Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture Latest News

Parties to the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture recently gathered in Rome for their 20th meeting (CGRFA-20).

About Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

• It was initially established by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in 1983 to address plant genetic resources (PGR).
• It became the primary permanent international forum for governments to discuss, negotiate, and decide on matters specifically relevant to genetic resources for food and agriculture (GRFA). 
• Over time, the mandate of the Commission expanded, and now it deals with all sectors of GRFA – plant, animal, forest, aquatic, and microbial and invertebrate genetic resources, covering the vast scope of biodiversity for food and agriculture. 
• The Commission also considers a number of cross-cutting topics, including food security, nutrition and human health, mitigation of and adaptation to climate change, access to genetic resources and benefit sharing (ABS), and digital sequence information (DSI) on GRFA and biotechnologies for the characterization, sustainable use, and conservation of GRFA. 
• Member: 
  • It has 179 countries as its members.
  • India is also a member of this commission.
• The work of the Commission on Animal Genetic Resources (AnGR) initiated in 1997 resulted in the preparation of the first-ever Report on the State of the World’s AnGR in 2007 and led to the negotiation and adoption of the Global Plan of Action for AnGR (GPA), also in 2007.
• Some of the Commission’s landmark achievements include: the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA).
• It was adopted by the Thirty-First Session of the Conference of the FAO of the United Nations on 3 November 2001. The Treaty aims at:
  • Recognizing the enormous contribution of farmers to the diversity of crops that feed the world.
  • Establishing a global system to provide farmers, plant breeders, and scientists with access to plant genetic materials.
  • Ensuring that recipients share benefits they derive from the use of these genetic materials with the countries where they have originated.

Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture FAQs

Q1. 11. What is the primary role of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture?

Ans. To serve as a permanent forum for governments to discuss and negotiate matters related to genetic resources for food and agriculture.

Q2. When was the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA) initially established?

Ans. 1983

Q3. The International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (ITPGRFA) was adopted in which year?

Ans. 2001

Source: DTE

Euclid Space Telescope Latest News

Galaxies in Different Shapes Captured by Euclid

About the Euclid Space Telescope

• Named After: Euclid of Alexandria, an ancient Greek mathematician known for his contributions to geometry.
• Part of: ESA’s Cosmic Vision Programme, which aims to explore the origin, components, and fundamental laws governing the universe.
• Launch Vehicle: SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
• Operational Lifespan: Minimum 6 years.
• Orbit: 1.5 million km above Earth, at the Lagrange Point 2 (L2), a stable gravitational point in space.
• Size: 4.7 meters tall and 3.7 meters in diameter.
• Image Quality: Four times sharper than ground-based telescopes.

Scientific Objectives

• Investigate why the universe is expanding at an accelerating rate (a phenomenon attributed to dark energy).
• Study the distribution of dark matter by observing how galaxies and cosmic structures have evolved over billions of years.
• Map the large-scale structure of the universe in 3D to understand the effects of gravity and cosmic expansion.

Scientific Instruments

• Visible-Wavelength Camera (VISible Instrument - VIS): It captures high-resolution images of galaxies.
  • Helps detect tiny distortions in galaxy shapes caused by gravitational lensing—a method used to study dark matter.
• Near-Infrared Spectrometer and Photometer (NISP): It measures how fast galaxies are moving apart, providing insight into the influence of dark energy over time.
  • Developed with NASA’s contribution, including sensor-chip electronics and detectors.

Key Observations and Data Release

• The Deep Field South region, observed for one week, contains 26 million galaxies, some over 10.5 billion light-years away.
• The telescope aims to survey 1.5 billion galaxies over its six-year mission, covering a third of the sky.
• The first cosmology data release is scheduled for October 2026.

Comparison with Other Missions

Euclid Space Telescope FAQs

Q1. What is the Euclid Space Telescope?

Ans. The Euclid Space Telescope is a European Space Agency (ESA) mission designed to study dark matter and dark energy by mapping the universe’s large-scale structure.

Q2. When was Euclid launched?

Ans. Euclid was launched on July 1, 2023, aboard a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

Q3. What is Euclid’s primary method of observation?

