GN-z11
- The latest spectroscopic results from GN-z11 — identified as one of the distant and early galaxies– has confirmed a complete absence of dust particles from its surroundings for an interim time period despite possessing a very high star formationrate.
- The process of star formation and the subsequent stellar evolution inevitably generates massive amounts of dust and makes the host galaxy opaque to some extent due to the apparent view of a thick veil around it.
- This textbook-like phenomenon has been missing in GN-z11’s behaviour, leaving astronomers amazed beyond measure.
- A compact galaxy containing dense matter, GN-z11, was first discovered in 2015 by the Hubble Space Telescope (HST).
- It is located approximately 32 billion light years away from the Earth.
A HELP Program
- The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Pushkar Singh Dhami on April 13 launched ‘A-HELP’ (Accredited Agent for Health and Extension of Livestock Production) programme in the State of Uttarakhand.
- Under this program trained A-HELPs will give their vital contribution in preventing various infectious diseases of animals, artificial insemination under Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM), tagging of animals and animal insurance.
International Big Cat Alliance
- The Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) on April 9 for conservation of seven big cats.
- These big cats are Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar and Puma harbouring our planet.
- IBCA was launched at the mega international event held in Mysuru, Karnataka to commemorate 50 years of Project Tiger.
- India has a long-standing experience on the tiger agenda and conservation of other big cats like lion, snow leopard, leopard, now the translocation of the Cheetah to bring an extinct big cat back to its natural habitat.
- The alliance aims to reach out to 97 range countries covering the natural habitats of Tiger, Lion, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah.
- IBCA would further strengthen global cooperation and efforts to conserve the wild denizens, especially the big cats.
- Conserving big cats and their habitats can secure some of the most important natural ecosystems on Earth leading to natural climate change adaptation, water, and food security for millions of people, and provide livelihood and sustenance to forest communities.
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