1) Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori): Indian researchers have developed a two-step PCR (polymerase chain reaction) based assay for H. pylori bacteria.
- It can help detect H. pylori infection and identify clarithromycin-resistant bacteria in seven hours.
- Currently, it takes weeks to identify drug sensitivity.
- There is an increasing trend of clarithromycin-resistant H. pylori in India leading to a decreasing success rate in treatment.
- H. pylori infection is major risk factors for gastric cancer.
- In India, the infection affect 60-70% of population.
- Infection is often acquired during childhood and remains in stomach throughout life if not treated.
2) Vitrimer incorporated with polyrotaxane (VPR): Scientists in Japan have developed a new version of plastic called VPR which is based on an epoxy resin vitrimer.
- Vitrimers are recent category of plastics known for strength at low temperatures and reshaping under heat.
- However, they tend to be very brittle.
- To overcome this, researchers added polyrotaxane to the plastic-making process which resulted in VPR.
- About VPR:
- Stronger and stretchier than the traditional version.
- Partially biodegradable.
- It can remember complex shapes which can be restored once it is heated
3) Lysionotus namchoomii: Lysionotus namchoomii is a new species of epiphytic plant (which grows upon another plant) discovered by Scientists of Botanical Survey of India (BSI).
- Native range of the genus Lysionotus is the Himalayas, Japan and Indo-China.
- New Species bears thick leaves and attractive purple flowers.
- It is named in honour of late Chau Phunkyoo Nomchoon, a social reformer from Arunachal Pradesh’s Khapti community.
- BSI established in 1890, is the apex research organization under the Ministry of Environment Forest and Climate Change.
- It carries out taxonomic studies on wild plant resources of country.
4) Maternity Leaves: The Ministry of Defence has approved the extension of the rules for Maternity, Child Care and Child Adoption Leaves for women soldiers in the Armed Forces.
- Now women in all ranks of the armed forces will be granted maternity leave on par with their civilian counterparts.
- Maternity leave is governed by the Maternity Benefit Act of 1961, amended in 2017
- It allows working women to take paid maternity leave for twenty-six weeks for the first two children.
Places in News:
1) Nepal (Capital: Kathmandu):
- India offered assistance to Nepal amidst the Earthquake.
- Political features
- Landlocked country.
- Borders: India (east, south, and west) and Tibet Autonomous Region of China (North).
- Geographical features
- Mountains: Home to eight of the world’s highest mountains and harbours Mahābhārat Range and Great Himalayan Range of Himalayas.
- Highest point: Mt. Everest (8,848 m)
- Major rivers:
- Gandak (origin: near Dhaulagiri Tibet Nepal border)
- Karnali (orgin: Macha-khabab of Tibet)
- Kosi (formed by confluence of Sun Kosi, Arun Kosi and Tamur Kosi all taking their origin in the Himalayan region of Nepal and Tibet)
