The ‘Exercise Sampriti 2019′, the 8th edition of the India-Bangladesh joint military exercise, will be held in Tangail, Bangladesh from March 2nd to 15th. It will involve tactical level operations in a counter-insurgency and counter-terrorism environment under the United Nations’ mandate. This exercise alternates annually between the two countries, with the 7th edition held last year in Mizoram, India. The primary objective of this exercise is to foster positive relationships and strengthen military ties between India and Bangladesh’s armies.
First UAE Astronaut’s Space Flight
A new milestone in space exploration will be reached on 25th September 2019 when the first astronaut from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will travel to the International Space Station (ISS) via the Russian Soyuz rocket. Following this significant event, the UAE will join a list of eighteen other countries that have sent representatives to the ISS. The mission is part of the UAE Astronaut Programme, an initiative designed to advance the UAE’s aspirations in scientific missions and manned space exploration. In 2018, the UAE launched its first locally-made satellite, KhalifaSat, from Japan, and plans are underway for a Mars probe, named ‘Hope Mars Mission’, scheduled for next year.
About International Space Station (ISS)
The ISS is a habitable artificial satellite and the largest man-made structure in low earth orbit. It orbits the Earth approximately every 92 minutes, completing around 15.5 orbits daily. The ISS programme is a collective project involving five participating space agencies: NASA (United States), Roscosmos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe), and CSA (Canada). Furthermore, its development, use, and ownership are governed by intergovernmental treaties and agreements. Research is conducted on the ISS in various fields such as biology, human biology, physics, astronomy, and meteorology. The station’s continuous habitation has resulted in the longest ongoing human presence in low earth orbit, with operations expected to continue until 2030.
Gynandromorphs: A Biological Phenomenon
Gynandromorphs are unique organisms comprising both male and female body parts. The term ‘gynandromorph’ is derived from the Greek words gyne (woman), aner (man), and morphe (form). This phenomenon is common in birds, crustaceans, and butterflies. However, the origins of gynandromorphs remain largely unknown, usually attributed to a random genetic error. Studying these split-sex animals could provide insights into why certain diseases affect one sex more often than the other. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis, obesity, metabolic syndrome, autoimmune disease, Alzheimer’s, and even ageing demonstrate different prevalence rates between sexes.
Climate-Smart Varieties of Rice
The National Rice Research Institute (NRRI) recently introduced four new rice varieties, including two high-protein and two climate-smart varieties. The climate-smart varieties (CR Dhan 801 and CR Dhan 802) exhibit tolerance to both submergence and drought in addition to certain biotic stresses, which could help combat the challenges posed by climate change. On the other hand, the high-protein varieties (CR Dhan 310 and CR Dhan 311) promise to boost protein intake.
Additionally, NRRI has developed a mobile app called ‘riceXpert’, providing real-time information to farmers and facilitating communication from scientists to farmers.
Quick Reaction Surface-to-Air Missile
The Defence Research and Development Organisation recently successfully test-fired the indigenously-developed Quick Reach Surface-to-Air missiles (QRSAM) from the Integrated Test Range, Chandipur, in Odisha. The test flights demonstrated the missile’s robust control, aerodynamics, propulsion, structural performance and high manoeuvring capabilities. This all-weather weapon system with a striking range of 30km is capable of engaging multiple targets.
Bagru Block Printing
Union Council Minister Smriti Irani recently inaugurated ‘Titanwala Museum’ in Bagru village, Rajasthan which showcases hand-block printing by the Chippa community. Bagru printing, a traditional technique of printing with natural colours, has been practiced by the Chippas for generations. A unique process called dabu is used in Bagru printing, where a mixture of black clay, acacia gum, spoiled wheat flour, and limestone is printed onto fabric. The cloth is then dyed and left to dry in the sun.
New Rice Varieties released by NRRI
| Variety | Type |
|---|---|
| CR Dhan 310 | High-protein |
| CR Dhan 311 | High-protein |
| CR Dhan 801 | Climate-smart |
| CR Dhan 802 | Climate-smart |
