Current Context : Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora has released a report at the 27th meeting on the CITES-listed species traded as Rosewood.

• The report details CITES-listed rosewood species’ characteristics, ecosystem roles, regeneration rates, and threats.
• Such information will help CITES parties make informed non-detriment findings (NDFs).
• NDF is a mandatory scientific analysis under CITES to ensure that exporting a specified quantity of specimens of Appendix I and II -listed species will not affect their long-term survival in the wild.

ABOUT ROSEWOOD

• It is also called as “palisander” encompasses a wide range of tropical hardwoods in the Fabaceae (Leguminosae) family.
• Uses : crafting traditional furniture and musical instruments.
• Rosewood in Appendix II of CITES include: Dalbergia latifolia (Malabar rosewood) and Dalbergia Sissoo (Shisham) are found in India and are listed as Vulnerable and Least Concern (respectively) on IUCN red list.
• African rosewood, native to West African countries, is listed as endangered on IUCN red list.

About CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora)

• An international legally binding agreement between governments to ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
• Establishment : it came into force in
• Members : 184 (including India)

Current Context : PM Modi Lays Foundation For India’s Longest Urban Tunnel Between Borivali And Thane.

• The 8 km long twin tunnel will start from Thane side and end on national highway 8 at Borivali with two operational lanes and one emergency lane.
• It is a project of Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority.
• The new tunnel will shorten the traveling distance from Thane to Borivali by 12 km and commuters will be able to complete their journey in 12 minutes by reducing the travel time by 1 hour.
• Completed by May 2028, will reduce carbon emissions by 1,50,000 MT every year.
• It will provide seamless East-West suburban connectivity and will ease traffic congestion on Ghodbundar Road and the Western Express Highway.

Current Context : Nipah monoclonal antibody MBP1F5 trials may begin in India in 2025.

ABOUT NIPAH VIRUS :

• It is a zoonotic virus.
• it is transmitted from animals to humans.
• It first broke out in Malaysia and Singapore in 1998 and 1999.
• It was first appeared in domestic pigs.
• There is no approved vaccine against the Nipah virus anywhere in the world.
• Mortality rate : 40% to 75%

ABOUT MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES:

• Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules engineered to serve as substitute antibodies that can restore, enhance, modify or mimic the immune system’s attack on cells that aren’t wanted, such as cancer cells.
• Antibodies are parts of body’s immune system which seeks out antigens (foreign materials) and destroy them.

Significance : Diagnostics (e.g., ELISA),  Treating diseases (cancer, infections, autoimmune disorders, etc.) , Analyzing cell types in blood/tissue (with the use of fluorescent tags).

Current Context : The Serum Institute of India (SII) and Oxford University have launched a “high efficacy” malaria vaccine, R21/Matrix-M, in Cote d’Ivoire in West Africa.

• The World Health Organization (WHO) approved the vaccine last year, and this is the first time it has been given to everyone in the country.
• R21/Matrix-M was co-developed by the university and Serum Institute of India (SII) leveraging Novavax’s Matrix-M adjuvant technology.
• R21 is the second malaria vaccine available in Sub-Saharan Africa following RTS,S.

ABOUT MALARIA :

• Malaria is a life-threatening disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite.
• It is transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes.
• It is most common in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, including sub-Saharan Africa, South America and Southeast Asia.
• Syptoms : fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• World Malaria Day is observed on 25th April.
• Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has established ‘Malaria Elimination Research Alliance-India (MERA-India) which is a conglomeration of partners working on malaria control.

Current Context : Recently, NITI Aayog has announced the launch of the ‘NITI GearShift Challenge’ as part of the e-FAST India initiative.

Aim : to foster innovative business models for the adoption of zero-emission trucks in India, addressing the nation’s pressing economic and environmental challenges.

ABOUT E-FAST

• e-FAST India (Electric Freight Accelerator for Sustainable Transport – India) is the country’s first platform to facilitate collaboration between government stakeholders and private sector partner.
• It was launched in September
• Aim : to galvanize the transition towards cleaner and greener freight transportation.
• It is a platform that facilitates deliberation, debates and collaboration between different stakeholders including the government, Original Equipment Manufacturers, Logistics Service Providers, Shippers, and industry experts to enable the development and adoption of electric technology in the freight sector at scale.

