Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Air Force has been selected as the pilot for Axiom Mission 4 (Ax-4), a private astronaut mission to the International Space Station (ISS).

• The mission is scheduled to launch no earlier than April 2025 from Florida.
• Shukla will be the first Indian astronaut to pilot a mission to the ISS, marking a significant milestone in India’s space exploration.
• The Ax-4 mission crew includes veteran astronaut Peggy Whitson, Polish astronaut Sławosz Uznański, and Hungarian astronaut Tibor Kapu.
• Shukla is an experienced test pilot with nearly 2,000 hours of flying time on aircraft like the Su-30 MKI, MiG-21, MiG-29, Jaguar, and Dornier 228.
• He is also one of the four astronaut-designates selected for India’s Gaganyaan mission, the country’s first human spaceflight program.
• The Ax-4 mission aligns with NASA’s goal of transitioning low Earth orbit operations to commercial ventures while focusing on deep space missions like Artemis to the Moon and Mars.

The Gujarat Biodiversity Board has designated a 32.78-hectare area in Guneri village, Lakhpat taluka, Kutch district, as the state’s first Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS).

• Named ‘Inland Mangrove Guneri,’ this site features a unique ecosystem where mangroves thrive on flat terrain without tidal water inflow, an ecological phenomenon rarely seen worldwide.
• This declaration aims to protect the rare non-tidal mangrove ecosystem and represents a significant step in Gujarat’s commitment to biodiversity conservation.

As part of the Navika Sagar Parikrama II mission, Indian Navy officers Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A., aboard the sailing vessel INSV Tarini, successfully navigated through Point Nemo, the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility.

• Point Nemo, also known as the Oceanic Pole of Inaccessibility, is the location in the ocean that is farthest from any landmass.
• It is situated in the South Pacific Ocean, approximately 2,688 kilometers (1,670 miles) from the nearest land.

• The Indian Coast Guard celebrates its Raising Day on February 1st every year.
• It was officially established on February 1, 1977, under the Coast Guard Act, 1978.
• It ensures the security of India’s maritime zones by preventing smuggling, piracy, and illegal activities.
• It conducts search and rescue missions to assist vessels and individuals in distress at sea.
• It enforces maritime laws to prevent pollution and protect marine ecology.

The Union Budget of India is presented annually on February 1st by the Finance Minister.

• It outlines the government’s revenue and expenditure plans for the upcoming financial year.
• Since 2017, the budget is presented on February 1stto allow for implementation before the new financial year starts in April.
• Historically, the budget was presented on the last working day of February, but this was changed for better legislative approval.
• Article 112of the Indian Constitution mandates the presentation of the Union Budget.
• Article 113requires the Finance Minister to present the budget in Parliament.
• Article 114outlines the procedure for presentation and approval of the budget.

The Greater Noida Authority is implementing a conservation project, including a sewage treatment plant to manage wastewater to help protect and conserve the Surajpur wetland.

• Surajpur Wetland is located near Surajpur Village in Dadri Tehsil, Gautam Budh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh.
• It covers 308 hectares of catchment area, with 60 hectares dedicated to the waterbody.
• Classified as an Important Bird Area (IBA)by BirdLife International.
• It supports breeding species like Spot-billed Duck, Lesser-whistling Duck, and wintering species like Bar-headed Goose, Greylag Goose.
• Home to mammals such as Nilgai, Indian Grey Mongoose, and Golden Jackal.

As per Ministry of Education (MoE), PM SHRI Schools witness around 76% rise in student enrolment in five states (Manipur, Tripura, Rajasthan, Meghalaya, and Madhya Pradesh).

• PM SHRI Scheme (Aligned with NEP, 2020) was launched in 2022 by the Ministry of Education, aiming to develop over 14,500 schools.

Duration: 5 years (2022-2027).

Funding:

• 60:40 between Centre and States/UTs with legislature.
• 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States and J&K.
• 100% for UTs without legislature.

Recently, Vayu Sena Medal was awarded to officers for executing Operation Sankalp.

Operation Sankalp was launched by the Indian Navy in December 2023 to safeguard maritime security.

Focuses on the Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Red Sea.

Objectives: Prevent piracy, protect merchant vessels, and secure international shipping lanes.

Achievements:

• Saved 100+ lives through timely interventions.
• Conducted 1,000+ boarding operations for security checks.
• Responded to 18+ maritime incidents.

Pune, Maharashtra, has reported 110 suspected Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) cases, with Campylobacter bacteria detected in some patients.

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to weakness, tingling, and possible paralysis.
• It is often triggered by infections, particularly gastrointestinal or respiratory infections.
• The bacterial infection Campylobacter jejuniis a common cause, typically spread through contaminated food or water.
• Symptoms start with tingling or weaknessin the legs, which may spread to the upper body, leading to difficulty in movement, swallowing, and breathing.
• In severe cases, paralysiscan occur, requiring intensive medical care.
• No cureexists, but plasmapheresis (plasma exchange) and intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy help reduce symptoms.
• Preventive measures include avoiding undercooked poultry, unpasteurized dairy, and contaminated water, and maintaining good hygiene.

Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) organized an international solar conference titled ‘Sun, Space Weather, and Solar-Stellar Connections’ to commemorate the 125th anniversary of Kodaikanal Solar Observatory.

• The Kodaikanal Solar Observatory (KSO), established in 1899, is owned and operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA).
• Located in the Palani range of hills in Tamil Nadu, Kodaikanal was selected for its proximity to the equator and its dust-free, high-altitude environment, ideal for solar observations.
• The observatory was founded to enhance understanding of how the Sun heats Earth’s atmosphere and to study monsoon patterns.