About Ingenuity Mars Helicopter

• It is a small, autonomous aircraft. that flew to Mars aboard NASA’s Perseverance rover.
• It was sent to Mars to perform experimental flight tests to determine if powered, controlled flight at the Red Planet was possible.
• Ingenuity’s mission is experimental in nature and completely independent of the rover’s science mission.
• Ingenuity was deployed to the surface on April 4, 2021.
• On April 19, it became the first aircraft in history to make a powered, controlled flight on another planet. 
  • It rose to a height of 10 feet, hovered for 30 seconds, and then descended back to the ground.
  • The flight lasted 39.1 seconds. 
  • It managed to fly in Mars’ thin atmosphere, which isn’t conducive for flying.
• It’s piloted by onboard guidance, navigation, and control systems running algorithms.
• Perseverance acts as a relay between the chopper and the earth.

Key Facts about Perseverance Rover

• It is a robotic explorer to land on Mars as part of NASA’s ongoing Mars 2020 Mission.
• Main Job: Seek signs of ancient life and collect samples of rock and regolith (broken rock and soil) for possible return to Earth.
• The rover will collect samples of rock and soil, encase them in tubes, and leave them on the planet's surface to be returned to Earth at a future date.
• Launch: It was launched on July 30, 2020, from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
• Landing: Successfully landed on the surface of Mar's Jezero Crater on February 18, 2021.
• Features:
  • It is about 3 metres long, 2.7 metres wide, and 2.2 metres tall.
  • It is about the size of a car but weighs only about 1,025 kilograms with all instruments on board.
  • Power source: Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (MMRTG). 
• Converts heat from the radioactive decay of plutonium into electricity.

Q1) What is regolith? 

Regolith, a region of loose unconsolidated rock and dust that sits atop a layer of bedrock. On Earth, regolith also includes soil, which is a biologically active medium and a key component in plant growth. Regolith serves as a source of other geologic resources, such as aluminum, iron, clays, diamonds, and rare earth elements.

Source: NASA Re-Establishes Contact With Ingenuity Helicopter On Mars After Outage

About Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) Programme

• It is a subcomponent of National Green Hydrogen Mission.
• Aim: To bolster domestic electrolyser manufacturing and green hydrogen production.
• In the initial stage, two distinct financial incentive mechanisms were proposed with an outlay of ₹ 17,490 crore up to 2029-30:
  • Incentive for manufacturing of electrolysers
  • Incentive for production of green hydrogen.
• Depending on the markets and technology development, specific incentive schemes and programmes will continue to evolve as the Mission progresses.
• Implementing agency: The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) would be the implementing agency responsible for the scheme’s execution.

What is National Green Hydrogen Mission?

• It is implemented by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy with an outlay of ₹ 19,744 crore from FY 2023–24 to FY 2029–30.
• The overarching objective of the Mission is to make India a global hub for the production, usage, and export of Green Hydrogen and its derivatives.
• The expected outcomes of the mission by 2030, are as follows:
  • India’s Green Hydrogen production capacity is likely to reach 5 MMT per annum, contributing to reduction in dependence on the import of fossil fuels. Achievement of Mission targets is expected to reduce a cumulative ₹ 1 lakh crore worth of fossil fuel imports by 2030.
  • This is likely to leverage over ₹8 lakh crore in total investments and create over 6 lakh jobs.
  • Nearly 50 MMT per annum of CO2 emissions are expected to be averted through the production and use of the targeted quantum of Green Hydrogen.
• It has a provision for supporting pilot projects for low-carbon steel, mobility, shipping, and ports.
• The Mission provides allocations for various sub-components of the Mission such as SIGHT, Pilot projects, R&D etc. to fund specific selected projects.
• There is no State-wise allocation made under the Mission.

Key Facts about Green Hydrogen

• Green Hydrogen is produced by the process of electrolysis, where water is split into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity generated from renewable sources like solar, wind, or hydropower.
• This process results in a clean and emission-free fuel that has immense potential to replace fossil fuels and reduce carbon emissions. 

