Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctury
National Green Tribunal has taken notice of polling stations, schools and other construction activities in Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary.
- Located in – Assam (foothills of the Himalayas)
- Together with Nameri National Park, it forms part of Sonitpur Kameng Elephant Reserve.
- An Important Bird Area recognized by Birdlife International
Typhoid
Incorrect diagnosis tendency of single widal test is making it difficult to accurately assess India’s typhoid burden.
- Widal test – Helps detect typhoid or enteric fever in human body.
- Typhoid – Caused by the bacterium Salmonella Typhi.
- Infected persons carry bacteria in their bloodstream and intestinal tract.
- Spread through – Contaminated food or water.
- Can be prevented by – Typhoid conjugate vaccine
Hague Convention 1945
UNESCO recently celebrated 70th anniversary of adoption of Convention for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict.
- 1st international legal framework entirely dedicated to protection of movable and immovable heritage.
- It protects cultural property whether during peacetime or armed conflict.
- Member states – 135 including India.
Bakanae Disease
Punjab Agricultural University has developed a biocontrol agent, Trichoderma asperellum, to manage ‘foot rot’ or ‘bakanae’, a common disease in Basmati rice.
- Seedborne fungal disease that infects plants through roots or crowns.
- Caused by – Fungus Gibberella Fujikuroi (can affect both young and mature plants)
- Management Strategies – Seed treatment using fungicides and salt water can be used to separate lightweight infected seeds
Kamikaze Drones
India’s first kamikaze drone has been developed by Kadet Defence Systems in collaboration with Defence Research Development Organisation (DRDO).
- Also known as – Loitering Aerial Munitions (LAM) or Suicidal drone (crashes onto target) or Switchblade drones.
- It can loiter over target area for a long duration for precise target identification.
- Has precision target capability, can change targets mid-flight or even abort the mission.
- Adaptable to various terrains, including deserts, plains, and high-altitude environments.