Ans. Euclid observes galaxies across 10 billion years of cosmic history using visible and near-infrared imaging along with spectroscopic techniques.

Q4. Where is Euclid located in space?

Ans. Euclid operates from the Lagrange Point 2 (L2), approximately 1.5 million km from Earth, providing a stable environment for deep-space observations.

Source: WP

Parker Solar Probe Latest News

Parker Solar Probe: Mission to ‘Touch’ the Sun

Why in the News?

• On March 22, 2025, NASA’s Parker Solar Probe approached the Sun more closely, reaching 6 million km from its surface.
• The probe, launched in 2018, has set the record for being the closest spacecraft to the Sun and will continue making 24 close approaches to study solar activity.

About the Parker Solar Probe

• Launched by NASA on August 12, 2018, from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
• Designed to study the Sun’s corona, solar wind, and magnetic field to understand space weather and its effects on Earth.
• Moves in a highly elliptical orbit, using Venus’ gravity assist to spiral gradually closer to the Sun.
• Speed: The fastest human-made object, reaching 692,000 km/hr.
• Closest approach: It will come as close as 3.83 million miles (6.16 million km) from the Sun’s surface, about 7 times closer than any previous spacecraft.

Key Features of Parker Solar Probe

Scientific Breakthroughs from Parker Solar Probe

• Discovery of "Magnetic Switchbacks": The probe found sudden reversals in the solar wind’s magnetic field, which might help explain how the solar wind accelerates.
• Detection of Dust-Free Zones: Contrary to earlier beliefs, the probe found dust-free pockets near the Sun, altering our understanding of solar system dust distribution.
• First ‘Touch’ of the Sun (2021): In April 2021, the probe entered the Sun’s corona, crossing the Alfvén surface—a boundary beyond which solar wind escapes into space.

Comparison: Parker Solar Probe vs. Aditya-L1 (India’s Solar Mission)

Parker Solar Probe FAQs

Q1. What is the Parker Solar Probe?
Ans. The Parker Solar Probe is a NASA spacecraft launched in 2018 to study the Sun's outer atmosphere (corona) and solar wind. It is the closest spacecraft to the Sun.

Q2. Why is the Parker Solar Probe significant?
Ans. It helps scientists understand solar activity, space weather, and its impact on Earth, satellites, and astronauts.

Q3. What is the mission objective of the Parker Solar Probe?
Ans. The mission aims to study the Sun's corona, solar wind acceleration, and magnetic fields to improve space weather predictions.

Q4. How close will the Parker Solar Probe go to the Sun?
Ans. The probe will travel within 6.16 million km of the Sun's surface, enduring extreme temperatures up to 1,377°C.

Q5. How does the Parker Solar Probe survive extreme heat?
Ans. It has a 4.5-inch-thick carbon-composite heat shield that protects it from the Sun’s intense heat and radiation.

Source: TH

Gold Monetisation Scheme Latest News

The Government of India has discontinued Medium-Term and Long-Term Government Deposits (MLTGD) under the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) from March 26, 2025.

What is the Gold Monetisation Scheme?

• Launched: November 2015, as an improved version of the existing Gold Deposit Scheme (GDS) and Gold Metal Loan (GML) Scheme.
• Allows individuals, institutions, and even government entities to deposit idle gold in banks and earn interest instead of storing it in lockers.
• Depositors can redeem the gold deposit in cash, gold bars, or coins upon maturity, but not in the same form (jewellery, bars, or coins).
• Objective:
  • To mobilize idle gold held by households and institutions.
  • To bring gold into the formal economy and reduce gold imports, thereby helping reduce the Current Account Deficit (CAD).

Types of Gold Deposits under GMS

Other Gold-Related Schemes

• Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB) Scheme: Discontinued recently along with medium- and long-term GMS deposits.
  • Gold bonds were issued in denominations of 5g, 10g, 50g, and 100g.
  • Aimed to reduce demand for physical gold.
• Indian Gold Coin Initiative: Launched alongside GMS and SGB in 2015.
  • First-ever national gold coin with Ashoka Chakra emblem.

Gold Monetisation Scheme FAQs

Q1. What is the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS)?

