthesis.
  • Supports the nervous system and neurological health.
• Uses: Treats diabetic neuropathy (nerve pain).
  • Manages anemia caused by Vitamin B12 deficiency.
  • Helps in neurological conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
• Why It Matters: Many Indians are deficient in B12 due to vegetarian diets.
  • Methylcobalamin is more bioavailable and effective than other forms of B12.

Source: BL

Norovirus

Syllabus: GS2/ Health

Context

• Recently a surge in the outbreak of Norovirus has been detected in parts of the United States.

About

• Norovirus, often called the stomach flu or stomach bug, is a highly contagious virus causing vomiting and diarrhea.
  • It leads to inflammation in the stomach or intestines, a condition known as acute gastroenteritis.
• First identified in Norwalk, Ohio, during the 1970s, it is a leading cause of foodborne illnesses globally. 
• The norovirus belongs to a family of small RNA viruses called Caliciviridae.
• Transmission: Norovirus spreads rapidly through multiple routes; direct contact, by consumption of contaminated food or liquids & aerosolised particles released by an infected person.
• Symptoms: vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain and nausea.

Source: HT

Open Network for Digital Commerce

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• The Prime Minister highlighted (Open Network for Digital Commerce) ONDC’s contribution in empowering small businesses and revolutionising e-commerce.

What is the ONDC Project?

• It was launched in 2022 by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce.
• Aim: To provide equal opportunities to MSMEs to thrive in digital commerce and democratize e-commerce.
• It promotes open networks for all aspects of exchange of goods and services over digital or electronic networks.
  • Currently, there are partners like Paytm, Meesho, Magicpin, Mystore, Craftsvilla, and Spice Money, which act as online storefronts, allowing users to order food or any other product from a business listed on the ONDC platform.

• How does it work?
  • ONDC is built as a network of independent service providers, including sellers, buyers, logistics providers, and payment gateways, all connected through an open platform.
  • It uses standardized protocols for product catalogs, transactions, logistics, and payments, making it possible for users from different platforms to interact with each other.

Significance of ONDC

• Suitable Platform for small businesses: Small businesses would be able to use any ONDC compatible applications instead of being governed by specific platform centric policies.
  • This will provide multiple options to small businesses to be discoverable over network and conduct business. 
• Inclusivity for e-Commerce:  ONDC is expected to make e-Commerce more inclusive and accessible for consumers.
  • Consumers can potentially discover any seller, product or service, thus increasing freedom of choice for consumers. 
• Growth of startups: By facilitating scalable and cost-effective e-commerce through the open protocol, ONDC will empower startups to grow collaboratively.

Source: PIB

Pig-Butchering Scam

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

In News

• According to the Union Home Ministry’s latest annual report, victims are being manipulated into losing significant sums of money “pig butchering scam” or “investment scam”.

About Pig-Butchering Scam

• The “pig butchering scam” is a type of cyber fraud that involves scammers building a long-term relationship with victims to “fatten them up” emotionally and financially before exploiting them. 
• The name originates from the metaphor of fattening a pig before slaughter. It is believed to have started in China in 2016.
• The scam has led to large-scale money laundering. It has also been linked to cyber slavery, where individuals are forced to participate in scams under duress.

Source: TOI

Project VISTAAR

Syllabus: GS3/ Agriculture

In News

• The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras has partnered with the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare on Project VISTAAR (Virtually Integrated System to Access Agricultural Resources). 

Project VISTAAR

• About: A digital platform developed to transform agricultural extension services by providing farmers with access to critical information and innovative solutions from start-ups in agriculture and allied sectors.
• Key Features:
  • Enhanced Agricultural Extension Services: Offers advisory support on crop production, marketing, value addition, and supply chain management.
  • Integration with Agri-Startups: Incorporates a database of over 12,000 agri-startups, enabling farmers to adopt cutting-edge technologies and solutions.
  • Accessible and Timely Information: Ensures farmers receive timely, contextual, and accurate information to make informed decisions.

Significance 

• Digitalisation will enhance the agricultural extension system’s ability to reach every farmer, ensuring they receive timely and contextual information.
• Farmers can effectively benefit from government schemes and access innovative technologies for improved agricultural practices.
• Strengthens the role of startups in bringing innovation across the agricultural value chain, from production to marketing.

Source: TH

Banana Cultivation

Syllabus :GS 3/Economy 

In News

• India has seen a tenfold increase in banana exports over the past decade, aiming for $1 billion in exports within the next five years.

Banana Cultivation

• About: Bananas are a major horticultural crop.
• Geographical Condition: It evolved in the humid tropical regions of Southeast Asia, with India being one of its centers of origin.
  • Today, bananas are grown in warm tropical regions worldwide, between 30°N and 30°S of the equator. It needed deep, rich loamy soil. 
• Major varieties: Dwarf Cavendish, Robusta, Monthan, Poovan, Nendran, etc. 
• Cultivated areas: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Kerala, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Importance :Bananas are a popular, nutritious fruit rich in carbohydrates, vitamins (especially B vitamins), and minerals like potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. They are easy to digest, fat-free, and cholesterol-free.

