Union Government launches River Information System .

Indias first River Information System (RIS) was launched by Union Government .
The first phase will cover 145-km stretch of National Waterways 1 (Phase I- Haldia
to Farakka) on the Ganges River.
Inland Waterway Authority of India (IWAI), a statutory body under the aegis of
Union Ministry of Shipping is implementing the RIS in India.
The main aim of the system is to streamline the exchange of information via Very
high frequency (VHF) wireless communication between waterway operators and
users.
This system would facilitate: (i) Enhancement of inland navigation safety in ports
and rivers. (ii) Better use of the inland waterways. (iii) Environmental protection.
It enables safe and efficient inland water transport by avoiding risks such as (i)
Ship-to-Ship collisions. (ii) Ship-Bridge collisions. (iii) Groundings.
The RIS system will be later extended upto Varanasi in two more phases and in
Phase-II, it will cover stretch from Farakka to Patna (410 Km.)
Chinese scientists develop new bio-artificial liver .
Chinese scientists have developed a new bio-artificial liver that can help patients
to survive from liver failure .
It has been developed by team of researchers from the Shanghai Institute for
Biological Sciences and doctors from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital.
Key facts: The bio-artificial liver is based on human liver cells and has been
designed to be attached outside a patients body.
CIRB Hisar becomes second institute to clone buffalo in India .
Scientists at the Central Institute for Research on Buffaloes (CIRB) in Hisar,
Haryana have successfully produced a cloned buffalo offspring named Cirb
Gaurav. CIRB scientists have achieved this feat under the project entitledCloning for conservation and multiplication of superior buffalo germplasm.

With this achievement, CIRB becomes the Indias second and worlds third
institute to produce cloned buffalo. Karnal (Haryana) based National Dairy
Research Institute (NDRI) was the Indias first institute to produce a cloned calf.
Cloning: Process of creating genetically identical copies of biological matter. It
may include genetically identical copies of genes, cells, tissues or entire organisms.
NASAs Kepler spacecraft finds 100 new alien planets orbiting other stars .
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASAs) Kepler spacecraft
has discovered more than 100 planets orbiting other stars.
Transit method: The Kepler spacecraft finds the planets by using the transit
method. It is detection of the tiny brightness dips caused by the planet after it
crosses its host stars face from spacecrafts perspective.
Kepler spacecraft was launched in March 2009. Since its launch, the mission has
been incredibly successful and has led to finding of more than 1,000 alien planets .
ISRO successfully launches IRNSS-1E satellite .
Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has successfully launched Indias
fifth navigation Indian Regional Navigational Satellite System (IRNSS) 1E
satellite.
It was launched on board of PSLV-C31 rocket from Satish Dhawan Space Centre
(SHAR), Sriharikota in Andhra Pradesh.
Key facts:
The IRNSS-1E weighs 1425 kilogram and has the mission life of 12 years
Indian Regional Navigation Satellite system (IRNSS) IRNSS consists of
constellation of seven satellites of which three are geostationary and four are nongeostationary.
IRNSS is similar to other satellite navigation service providers like US GPS
(Global Positioning System), Russias Glonass, Europes Galileo, Japans Quasi

Zenith and Chinas Beidou.

BSE launches algorithm trading test .
Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) Ltd has launched a new service for algorithm
trading test facility for investors on its derivatives and equity platform.
The new service has been launched in partnership with Mumbai based Symphony
Fintech Solutions Pvt Ltd and is free-of-cost for market participant.
This service will Enable all market participants to test their trading algorithms in
different trading segments including equity, equity derivatives and currency
derivatives segments.
SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket successfully launches Jason-3 Ocean-monitoring
satellite.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has successfully
launched the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket carrying Jason-3 Ocean-monitoring satellite.
It was launched from Californias Vandenberg Air Force Base .
Jason-3 is the 4th mission in the joint US-European series of satellite missions that
measure the height of the ocean surface.
Earlier launched two satellites of Jason mission are Jason-1 and Jason-2 OSTM
which were launched in 2001 and 2008 respectively. About SpaceX Falcon 9
rocket Falcon 9 rocket is a two-stage rocket designed and manufactured by Space
Exploration Technologies Corporation (SpaceX).
Google, Railtel launches free public Wi-Fi service at Mumbai Central Station.
Google India and Indian Railways telecom arm RailTel has launched free Rail
Wire Public Wi-Fi service for railway passengers at the Mumbai Central Station.
This service was launched by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu.

In the initial phase, this free will be made available at 100 of the busiest railway
stations and later on extended to 400 stations across the country.
New tree frog genus named Frankixalus discovered in north-eastern India
January.
Researchers have discovered a new genus of tree hole-breeding frogs named
Frankixalus in the forests of northeast India and bordering parts of China. It was
discovered by team of researchers led by Professor Sathyabhama Das Biju who is
popularly known as the frogman of India.
Key facts: The new genus has been named after Professor Franky Bossuyt of
Brussel based Vrije Universiteit for his contribution in amphibian research.
New bird species named Himalayan Forest Thrush discovered in India.
Scientists have discovered a new bird species named Himalayan Forest Thrush in
northeastern India and adjacent parts of China. It has been given scientific name
Zoothera salimali after ornithologist and naturalist Salim Ali who has made
significant contributions to ornithology in India.
The Himalayan Forest Thrush is only the fourth new bird species to be discovered
in India since Independence. Earlier two new bird species were discovered in
Arunachal Pradesh and one in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. The last new
discovered species was the Bugun Liocichla in 2006 in Arunachal Pradesh.
Scientists discover largest known solar system .
Astronomers have discovered the largest known solar system in the form of gas
giant located one trillion kilometres away. This solar system has large planet
known as 2MASS J2126-8140 that takes nearly a million years to orbit its star.
Mosquito-borne Zika virus creates panic over birth defects in Latin America.
Mosquito-borne Zika virus has created a panic in the Latin America countries.
Brazil is experiencing the largest known outbreak of Zika .In this region, babies

