Vithoot Programme

Context: Kerala’s forest department launched an innovative afforestation project called ‘Vithoot’ (Seed Shower) on World Environment Day.

What is ‘Vithoot’?

• It is a community-driven campaign to bring back greenery and improve forest health.
  • A first-of-its-kind aerial seed ball distribution programme in India.
• Objective: Aims to reduce animal-human clashes, improve biodiversity, and restore damaged ecosystems.
• Supported by:  The Kerala Forest Research Institute and participation from students and the public.
• Utilizes drones and helicopters for seed distribution, with support from agencies like the Air Force.
• Potential Benefits of ‘Vithoot’
  • Supports biodiversity and increases forest cover.
  • Provides food resources for wildlife and humans.
  • Encourages participation in forest conservation.
  • Enhances accessibility to non-timber forest products.

French Open 2025

Context: Carlos Alcaraz, a Spanish professional tennis player, won the 2025 French Open against Jannik Sinner (Italian professional tennis player). 

About French Open 

• The French Open is one of the four Grand Slam tournaments in professional tennis, alongside the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open. 
• It is played on clay courts, and is held annually at Roland Garros Stadium in Paris, France.
• Winners receive the Coupe des Mousquetaires (Men’s) & Suzanne Lenglen Cup (Women’s).
• Historical Significance
• • The French Open began in 1891, becoming a Grand Slam in 1925.
  • Rafael Nadal is the most successful men’s player in history at Roland Garros.

What Are Grand Slam Tournaments?

• Grand Slam tournaments are the most prestigious events in tennis, featuring the world’s top players. They include:
  • Australian Open (January) – Played on hard courts in Melbourne.
  • French Open (May-June) – Played on clay courts at Roland Garros.
  • Wimbledon (June-July) – Played on grass courts in London.
  • US Open (August-September) – Played on hard courts in New York.
• Each tournament crowns singles, doubles, and mixed doubles champions.

Amoebic MeningoencepHalitis

Context: The State Public Health Laboratory (PH Lab) in Kerala has developed molecular diagnostic test kits to identify five species of free-living amoeba (FLA) that are toxic to humans.

What are molecular diagnostic tests?

• These are advanced medical tests that detect diseases at genetic, cellular, and molecular level. 
• It analyzes RNA, DNA, proteins, or other biomarkers to identify genetic disorders, cancers, and infections. 
• Often relies on techniques such as Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) and  Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS) to analyse genetic material. 

About Free-Living Amoeba (FLA)

• Free-Living Amoeba (FLA) are single-celled organisms found in natural environments like water, soil, and air. 
• While most are harmless, a few species can cause serious infections in humans.
• There are over 400 species of free-living amoeba found in the environment.
  • Only six species are known to be harmful to humans.
• Transmission: contaminated water, improper contact lens hygiene, and exposed to contaminated environments.
• The PH Lab can identify five dangerous species:
  • Naegleria fowleri – Causes the most fatal infections.
  • Acanthamoeba spp. – Now confirmed in a patient sample.
  • Vermamoeba vermiformis
  • Balamuthia mandrillaris
  • Paravahlkampfia francinae
• These amoebas can cause amoebic meningoencephalitis, it has become more frequent in Kerala.
• About amoebic meningoencephalitis
  • It is a deadly brain infection. 
  • Caused by free-living amoeba species such as Naegleria fowleri, Acanthamoeba spp, and Balamuthia mandrillaris. 
  • Infection may occur due to contaminated water, dust, and a weak immune system.

Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan

Context: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture and Farmer’s welfare, has launched a nationwide massive pre-Kharif campaign named ‘Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan’.

About the Abhiyan

• Objective: To engage farmers, gather feedback, and develop demand-driven, problem-oriented research programs for agricultural development.

About ICAR-Indian Institute of Horticultural Research (ICAR-IIHR)

• Established: On 5th September 1967 by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR).
• Headquarters: Hessaraghatta, Bengaluru
• Status: Premier institute under the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
• Mission: Achieve sustainable horticultural development for livelihood security, economic growth, and nutritional security.
• Key Contributions: 327 varieties/hybrids & 154 technologies developed.

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