News In Short-08-10-2024

CareEdge assigns BBB+ to India

Syllabus :GS 3/Economy 

In News

CareEdge Global IFSC Ltd assigned a long-term foreign currency (LTFC) rating of CareEdge BBB+ to India.

• The rating reflects India’s resilient post-pandemic recovery and focus on infrastructure investment.

About 

• CareEdge has released its inaugural report on sovereign ratings, covering 39 global economies. 
• With this, CareEdge became the first Indian credit rating agency to enter the global scale ratings space, including sovereign ratings.

 Sovereign credit ratings

• Sovereign credit ratings assess a country’s ability to meet its debt obligations.
  • Favorable ratings can enhance a nation’s access to global capital markets and attract foreign investment.
• Sovereign credit ratings categorize countries as either investment grade or speculative grade.
  •  Speculative grade indicates a higher likelihood of default on borrowings compared to investment grade.

Source: BS

Dry Port

Syllabus: GS3/ Infrastructure

Context

• Telangana is set to introduce dry port facilities to enhance logistics services for its industries.

What is Dry Port?

• A dry port is an inland terminal that is meant to provide connectivity to a sea port by rail or road, thus serving as a trans-shipping hub for sea cargo. 
• An exporter can complete all customs formalities at the dry dock, saving time and cost.
• Example: Navi Mumbai Dry Port, connects to the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT), one of India’s largest ports.

Key Features of Dry Ports

• Customs Clearance: Exporters and importers can complete customs procedures at the dry port, reducing congestion at seaports and avoiding delays.
• Transportation Hub: Dry ports are linked to seaports through robust transportation systems (rail or road), allowing smooth movement of cargo.
• Cost Efficiency: By using dry ports, companies can reduce transportation costs and optimize logistics by storing goods closer to production or consumption areas.
• Decongestion of Seaports: Dry ports reduce the pressure on seaports by handling customs clearance and initial processing inland, thus speeding up operations.

Source: BL

Small Modular Reactors (SMR)

Syllabus: GS3/Energy

Context

• Holtech, an American Company is pitching for fostering a public-private initiative with India to deploy Small Modular Reactors (SMR) based projects.

Small Modular Reactors (SMR)

• These are advanced nuclear reactors that have a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, which is about one-third of the generating capacity of traditional nuclear power reactors. 
• SMRs, which can produce a large amount of low-carbon electricity, are:
  • Small – physically a fraction of the size of a conventional nuclear power reactor.
  • Modular – making it possible for systems and components to be factory-assembled and transported as a unit to a location for installation.
  • Reactors – harnessing nuclear fission to generate heat to produce energy.
• Significance: Advanced SMRs offer many advantages, such as relatively small physical footprints, reduced capital investment, ability to be sited in locations not possible for larger nuclear plants, and provisions for incremental power additions.
  • SMRs also offer distinct safeguards, security and nonproliferation advantages.

Source: IE

New Method to Detect Cancer with Ultrasound

Syllabus: GS3/ Science and Technology

Context

• Scientists have developed a new technique to detect cancers by using ultrasound.

About

• The method, using ultrasound, is used to generate high-energy waves which can break off small fragments of tissue from potentially cancerous areas.
  • These fragments, in the form of droplets, are then released into the bloodstream. 
• These droplets contain biomolecules such as RNA, DNA, and proteins, which serve as biomarkers, molecules specific to cancer.
• Currently cancer is diagnosed by biopsy, where a small tissue sample is extracted using a needle to confirm the presence and type of cancer through In vitro tests.

What is Ultrasound? – Ultrasound is a type of sound wave with a frequency higher than the upper limit of human hearing, typically above 20,000 hertz (20 kHz). – Applications: Ultrasound is commonly used to; 1. Examine the development of a fetus during pregnancy. 2. Diagnose conditions affecting organs like the heart, liver, kidneys, and gallbladder. 3. Monitor blood flow through blood vessels (Doppler ultrasound).

Source: TH

ADITI 2.0 and DISC 12 at DefConnect 4.0 Launched

Syllabus: GS3/ Defence

In News

• Defence Minister Rajnath Singh unveiled two key initiatives: ADITI 2.0 and the 12th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 12) at DefConnect 4.0.

About

• ADITI 2.0: 
  • Features 19 challenges focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI), Quantum Technology, military communication, anti-drone systems, and adaptive camouflage.
  • Winners are eligible for grants up to Rs 25 crore to advance defence critical technologies.
• 12th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenges (DISC 12):
  • Introduces 41 challenges in areas like Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and networking.
  • Includes the Medical Innovations and Research Advancement (MIRA) initiative, targeting medical technology advancements for the Armed Forces.
  • Winners can receive grants up to Rs 1.5 crore.
  • This initiative is designed to support start-ups, MSMEs, and innovators in developing prototypes and commercializing defence products.

