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1. The National Dolphin Research Centre (NDRC) in Patna, inaugurated in 2024, remains inactive due to a lack of necessary equipment and skilled personnel. Located near the Ganga River, the center is intended to study and conserve the Gangetic River Dolphin, focusing on behavior, habitat, and conservation challenges. Key initiatives include Project Dolphin and the Conservation Action Plan developed by the National Ganga River Basin Authority, which outlines measures for habitat protection, community involvement, and reducing human-dolphin conflicts. The Gangetic dolphin is listed as endangered by the IUCN, protected under Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act (1972), and is included in CITES and CMS Appendix I. These conservation efforts aim to secure the future of the species, which faces significant environmental threats.
2. Researchers at the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkata have engineered Escherichia coli bacteria to perform mathematical computations, marking a significant advancement in synthetic biology. By introducing genetic circuits activated by chemical inducers, the bacteria function like artificial neural networks. These bactoneurons process chemical inputs and produce fluorescent proteins based on computations, enabling the bacteria to solve problems like determining prime numbers or identifying vowels. The bacteria respond to queries with fluorescent signals indicating "yes" or "no." The engineered bacteria can also solve complex problems, such as optimization tasks like calculating the number of pieces a pie can be divided into with straight cuts. This breakthrough opens up potential applications for biological computers in diverse fields, suggesting the possibility of solving increasingly complex computational challenges using bacteria.
3. The Prime Minister of India announced the Viksit Bharat Young Leaders Dialogue (VBYLD), to be held in January in Delhi, coinciding with Swami Vivekananda’s 162nd birth anniversary. This initiative aims to engage 2,000 youth from across India, with no political background, in shaping the country's future. The event will feature discussions with the PM and national/international experts to foster innovative ideas for India’s progress. Additionally, the National Cadet Corps (NCC), established in 1948, plays a key role in youth development by promoting character, leadership, and service. It also sparks interest in national defence and creates a reserve for the Armed Forces. The NCC evolved from the University Corps of 1917, and is currently led by a Director General from the Army.
4. On the eve of Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji's Martyrdom Day (24th November), the President of India paid homage to the Sikh Guru, highlighting his sacrifice for humanity and religious freedom. Born in 1621 in Amritsar, Guru Tegh Bahadur, initially known as Tyag Mal, was trained in religious philosophy and martial skills, earning the title "Tegh Bahadur" for his valor. He became the 9th Sikh Guru in 1664, establishing Anandpur Sahib in 1665 and contributing over 700 hymns to the Guru Granth Sahib. Guru Tegh Bahadur opposed forced conversions under Aurangzeb and advocated for religious freedom, fearlessness, and harmony. On November 24, 1675, he was martyred for defending Kashmiri Pandits against forced conversions. His companions, Bhai Mati Das, Bhai Sati Das, and Bhai Dyala, were also executed. His martyrdom is commemorated at Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Delhi.
5. The 6th ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA) Joint Committee meeting in New Delhi focused on reviewing the agreement to enhance trade relations. India sought a review of AITIGA, citing a disproportionate trade imbalance. While India’s exports to ASEAN grew from USD 25.62 billion in FY 2010-11 to USD 41.2 billion in FY 2023-24, imports surged from USD 30.6 billion to USD 79.66 billion. India’s objectives include enhanced market access, particularly for goods from Vietnam, and stricter Rules of Origin (ROO) to prevent Chinese goods from entering ASEAN at preferential rates. Initial progress was made in tariff negotiations. ASEAN accounts for 11% of India’s global trade, with bilateral trade reaching USD 121 billion in FY 2023-24. However, India’s trade deficit with ASEAN widened from USD 4.98 billion in 2010-11 to USD 38.4 billion in 2023-24.