have been born a with abnormal condition called microcephaly i.e. with
abnormally smaller heads which can cause brain damage.
Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus transmitted by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
Virus family: Flaviviridae. Genus: Flavivirus. The virus was first identified in 1947
in Uganda and its name has been derived from Zika Forest.
Transmission: Zika virus is not contagious but it is mainly transmitted by daytimeactive Aedes aegypti mosquitoes .
Most common symptoms: Headache, muscle and joint pain, mild fever, rash,
pinkeye and inflammation of the underside of the eyelid.
Special Note: Aedes aegypti mosquitoes also transmit 3 other vector-borne
diseases Chikungunya, dengue and yellow fever.
TranServ launches Indias first social mobile wallet Udio .
Indias digital payment startup company TranServ has launched countrys first
Social Mobile Wallet named Udio.
It replaces physical cash notes with digital currency in order to reduce and offset
the costs associated with cash.
New species of Hydroid discovered in Red Sea .
An international team of biologists have discovered a new species of hydroid
polyps emitting green fluorescence in the Red Sea near Saudi Arabia.
Key facts: These hydroid polyps ( also called hydrozoas) are presumably a new
species of the genus Cytaeis whose body length reaches 1.5 mm. They were found
to be emitting green light in association with the gastropod Nassarius
margaritifer in the night.
Paper waste turned into non-toxic green Aerogel for first time .
For the first time, scientists from National University of Singapore (NUS) have
successfully converted paper waste into green nontoxic cellulose aerogels.
Aerogels are among the lightest solid materials in the world and are also one of the

finest insulation materials available. Green Aerogels are ultra-light, non-toxic,

extremely strong, flexible and water repellent.
It is ideal for applications such as oil spill cleaning. It can serve as heat insulation
materials for buildings. In Biomedical applications, it can be potentially be used as
coating materials for drug delivery and as smart materials. It can be also used in
packaging industry as it is biodegradable and environmentally-friendly material.
CSIR launches Indias first ayurvedic anti-diabetic drug named BGR-34 .
The Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has launched the
countrys first anti-diabetic ayurvedic drug named BGR-34 for type two Diabetes
mellitus. BGR-34 stands for Blood Glucost Regulator and offers effective, safe,
patient-friendly solution for managing type two Diabetes. About BGR-34 The drug
has been jointly developed by National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI) and
Central Institute for Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP) and CSIR institutes
based in Lucknow. It contains 34 identified active phyto-constitutes from herbal
resources and works by controlling blood sugar and limiting the harmful effects of
other modern drugs. For the purpose of quality commercial production and
extended distribution of this drug, CSIR has transferred the rights and technical
details to AIMIL Pharmaceuticals (I) Ltds.
Indias first lightest gun Nidar launched .
Indias first indigenously developed lightest revolver (gun) Nidar weighing merely
250 grams was successfully launched. It has been designed and manufactured by
the state-run Rifle Factory Ishapore located in West Bengal giving boost to the
Make in India initiative in small manufacturing sector. Key facts Nidar is much
lighter than Nirbheek (500 grams) revolver which was exclusively designed for
women. Features: It is .22 caliber gun (revolver) with a 40-mm barrel and is only
140mm in length. It has a range 7 meters with precise accuracy. It has cylinder
capacity of eight bullets and made up of DTD5124 alloy of aluminium which is
very light in weight and has supreme metal strength.
For first time Scientists discover Gravitational Waves .

Scientist for the first time have discovered Gravitational Waves (GW) that were
hypothesised by Albert Einstein in 1916. These waves were detected by the
scientists working at two LIGO (Laser Interferometer Gravitational-wave
Observatory) facilities in United States. Key facts LIGO scientists have detected
these gravitational waves produced by collision of two black holes located 1.3
billion light years away from earth. Process of Discovery: The LIGO experiment
has 4km long L-shaped tunnels and uses lasers to measures changes in the distance
between two ends. When the GW enters into LIGO, it stretches space and
direction, and disperses space in another direction i.e. these waves disturb the light
emitted lasers. Scientists by measuring the interference (disturbances) of lasers
light map the disturbed space which has been compressed or stretched. What are
Gravitational Waves? In physics, gravitational waves are ripples in the curvature of
spacetime which propagate as waves, travelling outward from the source at the
speed of light. Predicted in 1916 by Albert Einstein on the basis of his Theory of
General Relativity. Gravitational waves transport energy as gravitational radiation
and pass through matter without interacting with it. Previous evidences: Earlier in
1974, Russel Hulse and Joseph Taylor had disovered indirect evidence for the
existence of gravitational waves emitted from the decaying orbital period of
objects called binary pulsars. Both of them for their discovery were awarded the
Nobel Prize in Physics in 1993. Significance This discovery opens new window in
studying cosmos and unlock secrets about the early universe and mysterious
objects like black holes and neutron stars. Confirms a key prediction of Albert
Einsteins General Theory of Relativity. Gravitational waves may be useful for
studying black holes and other dark objects. As these waves do not interact with
matter, gravitational waves coming to Earth may be carrying undistorted
information about its origin. It may also improve methods for estimating the
distances to other galaxies. It may also help in mapping the abundance of black
holes and frequency of their mergers.
Neem extract may help treat Pancreatic Cancer: Study
A new study has claimed that a natural extract derived from the neem tree can
potentially be used to treat pancreatic cancer without harming normal, healthy
cells. The study was conducted by scientists from the Texas Tech University Health
Sciences Center El Paso (TTUHSC El Paso). The findings were published in the

