Daily News Analysis : 29 June 2024

Pallikaranai Marshland

To protect the deteriorating Pallikaranai marshland, the Tamil Nadu government plans to construct a high-level bridge between Kamatchi Hospital and Thoraipakkam. Despite threats from constructions and encroachments, birds still flock to Pallikaranai marshland. This Ramsar site serves as a crucial flood buffer and supports diverse wildlife. The marshland’s hydrology and biodiversity are influenced by the Bay of Bengal and the North East Monsoon.

Key Points:

A) The Pallikaranai marshland, one of the last natural wetlands in south India, has suffered significant damage, particularly during the previous floods.
B) According to the state wetland mission, this marshland is crucial as it drains an area of 250sq km of south Chennai. 
C) It connects 65 wetlands via Okkiyam Madavu and the Kovalam creek, eventually leading into the Bay of Bengal.
 

Annual Conference of MND at NIMHANS29 JUN 2024

At the ‘Awareness, Care, and Management’ conference held at NIMHANS in Bengaluru, it was highlighted that symptomatic and supportive treatments significantly aid in managing Motor Neuron Diseases (MNDs). MNDs are progressive neurological disorders that destroy motor neurons, leading to muscle weakness, paralysis, and affecting activities like walking and speaking. There is no cure, but supportive care improves the quality of life.

Key Points: 

A) The conference was designed to provide therapists with a deep understanding of the scientific basis of the disease, as well as introduce them to effective strategies for enhancing the quality of life for patients.
B)  Medical professionals engaged with approximately 30 individuals diagnosed with MND and ALS in order to gain a firsthand understanding of their concerns.
 

Scheme for Partial Reimbursement of Exploration Expenses for Holders of Exploration Licences (EL)

The Ministry of Mines has introduced a program to reimburse half of the exploration costs incurred by holders of exploration licences, with a maximum reimbursement limit of ?20 crore. The scheme, funded by the National Mineral Exploration Trust, aims to boost private sector participation in exploring critical minerals. Reimbursements are available in six stages, covering various exploration activities. However, the reimbursed amount must be returned to the trust once mineral production begins.

Key Points:

A) The cap can be raised to Rs 24 crore if the exploration license holder submits a G2 (general exploration) block for auction within three years of obtaining the license, and if the auction is successful, a mining lease will be granted.
B) The incentives for all selected licensees will be provided from the Rs 5,000 crore National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET) fund.
C) The initiative is part of the National Mineral Exploration Policy (NMEP) of 2016, which aims to involve the private sector in mineral exploration by leveraging their expertise, technology, and financial resources. 
 

New Spider Species Steriphopus Wangala

Steriphopus wangala is a recently identified spider species located in the West Garo Hills district of Meghalaya. Named after the Garo community’s Wangala festival, it belongs to the Palp-Footed Spider family known for its robust first legs. The spider is reddish-brown and adds to the region’s biodiversity.

Key Points:

A) With its characteristic reddish-brown colour and powerful front legs, this new spider species was recently discovered by Gautam Kadam, a wildlife biologist and a PhD student at Sacred Heart College, Thevara, in Kochi.
B) In April 2023, he was part of a research expedition that explored the lush green forests of the state, leading to the discovery of three species of jumping spiders.
C) These discoveries were made in remote areas, including South Garo Hills and South West Khasi Hills, renowned for their extensive forest cover.
 

Juno Probe of NASA29 JUN 2024

NASA’s Juno probe has unveiled extensive lava lakes on Jupiter’s moon Io, enhancing our understanding of its volcanic activity. Launched in 2011, Juno’s mission aimed to explore Jupiter’s moons along with the planet itself. Despite completing its primary mission in 2021, Juno continues to explore the Jupiter system, providing valuable insights into celestial phenomena.

Key Points:

A) The findings, published on June 20 in Nature Communications Earth and Environment, include the detection of widespread lava lakes and new details about volcanic processes.
B) Io has fascinated astronomers since its discovery by Galileo Galilei in 1610.
C) In 1979, the first volcanic eruption on Io was unveiled by NASA’s Voyager 1 spacecraft, and subsequent missions have verified that Io is the most active volcanic entity within the solar system.
 

