Kisan Kavach

Context: An anti-pesticide bodysuit called ‘Kisan Kavach’ has been developed by scientists affiliated to the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

About the ‘Kisan Kavach’

• About:  Kisan Kavach is India’s first indigenous built ‘anti-pesticide’ body suit which intends to protect the farm labourers from ingesting and accumulating the pesticides they spray.
• Developed By: The Kavach is developed by a DBT-affiliated organisation, inStem Bangalore
  • The kisan kavach will be manufactured by Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd.
• Components: The kit consists of a trouser, pullover, and a face-cover
• Fabric: Oxime fabric is chosen for the kit as it can chemically breakdown pesticides on the cloth or body and prevents chemicals from leaching into the skin. 
  • Oximes were integrated into the cellulose of cotton fabric converting it into an activated fabric. 
• Price: The price per kit is ₹4,000. 
• Features: 
  • The kit retained its potency in a wide temperature range, under UV-light exposure 
  • Durability: The kit is washable and reusable and was protective even after 150 washes therefore making it cost efficient.
  • Cutting edge technology: The kit uses nucleophile based fabric technology to deactivate pesticides.

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Search and Rescue Aid Tool – SARAT 2.O

Context: A newer version of INCOIS’s Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT) has been developed to aid the Indian Search and Rescue (SAR) agencies in their operations at sea.

About Search and Rescue Aid Tool (SARAT)

• Developed By: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS), under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES)
• Launched: SARAT was launched in 2016 and has been used extensively by the Coast Guard in its marine search operations. 
  • The tool is developed under the Make in India program.
• Function: SARAT application can simulate the probable search area of a range of objects lost at sea, including humans, when provided with the last known time and location of the lost object. 
• Source of Data: SARAT is based on model currents derived from very high resolution Regional Ocean Modelling System run operationally on high performance computers at INCOIS. 
• Features of SARAT version 2:
  • The position from which the search area expands has now been corrected to be the last known position of the object.
  • Visualizations: The version 2 offers improved visualizations for a better judgement of a probable area of finding the missing object.
  • Easy Identification: It also has features like colour coding of search regions, and a marker for easier identification of the last known position of the object.

National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC)

Context: Recently, an organization named National Urban Co-operative Finance and Development Corporation (NUCFDC) has been established to address the difficulties of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs). 

About NUCFDC 

• It is an Umbrella Organization (UO) for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in India.
• Objectives: It aims to 
  • Address challenges faced by UCBs, 
  • Enhance their operational efficiency, and 
  • Strengthen the cooperative banking sector.
• Nodal Ministry: The Ministry of Cooperation
• Established: March 2, 2024
• It will also act as a Self-Regulatory Organization (SRO) for the sector under the guidelines of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • It will provide comprehensive support to UCBs through fund-based and non-fund-based services. 
  • Examples for fund based services: capital support, investment, and financial support during emergency.
    • Non fund bases services: Payment and settlement services, providing IT services, and offering consultancy services. 

What are cooperative banks?

• These are small financial institutions.
  • Its members are owners and customers. 
• Regulated by: Reserve Bank of India and respective state government. 
• Registered under: The States Cooperative Societies Act.
• Services Provided to :  Rural and low-income populations in the country.

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Milkweed Fiber

Context: The Ministry of Textile extends its R&D efforts into new natural fibres, including milkweed fibre in India.