journal Scientific Reports. Key facts Scientists have tested nimbolide, a compound
found in neem leaves against pancreatic cancer in cell lines and mice. The results
have showed that this natural compound can stop pancreatic cancers growth and
metastasis without harming healthy, normal cells in vitro and in vivo experiments.
In the tests, it was also observed that nimbolide was able to reduce the migration
and invasion capabilities of pancreatic cancer cells by 70 per cent. It was also
found that after Nimbolide was induced cancer cells, it reduced the size and
number of pancreatic cancer cell colonies by 80 per cent. Pancreatic cancer has the
highest mortality rate among the all other forms of cancers. Around 94 per cent of
patients suffering from it die within five years of diagnosis. The cancer grows
quickly and there are currently no effective treatments available. Medicinal values
of Neem tree Neem is commonly found in India and is regarded as a one tree
pharmacy in traditional Ayurveda as it has several insecticidal and medicinal uses.
Neem leaf has antifungal and antibacterial properties and is commonly used as biopesticide. Neem oil contains fatty acid and vitamin E Most tradional Ayurvedic
formulations use it for the treatment of skin disorders because of its detoxifying
properties.
Indian origin scientist Ashutosh Tiwari discovers fast SnO conductor to
replace silicon
A team of scientist in US led by an Indian-origin Ashutosh Tiwari has discovered
Tin Monoxide (SnO) conductor to replace silicon. SnO is a new kind of 2D
semiconducting material for electronics that opens the door for much speedier
computers and smartphones that consumes less power. Key discovery SnO
semiconductor is made of the two elements tin and oxygen. It is first stable P-type
2D semiconductor material ever in existence. It is a layer of 2D material with
thickness of only one atom and consumes less power. It has ability to allow
electrical charges to move through it much faster (100 times) than conventional 3D
materials such as silicon. Applications: This semiconductor material can used in
transistors which are the lifeblood of all electronic devices such as computer,
graphics and mobile processors. Currently, transistors and other components used
in electronic devices are made of 3D materials such as silicon that consist of
multiple layers on a glass substrate. These materials have downside as the electrons
bounce around inside the layers in all directions consuming more power and lower

speed.
Union Cabinet gives nod to LIGO-India mega science proposal .
The Union Cabinet has approved the LIGO-India project (Laser Interferometer
Gravitational-wave Observatory in India) proposal for research on gravitational
waves. The approval coincides with the historic first time detection of gravitational
waves that had opened up of a new window on the universe to unravel some of its
greatest mysteries. Key facts LIGO-India project is piloted by Department of
Atomic Energy (DAE) and Department of Science and Technology (DST). It will
give impetus to scientific research in the country. It will establish a state-of-the-art
Gravitational Wave Observatory in India in collaboration with the US based LIGO
Laboratory run by Caltech and MIT. The project will help Indian scientists and
engineers to take global leadership in this new astronomical frontier by doing
research into the realm of gravitational wave. It will also bring considerable
opportunities in cutting edge technology in Indias scientific industry as domestic
players will engaged in the construction of 8 kilometre long beam tube at ultrahigh vacuum of observatory on a levelled terrain. Background The proposal for
LIGO-India project was made under the India-United States cooperation agreement
US LIGO lab and US National Science Foundation (NSF) in October 2011 for
locating an interferometer in India. Formal proposal in this regard was submitted to
the DAE and DST by the Indian Initiative in Gravitational-wave Observations
(IndiGO) Consortium (formed in 2009). Under this proposal, US was going to
provide all the hardware and technology required for project and Indias
responsibility will be to construct and operate it.
Japan launches ASTRO-H satellite to study black holes .
Japan has successfully launched ASTRO-H space observation satellite to probe
mysterious black holes. The satellite was launched by H2A rocket after it had
successfully lifted off at the Tanegashima Space Centre. Key facts ASTRO-H
satellite has been developed by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA)
in cooperation with National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and
others. It will orbit earth at an altitude of about 580 kilometres and observe X-rays
emanating mainly from black holes and galaxy clusters. It is cylindrically shaped

