News In Shorts: 19 September 2024

Earth’s Mini-Moon: Asteroid 2024 PT5

What is 2024 PT5?

• It is a small asteroid that temporarily orbits earth. 
• Known as: Mini-moon
  • Asteroids that change their path due to Earth’s gravity and temporarily orbit Earth are known as ‘mini-moons’.
• Key details
  • Detection: Found by Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS) on August 7, 2024
  • Origin: Likely originated from the Arjuna asteroid belt
    • This belt contains space rocks that orbit the sun near Earth.
  • Future Returns: Expected to come back in January 2025 and 2055
  • Significance of Observing 2024 PT5: 
    • Provides valuable data on the behaviour and paths of near-Earth asteroids.
    • Aids in predicting future encounters and potential impacts with Earth.

About Asteroid

• Asteroids are small, rocky or metal objects that orbit the Sun. 
• They are not planets or comets.
• Types:
  • C-type (Carbonaceous): Made mostly of carbon.
  • M-type (Metallic): Made mostly of metal.
  • S-type (Silicaceous): Made mostly of silicate minerals.
• Size: Asteroids vary in size. They can be tiny, rubble-like pieces or large bodies like Ceres, which is nearly 1000 km across.
• Asteroid Classification
• • Temporary Captures: Referred to as “temporarily captured flybys” if they don’t complete a full orbit.
  • Temporary Orbiters: Asteroids that complete a full orbit are called “temporarily captured orbiters.”

Bio-RIDE scheme

About Bio-RIDE Scheme (Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development):

• Aim: To accelerate research, enhance product development, and bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications. 
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Science & Technology
• Objective
  • Strengthen India’s position as a global leader in biomanufacturing and biotechnology.
  • Make India a US$300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.

Components of the Bio-RIDE Scheme

1. Biotechnology Research and Development (R&D)
   • Focus on:
     • Human resource development.
     • Bioinformatics and biotech facilities.
     • Establishment of Centres of Excellence.
2. Industrial and Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED)
   • Focus on:
     • Public-Private Partnership (PPP) programmes.
     • Development of bio-clusters and biotech parks.
3. Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry
   • New component aligned with the Lifestyle for the Environment (LiFE) initiative.
   • Aim: Promote circular bioeconomy through sustainable biomanufacturing.
   • Key areas:
     • Indigenous biomanufacturing solutions.
     • Healthcare, agriculture productivity, bioeconomy growth.
     • Skill development and entrepreneurial momentum.

Funding and Duration

• Outlay: ₹ 9,197 crore during the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26).

Implementation of Scheme will: 

• Promote Bio-Entrepreneurship: Seed funding, incubation, mentorship for startups.
• Advance Innovation: Grants and incentives for R&D in synthetic biology, biopharmaceuticals, bioenergy, and bioplastics.
• Facilitate Industry-Academia Collaboration: Creating synergies to accelerate commercialization of bio-based products.
• Encourage Sustainable Biomanufacturing: Promote environmentally sustainable practices in alignment with India’s green goals.
• Nurturing Human Resource in Biotechnology sector: Capacity building and skilling for students, researchers, and scientists in biotechnology.