[Newsbits] 1-8.10.2024: VSHORADS, National Agriculture Code (NAC) & more

The Assam government has launched the ‘Nijut Moina’ scheme to combat child marriage and promote girls’ education. Under this initiative, girls from Class 11 to postgraduate levels receive monthly financial support ranging from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500. The scheme, led by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, requires girls to attend school regularly and delay marriage until after completing their post-graduation. With an investment of Rs 1,500 crore, it aims to benefit 1 million girls, further reducing child marriage and encouraging higher education, contributing to long-term social change and better health outcomes.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh launched two key initiatives, ADITI 2.0 and DISC 12, at DefConnect 4.0 in Delhi to enhance India’s defence technology ecosystem. ADITI 2.0 focuses on 19 advanced technology challenges, while DISC 12 introduces 41 new challenges, including innovations in UAVs and medical technologies for the Armed Forces. These initiatives, supported by the iDEX program, provide significant funding to start-ups and MSMEs to develop future-ready defence solutions. The government emphasizes private sector involvement and aims to shift from replicating existing technologies to fostering innovation, pushing India towards global leadership in defence technology.

The National Anubhav Awards Scheme, 2025, is part of the ongoing Anubhav platform, introduced by Prime Minister Modi in 2015. It allows retiring and retired government employees to share their work experiences, which can be valuable for future employees. The 2025 awards have been expanded to include employees from Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs) and Public Sector Banks. Employees and pensioners can submit write-ups by March 31, 2025, with five Anubhav Awards and ten Jury Certificates available. The submission timeline has been extended to three years post-retirement, and a new assessment system ensures fair evaluations.

Chilean scientists have developed a reversible neutering vaccine for dogs, offering a non-surgical alternative to traditional spaying and neutering. Created by veterinarian Leonardo Saenz, the vaccine temporarily halts reproductive hormones, providing an easier method to control reproduction. Traditional neutering has health benefits, such as reducing cancer risks and improving behavior, but concerns about long-term side effects, including obesity and certain cancers, have emerged. This new vaccine could revolutionize dog neutering practices, offering pet owners more choices as further research assesses its effectiveness and safety compared to surgery.

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded to Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun for discovering microRNA (miRNA), which plays a crucial role in gene regulation. This groundbreaking research revealed how miRNAs control gene activity, enabling cells with the same DNA to perform different functions. Ambros discovered the first miRNA, lin-4, in C. elegans, while Ruvkun identified the second, let-7. Their findings revolutionized our understanding of how cells develop and adapt, and their work is key to understanding diseases like cancer, where gene regulation often malfunctions.

The Banjara Virasat ‘Nagara’ Museum, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Pohradevi, Maharashtra, celebrates the cultural heritage of the Banjara community. This four-story museum features 13 galleries showcasing Banjara history, leaders, arts, and traditions. Located in Pohradevi, a spiritual hub for Banjaras and home to the tomb of Sant Sewalal Maharaj, the museum blends cultural education with tourism. The museum is part of broader efforts led by Minister Sanjay Rathod to protect Banjara heritage and attract visitors to this culturally significant region.