Culture 

Government Seeks to Relaunch National Manuscript Mission, Set Up Autonomous Body - The Hindu

Context

The Union Ministry of Culture plans to revive and relaunch the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM), focusing on preserving ancient texts in India. A new autonomous body, likely named the National Manuscripts Authority, will be established under the Ministry.

Society 

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh launches $25 Million Pandemic Fund Project; Aimed at Strengthening Animal Health Security in India - PIB

Context 

Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh launched the "Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response" project. The initiative is supported by a $25 million fund from the G20 Pandemic Fund.

Economy 

Centre doubles Mudra loan ceiling to Rs 20 lakh under new category - The Hindu

Context 

The Indian government has doubled the Mudra loan limit under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) from Rs 10 lakh to Rs 20 lakh. This new loan ceiling falls under the 'Tarun Plus' category aimed at promoting entrepreneurship.

Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

• Launch date: April 8, 2015 
• Aims: To provide easy, collateral-free micro-credit of up to ₹10 lakh to non-corporate, non-farm small and micro-entrepreneurs for income-generating activities.
• Categories of Loans: Under the existing PMMY framework, loans are categorized as:

• Shishu: Up to Rs 50,000
• Kishore: Between Rs 50,000 and Rs 5 lakh
• Tarun: Up to Rs 10 lakh

Launch of the 21st Livestock Census in India - The Hindu

Environment 

Great Indian Bustard - Indian Express 

• About: One of the heaviest flying birds in the world 
• Weight: They weigh between 10-15 kg on average, with males generally heavier than females.
• Current Range: Parts of Rajasthan (State bird of Rajasthan) and Gujarat, with smaller populations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Preferred Habitat: They inhabit dry grasslands, scrublands, and semi-arid regions
• Breeding: It has a low reproductive rate, laying only one egg at a time on bare ground without constructing nests.

• Behavior: They are ground-dwelling birds, known for their shy nature and tendency to avoid areas with human disturbance.
• Threats: Habitat Loss, Collision with power lines, poaching, increased human activity and dogs preying on their eggs and chicks
• Protection Status: 
  • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered 
  • Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): Appendix 1 
  • Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I 
  • Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I

Why ‘Protected’ Areas Are Seeing Faster Biodiversity Decline - Indian Express 

Context

A new study reveals that biodiversity is declining more rapidly within key protected areas compared to unprotected regions. The research suggests that merely designating areas as protected is insufficient for improving biodiversity outcomes.

Study Insights:

• Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII): The researchers analyzed the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII), which estimates the remaining natural biodiversity in regions; Index decreased by 1.88 percentage points globally from 2000 to 2020.
• Results: In critical biodiversity areas (CBAs), which are vital ecosystems like wetlands, biodiversity declined by 2.1 percentage points in protected areas, compared to 1.9 percentage points in unprotected areas.

Causes of Decline:

• Limited Protection Focus: Many protected areas prioritize specific species rather than entire ecosystems, leading to incomplete biodiversity protection.
• Initial Degradation: Some protected areas may have been designated as such due to prior degradation, indicating a need for region-specific assessments.
• Industrial Threats: Oil, gas, and mining concessions pose significant threats; for example, over 65% of the Conkouati-Douli National Park in the Republic of the Congo is impacted by such concessions.
• Climate Crisis: Increased frequency of droughts and wildfires exacerbates the degradation of these areas. For instance, Australia's national parks experienced severe destruction from wildfires in 2019.

Sci and Tech 

IndiaAI at MeitY & Meta collaborates to advance Open-Source AI Innovation, R&D and Skill Development in India - PIB

Context 

IndiaAI and Meta have announced a new collaboration focused on advancing open-source AI, establishing a center for generative AI research, and launching a skill-building initiative in India.

Can a Popular Weight-Loss Drug Reduce Alzheimer’s Risk?- Indian Express 

Context 

A recent study indicates that semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist commonly used for diabetes and weight loss, may help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD).

What are GLP-1 RAs?

• About: GLP-1 RA (Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists) are a class of medications primarily used in the management of type 2 diabetes and, more recently, for weight management.
• Mechanism of Action: GLP-1 RAs mimic the action of the naturally occurring hormone glucagon-like peptide-1. They enhance insulin secretion in response to meals, inhibit glucagon release, slow gastric emptying, and promote satiety (feeling of fullness), which can lead to reduced food intake.

Alzheimer's disease

• Definition: Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, characterized by the degeneration of brain cells leading to cognitive decline and memory loss.
• Prevalence: It primarily affects older adults, with a higher prevalence in individuals aged 65 and older. It is estimated that around 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer's disease.

Defence

Launch of ‘Abhay’ - Seventh ASW Shallow Water Craft (GRSE Project) - PIB

Context 

‘Abhay’, the seventh Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASW SWC) being constructed by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers (GRSE) for the Indian Navy, was launched on October 25, 2024, at L&T, Kattupalli. The ASW SWC ships are built with over 80% indigenous components, emphasizing India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing and Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Background of the Project

• Contract and Scope: A contract was signed in April 2019 between India’s Ministry of Defence (MoD) and GRSE, Kolkata, to construct eight ASW SWC ships.
• Purpose of ASW SWC Ships: These vessels are intended to replace the Abhay-class ASW Corvettes currently in service within the Indian Navy.
• Mission Capabilities: The ships are designed for anti-submarine warfare in coastal waters and are also capable of performing Low Intensity Maritime Operations (LIMO) and Mine Laying Operations.

Technical Specifications

• Length: The ASW SWC vessels are approximately 77 meters in length.
• Speed: Capable of reaching a maximum speed of 25 knots.
• Operational Endurance: Each vessel has an endurance of 1800 nautical miles (NM), enabling them to undertake prolonged missions in coastal waters.