Ans. The Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) was launched in 2015 by the Government of India to mobilize idle gold lying with households and institutions and put it to productive use.

Q2. Who can deposit gold under this scheme?

Ans. Individuals, HUFs (Hindu Undivided Families), trusts, and institutions like temples and organizations can deposit gold under the scheme.

Q3. Is the interest earned under GMS taxable?

Ans. No, the interest and capital gains are exempt from income tax, wealth tax, and capital gains tax.

Q4. Can the depositor withdraw gold before maturity?

Ans. Premature withdrawal is allowed, but it may attract penalties or reduced interest.

Source: IE

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

Karnataka to Soft-Release Captured Elephants into Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.

About Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary 

• Location: Spread across the Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts of Karnataka. Named after the Bhadra River, which flows through the sanctuary.
• Designation:
  • Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1951.
  • Became a Project Tiger Reserve in 1998.
  • First tiger reserve in India to complete a village relocation program by 2002.
• Size & Terrain:
  • Core area: 500.16 sq. km.
  • Buffer zone: 571.84 sq. km.
  • Hills and valleys include the Mullayanagiri (the highest peak in Karnataka), Baba Budangiri, and Muthodi ranges.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Flora

• Types of Forests:
  • Southern Moist Mixed Deciduous Forests: Dominated by Teak, Terminalia, and Lagerstroemia species.
  • Dry Deciduous Forests: Includes Pterocarpus (Honne), Grewia (Tadasalu), and Bamboo species.
  • Shola Forests: Home to Cinnamon, Mimusops, and Strobilanthes species (Neelakurinji).

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary Fauna

• Mammals: Tigers, leopards, dholes (wild dogs), gaurs, sambar deer, barking deer, elephants.
• Birds: Over 250 species, including Grey Junglefowl, Malabar Parakeet, Hill Myna, Malabar Trogon, and Hornbills.
• Reptiles: King Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Indian Monitor Lizard, and Marsh Crocodiles.
• Butterflies: Yamfly, Baronet, Crimson Rose, Southern Birdwing, and Great Orange Tip.

 How Will the Soft-Release Work?

• Enclosure Setup: A 20 sq. km enclosure will be created using railway barricades.
  • The site is carefully selected based on water availability, forage, road connectivity, and minimal human activity.
• Monitoring Phase: Elephants will be kept in the enclosure for a few months under veterinary supervision.
  • Medical assistance (e.g., medicine darts) will be provided when needed.
  • No human interaction will occur during this period to help elephants readjust to the wild.
• Final Release: Once the elephants adapt, the gate to the forest will be opened, allowing them to join the existing population in Bhadra.

Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1. Where is Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans. Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary is located in Chikkamagaluru and Shivamogga districts of Karnataka, India.

Q2. When was Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary established?

Ans. It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1974 and later upgraded to a Tiger Reserve in 1998 under Project Tiger.

Q3. Which major rivers flow through the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary?

Ans. The Bhadra River, a tributary of the Tunga River, originates within the sanctuary.

Source: TH

Boilers Bill (2024) Latest News

Lok Sabha passes The Boilers Bill, 2024 to replace 100-year-old Act

Background of the Boilers Bill, 2024

• The Boilers Act of 1923 was enacted to regulate the manufacturing, installation, operation, alteration, and repair of steam boilers to ensure safety.
• The Act was last amended in 2007 to allow independent third-party inspections, but further reforms were needed.
• The Boilers Bill, 2024, aligns with the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023, which focuses on decriminalization and ease of doing business (EoDB).
• The Bill is redrafted with modern drafting practices to improve clarity and efficiency.