NITI GEARSHIFT CHALLENGE

• Launched by NITI Aayog in collaboration with IIM Bangalore, Smart Freight Centre India, CALSTART/Drive to Zero, and WRI India.
• Objective : to foster innovative business models for the adoption of zero-emission trucks (ZETs) in India.

Current Context : Nagaland won the “Best State in Horticulture Award 2024” at the 15th Agriculture Leadership Awards.

• Award was bagged by state for introducing innovative programmes and policies for horticulture development, positively touching the lives of large number of farmers and rural people.

ADDITIONAL FACTS:

• The state has achieved geographical indication (GI) registration of three horticultural crops — Naga Mircha, Naga Tree Tomato and Naga Sweet Cucumber.
• The Department of Horticulture has mobilised the formation of 13 farmers producers companies (FPCs) and so far been able to bring an area of 6,800 ha under organic certification.
• The department has also introduced the concept of ‘Horticulture Model Village’ wherein one crop one village had been adopted in 16 villages across the state.

ABOUT AWARD

• The Agriculture Leadership Awards was instituted in 2008.
• Aim : for recognising excellence and leadership roles played by individuals and organisations towards the development of Indian agriculture and bringing about rural prosperity.
• It is given annually to encourage and recognise the efforts farmers.

Current Context : Chalda Mahasu Devta to reach Himachal for first time.

• Chalda Mahasu Devta, a symbol of divine faith for millions, will cross the Tons from Uttarakhand to reach Gawali Pashmi village, situated in Shillai of Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh for the first time.
• Every 12 years, the Chalda Mahasu Devta moves from Shanthi-Bil in Uttarakhand’s Jaunsar region to Pashi-Bil for annual Barwaansh (a special worship).
• Historically, this journey remained within Uttarakhand. However, for the first time, the deity will reach Himachal Pradesh for a year-long stay.
• After spending a year in Himachal Pradesh, the Chalda Mahasu Devta will return to the Kandoi Bhram and Mashak regions of Uttarakhand.

ABOUT CHALDA MAHASU DEVTA :

• Chalda Mahasu Devta is a revered deity in the hilly regions of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh.

Known as the God of Justice among the communities of Jaunsar and nearby areas, he is one of the four divine brothers collectively called Char Mahasu Devta who are believed to be manifestations of Lord Shiva.

Current Context : Shrikhand Mahadev yatra begins on 14 July from Kullu.

• Shrikhand Mahadev Kailash, also called Shikhar Kailash is one of the toughest pilgrimages in India, is known for Lord Shiva in Hindu Mythology.
• The yatra is counted among the most difficult pilgrimages of North India.
• The journey to pay obeisance at the 72-ft-high lingam of Lord Shiva starts from Jaon in Nirmand sub-division of Kullu.
• Devotees reach the 18,570-ft Shrikhand peak after a 32-km arduous trek, which takes around three to five days.
• The devotees have to cross many glaciers and slippery narrow paths.

Current Context : Himachal Pradesh Agriculture University gives NOC for transfer of 100 acre land for setting up tourism village in Palampur.

• It will help promote tourism in Kangra district and generate employment for the local youth.

ABOUT TOURISM VILLAGE

• The Tourism village will be set up by the Tourism Department with the help of Asian Development Bank (ADB).
• The project is part of CM Sukhvinder Sukhu’s vision to make Kangra tourism capital of the state.
• Internationally-recognised agencies will be hired for giving shape to the concept of the tourism village.

Current Context : NASA’s CHAPEA project,  a year-long simulated Mars mission involved four volunteers of Nasa emerged from their 17,000 sq ft habitat at Johnson Space Centre.

ABOUT

• Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) is a series of analog missions conducted by NASA.
• It will simulate year-long stays on the surface of Mars.
• Objective : to assess and collect data regarding NASA’s food system and understand and counter the physical and mental challenges astronauts will face, which will help during future space missions.
• Each mission will consist of four crew members living in Mars Dune Alpha, an isolated 1,700-square-foot habitat.
  • Mars Dune Alpha is a 3D-printed structure located at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
  • It simulates a realistic Mars habitat to support long-duration, exploration-class space missions.
• The analog mission will be as Mars-realistic as feasible, which may include environmental stressors such as resource limitations, isolation, equipment failure, and significant workloads.
• During the mission, the crew will conduct simulated spacewalks and provide data on a variety of factors, which may include physical and behavioral health and performance.

INDIA’S PLANS FOR A MARS MISSION :

• ISRO is preparing for astronomy missions and exploratory missions to the Sun, Mars and Venus in the next few years.