Environment 

Alstonia scholaris - The Hindu 

Even though Cyclone Dana triggered heavy rain, the city was spared any significant damage. However, it did bring relief to those with allergies and asthma, as the heavy showers led to chhatim trees (Alstonia scholaris) shedding the flowers that have a strong fragrance.

Markhor - The Hindu 

Known for its thick fur, flowing beard and corkscrew horns, Markhor, the largest wild goat in world, is battling for survival in Jammu and Kashmir.

Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park’ set to become India’s first Zoo with IGBC certification - Indian Express 

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister recently announced that the upcoming Durgesh Aranya Zoological Park in the Bankhandi area of Kangra’s Dehra assembly constituency will become India’s first zoo to earn certification from the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) for sustainable and eco-friendly infrastructure.

Sci and Tech 

First ‘black hole triple’ system discovered - Indian Express 

A new study says scientists have discovered a “black hole triple” in space for the first time. 

Black Hole Triple System

• Composition: A central black hole consuming a small nearby star & a second, distant star circling the black hole.
• Discovery: Located 8,000 light years away, it raises questions about black hole formation, as most known black holes are in binary systems.
• Characteristics:
  • Inner star orbits the black hole every 6.5 days.
  • Distant star orbits it every 70,000 years.
  • Located in the constellation Cygnus, featuring V404 Cygni, an ancient black hole nine times the Sun's size.
• Formation: V404 Cygni likely formed through "direct collapse"—collapsing without a supernova, avoiding ejection of surrounding stars.

Magic recipes to create hydrogels from viral protein fragments can improve drug delivery - PIB 

A new way discovered to create hydrogels using tiny protein fragments of just five amino acids from the SARS-CoV-1 virus, could help improve targeted drug delivery & reduce side effects.

Hydrogels

• Composition: Three-dimensional network of hydrophobic polymers, formed by crosslinking water-soluble polymers.
• Properties: Retain large amounts of water without altering structure, providing flexibility and swelling.
• Smart Material: Can adapt structure based on environmental factors like temperature, pH, salt, or water concentration.

Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS)

• Cause: Viral respiratory disease caused by SARS-CoV-1.
• Transmission: Airborne, spreads via saliva droplets or indirectly through contaminated surfaces.
• Symptoms: High fever, chills, headache, and body aches.
• Treatment: No specific established treatment.

Global TB Report 2024 - Indian Express 

The World Health Organization (WHO) released its Global TB Report 2024 recently.

Defence 

Iron Beam: Israel's "New Era" Anti-Missile Defence System - The Hindu 

Israel's 'Iron Beam', designed to use high-power laser to down projectiles, will be operational within a year, according to reports.

Iron Beam/ Magen (Light Shield)

• About: A 100kW High Energy Laser Weapon System (HELWS), developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems.
• Induction: Unveiled in 2014, it has an operational range of up to 7 km.