Category: 11 December 2023

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Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary (Andhra Pradesh)

Mapping   Source: TH  Context: The Eastern Ghats Nature Interpretation Centre in Visakhapatnam, a first-of-its-kind project by the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department (in the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary), offers an immersive experience highlighting the diverse ecosystems of the Eastern Ghats, stretching from Odisha to Tamil Nadu. The Nature Interpretation Centre aims to inform, educate, and inspire …

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Budgett’s frog

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: TH  Context: Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science’s molecular biophysics unit have conducted a study revealing that peptides derived from the skin of Budgett’s frog possess the ability to combat enzymes produced by disease-causing pathogens. The frog’s skin secretions contain LL-TIL, a specific peptide studied by the researchers. …

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Sickle cell disease

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Reuters  Context: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has granted approval for two gene therapies for sickle cell disease. Developed by Vertex Pharmaceuticals and CRISPR Therapeutics, Casgevy, and bluebird bio’s Lyfgenia have been approved for individuals aged 12 years and older. One of the approved therapies, Casgevy, is …

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Biofortified Seeds

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB  Context: The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed 142 biofortified seed varieties, including 124 for field crops and 18 for horticultural crops, since 2014. These varieties cover a range of crops, such as rice, wheat, maize, pearl millet, sweet potato, amaranthus, and more. The biofortified varieties …

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Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale 2023

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB   Context: The first Indian Art, Architecture & Design Biennale (IAADB) 2023 was inaugurated at the Red Fort in Delhi. The event includes the inauguration of the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Centre for Design (ABCD) and the student Biennale, Samunnati. The IAADB aims to celebrate India’s diverse heritage and vibrant …

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Delhi’s Initiatives for Climate Change

Content for Mains Enrichment   Source: TH  Context: The Delhi Government presented its initiatives for climate action at COP28 (at the C40 meeting) Initiatives: ‘City of Lakes’ project for water body rejuvenation. It creates eco-tourism opportunities and enhances heat resilience, particularly during extreme weather events. It led to an increase of up to 2 meters …

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Medical Ethics: ‘Cash-for-Kidney’ scam

GS Paper 4  Syllabus: Applications of ethics    Context: The Health Ministry is investigating Indraprastha Apollo Hospital over allegations of a ‘cash-for-kidney’ scam, following reports that the hospital is involved in a racket enticing impoverished individuals from Myanmar to sell their organs.   What is Organ transplantation? It is a medical procedure in which an …

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