Current Affairs - National

Panacea Biotec developed DengiAll, India's first indigenous dengue vaccine, which is currently in Phase 3 trials. The vaccine targets all four dengue virus serotypes and is being tested across 19 sites with over 10,000 participants. This development is crucial as dengue remains a significant public health challenge in India, transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes. The successful trial of DengiAll could provide a vital tool in combating this widespread disease.

Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL) has been awarded a significant 1,600 MW coal-based thermal power project by Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC) for construction in Koderma, Jharkhand. This project, awarded on an Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) basis, highlights BHEL’s role as a major player in India's power sector. As a central public sector undertaking under the Ministry of Heavy Industries, BHEL’s involvement underscores its capability and expertise in handling large-scale energy projects. This development aligns with India’s broader efforts to enhance its power generation capacity.

IIT Madras secured the top position in the 'overall' category in the NIRF 2024 rankings, continuing its consistent performance in India's higher education landscape. The NIRF, introduced by the Ministry of Education in 2015, ranks institutions based on various key parameters. IIT Madras's achievement highlights its excellence in areas such as research, teaching, and infrastructure. The rankings play a crucial role in helping students and parents make informed decisions about higher education institutions in India.

On August 11, 2024, the Prime Minister introduced 109 new seed varieties designed to be high-yielding, climate-resilient, and biofortified. Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, these seeds cover 61 different crops, including both field and horticultural varieties. The goal of this initiative is to boost farm productivity, enhance nutritional quality, and improve the income of farmers. This release represents a significant step towards advancing agricultural practices and adapting to climate challenges.

The Neelakurinji (Strobilanthes kunthiana), a flowering shrub native to the montane grasslands of southwest India, has recently been added to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species. Known for its rare mass blooming event that occurs once every 12 years, the Neelakurinji has been classified as Vulnerable under the IUCN criteria. This assessment was the first global evaluation of the species, conducted by researchers from the Centre for Ecology Taxonomy Conservation and Climate Change and reviewed by experts from the Western Ghats Plant Specialist Group.