and is 14 meters long and weighs 2.7 tonnes. It is the heaviest scientific satellite
Japan has worked on. It will help unravel the mysteries of the universe. The
satellite has been equipped with four X-ray telescopes and two gamma-ray
detectors and is designed to capture X-rays that cannot be detected on Earth
because the planets atmosphere absorbs them.
Five hot Jupiter like planets discovered .
Scientists have discovered five new Jupiter-like planets that are similar in
characteristics to our solar systems biggest planet. The newly discovered planets
were designated as WASP-119 b, WASP-124 b, WASP-126 b, WASP-129 b and
WASP-133 b. They orbit very close to their host stars and hot compared to Jupiter.
Key facts These planets were discovered by researchers from Keele University in
UK by using Wide Angle Search for Planets-South (WASP-South) instrument.
Orbital periods of these planets vary from 2.17 to 5.75 days and their radii is
between one to 1.5 Jupiter radius. Their masses range from 0.3 to 1.2 the mass of
Jupiter. Their host star has a similar mass to the Sun of our solar system but it is
much older based analysis of its effective temperature and density. WASP-124 b: It
less massive than Jupiter and has orbital period of 3.4 days and a much younger
parent star. WASP-126 b: It has the lowest-mass. It has low surface gravity and is a
good target for transmission spectroscopy. It is brightest star of among the five.
WASP-129 b: It is similar in size to Jupiter and has the longest orbital period. Its
surface gravity is also high compared to other known hot Jupiters. WASP-133 b: It
has the shortest orbital period. It is slightly bigger Jupiter. WASP-South instrument
is an array of eight cameras observing selected regions of the southern sky. It
studies five stars showing planet-like transits in their light curve.
Googles Project Loon begins its operations in Sri Lanka .
Googles Project Loon began its operations in Sri Lanka after first helium-filled
balloon landed in Pupuressa area in Gampola town. It was one of three balloons
that were put up in Sri Lankan airspace for trials to provide high-speed internet
service after it was launched from South America. About Googles Project Loon
Project Loon is a pet project of search engine giant Google for providing Internet
access to rural and remote areas using high-altitude helium-filled balloons. These

balloons will be placed at an altitude of about 18 km in the stratosphere where

wind speed is low and turbulence is minimum. Each balloon can provide full
wireless broadband internet coverage up to an area of 40 km and are powered
mainly by solar panels. These balloons have transceivers which can connect to cell
phone networks in order to fill the gaps in their networks especially in remote areas
such as mountains and deserts. It promises to extend mobile and data coverage at
cheaper rates for the people. These balloons will have a lifespan of about 180 days
and can be recycled. Some facts: Sri Lanka was the first country in South Asia
region to introduce mobile phones in 1989 and also first to roll out a 3G network in
2004. It was also the first in the region to unveil a 4G network in 2013.
NASA finds first super-Earth exoplanet with an atmosphere .
Astrophysicists at NASA have found a super-Earth exoplanet dubbed as 55 Cancri
e with an atmosphere for the first time. These NASA astrophysicists were working
with the European Space Agency (ESA) and the University College London. Key
facts 55 Cancri e was discovered using Hubble telescopes Wide Field Camera 3
(WFC3). It is located around 40 light years away and eight times bigger than earth.
It is located extremely close to its planet star, which heats its surface to a
staggering 2,000 degrees Celcius making it only known super-Earth with such a
high temperature. 55 Cancri es atmosphere largely consists of hydrogen (H) and
helium (He) similar to gas giant planets with no traces of water and doesnt sustain
life. Super-earths: They are merely rocky planets that are larger than the Earth.
Theyre widely supposed to be the most common type of rocky planet in the
galaxy.
Worlds 1st fast-acting Anti-Rabies drug to be launched in India .
Worlds first fast-acting anti-rabies drug Rabies Human Monoclonal Antibody
(RMAb) will be launched in India. The drug has been developed by Pune-based
Serum Institute of India (SII) and US-based MassBiologics of the University of
Massachusetts Medical School. About RMAb RMAb drug is a human IgG1
monoclonal antibody that instantly deactivates rabies virus by specifically binding
to a conformational epitope of G glycoprotein of the virus. It is 25% cheaper
compared to the existing expensive human rabies immunoglobulin (hRIG)

treatment. It has advantage of automatically precluding the chances of transmitting

blood-borne infections that are present in rabies immunoglobulin vaccines. The
drug has been manufactured using recombinant DNA technology that includes
inserting DNA encoding antigen (such as a bacterial surface protein) to the
microbial DNA of cells in the body to stimulate immune response. During various
phases of human clinical trials of RMAb spanning 9 years in India and abroad, the
drug was found to be safe and effective.
CGPDTM issues revised patent guidelines for Computer Related Inventions .
The Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDT) has issued
an order excluding software patents in its revised guidelines for Computer Related
Inventions (CRIs). The new order clearly mentions that, mere computer
programmes those not in conjunction with a novel hardware will not be granted
patent in India. The new guidelines Follow CGPDTs stay on the revised
guidelines issued in August 2015 which have allowed the patenting of software
which demonstrated technical advancement and did not clarify it. Have been
aligned to the Patents Act, 1970 and brings out clarity in terms of exclusions
expected under sub-section 3(k) of the Act. Earlier, CGPDTM had agreed with a
Parliamentary Panel which had observed that computer programmes as such are
not intended to be granted patent as per Patents Act, 1970. The sub-section 3(k) of
Act mentions that mathematical methods or business methods or computer
programme or algorithms are not patentable. Implication of these guidelines:
Software developers and start-ups will continue to have the freedom to innovate
without worrying infringement notices in Computer Related Inventions area. Note:
The Office of Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM)
under the aegis of Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry is nodal agency that
supervises the working of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) laws in India.
ISRO successfully test cryogenic engine of GSLV Mark 3 rocket .
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully conducted
hotbed test of the indigenously developed high-thrust cryogenic engine (CE20) of
the GSLV Mark 3 (LVM3) rocket for the upper stage. The long-duration test was
conducted at ISRO Propulsion Research Centre at Mahendragiri, Tamil Nadu and

