UniFocus IAS ( UNIFOCUS UNIVERSAL )

CROPS stands for Compact Research Module for Orbital Plant Studies which is an unmanned experimental module designed to develop ISRO’s capabilities for growing and sustaining plants in space. CROPS first mission (CROPS – 1) is designed to demonstrate germination of a seed and growth of plant up to two leaves stage in space. It is an airtight container of diameter 300mm and height 450mm simulating earth like environment in space except gravity. CROPS – 1 was flown in PSLV C60 mission in POEM 4 payload to demonstrate germination of a seed and sustenance up to two leaves stage in space for 5 to 7 days. Cowpea (Scientific name: Vigna Unguiculata) was chosen based on ground trials on a variety of seeds due to its shorter germination time.  On the fourth day, seeds sprouting out from the enclosed tissue strips was observed. On the fifth day, two leaves were visible on spouted seeds indicating successful accomplishment of the objectives. ISRO News

This project was funded by Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India. It was launched in January 2020.  Its goal is to sequence genome of 10000 individuals spanning the length and breadth of the country. Management of Data:  The launch of the ‘Framework for Exchange of Data (FeED)’ Protocols under the Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines ensures that the high-quality, nation-specific data will be shared in a transparent, fair, and responsible manner. The Biotech-PRIDE Guidelines, introduced in 2021, are a testament to India’s commitment to ethical and secure data sharing. What is Human Genome & genomic sequencing? The genome, or genetic material, of an organism is made up of a unique DNA or RNA sequence. Each sequence is composed of chemical building blocks known as nucleotide bases. Determining the order of bases is called "genomic sequencing" or, simply, "sequencing." Whole genome sequencing  ( WGS ) is the process of determining...

  In a landmark move to enhance telecom accessibility, security, and empowerment across India, the Union Minister of Communications, Central Government today launched a suite of citizen-focused initiatives.   The Sanchar Saathi Mobile App, available for both Android and iOS platforms, provides users with critical tools to secure their telecom resources and combat telecom frauds. Key features include: ·  Chakshu  - Reporting Suspected Fraud Communications (SFC): Users can report suspected calls and SMS using app and directly from mobile phone logs. ·  Know Mobile Connections in Your Name : Citizens can identify and manage all mobile connections issued in their name, ensuring no unauthorized usage. ·  Blocking Your Lost/ Stolen Mobile Handset:  Lost or stolen mobile devices can be swiftly blocked, traced and recovered. ·  Know Mobile Handset Genuineness : The app offers an easy way to verify the authenticity of mobile handsets, ensuring users purcha...

  The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has today issued a notification amending the Cable Television Network Rules, 1994 (the Rules), to streamline the  Local Cable Operator ( LCO) registration process. Effective from today, LCO registrations will be conducted  entirely online  with the  Ministry  itself as their  registering authority. Upon successful verification of applicant details, including Aadhaar, PAN, CIN, DIN etc.,  LCO registration certificates will be issued in real-time . Also, a provision for appeal against the denial of registration or renewal for LCO registration has been added. Earlier, LCO Registration process was carried out at the local head post office of the area in which the office of the LCO is situated in an offline mode with Head Postmaster as their registering authority. The manual registration process was cumbersome and time consuming. Also, the area of operations upon obtaining registration was limited to speci...

  SpaDeX mission is a cost-effective technology demonstrator mission for the demonstration of in-space docking using two small spacecraft launched by PSLV. This technology is essential for India's space ambitions such as Indian on Moon, sample return from the Moon, the building and operation of Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS), etc. In-space docking technology is essential when multiple rocket launches are required to achieve common mission objectives. Through this mission, India is marching towards becoming the fourth country in the world to have space docking technology. Objectives: The primary objective of the SpaDeX mission is to develop and demonstrate the technology needed for rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two small spacecraft (SDX01, which is the Chaser, and SDX02, the Target, nominally) in a low-Earth circular orbit. Secondary objectives include: Demonstration of the transfer of electric power between the docked spacecraft, which is essential for future application...

  The   2024 Global Heath Expenditure Report   by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that the average per capita government spending on health in all country income groups fell in 2022 from 2021 after a surge in the early pandemic years. The report entitled, “Global spending on health Emerging from the pandemic” has been published in alignment with the   Universal Health Coverage (UHC) Day   campaign marked annually on 12 December. The campaign’s focus for 2024 is on improving financial protection for people everywhere to access health services they need. Government spending on health is crucial to delivering UHC. Its deprioritization can have dire consequences in a context where 4.5 billion people worldwide lack access to basic health services and 2 billion people face financial hardship due to health costs. “While access to health services has been improving globally, using those services is driving more and more people into financial hardship or povert...

The Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (Act) received the assent of the Hon'ble President on 11th August 2023. A draft of the Rules as envisaged under different sections of the Act have been made. The Rules provides for the necessary details and implementation framework of the Act. Features of the Rules: Notice by Data Fiduciary to Data Principal: The notice provided by the Data Fiduciary to the Data Principal must be clear, standalone, and understandable, distinct from any other information shared by the Data Fiduciary. Registration and obligations of a Consent Manager: Consent Manager must be a company incorporated in India with sound financial and operational capacity, having a minimum net worth of two crore rupees, a reputation for fairness and integrity in its management, and a certified interoperable platform enabling Data Principals to manage their consent. Processing for provision or issue of services by the State or its instrumentality: The State and its instrume...

  A single drop of water journeys across the land filtering through rocks and sand to become the invaluable resource we rely on—clean groundwater. This essential source supports life, fuels agricultural productivity and secures water for millions. In 2024, total annual groundwater recharge experienced a significant increase of   15 BCM (Billion Cubic Meters), while extraction decreased by 3 BCM compared to the 2017 assessment.   This progress underscores the importance of understanding groundwater's availability, usage, and the challenges ahead. Country’s Groundwater Resources [2] The Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), in collaboration with State Groundwater Departments, releases annual reports on groundwater resources. The  'National Compilation on Dynamic Ground Water Resources of India, 2024'  offers a comprehensive state-wise overview, serving as a foundation for effective policies and management strategies. According to the latest report, the total annual g...

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) on Thursday notified amendment in the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 to include Para 1.07A and 1.07B  to bring legal backing in the FTP to make it necessary to do consultation with stakeholders to seek views, suggestions, comments or feedback from relevant stakeholders, including importers/exporters/industry experts concerning the formulation or amendment of the Foreign Trade Policy. It also provides the mechanism to inform reasons for not accepting views, suggestions, comments or feedback concerning the formulation or amendment of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023. The latest amendments in the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023 reflect upon the Central Government’s commitment towards strengthening the scope of Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in India by encouraging stakeholder and expert participation through consultation in the decision-making process. The key objective of the amendments is to encourage the participation of all stakeholders in the d...

The Government of India has decided to constitute a Working Group for base revision of the current series of Wholesale Price Index (WPI) from base 2011-12 to 2022-23. The composition of the Working Group is as follows:   1. Prof. Ramesh Chand, Member, NITI Aayog Chairman 2. Additional Director General, Field Operations Division, Ministry of Statistics & P.I. Member 3. Deputy Director General, Economic Statistics Division, Ministry of Statistics & P.I. Member 4. Deputy Director General, National Accounts Division, Ministry of Statistics & P.I. Member 5. Deputy Director General, Enterprise Survey Division, Ministry of Statistics & P.I. Member 6. Economic Adviser, Department of Economic Affairs, ...