- VB_HmeY_H4907: At the lowest point, nearly 11,000 meters below the surface of the Pacific Ocean, a new virus named vB_HmeY_H4907 has been discovered on Earth.
It is a new virus discovered nearly 11,000 metres below the surface of the Pacific Ocean.
The virus has been understood as a Bacteriophage, which means ‘bacteria eater’.
It infects halophilic bacteria (bacteria that inhabit environments with high salt concentrations) from the genus Halomonas. Such bacteria are generally found in deep-sea hydrothermal vents.The virus is actually very genetically similar to its host and is a lysogenic phage, meaning that it inserts its genetic material into the bacteria but usually doesn’t kill it; instead, both virus and bacteria replicate at the same time.
- I2U2 Group: It is a grouping of India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
The group was initially formed in October 2021 to deal with issues concerning infrastructure, transport, and maritime security in the region.
Originally named the “International Forum for Economic Cooperation,” it was also known as the “West Asian Quad” at the time.The group held their first virtual summit in July 2022.
This unique grouping of countries identifies bankable projects and initiatives to tackle some of the greatest challenges, with a particular focus on joint investments and new initiatives in water, energy, transportation, space, health, food security, and technology. It aims to mobilise private sector capital and expertise to achieve a variety of goals, including modernising infrastructure, advancing low-carbon development pathways, and improving public health.
- Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: One in five women in India grapples with PCOS, with 60% of those seeking infertility treatments doing so due to PCOS-related problems. It is a very common hormone problem for women of childbearing age. Women with PCOS may not ovulate, have high levels of androgens, and have many small cysts on the ovaries. It can cause missed or irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, acne, infertility, and weight gain. Genetic predisposition, often marked by a family history of diabetes or obesity, exposed to environments that encourage neither a healthy diet nor regular exercise and are stress-laden. It can be prevented through lifestyle changes, medications, and fertility treatments.
- AI Chatbot for PM-KISAN Scheme: It acts as a comprehensive guide for the beneficiaries, providing them with timely and accurate responses to their queries related to the scheme. This is the first AI Chatbot integrated with a major flagship scheme of the Union government. It has been developed and improved with the support of the EKstep Foundation and Bhashini. The introduction of the AI chatbot in the PM-KISAN grievance management system is aimed at empowering farmers with a user-friendly and accessible platform. In its first phase of development, the AI chatbot will assist farmers in seeking information related to their application status, payment details, ineligibility status, and other scheme-related updates. The AI Chatbot, accessible through the PM KISAN mobile app, is integrated with Bhashini, which offers multilingual support, catering to the linguistic and regional diversity of the PM KISAN beneficiaries. This integration of advanced technology will not only enhance transparency but will also empower farmers to make informed decisions.Currently, the Chatbot is available in English, Hindi, Bengali, Odia, and Tamil.