lasted for 640 seconds. It was conducted with Mixture Ratio Controller (MRC) in
a closed loop mode. Key facts The CE20 uses Liquid Hydrogen at -253 degrees C
and Liquid Oxygen at -193 degrees C as propellants and generates power of
approximately 2 MW. It has been developed indigenously by Mahendragiri based
Liquid Propulsion System centre (LPSC). Earlier Tests CE20 engine already has
undergone two short-duration tests for engine ignition and steady state
performance. In 2015, the first developmental engine completed different hot tests
in various operating regimes. In the next the engine will be vacuum tested in the
high altitude test facility as part of the flight acceptance test. Comment This test is
considered as phenomenal achievement in the shortest time. It will boost Indias
capability to launch heavier satellites into higher orbits and is capable of doubling
the capacity of payloads that can be carried into space. GSLV Mark 3 rocket is the
biggest rocket made in India and capable of launching four-tonne satellites into
geosynchronous orbit. India is sixth spacefarer after US, Russia, the European
Space Agency (ESA), China and Japan to develop a cryogenic engine.
virus can cause severe neurological disorder: Study .
Researchers from France have found first evidence that mosquito-borne Zika virus
might cause a severe neurological disorder called Guillain-Barr syndrome (GBS).
GBS is a rare condition in which the bodys immune system attacks a part of the
nervous system that controls muscle strength leading to muscle weakness in the
legs and arms. The syndrome is also be caused by bacterial infections as well as
the dengue and chikungunya viruses transmitted by be vector Aedes aegypti
mosquitoes (also host for Zika Virus). Key facts The study was carried out using
blood samples from 42 patients who became ill in a previous outbreak of virus. It
was found that patients developed the neurological problems around six days after
Zika infection making the virus main culprit of severe neurological disorder.
However, the biological mechanism by which Zika virus triggers the GuillainBarr syndrome has yet to be identified. Earlier in February 2016, World Health
Organisation (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern
due to outbreak of Zika virus in Latin America and also rising cases of
microcephaly and Guillain-Barre syndrome. It is observed that there is 20-fold
increase in the number of GBS cases during the Zika outbreak

India, UK institutions ink agreement for collaboration in Crop Sciences February

27, 2016No comments Department of Biotechnology in the Union Ministry of
Science and Technology has signed a MoU with a consortium of top United
Kingdom (UK) research institutions for joint India-UK collaboration programme in
crop science. The consortium UK research institutions included representatives
from Cambridge based National Institute for Agricultural Botany (NIAB), John
Innes Centre, Norwich based University of East Anglia and Rothamsted Research
Institute. Key facts The aim of the MoU is to promote knowledge exchange,
enhance collaborative research and support capacity building to develop resilience
in food security. It foresees joint projects focusing on the fundamental science
underpinning yield enhancement, drought resistance and disease resistance. It also
seeks to enhance research collaboration into crop re-breeding and translation of
fundamental research into sustainable agriculture practice. The MoU also
contemplates the establishment of a joint Indo-UK Plant Science Centre in India.
ISRO gears up for launch of Indias first solar mission Aditya-L1 .
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the countrys first
solar mission called Aditya-L1. It was announced by Union Minister of State
(MoS) in PMO Jitendra Singh in the Lok Sabha. About Aditya-L1 mission As part
of the mission, Aditya-L1 satellite will be placed in an orbit about 15 lakh
kilometres from the earth in a halo orbit around the L1 Lagranian point. It will be
launched by using the PSLV XL. Its primary objective will be to study the solar
corona and the chromosphere in different wavebands, dynamic nature of the suns
outer most layers, and collect data about Coronal Mass Ejections (CME). The
mission is a joint venture between ISRO and physicists from various institutes
including Indian Institute of Astrophysics (Bengaluru), Tata Institute of
Fundamental Research, (Mumbai) and Inter University Centre for Astronomy and
Astrophysics (Pune). Lagrangian points: They are the locations in space where the
combined gravitational pull of two large masses roughly balance each other. There
are 5 such points in Sun-Earth system and they are denoted as L1, L2, L3, L4 and

L5. In this location, small mass remains at constant distances relative to the large
masses. Halo orbit: It is a periodic three-dimensional (3D) orbit near the
Lagrangian points L1, L2 or L3.
Indian scientists develop Herbal Medicine for Dengue .
Indian scientists for first time have claimed to have developed herbal medicine
against mosquito borne dengue fever using traditional Indian medicine system
Ayurveda. The herbal dengue medicine was developed using alcoholic extract of
Cissampelos pariera Linn (Cipa extract) derived from velvetleaf, a species of
flowering plant. The drug has proved to be potent inhibitor to all four types
(strains) of dengue virus. The project jointly undertaken by Department of
Biotechnology (DBT), under the Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology. Ranbaxy
Research Laboratory (now owned by Sun Pharma). Scientists are now seeking to
hold clinical trials and toxicity studies of the drug after approval from Union
Ministry of Ayush and Drug Controller of India (DCI) for commercial production.
Dengue: It is a mosquito-borne tropical viral disease. It poses a significant global
public health risk. India represents 50 per cent of the global population estimated
to be at risk of dengue. Severe dengue is potentially fatal and correlates with very
high virus load that caused reduction in platelet counts and haemorrhage.
New snake species named Melanophidium Khairei discovered in Western
Ghats.
Researchers have discovered new species of burrowing snake named
Melanophidium khairei or Khaires Black Shieldtail in Northwestern Ghats. This
new snake species was correctly identified after a gap of 144 years as it was earlier
wrongly identified as identified as Melanophidium Punctatum or Pied-bellied
Shieldtail. Key facts The snake belongs to family Uropeltidae, which comprises all
species which are burrowers and live mostly underground. It is burrowing snake of
the genus melanophidium. It is found in evergreen forests and rarely above ground
in southern Maharashtra, Goa and northern Karnataka. Melanophidium Khairei has
been named after Neelimkumar Khaire, the legendary founder of Pune based
Katraj Snake Park and Indian Herpetological Society. New snake genus and a

