Current Context : The Union Cabinet approved the proposal ‘BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) Policy for Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing’ of the Department of Biotechnology.

WHAT IS BIOE3?

• The BioE3 Policy primarily concentrate on the following strategic sectors: high-value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers & enzymes; smart proteins & functional foods; precision biotherapeutics; climate-resilient agriculture; carbon capture & its utilization; marine and space research.
• It involve supporting innovation-driven R&D and entrepreneurship across various thematic sectors.
• This will expedite the development and commercialization of technology through the establishment of Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundry.
• It will bolster the Government’s initiatives such as ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy & ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ and will guide India towards accelerated ‘Green Growth’ by encouraging ‘Circular Bioeconomy’.

ABOUT HIGH-PERFORMANCE BIOMANUFACTURING

• It involves the production of products ranging from medicine to materials, tackling farming and food challenges, and promoting the manufacturing of bio-based products through the integration of advanced biotechnological processes.

Current Context : The serene Prashar Lake area in Mandi district is confronting trend of gradual landslides, raising alarm among local residents and environmentalists.

ABOUT

• Prashar Lake is a picturesque high-altitude lake of Himachal Pradesh
• Location : Mandi district, Himachal Pradesh
• Type: Glacial lake, formed by glacial activity in the region
• The lake is surrounded by dense pine forests and offers panoramic views of the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas.
• A historic pagoda-style temple dedicated to the sage Prashar, believed to be a revered figure in local folklore, is situated on the banks of the lake. The temple is associated with various local legends and myths.

Current Context : Kerala researchers developed a  cyanide sensor to enhance safety of water and food products.

ABOUT CYANIDE

• It is a potent toxin which is present in various plants, fruits, and microorganisms.
• Cyanide exposure can occur through consumption of certain foods like cassava (tapioca) and even common items like apple and apricot seeds, sprouting potatoes, and almonds.
• Released from natural substances in some foods and certain plants (e.g., fruit pits and seeds).
• The risk is particularly severe in regions where cyanide-rich foods are staples.
• The sensor appears yellow when dissolved but turns colorless when cyanide is detected, providing an easy visual signal.
• Used in manufacturing for paper, textiles, plastics, and in photographic chemicals.
• The World Health Organisation (WHO) has set strict guidelines for its presence in potable water, limiting cyanide concentrations to below 0.19 mg/L due to its lethal effects on humans and aquatic life.

Current Context : Indian and Danish governments have unveiled the Smart Laboratory on Clean Rivers (SLCR) Project.

• Collaboration : The Indian Institute of Technology – Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU), Government of Denmark, and the Department of Water Resources, River Development, and Ganga Rejuvenation, Government of India, have formed an alliance to advance small river management and rejuvenation.
• Funding : The Ministry of Jal Shakti provided the collaboration with an initial funding of Rs 1680 crore, while Denmark provided an extra grant of Rs 5 crore to support project development and long-term sustainability.
• It includes creating a Decision Support System (DSS) for water management that will use hydrological models.
• The 2-3-year project will analyse the water dynamics of the river using hydrological models to create a comprehensive river management plan.

Current Context : The Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the floods that have hit several districts in eastern Bangladesh were not triggered by release of water from Dumbur dam in Tripura.

• The Dumbnur dam is built upon the Gumti river which flows through India and Bangladesh.

ABOUT GUMATI RIVER

• It is a transboundary river rises from a range connecting Longtharai and Atharamura in Tripura.
• Length : From origin to Indo-Bangladesh border is 167.4 km.
• Course: It flows generally in a northwest to southeast direction through Tripura before joining the Meghna River near Daudkandi in Bangladesh.
• Major Fall: Dumbur falls, located near the Dumbur Dam
• Right bank tributaries: Kanchi Gang, Pitra Gang, San Gang, Mailak Chhara and Surma Chhara
• Left bank tributaries: Ek Chhari, Maharani Chhara, Ganga.

ABOUT DUMBUR DAM 

• Located in the Dhalai district of Tripura, India.
• It is a low height dam that generates power that feeds into a grid and from which Bangladesh also draws 40 megawatt power from Tripur
• River : Gumti

Current Context : Similipal Tiger Reserve authorities have decided to grow bamboo grass in the national park, as part of an initiative to provide sufficient fodder for elephants.

• The initiative will not only prevent the entry of elephants to human settlements but also check the man-animal conflict which is a major challenge for the forest department.

ABOUT SIMILIPAL TIGER RESERVE

• It is a prominent wildlife sanctuary located in the Mayurbhanj district of Odisha, India.
• Area: Covers approximately 2,750 square kilometers,
• Declared a Tiger Reserve in 1973 and a National Park in 1980.
• Flora: ncluding tropical moist deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and grasslands. Major tree species include sal, teak, and bamboo.
• Fauna: including the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asian elephant, and various species of deer. Other notable species include the leopard, wild boar, and several bird species such as the crested serpent eagle and the hornbill.
• Similipal is part of the Tiger Conservation Program in India, aimed at protecting the endangered Bengal tiger and its habitat.
• Rivers: Budhabalanga, and the Salandi river.
• Waterfalls: Joranda and Duduma Falls

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has released a book ‘Modi’s Governance Triumph: Reshaping India’s Path to Prosperity’.

• It is written by BJP leader Tarun Chugh
• Book captures the “transformative” changes brought by the Modi government in a host of sectors and regions, including in the poll-bound Jammu and Kashmir.
• It was “inspired” by the prime minister’s decades-long public life which was always “dedicated” to the country

Current Context : The Pragyan rover, launched as part of India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission found crucial evidence bolstering the claim about the lunar surface being made up of magma.

• Pragyan’s landing site on the moon has been named Point Shiv Shakti.
• Pragyan also searched 23 sites around it in order to collect and test soil samples and measure seismic activity and atmospheric conditions.

ABOUT CHANDRAYAAN-3

• Chandrayaan-3 is an Indian lunar exploration mission developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
• Aims to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, focusing on demonstrating the capabilities of lander and rover technology.
• Objective : to analyze the lunar surface composition, study its mineralogy, and look for water ice.
• It consists of a lander and a rover.
• Launched on July 14, 2023.
• Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk III (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark III) also known as LVM-3
• Landing: The successful soft landing occurred on August 23, 2023.
• Landing Site: Near the Moon’s south pole, a region of significant interest due to potential water ice deposits.

PREVIOUS MISSIONS:

• Chandrayaan-1 (2008) : India’s first lunar mission, which discovered water molecules on the Moon.
• Chandrayaan-2 (2019) : Included an orbiter, lander (Vikram), and rover (Pragyan). While the lander failed to achieve a soft landing, the orbiter continues to provide valuable data.

It is celebrated on 26 August every year.

• Aim : to honoring and appreciating dogs for their role as loyal companions, protectors, and service animals.
• This day recognise the number of dogs that need to be rescued each year. Also, the day promotes the adoption of stray animals.

Celebrated on 26 August   

• Aim : to honor and reflect on her life and contributions to humanitarian work.
• Mother Mary Teresa Bojaxhiu, widely known as Mother Teresa, was born on August 26, 1910, in Skopje, Ottoman Empire.
• She served as an inspiration to thousands, encouraging them to extend help to one another and to promote humanity and care.
• Mother Teresa passed away on September 5, 1997, in Kolkata.