[Newsbits] 12-30.09.2024: PM Vishwakarma Scheme, White Revolution 2.0 & more
The Union Cabinet of India, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the 'Mission Mausam' initiative with a budget of ₹2,000 crore over two years. This program aims to enhance India's weather prediction and atmospheric science capabilities, focusing on climate change and monsoon patterns. The Ministry of Earth Sciences will oversee the initiative, collaborating with key institutions like the India Meteorological Department and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology. Mission Mausam will leverage advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning to improve forecasting accuracy, while also developing systems for extreme weather warnings. The initiative is expected to benefit various sectors, including agriculture, disaster managemen
Summary: The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana has expanded to include all Indians aged 70 and older, providing them with cashless health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh per year. Registration will be available soon through the Ayushman Bharat app or designated counters, using Aadhaar for verification. This initiative aims to improve healthcare access for the elderly, particularly benefiting older women who may lack family support. The government will invest ₹3,437 crore in this expansion, with states contributing 40% of the costs.
Summary: A recent study published in Nature Geoscience reveals that ozone pollution is significantly harming the growth of tropical forests, leading to a loss of nearly 300 million tonnes of carbon annually. This pollution, primarily from vehicle emissions and industrial activities, reduces the forests' ability to absorb carbon dioxide, which is crucial in combating climate change. The study emphasizes the need for stronger measures to improve air quality, which would benefit both tropical forests and global climate efforts.
Summary: The “Rangeen Machhli” mobile app was launched by Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh in Bhubaneswar to support India’s ornamental fisheries sector under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana. The app caters to fish hobbyists, aquarium shop owners, and fish farmers by providing multilingual information, a directory of local aquarium shops, and educational modules on aquarium care. It aims to promote the aquarium hobby, create jobs, and contribute to the economy, and is available for download on the Google Play Store.
Summary: The Southern Birdwing, India's second-largest butterfly, was recently spotted at The American College in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, highlighting changes in butterfly species movements. With a wingspan of 190mm, it was once the largest butterfly in India until surpassed by the Golden Birdwing in 2020. This butterfly prefers habitats near water and feeds on nectar from flowers like Bougainvillea. While classified as a species of "least concern," it plays a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity through pollination. The sighting in September may relate to its migration and search for breeding grounds.
Summary: A recent study by researchers from the University of Kerala revealed significant ecological degradation in Veli-Akkulam Lake, primarily due to the invasion of non-native species over the past 30 years. The study utilized the Ecopath Model to analyze the lake’s ecosystem and found a drastic decline in native species, such as prawns and indigenous cichlids, while invasive species like Nile and Mozambique Tilapia have proliferated. This ecological shift has severely impacted local fishers, reducing their numbers from over 100 in the 1990s to fewer than 20 today. The study emphasizes the urgent need for conservation efforts to restore the lake’s ecosystem and support the livelihoods of those dependent on it.
Summary: Indian Immunologicals Limited (IIL) has partnered with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to develop India's first Zika virus vaccine, signing a Memorandum of Agreement to conduct phase I clinical trials. ICMR will fund these trials, which will take place at four sites across India. IIL is also collaborating with Griffith University in Australia and has completed pre-clinical tests for the vaccine. This initiative is part of IIL's broader efforts to create vaccines for various diseases, including Kyasanur Forest Disease and Chikungunya. The Zika virus, primarily spread by mosquitoes, currently lacks a licensed vaccine, making this development crucial for public health.
The International Conference on Green Hydrogen (ICGH-2024), to be held in November 2024 in New Delhi, represents a significant step in global collaboration on green hydrogen. The conference fosters partnerships, including a key agreement between Chane Terminal (Netherlands) and ACME Cleantech (India) to establish ammonia import terminals. Discussions center on how green hydrogen, produced using renewable energy, can reduce carbon emissions, focusing on challenges such as regulatory frameworks, storage, and renewable energy access. The event highlights the potential for green hydrogen to transform industries, create jobs, and contribute to global decarbonization, involving key international stakeholders and young innovators.
The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Indian Navy conducted a successful flight test of the Vertical Launch Short Range Surface-to-Air Missile (VL-SRSAM) at the Integrated Test Range (ITR) in Chandipur, Odisha, in September 2024. The missile, launched from a land-based vertical launcher, accurately hit a low-altitude aerial target, demonstrating its readiness for deployment in real-world military scenarios. The test focused on improved components like the Proximity Fuse and Seeker, crucial for missile accuracy. This achievement strengthens the Indian Navy’s defense capabilities, enhancing its ability to protect naval assets.
The 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH took place from 13th to 26th September 2024 in Salalah, Oman. Established in 2015, this biennial exercise focuses on enhancing military cooperation, especially in counter-terrorism operations. The Indian Army and Royal Army of Oman participated with 60 personnel each, engaging in joint planning, urban combat, and counter-drone operations. It strengthens diplomatic and defence ties, improves joint operational skills, and enhances maritime security in the Arabian Sea. As India’s oldest ally in the Gulf, Oman continues to be a crucial partner in regional stability through these exercises.
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