News in Shorts: 09 June 2025

PWOnlyIAS

June 09, 2025

News in Shorts: 09 June 2025

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.

Tournament 

category

Champions
Singles Men’s Singles: Carlos Alcaraz

Women’s Singles: Coco Gauff

Doubles Men’s Doubles: Marcel Granollers and Horacio Zeballos.

Women’s Doubles: Jasmine Paolini and Sara Errani.

Mixed doubles Mixed Doubles: Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori

 

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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UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
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Quick Revise Now !
UDAAN PRELIMS WALLAH
Comprehensive coverage with a concise format
Integration of PYQ within the booklet
Designed as per recent trends of Prelims questions
हिंदी में भी उपलब्ध

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