1.CareEdge Assigns BBB+ Rating to India

In News:
CareEdge Global IFSC Ltd assigned a long-term foreign currency (LTFC) rating of CareEdge BBB+ to India, reflecting India’s strong post-pandemic recovery and focus on infrastructure investment.

About:

• CareEdge published its first report on sovereign ratings, covering 39 global economies.
• It became the first Indian credit rating agency to enter the global scale ratings, including sovereign ratings.

Sovereign Credit Ratings:

• Assess a country’s ability to repay its debt.
• Favorable ratings improve access to global capital and attract foreign investments.
• Ratings are categorized as investment grade (low risk of default) or speculative grade (higher risk of default).

 

 

2.Dry Port

Context:
Telangana is set to introduce dry port facilities to boost logistics for industries.

What is a Dry Port?

• A dry port is an inland terminal that connects to a seaport via rail or road, serving as a trans-shipping hub for sea cargo.
• Customs formalities can be completed at the dry port, saving time and cost.

Key Features:

1. Customs Clearance: Allows for completing customs procedures inland, reducing delays at seaports.
2. Transportation Hub: Linked to seaports via road/rail for smooth cargo movement.
3. Cost Efficiency: Reduces transportation costs and stores goods closer to industries.
4. Decongestion of Seaports: Reduces pressure on seaports by handling initial processing inland.

 

 

3.Small Modular Reactors (SMR)

Context:
Holtech, a U.S.-based company, is pushing for a public-private partnership with India to deploy Small Modular Reactors (SMRs).

What are SMRs?

• Small Modular Reactors are advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW(e), about one-third of the size of traditional nuclear reactors.

Significance of SMRs:

• Small: Physically much smaller than traditional reactors.
• Modular: Components can be factory-assembled and easily transported.
• Reactors: Utilize nuclear fission to generate heat and produce energy.

Advantages:

• Small physical footprint.
• Reduced capital investment.
• Can be sited in areas where larger plants can’t be.
• Allow incremental power additions.
• Enhanced security and nonproliferation measures.

 

 

4.New Method to Detect Cancer with Ultrasound

• Scientists have developed a new technique to detect cancers using ultrasound.
• Method: Ultrasound generates high-energy waves that break off small tissue fragments from potentially cancerous areas.
• Fragments are released into the bloodstream as droplets, containing biomolecules (RNA, DNA, proteins) that serve as biomarkers specific to cancer.
• Current diagnosis method: Biopsy, where a small tissue sample is extracted using a needle to confirm cancer presence and type through in vitro tests.

What is Ultrasound?

• Type of sound wave with frequency higher than human hearing limit (above 20,000 Hz or 20 kHz).
• Applications:

• Examine fetal development during pregnancy.
• Diagnose conditions affecting organs like heart, liver, kidneys, and gallbladder.
• Monitor blood flow through blood vessels (Doppler ultrasound).

 

 

5.ADITI 2.0 and DISC 12 Launched at DefConnect 4.0

• ADITI 2.0:
  • 19 challenges focused on AI, Quantum Technology, military communication, anti-drone systems, and adaptive camouflage.
  • Winners eligible for grants up to Rs 25 crore.
• DISC 12:
  • 41 challenges in areas like UAVs and networking.
  • Includes MIRA initiative for medical technology advancements.
  • Winners can receive grants up to Rs 1.5 crore.
• Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) Initiative:
  • Launched in 2018 under DIO.
  • Aims to create an ecosystem for innovation in defense and aerospace technologies.
  • Provides funding, mentorship, and testing facilities to start-ups, MSMEs, and innovators.

 

 

 

6.Red Panda

• News: Red Panda Conservation Breeding and Augmentation Programme shortlisted for WAZA Conservation Award.
• Habitat: Eastern Himalayas (India, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar, China).
• Description: Slightly larger than a cat, reddish-brown fur, long bushy tail, waddling gait.
• Diet: Primarily bamboo, fruits, berries, occasionally small mammals/birds.
• Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN Red List).
• Threats: Habitat loss (deforestation), poaching (fur, illegal pet trade).

 

 

7.Halari Donkey

• News: Rare and endangered breed with fewer than 500 individuals remaining.
• Region: Found in Gujarat’s Saurashtra region (Jamnagar, Dwarka districts).
• Appearance: White color, larger and more resilient than other donkey breeds.
• Uses: Traditionally used in construction (dams, forts, temples), carrying heavy loads.
• Economic Value: Milk known for sweetness, high demand in international market (milk powder) – especially for cosmetics.

 

 

8.Indian Wild Ass

• News: Population increased by 26% in the last five years (7,672 individuals).
• Species: Subspecies of the Asian Wild Ass (Equus hemionus).
• Habitat: Open dry deciduous forests (solitary, shy animal).
• Description: Four horns (adult males only), survives extreme temperatures, runs at 50-70 km/hr.
  • Diet: Primarily grass growing on desert islands.
• Distribution: Historically – Southern India to Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iran.
  • Currently – Six districts of Gujarat (Surendranagar, Kutch, Patan, Banaskantha, Morbi, Ahmedabad).
• Importance: Plays a crucial role in conserving area’s biodiversity (benefits other species).
• Threats: Harsh climate, dynamic landscape.
• Conservation Status: Schedule I (Wildlife Protection Act), Near Threatened (IUCN).