[Newsbits] 1-8.10.2024: VSHORADS, National Agriculture Code (NAC) & more

On October 3, 2024, the WHO approved the Alinity m MPXV assay, the first Mpox test to receive Emergency Use Listing (EUL) approval. This real-time PCR test detects the virus’s DNA in skin lesions, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis of Mpox, a viral infection that has seen rising cases globally, especially in Africa and India. With limited testing capacity in some regions, this approval aims to expand access to testing, enabling better management of outbreaks and faster containment of the virus.

The Union Cabinet, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the consolidation of existing agricultural schemes into two main umbrella programs: Pradhan Mantri Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (PM-RKVY) and Krishonnati Yojana (KY). With a combined budget of ₹1,01,321.61 crore, the schemes focus on promoting sustainable agriculture, ensuring food security, and increasing farmers’ income. Key initiatives include the National Mission for Edible Oil-Oil Palm (NMEO-OP), Clean Plant Program, and Digital Agriculture. The restructuring simplifies agricultural management, avoids duplication, and encourages state-specific strategic agricultural planning.

The National Agriculture Code (NAC), developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), aims to create standardized guidelines for improving agricultural practices across India. The NAC will cover areas such as crop selection, land preparation, irrigation, and sustainable farming methods, promoting efficiency and safety. This initiative addresses gaps in agricultural regulation, helping farmers adopt modern technologies like IoT and sustainable practices. Expected to be finalized by 2025, the NAC will be tested on Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF), providing hands-on learning to promote the adoption of these new standards.

The Negro River, part of the Amazon system, hit its lowest recorded level on October 4, 2024, at just 12.66 meters, far below its usual 21 meters. Experts, including Andre Martinelli, predict the river’s levels will continue to drop due to a lack of rainfall, worsening an already severe drought. This drought, the worst in over 122 years, highlights a broader environmental crisis affecting the Amazon Basin. The drought disrupts local livelihoods, particularly in Manaus, where transportation and access to water are compromised. The Negro River, vital for indigenous communities and biodiversity, faces mounting pressures from climate change.

Odisha’s forest survey revealed rare sightings of melanistic leopards, commonly known as black panthers, in three forests. These leopards, a genetic variant of regular leopards with a black coat, benefit from enhanced camouflage in dense forests. Odisha’s leopard population now stands at 696, an increase from previous estimates, though still below the 2018 National Tiger Conservation Authority’s count. The survey employed reliable methods like camera traps and tracking signs, resulting in a lower error margin than earlier estimations. Despite the rise in leopard numbers, poaching remains a significant threat, necessitating focused conservation efforts.