Q1) What is the Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)?

SECI was set up in 2011 to facilitate the implementation of the National Solar Mission (NSM) and to achieve the targets set forth by it. SECI was initially incorporated as a section 25 company (Not-for-profit) under the Companies Act, 1956.

Source: MNRE launches scheme to incentivise production of green hydrogen

About Havisure vaccine

• It is a two-dose vaccine — first dose administered at above 12 months of age and the second at least six months after the first dose.
• The vaccine is recommended for children as part of the routine immunization as well as for individuals at risk of exposure or travel to the regions with high hepatitis A prevalence.
• In addition to this people with occupational risk of infection and suffering from chronic liver diseases also require Hepatitis A vaccination.

Key facts about Hepatitis A

• It is an inflammation of the liver caused by the hepatitis A virus (HAV).
• The virus is primarily spread when an uninfected (and unvaccinated) person ingests food or water that is contaminated with the faeces of an infected person.
• Hepatitis can be an acute (short-term) infection or a chronic (long-term) infection. 
• There are different types of hepatitis, with different causes:
  • Viral hepatitis is the most common type. It is caused by one of several viruses -- hepatitis viruses A, B, C, D, and E.
  • Alcoholic hepatitis is caused by heavy alcohol use.
  • Toxic hepatitis can be caused by certain poisons, chemicals, medicines, or supplements.
  • Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic type in which your body's immune system attacks your liver. The cause is not known, but genetics and your environment may play a role.
• Hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and hepatitis D spread through contact with the blood of someone who has the disease. 
• Hepatitis B and D may also spread through contact with other body fluids. This can happen in many ways, such as sharing drug needles or having unprotected sex.
• Symptoms: Some people with hepatitis do not have symptoms and do not know they are infected.
• Common symptoms include: fever, malaise, loss of appetite, diarrhoea, nausea, abdominal discomfort, dark-coloured urine and jaundice. 
• Treatment: There is no specific treatment for hepatitis A. Recovery from symptoms following infection may be slow and can take several weeks or months.

 Q1) What is a Vaccine?

A preparation that is used to stimulate the body’s immune response against diseases. Vaccines are usually administered through needle injections, but some can be administered by mouth or sprayed into the nose.

Source: India's first indigenously developed Hepatitis A vaccine launched in Hyderabad

About Arogya Maitri cube

• It is a revolutionary mobile hospital equipped with cutting-edge technology.
• This cube is a part of the broader initiative named “Project BHISHM” – Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita and Maitri.
• Features
  • It is tailored to treat up to 200 casualties, emphasizing rapid response and comprehensive care.
  • The Aid Cube is equipped with several innovative tools designed to enhance disaster response and medical support during emergencies.
  • It integrates Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data analytics to facilitate effective coordination, real-time monitoring, and efficient management of medical services in the field.
  • The whole unit contains 72 easily transportable components that can be conveniently carried by hand, cycle, or even drone, providing unmatched flexibility.
  • In the face of mass casualty incidents (MCIs), where requirements range from basic aid to advanced medical and surgical care, the Aid Cube stands out with its ability to be deployed within an astonishing 12 minutes.
  • These cubes are robust, waterproof, and light, designed for various configurations, making them ideal for diverse emergency scenarios.
  • From airdrops to ground transportation, the cube can be rapidly deployed anywhere, ensuring immediate response capability.
  • It has advanced medical equipment, RFID-tagged for efficient repacking and redeployment.
• The state-of-the-art BHISHM software system integrated into a provided tablet allows operators to locate items quickly, monitor their usage and expiry, and ensure readiness for subsequent deployments.

Q1) What is Radio Frequency Identification (RFID)?

It refers to a wireless system comprising two components: tags and readers. The reader is a device that has one or more antennas that emit radio waves and receive signals back from the RFID tag.

Source: Indigenous Mobile Hospital (BHISHM) Deployed in Ayodhya

Recently, the Supreme Court said it will review its April 2021 order to bury underground all power lines in the habitat of the Great Indian Bustard (GIB). This was after the Centre found the order practically impossible to implement over long distances.