Microwave Obscurant Chaff rocket of DRDO29 JUN 2024

Recently, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) delivered the Medium Range-Microwave Obscurant Chaff Rocket (MR-MOCR) to the Indian Navy in New Delhi. Developed by DRDO’s Defence Laboratory in Jodhpur, this technology uses specialised fibres to create a microwave shield, obscuring radar signals and enhancing defence against radio frequency threats.

Key Points:

A) It obscures radar signals and creates a microwave shield around platforms and assets, and reduced radar detection. 
B) Special type of fibres have been assembled in the medium range chaff rocket. 
C) The rocket forms microwave obscurant cloud in space when fired, spreading over a sufficient area.
 

Bhuvan Panchayat Geoportal

Union Minister of State for Science and Technology recently launched two geo-portals: Bhuvan Panchayat (Ver. 4.0) and National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM Ver. 5.0). Bhuvan Panchayat, developed by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) under ISRO, supports spatial planning up to Gram Panchayat level with geospatial data. NDEM enhances disaster management with a comprehensive national geospatial database and decision support tools.

Key Points:

A) The online geospatial data and services dissemination platform, Bhuvan Panchayat Geoportal (Ver. 4.0), serves as a valuable tool for integrating and utilizing space-based information in governance and research initiatives related to spatial planning at the Gram Panchayat level.
B) National Database for Emergency Management (NDEM) provides comprehensive uniform, structured, multi-scale scale geospatial database for entire country for situational assessment and effective decision-making during disasters/ emergency situations. 
 

Vulnerable Mainland Sorrow Located at Lowest Elevation in Assam

In Raimona National Park, Assam, scientists recorded a lone mainland serow, a vulnerable mammal found at altitudes of 200-3,000 metres. This solitary mammal, resembling a blend of goat and antelope, was sighted at 96 metres above sea level, underscoring its habitat’s conservation significance. This is the first photographic evidence of the species in the park.

Key Points:

A) The mainland serow, a mammal that appears somewhere between a goat and an antelope, has been recorded at the lowest elevation beyond Bhutan, its natural home.
B) It was not the only first for the elusive animal; it was found within a radius of 1 km from a human habitation.
C) The finding with photographic proof was published as a scientific paper in the latest issue of the Journal of Threatened Taxa. 
 

Successful Trial of ABHYAS

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently achieved a milestone with six successful developmental trials of the High-Speed Expendable Aerial Target (HEAT) ‘ABHYAS’ in Chandipur, Odisha. ABHYAS, developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment, is an indigenously developed autonomous target drone, designed to simulate realistic threat scenarios for weapon systems practice and features autonomous flight capabilities, aided by advanced navigation and control systems.

Key Points:

A) The trials were carried out with improved radar cross section, visual and infrared augmentation systems. 
B) During the trials, various mission objectives covering safe release of booster, launcher clearance, and endurance performance were successfully validated.
C) Two consecutive launches were carried out with only a 30-minute interval, showcasing the operational efficiency with minimal logistical requirements.
 

Sumit Nagal to Face Miomir Kecmanovic in Main-Draw Debut at Wimbledon

Sumit Nagal, making his Wimbledon main-draw debut, will face Serbia’s Miomir Kecmanovic. Nagal, the first Indian to appear in the main draw of men’s singles since 2019, shares a draw section with top seed Jannik Sinner. Nagal’s past encounters and his recent successes highlight his promising form entering the tournament.

Key Points:

A) Nagal is set to encounter a formidable opponent in the opening round against the 53rd ranked player in the world, Kecmanovic, posing a significant obstacle for his progression.
B) Kecmanovic emerged victorious in their only previous encounter at the ATP 250 tournament in Cologne, Germany, back in 2017.
C) Should Nagal progress past the initial round, his next opponent will be the winner of the match between Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta, ranked 796th globally, and world No. 26 Tallon Griekspoor from the Netherlands.