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Initiative

• Launched: iDEX was launched in 2018 as part of the Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) under the Ministry of Defence.
• Objective: To create an ecosystem that encourages innovation, research, and development in defence and aerospace technologies. It aims to involve start-ups, MSMEs, and individual innovators in defence modernization efforts.
• Support Provided:
  • Funding: Grants and financial assistance for prototype development and commercialization.
  • Mentorship: Incubation support and guidance from defence experts.
  • Testing and Validation: Facilitating access to defence facilities and labs for testing and validation of developed technologies.

Source: PIB

Red Panda

Syllabus: Species In News

In News

• The Red Panda Conservation Breeding and Augmentation Programme of the Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park (PNHZP), Darjeeling, has been recognized as one of the top three finalists for the 2024 WAZA Conservation & Environmental Sustainability Awards.

About Red Panda (Ailurus fulgens)

• Habitat: Temperate forests of the eastern Himalayas, including India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, and southwestern China.
  • In India, the red panda is primarily found in Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, West Bengal (particularly Singalila National Park), and parts of Meghalaya.
• Physical Characteristics: Slightly larger than a domestic cat, with reddish-brown fur, a long, bushy tail, and a waddling gait due to its short front legs.
  • Primarily feeds on bamboo, though it also consumes fruits, berries, and occasionally small mammals and birds.
• Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN Red List)
• Threats: Habitat loss due to deforestation, agricultural expansion, and human encroachment.
  • Poaching for their fur and as part of illegal pet trade.

Source: PIB

Halari Donkeys

Syllabus: Species In News

In News

• The Halari Donkey, native to the Halar region of Gujarat, is a rare and endangered breed with fewer than 500 individuals remaining.

About Halari Donkeys

• Region: Found mainly in Jamnagar and Dwarka districts of Gujarat’s Saurashtra region.
• Appearance: The Halari donkey is white in color, larger, and more resilient than other donkey breeds, making it well-suited to the semi-arid landscape.
• Uses: Traditionally used in building dams, forts, and temples, the donkeys are known for their impressive ability to carry heavy loads of stone and sand.
• Economic Value: Their milk, known for its sweetness, is in high demand, with milk powder fetching upwards of ₹7,000 per kg in the international market, especially for cosmetic uses.

Source: TH

Indian Wild Asses

Syllabus :GS 3/Species

In News

The Indian Wild Ass population in Gujarat has increased by 26% over the last five years, reaching a total of 7,672.

• The 10th Wild Ass Population Estimation in 2024 surveyed over 15,500 square kilometers.

About Indian Wild Asses

• It is a subspecies of the Asian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus).
• It inhabits open dry deciduous forests.
  •  It is solitary and shy animal, present in low densities across its distribution range. 

• Description :It  is identified by the presence of four horns present only in adult males.
  • It can survive extreme temperatures (45-50 degrees Celsius) in Gujarat’s Wild Ass Sanctuary and can run at speeds of 50 to 70 kilometers per hour.
    • The primary food source is grass growing on desert islands.
• Distribution  :Historically, the species ranged from Southern India to southern Pakistan, Afghanistan, and southeastern Iran.
  • Currently, The majority of the wild ass population resides in six districts of Gujarat:
    • Surendranagar: 2,705
    • Kutch: 1,993
    • Patan: 1,615
    • Banaskantha: 710
    • Morbi: 642
    • Ahmedabad: 7
• Importance : It plays a crucial role in conserving the biodiversity of the area. Its presence helps protect various habitats, benefiting other species like hyenas, wolves, chinkaras, and blackbucks.
• Threats : The harsh climate and dynamic landscape present significant challenges to the survival of the Wild Ass
• Conservation Status: Wild asses, protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act and listed as ” as Near Threatened ” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Source: TH

National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2025

Syllabus : Miscellaneous

In News

• The last date for publishing write-ups on the Anubhav portal is March 31, 2025

About 

• The Anubhav online platform was launched in March 2015 by the Department of Pension & Pensioners’ Welfare to allow eligible retiring and retired government employees to share their work experiences.
• Annual Awards Scheme established in 2015 to encourage submissions
  •  The scheme has seen 10,886 write-ups published, resulting in 59 Anubhav Awards and 19 Jury Certificates awarded across seven ceremonies.

National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2025: 

• This newly notified scheme invites Central Government employees and pensioners to submit their Anubhav write-ups for assessment, with the deadline set for March 31, 2025.
  • Expanded Eligibility: For the first time, employees of Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Public Sector Banks can also participate, enhancing the repository of shared experiences.
    • The submission window for pensioners has been extended from one year to three years post-retirement.
  • Assessment Improvements: A new marking system based on various pay levels has been introduced to streamline the assessment process.
  • Additional Resources: Eligible employees and pensioners can find FAQs, submission guidance, selected write-ups, short films about awardees, and citation booklets on the Anubhav Portal.

Source  :PIB