species discovered in Gujarat Researchers have discovered a new snake genus

Wallaceophis and a species named gujaratenisis from Gujarat. The genus was
named after Alfred Russel Wallace for his pioneering work on biogeography, and
for co-discovering the theory of natural selection. The snake belongs to group of
colubrid snakes and has similar scalation, tooth number, bone morphology and
DNA of other snakes in this group. There are more than 1,800 species of Colubrid
snakes (Family Colubridae) across the world.
Three British scientists win 2016 Brain Prize .
Three British scientists have won a prestigious 2016 Grete Lundbeck European
Brain Research Prize (also known as Brain Prize) for giving vital insight how the
human brain remembers, learns and navigates. These scientists are Timothy Bliss:
He is a visiting worker at the Crick Institute in London. Graham Collingridge: He
is professor of neuroscience in anatomy at the University of Bristol. He is also
head of the Department of Physiology at the University of Toronto. Richard
Morris: He is a professor of neuroscience at the University of Edinburgh Key
highlights of their research Shown how neurons in the hippocampus collaborate
and provide a basis for understanding how humans remember. Hippocampus is
located deep in the centre of the brain. It is the brains learning portal that enables
us to store information. Shown a phenomenon that is called long-term
potentiatione. how the connection between brain cells in the hippocampus can be
strengthened through repeated stimulation. Their research also provided better
tools for understanding serious diseases such as depression, epilepsy and drug
addiction. About Grete Lundbeck European Brain Research Prize Grete Lundbeck
European Brain Research Prize largest prize for neuroscience in the world. It is
bestowed upon one or more scientists who have distinguished themselves by an
outstanding contribution to European neuroscience and who are still active in
research. Founded: 2011 by the Lundbeck Foundation of Denmark. Prize carries:
monetary award of Denmarks one million euro ($1,45,751). Prize criteria: It is
awarded to scientist of any nationality although, research for which they are
nominated must be carried in Europe or in collaboration with European
researchers.
ExoMars 2016 spacecraft successfully launched by Europe and Russia .

An unmanned spacecraft named ExoMars 2016 was successfully launched jointly

Europe and Russia to search for biosignatures on Mars (or Martian life) in past or
present. The spacecraft was launched on a Proton-M rocket operated by Russias
Roscosmos from Baikonur, Kazakhstan. ExoMars 2016 is the first of a two-phase
of ExoMars (Exobiology on Mars) program. About ExoMars program ExoMars
program is an astrobiology mission of European Space Agency (ESA) and Russian
Federal Space Agency (Roscosmos). Primary Goal: To address the question of
whether life has ever existed on Mars. The program comprises two missions:
ExoMars 2016 and ExoMars 2018. ExoMars 2016: It consists of the Trace Gas
Orbiter (TGO) and Schiaparelli, an entry, descent and landing demonstrator
module. Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO): Its sole purpose is to search (trace) evidence of
methane (CH4) and other atmospheric gases that could be signatures of active
biological or geological processes on Mars. TGO has 4 suites of science
instruments. They are ACS (Atmospheric Chemistry Suite), FREND (Fine
Resolution Epithermal Neutron Detector), CaSSIS (Color and Stereo Surface
Imaging System) and NOMAD (Nadir and Occultation for MArs Discovery).
Schiaparelli: It will obtain measurements of electric fields on the Mars surface
combined with measurements of the concentration of atmospheric dust. For the
first time it will provide new insights into the role of electric forces on dust lifting,
the trigger for dust storms on the Martian surface. ExoMars 2018: It is planned to
be launched in 2018. It comprises a unmanned rover and surface science platform.
The rover that will carry a drill and a suite of instruments dedicated for the
exobiology and geochemistry research. At present there are two rovers functional
on the Mars viz. Curiosity and Opportunity which were sent by NASA, the federal
space agency of United States.
Union Government fixes Maximum Sale Price of Bt Cotton Seed .
The Union Government has notified maximum sale price (MSP) of Bt cotton seed
for the year 2016-17. It was announced by the Union Agriculture and Farmers
Welfare Minister Radha Mohan Singh. In this regard, Union Government has
issued notification as per the Cotton Seed Price (Control) Order, 2015 under the
Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. As per the notification Price of
BG-I version of Bt cotton hybrid has been fixed at 635 rupees. Price of BG-II
version of Bt cotton hybrid was fixed at 800 rupees. Background The MSP of Bt

cotton seed for the year 2016-17 was notified based on the recommendation of
nine-member committee set up by the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
Ministry. It had fixed the MSP taking into consideration the seed value, trade
margins licence fees including one-time and recurring royalty (trait value) and
other taxes. The committee was constituted after it was found that multinational
companies (MNCs) largely control the Bt cotton seed market in India and they
were charging exorbitant prices that consequently was cause of concern for small
and marginalized cotton growing farmers. Prior to it, Union Government had
issued Cotton Seed Price (Control) Order, 2015 in December 2015 to regulate seed
prices of Bt cotton and safeguard the interests of the farmers. About Bt cotton Bt
cotton is a genetically modified organism (GMO) cotton variety, which produces
an insecticide to bollworm. It is produced by the gene coding technique by
inserting Bt toxin into cotton as a transgene that causes it to produce this natural
insecticide in its tissues. The Bt toxin is obtained from the strains of the bacterium
Bacillus thuringiensis which is only harmful to different insects including larvae of
moths and butterflies, cotton bollworms, beetles but are harmless to other forms of
life.