About Milkweed Fibre

• Milkweed fibers are a sustainable, natural plant fiber also known as vegetable silk. 
• Family: It belongs to the genus Asclepias of the family Asclepiadaceae.
• Native To: They come from the seedpods of milkweed plants, which are native to North America and can grow in a variety of soil conditions. 
• Features:   
  • Composition: They are made up of cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin.
  • Hydrophobicity: Milkweed fibers are water repellent therefore have a hydrophobic surface due to natural waxes.
  • Oil Sorption: Milkweed fibers can absorb more than 100 grams of engine oil per gram of fiber.
  • Density: Milkweed fibers have a lower density than water.
  • Perennial: Milkweed plants are perennial and don’t need to be replanted each year, also they don’t require fertilizers. 
  • Toxicity: The leaves and sap of the milkweed plant are toxic to mammals. 
• Application:
  • Milkweed fibres are used in water-safety equipment as life jackets and belts and will float in water while supporting as much as 30 times its own weight. 
  • Upholstery: Milkweed fibers are lightweight and have good insulation properties. They can be used as upholstery padding and insulation material. 
  • Technical Textiles: Milkweed fibers can be used to make eco-friendly, non-allergenic textiles. 
    • In Thailand, milkweed fibers are used to make fabrics and are called Rux fiber. 
  • Sanitary napkins: Milkweed fibers can be used in sanitary napkins because they retain a lot of liquid and have a vertical wicking property
  • Medical goods: Milkweed fibers can be used to make medical goods because of their ecological and chemical benefits
    • It can be used as biodegradable scaffolds for bone tissue

Tulsi Gowda

Context: Tulsi Gowda, a Padma Shri awardee and renowned environmentalist from Karnataka, passed away at the age of 86 

About Tulsi Gowda

• Birth: Born in 1944 in Honnali village, Ankola taluk in Uttara Kannada district, Karnataka.
• Encyclopedia of forest: Gained recognition as “Encyclopedia of forest”  for her vast knowledge of forests despite lacking formal schooling.
• Notable Contributions: 
  • Played a key role in afforestation, preventing poaching, and mitigating forest fires.
  • Credited with planting over 1 lakh trees, strengthening reserves and sanctuaries across Karnataka. Her efforts safeguarded tiger reserves, conservation areas, and biodiversity.
• Legacy: Revered as the “tree goddess” by the Halakki tribal community.
• Recognition: Honored with the Padma Shri in 2021 for her dedication to environmental conservation.
• PM Narendra Modi called her a “guiding light” whose work will inspire generations to protect the planet.

About Halakki Tribe

• The Halakki Vokkaligas are an ancient tribe (400 years) living near Uttara Kannada’s Western Ghats. They are also referred to as “Aboriginals of Uttara Kannada”.
• The Halakki Vokkaligas resemble the Maasai Mara community in Africa.
• Halakki speak a different dialect of Kannada called Achchagannada.
• Their distinct culture features women adorned with beads and sarongs.Their traditional clothing helps them work the land.
• Their way of living is still ancient and needs amalgamation with the mainstream.
• They farm rice and have their own governance system led by a Gouda.

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Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat

Context: A Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat (Otomops wroughtoni) has been sighted at north Delhi’s Yamuna Biodiversity Park (YBP). Chiropterologists say it is the first record not just for Delhi-NCR but northern India too.

About Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat

• Scientific Name: Otomops wroughtoni.
• Conservation Status: 
  • Listed as “Critically Endangered” on the IUCN Red List.
  • It is listed on Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972.
• Issues faced: Habitat loss and limited known populations.
• Habitat: Primarily found in the Western Ghats near Karnataka and parts of southern India. Has also been found in Meghalaya in northeast India.
  • Globally, it’s also found in Cambodia.
• Known to inhabit caves, cliffs, and high-altitude forests.
• Unique Features:
  • Long tail extending beyond the flight membrane.
  • Echolocation calls adapted for long-range communication.
  • It roosts in caves or dark, damp and little warm places, in moderate colony sizes.
  • It is known to be a powerful flier. 
• The Wroughton’s Free-tailed Bat is a rare species known only from four locations in India and Cambodia. 
• It gives us a sense of understanding that Delhi’s landscape is still home to many rare and uncommon species.

National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions (NCMEI)

Context: The NCMEI celebrated its 20th Foundation Day on Minority Rights Day ( December 18 ) 2024, in New Delhi.