Key Features of the Boilers Bill, 2024

• Replacement of Boilers Act, 1923: The new Bill repeals the century-old Boilers Act, 1923, aligning regulations with modern safety standards.
• Ease of Doing Business (EoDB): The Bill enhances business operations by decriminalizing 3 out of 7 offences, reducing legal hurdles.
• Categorisation of Offences: 4 major offences (risking life and property): Criminal penalties retained.
  • Other offences: These are converted into fiscal penalties, handled by an executive mechanism instead of courts.
• Modern drafting practices: The Bill is simplified and structured into six chapters, consolidating similar provisions for clarity and accessibility.
• Enhanced safety measures: Ensure worker safety inside boilers. Mandates boiler repairs by qualified and competent persons.
• Redundant provisions: Outdated sections from pre-constitutional times omitted. New definitions and amendments were added for better clarity.
• Jan Vishwas Act, 2023 alignment: Follows the decriminalisation reforms under the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023.
• Central & State Government roles: Clearly define powers and functions of the Central Government, State Governments, and Central Boilers Board to avoid confusion.

About Boilers

• A boiler is a vessel where steam is generated under pressure.
• As of 2024, India has around 40 lakh steam boilers used in industries like power, manufacturing, and chemicals.
• Boilers fall under the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution, meaning both the Centre and States can legislate on them.

Boilers Bill (2024) FAQs

Q1. What is the Boilers Bill, 2024?

Ans. The Boilers Bill, 2024, is legislation introduced to replace the century-old Boilers Act, 1923. It aims to regulate the manufacture, registration, and inspection of boilers to enhance safety and ensure uniformity across India.

Q2. Why was there a need to replace the Boilers Act, 1923?

Ans. The Boilers Act, 1923, had become outdated and did not align with modern industry practices and safety standards. The new bill seeks to modernize boiler regulations, improve safety measures, and facilitate ease of doing business by removing obsolete provisions.

Q3. How does the bill impact the ease of doing business?

Ans. By decriminalizing minor offenses and removing obsolete provisions, the bill reduces the compliance burden on businesses. This fosters a more business-friendly environment and encourages industrial growth.

Q4. What changes does the bill introduce regarding inspections?

Ans. The bill promotes risk-based inspections, allowing for a more streamlined and efficient inspection process. This approach focuses on areas with higher risk, ensuring better safety outcomes. 

Source: PIB

National e-Vidhan Application Latest News

Delhi recently became the 28th legislature to join the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA).

About National e-Vidhan Application

• It is an online platform designed to digitize the legislative processes of all state and union territory assemblies. 
• It is a device-neutral and member-centric application created to equip them to handle diverse House Business smartly by putting entire information regarding member contact details, rules of procedure, list of business, notices, bulletins, bills, starred/unstarred questions and answers, papers laid, committee reports, etc. 
• The app allows all parliamentary members to access all house business information on their phones and tablets, enabling better handling of legislative tasks. 
• The app allows Ministers and Members to manage all the parliamentary work, like access to house proceedings, replies to questions, etc, through the App.
• NeVA helps the government departments to manage operations by creating an inclusive digital department.
• Additionally, NeVA assists the Chair of the House in conducting proceedings smoothly while enabling members to fulfill their responsibilities efficiently.
• It is being hosted by Meghraj National Cloud, ensuring a secure, disaster-proof, reliable functioning for all legislatures.
• The following stakeholders can use the application for different purposes:
  • The members of the Houses across the country
  •  The Ministers of the concerned Government Ministries/Departments
  • The Assembly/HouseSecretariat Staff
  •  The Government department staff
  • The reporters/media
  • The citizens/public at large for accessing information, etc. 
• The following services are provided through NeVA platform to cater to the requirements of the various users:-
  • List of Business 
  • Papers to be Laid 
  • Bills: for Introduction, Consideration & Passing 
  • Committee Reports 
  • Questions and Answers 
  • Bulletins Part: I & II
  • Synopsis of Proceedings
  • Digital Library
  • Notices
  • Members Directory

National e-Vidhan Application FAQs

Q1. What is the primary purpose of the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA)?

Ans. It is an online platform designed to digitize the legislative processes of all state and union territory assemblies. 

Q2. Who are the main stakeholders who can use the NeVA platform?

Ans. Members of Houses, Ministers, Secretariat staff, reporters, and citizens

Q3. Where is the National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) hosted to ensure security and reliability?

Ans. Meghraj National Cloud

Source: PIB

South Island Latest News

A strong 6.7 magnitude earthquake struck off New Zealand's South Island recently.

