In a recent scientific breakthrough, an antimicrobial protein has been discovered in the milk of an egg-laying mammal, Echidna. The identified protein has the potential to function as a substitute for antibiotics that are currently applied on livestock. The mechanism of this protein is remarkable as it can rupture the cell membranes of an array of bacterial species, thereby annihilating the source of infection. There are various methodologies at disposal to manufacture the protein in bulk quantities, one primary method being through E. coli bacteria. This could prove instrumental in combating infections. The importance of this development is highlighted by the increasing proliferation of antimicrobial resistance bugs in livestock, which this protein could help control within the animal husbandry industry.
Monotremes: Egg Laying Mammals
Egg-laying mammals, otherwise known as Monotremes, are a unique group of mammals. Currently, there exist only five living monotreme species – these include the duck-billed platypus and four types of echidna (also termed as spiny anteaters). These species are found exclusively in Australia and New Guinea.
| Echidna Species | Location |
|---|---|
| Duck-billed Platypus | Australia, New Guinea |
| Spiny Anteater | Australia, New Guinea |
Marsquake
NASA’s Mars InSight lander, for the first time ever, has detected and recorded tremors on Mars, referred to as “Marsquake” (analogous to earthquakes on Earth). The faint seismic signal was detected by the lander’s Seismic Experiment for Interior Structure (SEIS) instrument, recorded on April 6. While the seismic event was too minor to provide substantial data on the Martian interior (a fundamental objective of InSight), it does shed light on the seismic activities on Mars. Unlike Earth, Mars and the Moon lack tectonic plates, but they still experience quakes due to a continuous process of cooling and contraction that creates stress. This stress accumulates over a period until it is potent enough to rupture the crust, triggering a quake.
World Book and Copyright Day
Every year on the 23rd of April, UNESCO celebrates World Book and Copyright Day. The day serves as an occasion to endorse the joy of books and the art of reading. The date is chosen to honor great literary figures, including William Shakespeare, Miguel Cervantes, and Inca Garcilaso de la Vega, who passed away on this day. The decision regarding the date was made in the 1995 UNESCO General Conference held in Paris. The 24th edition of World Book and Copyright Day celebrated literature and reading while centering primarily on the importance of enhancing and safeguarding Indigenous languages.
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
Established in 1945, UNESCO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) based in Paris. The organization’s declared purpose is to promote peace and security by facilitating international cooperation via educational, scientific, and cultural reforms. Such measures aim to foster universal respect for justice, the rule of law, human rights, and fundamental freedom as proclaimed in the United Nations Charter. As of January 2019, UNESCO has 193 member states.
Domkhar Rock Art Sanctuary
The Domkhar Rock Art Sanctuary, founded in 2012, is a constellation of rock art located on the right bank of the river Indus in Domkhar village in lower Ladakh. Stanzin Thangjuk, a local farmer, has played a significant role in protecting the 500-odd rock carvings at Domkhar single-handedly. The ancient scripts on these rocks have similarities to those found among the nomadic tribes of the steppe region of Central Asia, who lived 2,000 years ago.
INC-22
INC-22 refers to the Notice of situation or change of address of the registered office of the company. This form requires companies incorporated on or before December 31, 2017, to provide details concerning the locations of their offices, directors, and business proof.
E-Way Bill System
The Finance Ministry recently introduced modifications in the e-way bill system, encompassing auto calculation of distance based on PIN codes for the generation of the e-way bill and hindering the creation of multiple bills on one invoice.
Composition Scheme
The Composition Scheme under the GST now has more relaxed regulations. These include an increased turnover limit for applicability, inclusion of service providers, and reduced tax rates.
RBI divest its share in NABARD
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has divested its entire stake in NABARD and the National Housing Bank (NHB). This move follows the recommendation of the second Narasimham committee and is part of ending cross-holding in regulatory institutions.