About Great Indian Bustard

• It is a bustard found on the Indian subcontinent. 
• Scientific Name: Ardeotis nigriceps
• It is among the heaviest of the flying birds.
• Distribution: The species has a current viable population of 100- 150 individuals in India and mainly survives in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan that holds about 100 individuals.
• Habitat: It inhabits dry grasslands and scrublands.
• Features:
  • It is a large bird with a horizontal body and long, bare legs, giving it an ostrich-like appearance. 
  • The sexes are roughly the same size, with the largest individuals weighing 15 kg (33 pounds). 
  • It can easily be distinguished by its black crown on the forehead, contrasting with the pale neck and head.
  • The body is brownish, and the wings are marked with black, brown, and grey.
  • They breed mostly during the monsoon season, when females lay a single egg on open ground. 
  • Lifespan: 12-15 years
  • These birds are opportunist eaters. Their diet ranges widely depending on the seasonal availability of food. They feed on grass seeds, insects like grasshoppers and beetles, and sometimes even small rodents and reptiles.
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
  • Wildlife (Protection)Act, 1972: Schedule 1
  • CITES: Appendix 1

Supreme Court’s Intervention

• 2021 order of SC
  • The SC in April 2021 ordered that all overhead power transmission lines in core and potential GIB habitats in Rajasthan and Gujarat be made underground.
  • The SC also formed a three-member committee, including Devesh Gadhvi, a member of the bustard specialist group of IUCN, to help power companies comply with the order.
• Review in 2022
  • Again, in November 2022, the court sought reports from chief secretaries of the two states in six weeks on the installation of bird diverters in priority areas.
  • It also asked them to assess the length of transmission lines needed to go underground. 
• March 2024 order of SC
  • In March 2024, the Supreme Court said it would review its April 2021 order to bury underground all power lines in the habitat of the GIB.
  • It also created a seven-member committee that will suggest steps to protect and conserve the GIB, identifying critical areas where power lines may have to go underground.

Arguments of the Centre on the issue of undergrounding all power lines

• The Centre said taking lines of 66 KV and higher voltage underground was not feasible for the evacuation of bulk power.
• This is due to constraints such as transmission losses, maintenance challenges, multiple cable joints, increased time requirements, and concerns of safety.

Why in the news?

• The researchers have named the new genus as 'Dravidoseps', a combination of the Sanskrit words 'Dravid' and ‘Seps'.
• This genus ‘Dravidoseps’ is distinct from the genus ‘Subdoluseps’, as it gives birth to its young—instead of laying eggs.
• All the five newly discovered species are from the state of Tamil Nadu, and have been named as:
  • ‘Dravidoseps gingeeensis’ (from the Gingee Hills),
  • Dravidoseps jawadhuensis’ (Jawadhu Hills),
  • Dravidoseps kalakadensis’ (Kalakad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve),
  • Dravidoseps srivilliputhurensis’ (Srivilliputhur Megamalai Tiger Reserve)
  • ‘Dravidoseps tamilnaduensis’ (Kolli, Pachaimalai and Yercaud Hills).

About Skink

• Skink is the common name for the lizards that comprise the family Scincidae.
• It is typically smooth and shiny with small or rudimentary legs.
• It is a type of reptile that has been around since the time of the dinosaurs.
• They are mostly secretive ground dwellers or burrowers.
• Skinks are highly alert, agile and fast moving and actively forage for a variety of insects and small invertebrates. 
• Habitat: They can be found in a variety of habitats, from deserts to rainforests, and are well-known for their ability to camouflage with their surroundings. 
• Distribution: These are represented throughout most of the world but are especially diverse in Southeast Asia and its associated islands, the deserts of Australia, and the temperate regions of North America.

Q1) What are Reptiles?

Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrates. (Vertebrates have backbones.) They have dry skin covered with scales or bony plates and usually lay soft-shelled eggs.

Source: Researches discover 5 new species of reptiles that give birth to their young ones