Daily News Analysis : 13 July 2024

New species of Deep-water dogfish shark Squalus Hima discovered

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of dogfish shark namely “Squalus Hima”. The species has been discovered from a fishing Harbour in Kerala along the Arabian sea. The new species of dogfish shark is from the family Squalidae, commonly known as Spurdogs. 

Key Points:

A) This new species is described based on 13 specimens collected from the southwest coast of India during the surveys conducted up to 1000 metres along the coastline to understand the diversity of deep-sea sharks.
B) Redescription of sharks in the Indo-Pacific and other regions has revealed many unexplained species historically described by a single name.
C) The research was conducted at the Department of Earth Sciences’ Deep Sea Mission.

Technology Development Fund Scheme

Seven new projects have been sanctioned by DRDO for the private sector under the Technology Development Fund Scheme. The aim is to nurture MSME industries and startups in the defence field. TDF Scheme is a programme of the Ministry of Defence established to promote self reliance in Defence technology as a part of Make in India initiative.  

Key Points:

A) The project involves development of an indigenous toolkit for simulator training of pilots in realistic scenarios. 
B) This will help in full mission planning and large force engagement.  
C) The project has been awarded to start-up, Oxygen 2 Innovation Pvt Ltd, Noida.

Suo Motu cognizance of Dengue exigency

The Karnataka High Court has recently undertaken Suo motu cognizance on the rise of Dengue cases across the state. Dengue is a mosquito Borne viral infection and is transmitted to humans through the bite of Aedes mosquitoes carrying one of four types of Dengue virus (DENV). Dengue fever is more common in tropical and subtropical climates, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. 

Key Points:

A) The court filed a “suo motu” public interest litigation (PIL) based on a letter written to the editor by a reader of an English daily newspaper, which was based on the news of the firing rate appearing in several newspapers.
B) In response to a letter written by Vijaya Kumar HK of Raichur and published in an English daily on July 9, PIL, Chief Justice NV Anjaria and Justice KV Aravind asked the state government to provide details of prevention and treatment to be checked. fire spread.

New way to store, identify and share phages

Researchers at McMaster University have developed a simple new way to store, identify and share phages. The new way has made Bacteriophages more accessible to patients who need them. A Bacteriophage is a type of virus that infects bacteria and they are the most common biological entities in nature. Bacteriophage literally means Bacteria eater as they destroy their host cells. 

Key Points:

A) At the heart of the new system is a new pill-like medium that stores phages without refrigeration and a reagent that glows when the phages respond to the target disease.
B) Using this environment, researchers can load hundreds or thousands of phage samples into a book-back-sized container to be analyzed simultaneously while searching for competition

MeDevIS

An Online platform namely MeDevIS (Medical Devices Information System) was recently introduced by the World Health Organisation (WHO). It is the first global open access clearinghouse for information on medical devices. The platform replaces paper-based literature search and is designed to support governments, regulators and users in their decision making on selection, procurement and use of medical devices for diagnostics, testing and treatment of diseases. 

Key Points:

A) There are more than 10,000 different medical devices used worldwide to prevent, diagnose, treat or cure health problems.
B) Today, major international organizations, regulatory bodies and voluntary organizations create various information freedoms, making it difficult for users to identify and use the most reliable information. 
C) MeDevIS transforms research data across multiple platforms using non-standard device names, which increases complexity

Salvinia Molesta eliminated by an exotic beetle

Ab exotic Beetle Cyrtobagous Salvinia has completely eliminated “Chinese Jhalaar” also known as Salvinia Molesta from Satpura Dam in Madhya Pradesh. The exotic Beetle was released into the 2800 acre reservoir in Betul district and successfully eliminated the weed in 18 months. Salvinia Molesta is a highly detrimental aquatic fern also known as Water Fern and it was first spotted in India in 2018. 

Key Points:

A) JS Mishra, director of the Jabalpur-based Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Directorate of Weed Research (ICAR-DWR), explained that NTPC had previously considered manual removal, which was estimated to cost a staggering Rs 15 crore. 
B) This method was deemed ineffective due to the high possibility of the weed’s resurgence. 
C) Scientists at ICAR-DWR revealed that Cyrtobagus salvinia, a Brazilian bioagent specifically targeting Salvinia molesta, was imported to India after thorough research and with the necessary governmental approvals.

MRA for Organic products implementation between India and Taiwan

A Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) was successfully implemented between India and Taiwan for Organic products. It is the first bilateral agreement for organic products and the implementing agencies are APEDA, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, India and Agriculture and Food Agency, Taiwan. The agreement is in conformity with the National Programme for Organic Production(NPOP). 

Key Points:

A) An agreement between India and Taiwan to facilitate trade in organically-produced goods, including tea and medicinal plants, has come into force from July 8.
B) The Regulatory Agreement (MRA) will facilitate the export of organic products by avoiding two certifications, thereby reducing compliance costs, facilitating legal enforcement by complying with one rule, and increasing business for organic businesses.

Open source tool for Adaptive Optics System of TMT

An Open Source Tool to generate an Infrared star catalogue for Adaptive Optics System (AOS) of the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) was recently developed by Indian Scientists. The tool will help mitigate Atmospheric distortions by creating an all-sky NIR star catalogue, ensuring high quality images from TMT. TMT is an ambitious project of US, India, Canada, China and Japan to explore deeper into space and observe Cosmic objects.

Key Points: 

A) A notable contribution from Indian researchers is the development of an open-source tool that creates an infrared star catalog for the TMT’s Adaptive Optics System (AOS). 
B) This tool is essential for the telescope’s ability to produce sharp and clear images by compensating for atmospheric distortions.
C) Researchers at the IIA in Bengaluru, led by Sarang Shah, have developed an automated code to generate this catalog, allowing the TMT to use Natural Guide Stars (NGS) to correct atmospheric effects and ensure successful operation.

Soumya Swaminathan appointed as Principal Advisor for TB Elimination

Dr Soumya Swaminathan has been recently appointed as the Principal Advisor to the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Soumya Swaminathan served as the Chief Scientist at the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Director General of ICMR previously.

Key Points:

A) She will also assist in the formation of expert groups with top talent globally. 
B) Additionally, she will support the union health ministry, state officials, and development partners in assessing the impact of the programme.
C) Swaminathan is a paediatrician and a globally recognized researcher on tuberculosis and HIV. 

12 year deal between IOC and Saudi Arabia for Video gaming Esports Olympics

The International Olympic Committee signed a deal with Saudi Arabia for video gaming Esports Olympics for the next 12 years. Saudi Arabia is set to host the first ESports Olympics in 2025. The announcement of the commercial deal was made during the two-month Esports world Cup being staged in Riyadh.  

Key Points:

A) The presidential or sponsorship deal between the IOC and Saudi Arabia is the latest addition to the country’s roster of major sports, including hosting the 2034 Men’s Football World Cup, which was approved by FIFA in December.
B) Sports and entertainment events are a key part of the Vision 2030 program driven by Prince Mohammed bin Salman that aims to move the Saudi economy away from dependence on oil and to modernize its society.