German Scientist Awards

                           Germany offers re-deployment of Patriot air defence units to Poland Germany has offered to re-deploy Patriot air defence systems to NATO ally Poland at the start of the new year, the German defence ministry said on Thursday. The units could be deployed for up to six months, the ministry said in a statement. "With this we will protect a logistical hub in Poland which is of central importance for the delivery of materials to Ukraine," German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said. His Polish counterpart Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said in a post on social media platform X that Warsaw welcomed the decision. Germany previously deployed 300 troops along with three Patriot units to Poland from January to November 2023. They were based in the town of Zamosc, about 50 km (31 miles) from the Ukrainian border, to protect the southern town and its crucial railway link to Ukraine...

  World Craft Council Launches Authenticity Seal for Jammu & Kashmir Crafts      Kashmir’s handicrafts received important attention as the World Crafts Council (WCC) introduced the ‘Seal of Authenticity of the Craft.’ This certification recognizes handmade crafts from Jammu and Kashmir, which marks traditional methods that have been used for centuries. Purpose of the Certification      The ‘Seal of Authenticity’ aims to establish a globally recognized standard, which focuses initially on the textile industry. Saad Al Qaddumi, WCC president, stated that this initiative promotes quality and ownership.      The announcement occurred during the WCC’s 60th anniversary in Srinagar. Artisans from 15 countries attended the event. Srinagar was recently designated a ‘World Craft City’ by the WCC. This recognition empowers artisans and preserves cultural heritage . Future Initiatives in Srinagar      The WCC plans to create a ...

  Center Approves Expansion of Agriculture Infrastructure Fund      The Centre has recently expanded the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), which aims to enhance community farming assets and improve post-harvest management infrastructure. The original scheme began on July 8, 2020, which faces important challenges at the grassroots level. Crop Wastage in India      India experiences 15-20% crop yield wastage, which is notably higher than the 5-15% seen in advanced economies . Improving infrastructure is crucial to reduce this wastage. Importance of Agri-Infrastructure      Agri- infrastructure includes irrigation, power, and transport. These elements enhance credit access and increase yields. They also help small farmers reach better markets. However, private investment remains limited due to various challenges. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs)      The government promotes PPPs to improve post-harvest management ,...

  TeacherApp: New Digital Platform for Teachers      The TeacherApp was launched in New Delhi, which aims to enhance teachers’ skills in modern classrooms. It was created by the Bharti Airtel Foundation and the launch event included education leaders, school principals, and B.Ed. students. Purpose of the TeacherApp      The TeacherApp supports teachers in their professional development and provides ongoing training and valuable resources. The app aligns with the National Education Policy 2020. It emphasizes the importance of skilled teachers in shaping future generations . Features of the TeacherApp      The app offers over 260 hours of content and users can access courses, videos, podcasts, and webinars. Interactive activities like quizzes and competitions are included. Live sessions with experts provide practical classroom strategies. The app also shares inspiring stories from successful educators. Teaching Kits and Resources ...

  IISc Study uncovers Cancer Cell Adaptation During Migration      Recent research from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) sheds light on cancer cell behaviour, published in the Biophysical Journal , and examines how the microenvironment influences cancer cell movement. These dynamics are crucial for tackling metastasis, the process by which cancer spreads. Types of Ovarian Cancer Cells      The study focused on two ovarian cancer cell lines – OVCAR-3 and SK-OV-3. OVCAR-3 cells have a rounded shape, while SK-OV-3 cells are elongated. Both types are capable of invading surrounding tissues . Experimental Setup      Researchers placed both cell types on surfaces that simulated healthy and diseased tissues. Soft surfaces represented healthy tissue, while stiff surfaces mimicked scarred tissue around tumours. This setup allowed scientists to observe how the cells moved in different conditions. Movement on Soft Surfaces    ...

  India Among Top 10 Countries with    AI  Readiness      India is emerging as a leader in Artificial Intelligence (AI) readiness, highlighting its strong potential to enhance public services. The Boston Consulting Group’s report assesses AI readiness across 73 countries. India ranks second globally for AI specialists and third for research publications. AI Ecosystem Overview      The report indicates that over 70% of countries struggle in areas like ecosystem participation and skills development. Despite these challenges, India has shown important progress in AI integration across various sectors.      AI impacts multiple sectors in India. Business services represent 16% of GDP and can enhance government operations. The retail sector, contributing 10% of GDP, can reduce waste and optimize supply chains. Public services, accounting for 6% of GDP, can improve service delivery and emergency responses. Agriculture and P...

  Can Body Cells Learn Without the Brain?      Recent research reveals surprising insights about cellular behaviour, which suggests that even human cells can exhibit a form of learning known as habituation. This phenomenon allows organisms to stop responding to repeated stimuli, which is a fundamental aspect of how both simple and complex life forms adapt to their environments. About Habituation      Habituation is a basic learning process, which occurs when an organism becomes accustomed to a stimulus over time. For example, a person may stop noticing the ticking of a clock. This process can also help in managing fears and anxieties . Research Background      The study involved researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Centre for Genomic Regulation. They explored how simple organisms, like amoebae, demonstrate habituation. Their findings were published in the journal Current Biology, contributing to the understanding of memory a...

  Telangana’s AI Advisory Council for Lifesciences      The Telangana government is set to establish an AI advisory council for the life sciences sector, which is part of a broader strategy announced during the Telangana Global AI Summit in September 2024. The council aims to enhance the integration of AI in life sciences. Formation of the Council      The Lifesciences AI Advisory Council will be formed by January 2025 and will consist of industry experts and stakeholders. Their role will be to promote AI utilisation in the sector. This announcement was made by Telangana Industries & IT Minister Duddilla Sridhar Babu at the ‘AI in Healthcare Summit Road to BioAsia 2025’. Consortium of Lifesciences Companies      The government has united 40 life sciences companies with global capability centres (GCCs) in Telangana. This consortium will focus on talent development and operational efficiency. It aims to strengthen the supply ecosystem...