Today's Brief 9-10/02/2024

  1.(SSPCA) Initiative: Support to Students for Participating in Competitions Abroad" (SSPCA) scheme:

Objectives:

• Enhance the quality of engineering education in India.

• Foster a culture of research, innovation, and competition among students.

• Empower students to showcase their talents on a global stage.

Eligibility:

• Open to individual students or teams of 2-10 students.

• Students must be enrolled in AICTE-approved technical institutions and pursuing diploma, B.E./B. Tech, integrated M. Tech, or M./M. Tech programs.

• Open to students in fields notified by AICTE.

• Each team/student is eligible for support only once during their course of study.

Financial Assistance:

• Up to Rs. 2 lakh per student, covering various expenses:

• International and domestic travel

• Registration fees

• Visa applications

• Accommodation

• Airport taxes

• Travel insurance

• Equipment costs related to the competition

Additional Support:

• Mentorship guidance

• Logistical support

• Networking opportunities

Application Process:

• Applications submitted through online portal (details to be announced by AICTE).

• Selection based on merit and competition relevance.

2.CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful gene-editing technology that allows scientists to make precise changes to an organism's DNA. It has the potential to revolutionize medicine, agriculture, and other fields.

How it works:

CRISPR-Cas9 is based on a natural defense system used by bacteria to protect themselves from viruses. Bacteria capture small pieces of viral DNA and store them in their own DNA. These pieces of DNA, called CRISPR spacers, allow the bacteria to recognize and destroy future infections from the same virus.

Scientists have adapted this system to edit genes in any organism. They do this by creating a guide RNA molecule that is complementary to the target DNA sequence. The guide RNA leads the Cas9 protein to the target DNA, where it cuts the DNA strand. The cell then repairs the break, sometimes introducing changes to the DNA sequence.

Applications:

CRISPR-Cas9 has a wide range of potential applications, including:

• Treating genetic diseases: Scientists are using CRISPR-Cas9 to correct harmful mutations in genes that cause diseases such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia.

• Developing new crops: Scientists are using CRISPR-Cas9 to improve the nutritional value and yield of crops.

• Creating new biofuels: Scientists are using CRISPR-Cas9 to engineer microbes that can produce biofuels more efficiently.

Challenges:

There are several challenges associated with CRISPR-Cas9, including:

• Off-target effects: The Cas9 protein can sometimes cut DNA at unintended locations, which can lead to harmful mutations.

• Ethical considerations: There are ethical concerns about using CRISPR-Cas9 to edit human embryos, as this could lead to changes that are passed on to future generations.

Overall, CRISPR-Cas9 is a powerful tool with the potential to revolutionize many fields. However, it is important to carefully consider the challenges associated with this technology before using it.

3. Safe City Project: .

U.N. Women's specific involvement in the Safe City project in India can vary depending on the city or region it's implemented in. However, their overall role is to provide technical assistance in areas that promote the safety and well-being of women and girls in public spaces. Here are some potential areas of assistance:

1. Policy Development and Planning:

• Reviewing and revising existing policies and laws related to women's safety in public spaces.

• Conducting research and analysis to identify data-driven strategies for reducing violence against women.

• Supporting the development of comprehensive action plans for implementing Safe City projects.

2. Capacity Building and Training:

• Training police officers and other law enforcement personnel on gender-sensitive policing and investigation techniques.

• Building the capacity of local authorities and community organizations to prevent and respond to violence against women.

• Empowering women and girls through safety awareness training and self-defense workshops.

3. Data Collection and Analysis:

• Developing and implementing systems for collecting and analyzing data on crimes against women in public spaces.

• Using data to identify hotspots and track progress made in improving safety.

• Sharing best practices and lessons learned from other Safe City projects around the world.

4. Advocacy and Awareness Raising:

• Raising awareness about the issue of violence against women and girls in public spaces.

• Advocating for increased funding and resources for Safe City projects.

• Engaging with civil society organizations and community groups to ensure their participation in the project.

4.Aadi Mahotsav: President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the Aadi Mahotsav 2024, an annual National Tribal Festival at Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium in New Delhi today. Minister for Tribal Affairs Arjun Munda will also be present on the occasion. The event, organised by TRIFED under the aegis of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, will showcase the rich diversity of India's tribal heritage till the 18th of this month.

Aadi Mahotsav is a national tribal festival organized by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India. It is a celebration of the spirit of tribal culture, crafts, cuisine, commerce and traditional art. The festival is held every year in different cities across India. The first Aadi Mahotsav was held in New Delhi in 2017. 

The Aadi Mahotsav features a wide range of activities, including:

• Exhibition and sale of tribal handicrafts, handlooms, art and jewellery

• Tribal food stalls serving traditional cuisine from different parts of India

• Cultural performances by tribal artists from different states

• Workshops on tribal art and crafts

• Seminars and discussions on tribal issues

The Aadi Mahotsav is a great opportunity to learn about the rich and diverse tribal culture of India. It is also a great way to support tribal artisans and entrepreneurs. If you are interested in tribal culture, art or cuisine, then I highly recommend visiting the Aadi Mahotsav.

Here are some of the objectives of the Aadi Mahotsav:

• To promote tribal culture and heritage

• To provide a platform for tribal artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services

• To create awareness about tribal issues

• To bridge the gap between tribal and non-tribal communities

The Aadi Mahotsav has been a great success since its inception. It has helped to promote tribal culture and heritage, and has provided a platform for tribal artisans and entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services. The festival has also helped to create awareness about tribal issues and to bridge the gap between tribal and non-tribal communities.

Thanks for visiting!!.