About South Island

• It is the larger and southernmost of the two principal islands of New Zealand, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.
• It is separated from North Island to the north by Cook Strait and from Stewart Island to the south by Foveaux Strait.
• Mountainous terrain occupies almost three-quarters of South Island, with a central mountain chain, the Southern Alps, trending southwest to northeast and culminating at Mount Cook (3,754 metres).
• The Southern Alps separate the narrow coastal strip of the Westland Plain (west) from the broad Canterbury Plains (east). 
• Fiordland National Park in the southwest is a distinctive area with its numerous coastal fjords (inlets) and high lakes. 
• The park is part of the Te Wāhipounamu (South West New Zealand) area of protected wilderness along the west side of the island that was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1990.
• Lakes: Includes Lake Tekapo, Lake Wakatipu, and Lake Pukaki.
• It has several large urban areas—including Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill.

South Island FAQs

Q1. Where is South Island located?

Ans. It is the larger and southernmost of the two principal islands of New Zealand, in the southwestern Pacific Ocean.

Q2. What are the main cities in South Island?

Ans. Christchurch, Dunedin, and Invercargill

Q3. Which strait separates South Island from North Island?

Ans. Cook Strait

Source: NIE

Lyme Disease Latest News

Scientists have discovered that the enzyme BbLDH is crucial for the survival and infectivity of the Lyme disease bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.

About Lyme Disease

• It is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. 
• The infection can lead to problems with the skin, heart, brain, and joints.
• It’s transmitted (spread) to humans through a tick bite. 
• Transmission: 
  • Not all tick bites cause Lyme disease. Only deer ticks (also called black-legged ticks) can spread the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.
  • It cannot spread between humans, from pets to humans, through air, food, water, or lice, mosquitoes, fleas, and flies also do not transmit it.
• It is prevalent in wooded and grassy areas worldwide, particularly during warmer months. It is most commonly reported in North America, Europe, and some parts of Asia.
• Symptoms:
  • Typical symptoms include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. 
  • If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system.
• Treatment: Treatment with antibiotics usually cures Lyme disease, especially when started early.

Lyme Disease FAQs

Q1. What is Lyme disease caused by?

Ans. It is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi.

Q2. Which ticks carry Lyme disease?

Ans. Lyme disease is primarily transmitted by black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks.

Q3. Is there a vaccine for Lyme disease?

Ans. A vaccine for Lyme disease is not currently available. 

Source: TOI

Water Hyacinth Latest News

A thick blanket of water hyacinth covers the Mula river near Holkar Bridge, raising alarms among residents about the river's deteriorating condition. 

About Water Hyacinth

• It is a free-floating, aquatic plant in the pickerelweed family.
• Scientific Name: Eichhornia crassipes
• It is native to tropical regions of South America and is now present on all continents except Antarctica.
• It is one of the world’s most serious water weeds because of its aggressive, fast-growing nature.
• It can form dense mats that reduce the water quality, change water flows, and increase sediment. 
• It crowds out native aquatic plants and animals, altering ecosystems, destroying habitats, and blocking irrigation systems.
• It has thick, glossy green leaves and lavender to violet flowers with a yellow spot.
• It was introduced to India during the British colonial rule as an ornamental aquatic plant from South America. 

Water Hyacinth Uses

• The plant has been used as a biofertilizer in some organic agriculture practices.
• The plant produces beautiful purple flowers that have high aesthetic value. 
• It is rich in fibrous stems that can be processed into a wide array of handbags, interior decorative material, table mats, baskets, and other products.
• It has been reported that this plant is a good phytoremediation species, suggesting it has the ability to trap and remove toxic metabolites and harmful heavy metals from water. 

Water Hyacinth FAQs

Q1. Why is water hyacinth harmful?

Ans. Water-hyacinth blocks waterways and limits boat traffic, recreation, flood control and wildlife use

Q2. Why is water hyacinth called the Terror of Bengal?

Ans. Water hyacinth is called the "Terror of Bengal" due to its highly invasive nature and the severe environmental and economic problems it causes in the region.

Q3. What is water hyacinth good for?

Ans. The water hyacinth collected can be used to feed animals, or processed to improve the soil, as compost or biochar.

Source: TOI