Plastic degrading bacteria Ideonella sakaiensis 201-F6 isolated .

Japanese researchers have successfully isolated a bacterium species Ideonella
sakaiensis 201-F6 capable of breaking down plastic polyethylene terephthalate
(PET) or polyester. Their results were published in the journal Science. Key facts
Ideonella sakaiensis relies on PET film as a primary source of carbon for growth. It
is capable of completely degrading a thin film of PET in a short span of six weeks
at 30C. The bacterium species uses two enzymes in sequence to break down the
highly biodegradable-resistant polymer PET. First enzyme helps the bacterium to
adhere to the PET and produce an intermediate substance through process of
hydrolysis. The second enzyme then works with water and acts on this
intermediate substance. It produces the 2 monomers ethylene glycol and
terephthalic acid that are used for making PET through polymerisation.
Applications: The bacteria could potentially be used in industrial recycling
processes without having any adverse impact on the environment. It can replace or
augment the current mechanical recycling plastic process.

Punjab Government notifies swine flu under Epidemic Disease Act .

Punjab Government has notified swine flu (H1N1) under the Epidemic Disease
Act to prevent the spread of disease in the state. In the regard, Health and Family
Welfare Department of state has issued notification based on recommendations of
state advisory committee headed by Dr. D Behera. Key highlights of notification
All government and private hospitals in state will have to inform the Health
Department about a case of ILI (Influenza like Illness) having chronic diseases.
Such medical cases should be treated as early as possible and proper guidelines of
the government should be followed. All hospitals within state will have to keep
suspected as well as confirmed cases (patients) of swine flu in isolation in order to
contain the spread of the disease. It will be mandatory for all hospitals to inform
the Health department in case a suspected or confirmed case of swine flu is
reported. For all the patients infected by swine flu, treatment will be provided free
of cost as recommended by the Government. Background Dr. D Behera advisory
committee had observed that swine flu (H1N1) patients in state who have suffered
from other chronic diseases had a high mortality rate as compared to patients who
did not have chronic diseases. It also had mentioned that patients who were treated
by private doctors were referred to higher centres only after they became critical,
which had increased the death rate. Swine flu (swine influenza): It is a respiratory
disease caused by viruses (influenza viruses) that infect the respiratory tract of
pigs. H1N1 (Hemagglutinin Type 1 and Neuraminidase Type 1) is the subtype of
influenza A virus that was the most common cause of human influenza (flu). Its
common symptoms are nasal secretions, a barking cough, decreased appetite and
listless behaviour.
UN suspends Maria Sharapova as Goodwill Ambassador after doping
allegations .
The United Nations (UN) has suspended Russian tennis player Maria Sharapova as
Goodwill Ambassador of the organisation after she was tested positive on doping
allegations. She was suspended by New York based UN Development Programme
(UNDP) until the outcome of the investigation into her case is known. However,
UNDP has mentioned that they are grateful to Maria Sharapova for her support to
their work, especially around the Chernobyl nuclear disaster recovery. Earlier in

March 2016, the five times Grand Slam champion and the highest-paid female
athlete Maria Sharapova had announced that she tested positive for a drug called
meldonium, at the Australian Open earlier in January 2016. What is Meldonium?
Meldonium also known as Mildronate is a medical drug given to patients suffering
from heart and circulatory conditions for enhancing their physical capacity and
mental function. Its use mainly leads to production more red blood cells (RBCs) in
the body in order to increase oxygen supply to muscles for enhancing endurance.
World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) had added the drug to the Prohibited List of
2016. It was added to prohibited list because its illegal use by athletes with the
intention of enhancing their performance which violates the fair spirit of sport.
Haryana New Secretariat Building gets first Earthquake Warning System in
country .
Haryanas New Secretariat Building in Chandigarh has become first building in the
country to have an early Earthquake Warning and Security system (onsite). The
system was installed by New Delhi based Terra Techcom Private Limited and
Secretary Electronics GmbH, Germany. Key facts The system can provide crucial
seconds for evacuation in event of an earthquake and is already being used in 26
countries around the world. It works on the principle of detection of primary and
secondary seismic waves of an earthquake. The primary waves are fastest kind of
seismic wave and are the initial vertical movements beneath the earth that do not
cause any damage. They are soon followed by secondary waves that travel beneath
the earth horizontally and have the potential to cause damage. They are generally
known to us as an earthquake. The system detects intensity of the primary waves
and gives out warning alarm only when the intensity of the secondary waves is
high enough to potentially cause damage.
ISRO establishes GIRI Radar System near Tirupati .
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has installed the Gadanki
Ionospheric Radar Interferometer (GIRI) Radar System near Tirupati, Andhra
Pradesh. It was installed at the National Atmospheric Research Laboratory
(NARL), which is an autonomous research institute of the Department of Space
(DoS). Features of GIRI Radar System Primary objective: Carry out unattended

