[Newsbits] 12-30.09.2024: PM Vishwakarma Scheme, White Revolution 2.0 & more

India has moved up to 39th place in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024, marking significant progress since 2015. India leads in innovation in Central and Southern Asia and ranks 1st among lower-middle-income countries. Cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai are recognized among the top 100 global Science & Technology clusters. The GII, started in 2007 by WIPO, INSEAD, and Cornell University, evaluates factors like human capital, infrastructure, and market sophistication. India’s rise in innovation is driven by strong investment in R&D, education, and supportive policies for startups.

Scientists at the BRIC-CDFD in Hyderabad have discovered a new protein regulation process involving Wntless (WLS), a protein critical for vertebrate development. WLS ensures proper organ development by releasing Wnt3a, but its levels depend on recycling controlled by EYA proteins. Without EYA, WLS is broken down, disrupting essential signalling pathways. The study, tested in organisms like zebrafish, shows that missing EYA proteins cause developmental disorders. Future research could focus on chemicals that stabilize or disrupt EYA proteins, potentially leading to treatments for developmental issues in vertebrates.

The Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP), announced by the BJP in 2017-18, aims to improve water management for 13 districts in Rajasthan and the Malwa and Chambal regions of Madhya Pradesh. It will supply drinking and industrial water and irrigate 5.6 lakh hectares of land. The project includes the Modified Parbati-Kalisindh-Chambal (PKC) link as part of India’s national river-linking initiative. Talks between Rajasthan’s CM Bhajan Lal Sharma and Union Water Minister CR Paatil have advanced, and a formal agreement covering water sharing, costs, and execution is expected soon.

India will host the World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) from October 14-24, 2024, marking the first time the event is held in Asia. Organized by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), WTSA sets global telecom standards, crucial for technologies like 5G and 6G. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has initiated Outreach Sessions to engage over 500 students in major cities, helping them understand telecom innovations. The 5G-6G Hackathon 2024 encourages solutions for India’s specific needs, while side events like the ITU Kaleidoscope Conference promote innovation, inclusivity, and AI applications in telecom.

The Karnataka government has rejected the Kasturirangan Committee report, which aimed to protect ecologically sensitive areas (ESAs) in the Western Ghats. The report, created in 2012, proposed balancing environmental conservation with local community involvement. However, political opposition, particularly from districts like Shivamogga and Udupi, led the government to reject the report due to concerns about its impact on livelihoods, such as farming and construction. This decision raises questions about how Karnataka will protect the Western Ghats while addressing local development needs and political pressures.