Government Support

• Government initiatives, including financial support, modern farming techniques, and improved infrastructure, have helped transform India into a key banana exporter.
• Uttar Pradesh has made banana cultivation a priority under the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative in Kushinagar, with incentives for farmers.

Source: DD News 

Injectable Hydrogel

Syllabus: GS3/ S&T

In News

• Researchers have developed an innovative injectable hydrogel for targeted breast cancer therapy. 

Innovative Injectable Hydrogel for Breast Cancer Therapy

• About: A water-based polymer network designed to release anti-cancer drugs directly and precisely at the tumor site, sparing healthy cells and minimizing systemic side effects.
• Developed By: Researchers at IIT Guwahati and Bose Institute Kolkata.
• Key Features:
  • Precise Drug Delivery: The hydrogel is designed for localized drug delivery directly to breast cancer tumor sites.
  • Composition: Made from ultra-short peptides, which are biodegradable and biocompatible components of proteins. Activated by elevated glutathione (GSH) levels, commonly found in tumor cells.
  • Mechanism: Remains stable at the injection site and releases the drug in a controlled manner.

Benefits Over Traditional Cancer Treatments

• Localized Treatment: Targets only the tumor, reducing side effects.
• Controlled Drug Release: Sustained drug release enhances treatment efficacy.
• Improved Drug Uptake: Maximizes impact on cancer cells.
• Safety: Minimal impact on other organs, improving the safety profile.

Source: TOI

Nano-formulation of Melatonin Solution to Parkinson

Syllabus :GS 3/Science and Tech 

In News

• Researchers have shown that nano-formulated melatonin has improved antioxidative and neuroprotective properties, making it a potential therapeutic solution for  Parkinson’s disease.
  • Melatonin is a neurohormone secreted by the pineal gland in response to darkness. Regulates the sleep-wake cycle and circadian rhythms.

About Parkinson’s Disease

• What It Is: A progressive neurological disorder that affects movement and body balance.
  • Causes slowed movements, tremors, and impaired motor control.
• Causes: Caused by degeneration of nerve cells in the substantia nigra, a brain region controlling movement.
  • Loss of these cells leads to reduced production of dopamine, a neurotransmitter critical for coordinated movement.
• Role of Mitophagy :  Parkinson’s disease-related genes affect “Mitophagy,” a process that removes dysfunctional mitochondria and reduces oxidative stress.
  • Melatonin could induce mitophagy to mitigate PD symptoms.

• Risk Factors: Risk increases with age; average onset is around 60 years. Studies suggest men are more likely to be affected than women.
• Symptoms: Tremors, rigidity, slowed movement, and impaired balance.
• Gradual worsening of motor functions over time.
• Treatment: While there is no cure, treatments (e.g., medications, physical therapy, and sometimes surgery) can help alleviate symptoms.

Source: PIB

IAF’s Modernisation Plan

Syllabus: GS3/Defence

Context

• Recently, China unveiled a series of high technology platforms establishing its technological supremacy, including Defence Modernisation.

About

• China launched two stealth fighter jets, an amphibious naval ship, a scientific research ship for global deep-sea exploration, a supersonic civil jet prototype and a new bullet train dubbed the world’s fastest. 
• This brings focus on the Modernisation plans for the Indian Air Force.

Indian Airforce Modernisation

• The IAF is at 31 fighter squadrons as against the sanctioned strength of 42 squadrons.
  • IAF is awaiting new inductions and with no fifth gen fighter in the line-up for at least a decade.
• India has an ambitious plan lined up for the acquisition of over 500 fighter jets, a bulk of them to be indigenously designed and manufactured.
  • Of these, the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) variants will constitute the bulk. 
• Induction of Advanced Fighters:
  • Dassault Rafale: A multirole fighter with advanced avionics, radar, and weaponry, boosting IAF’s strike capability.
  • Su-30MKI: A versatile, multirole fighter with advanced avionics and weapons systems, enhancing air dominance.
  • MiG-29UPG: Upgraded MiG-29 with enhanced radar, weapons, and engines for better combat performance.
• Indigenous Development: HAL Tejas, a lightweight, multirole supersonic fighter developed indigenously by HAL, replacing older MiG-21s and enhancing self-reliance.
• Upgrades to Older Aircraft:
  • MiG-21 Bison & MiG-27: Modernization programs include avionics, radar, and weapon upgrades to extend their operational life.
• Future Plans:
  • Tejas Mk2: An upgraded version of the Tejas, featuring more power, better avionics, and enhanced capabilities.
  • Fifth-Generation Fighters: Plans for acquiring and developing advanced fighters like the Su-57 and AMCA (Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft).

Source: TH