observations for studying the forcing from the sun like variation in solar flare, solar
flux and magnetic storm on the ionospheric irregularities. Study unattended
observations from the underneath atmosphere on the ionospheric irregularities (for
e.g. waves generated by weather phenomena). Provide important information about
the angular location of plasma irregularities during the onset phase. Also establish
its relationship to background ionospheric state parameters and sunset terminator.
Applications: Investigations made using this system are expected to improve the
Equatorial Plasma Bubble (EPB) forecasting. It will further be detrimental for
satellite based navigation/communication applications. Components: The GIRI has
a 30 MHz radar system that will be engaged in meteor and space weather research.
It consists of a rectangular antenna array of 160 two-element Yagi Uda-antenna. It
will be arranged in a 208 matrix with 20 transmitter units. It also has 6 digital
receivers including data processing systems, a host computer and a radar controller.
Mint plant can help fight cancer: CIMAP Researchers .
Scientists at Lucknow based CSIR-Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic
Plants (CIMAP) have found that mint plant has medicinal values that can cure
cancer. They have identified that a medicinal compound called L-Menthol
derived from Mentha plant popularly known as mint. Key findings L-Menthol
compound can kill the colon cancer cell line without affecting the normal cell line.
The compound inhibits the division of cancer cell and prevents its growth and
spread to other organs of the body. Its production is cost-effective, non-destructive
and easily available in comparison to anti-cancer compound used at present
obtained from the bark of European Yew tree. The Mentha is available in
abundance across the world compared to the European Yew tree which is found
only in Europe and some parts of Africa and Asia. Menthol can be derived easily
without damaging the plant, whereas the European Yew tree has to be cut down for
using bark for deriving anti-cancer compound. The discovery can be very useful
for farmers in India where Mentha is grown in large quantity.

British astronomers discover largest sample of 9 monster stars.

British astronomers have discovered largest sample cluster of nine monster stars
named as R136 using NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope. The cluster is the
largest group of very massive stars ever identified. The research findings were
published in the journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Key
facts The R136 cluster of monster stars have masses over 100 times and are 30
million times brighter than of our Sun in the star cluster located about 170,000
light-years away. It is located in the Tarantula Nebula within the Large Magellanic
Cloud a satellite galaxy of our own Milky Way. The young cluster hosts many
extremely massive, hot and luminous stars whose energy is mostly radiated in the
ultraviolet (UV).
China launches 22nd BeiDou navigation satellite .
China has successfully launched 22nd new generation satellite into space as part of
its domestic BeiDou Navigation System (BDS). It was launched using Long
March-3A carrier rocket from Xichang Satellite Launch Center located in the
south-western province of Sichuan. It was the 225th launch of the Long March
carrier rocket. About BeiDou Navigation System (BNS) BNS is 2nd generation of
the Chinese navigational system seen as rival to the USs Global Positioning
System (GPS). BeiDou is Mandarin means magnetic Compass which was one of
the Chinese major invention in the history which had revolutionized the sea
voyages. The system comprises total 35 satellites in two separate satellite
constellations (i) Limited test system (operational since 2000) (ii) A full-scale
global navigation system which is currently under construction. The BNS became
operational in China in December 2011, with the constellation of 10 satellites. In
December 2012, the system began offering services to customers in the AsiaPacific region and on its completion in 2020 it will provide services to global
customers. After completion, the project would become an equivalent of the US
Global Positioning System, Russias Glonass, and Europes Galileo. Applications:
(i) Civilian services: navigation, messaging, transportation and weather forecasting
sectors. (ii) Military applications: ensure privacy for its military communications
and missile launches by reducing the dependence on US operated GPS.
ISRO set to launch record 22 satellites in single mission

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to script history by

launching a record number of 22 satellites in a single mission in May 2016. These
satellites (micro and nano) will be launched using ISROs workhorse Polar rocket
PSLV C34. It will be carrying Indias Cartosat 2C along with 21 other satellites
from other countries, including US, Canada, Indonesia and Germany as copassengers. This launch would be made from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre at
Sriharikota. Earlier in 2008, ISRO had sent ten satellites into orbit in a single
mission. The US space agency NASA (National Aeronautics and Space
Administration) holds current world record for sending highest number of satellites
in single launch. It had sent 29 satellites to the orbit in a single launch in 2013.
Union Health Ministry launches Indias first indigenous rotavirus vaccine
Rotavac
The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare launched Indias first
indigenous rotavirus vaccine named Rotavac to combat infant mortality due to
diarrhoea.
It was launched by Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda as part countrys ambitious
Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP).
The vaccine is being introduced initially in four States Andhra Pradesh, Haryana,
Himachal Pradesh (first to launch it) and Odisha. It would be expanded to the
entire country in a phased manner. The Rotavirus vaccine has been developed
indigenously under a public-private partnership between the Union Ministry of
Science Technology, Union Health Ministry, institutions of the US Government
and NGOs in India supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The
vaccine is administered orally to infants in three dose course at ages of six, ten and
fourteen weeks as part of Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP). Note: The
Rotavac vaccine is addition to three new vaccines that have been introduced by
Union Government as part of countrys UIP. These three vaccines are Inactivated
Polio Vaccine (IPV), Measles, Rubella (MR) vaccine, and Adult Japanese
Encephalitis (JE) vaccine. About Rotavirus The Rotavirus is a genus of doublestranded RNA virus in the family Reoviridae. It most common causative agent of
moderate-to-severe diarrhoea (MSD) among infants below 11 months age group
and death among children less than five years of age. Transmission: The virus

spreads from person to person due to bacterial and parasiting agents that are
primarily transmitted through contaminated food or water. Impact on Health: It
causes gastroenteritis after it damages the cells that line the small intestine and
causes gastroenteritis. In some cases in causes malnutrition, delayed physical and
mental development among children