About NCMEI

• Established under the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act, 2004 (effective 2005).
• Aims to safeguard the educational rights of minorities enshrined in Article 30(1) of the Constitution.
• Functions as a quasi-judicial body with the powers of a Civil Court.
• Objectives and Mandate
  • Ensure minority communities can establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
  • Protect and promote minority educational rights through adjudicatory, advisory, and recommendatory roles.
  • Adjudicate disputes related to Minority Status Certificates and No Objection Certificates (NOCs).
  • Address grievances of minority institutions, ensuring constitutional provisions are upheld.
• Powers and Jurisdiction
  • Resolve disputes concerning minority status and affiliated rights.
  • Cancel minority status if found in violation of NCMEI Act provisions.
  • Act as an appellate authority against orders of State/UT authorities.
  • No court (except the Supreme Court and a High Court exercising jurisdiction under articles 226 and 227 of the Constitution) shall entertain any suit, application or other proceedings in respect of any order made by the Commission.

Varmam Therapy

Context: The National Institute of Siddha (NIS), Chennai, achieved a Guinness World Record by conducting the largest session of Varmam Therapy, a traditional healing technique in Siddha medicine. 

What is Varmam Therapy?

• Definition: A traditional Siddha medical practice using vital points (varmam) in the body to regulate energy flow and treat various ailments.
• Applications: Addresses neurological, musculoskeletal disorders, and chronic pain.

Significance of the Achievement

• Promotion of Siddha Medicine: Elevates the visibility of Siddha practices on the international stage.
• Cultural Heritage: Reinforces the importance of preserving and celebrating India’s traditional medical systems.
• Public Awareness: Encourages adoption of Varmam Therapy as a complementary healthcare approach.

About Siddha Medicine

• Originated in Tamil Nadu and is one of the oldest traditional medicine systems in the world.
• Focuses on balance among the body, mind, and environment.

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National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

Context: A high-powered committee led by the Prime Minister met recently to select the next chairperson of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)

• Set up: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) came into existence after India enacted the Protection of Human Rights Act in 1993.
• Selection Committee: The President of India appoints members of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) based on a recommendation of the selection committee, which includes:
  • Prime Minister (Chairman)
  • Speaker of Lok Sabha
  • Union Home Minister
  • Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
  • Leaders of the Opposition in both Houses of the Parliament
• Membership: It consists of a chairperson, five full-time Members, and seven deemed Members.
  • A person who has been the Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court will be a chairman.
  • Two Members: One who is, or has been, a Judge of the Supreme Court of India and one member who is, or has been, the Chief Justice of a High Court.
  • Three Members: One shall be a woman from amongst persons having knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights.
  • Seven Deemed Members: Chairpersons of the National Commission for SC/ST/Minorities/Backward Classes/Women/Protection of Child Rights and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities serve as ex officio members.
• Tenure: They serve for a term of three years or until they attain the age of 70 years, whichever is earlier.
• Removal: The members can be removed by the President.

India top recipient of remittances in 2024: World Bank

Context: India was the topmost recipient of remittances in 2024 with an estimated inflow of $129 billion, a blog post by World Bank.

Key Highlights on Remittances

• India as the Top Recipient: India received the highest remittances globally in 2024, amounting to $129 billion.
  • The other top recipients of remittances were Mexico, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan.
• Growth Rate of Remittances: The growth rate of remittances in 2024 was estimated at 5.8%, which is significantly higher than the 1.2% growth rate registered in 2023.
• Key Drivers
  • Recovery of Job markets: The recovery of job markets in high-income countries, particularly in OECD nations, following the pandemic, played a key role in driving remittances.
  • Migration: Migration pressures, driven by demographic trends, income gaps, and climate change, also contributed to the sustained growth of remittances.
• Remittances vs. FDI: Over the last decade, remittances have increased by 57%, whereas FDI has declined by 41%.

About Remittance

• A remittance is money sent home by workers abroad, members of diaspora communities, or citizens with family ties overseas. 
• This money is used to support household income in the sender’s home country and is a major financial inflow for developing nations.

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