The Indira Gandhi Zoological Park (IGZP), running a conservation breeding centre for the Dholes (Indian wild dogs), plans to reintroduce a pack of 16 into the forests.
The pack should be genetically strong and have the basic instinct to hunt.
If the Rs 1.5-crore conservation project works, it will be the third such zoo effort for the recovery and long-term survival of an endangered species.
Earlier, Darjeeling’s Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park had a programme for the red panda and a Pygmy Hog Conservation Programme was undertaken in Assam.
Protected under Schedule 2 of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and listed as ‘endangered’ by the IUCN, the dhole was adopted by IGZP in 2014 under the Central Zoo Authority’s mandate.
Dholes, with a cinnamon-coloured coat, bushy tail and an alert gaze, are aggressive pack predators, covering long distances on a hunt.
Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme
Job opportunities under the PMEGP fell over 9.5% year-on-year to 3.2 lakh in FY16 from more than 3.5 lakh in FY15, according to Assocham.
The PMEGP is an effective scheme aimed at reducing unemployment and generating sustainable employment opportunities in rural and urban India.
It is a central sector scheme launched in 2008-09 by merging Prime Minister’s Rozgar Yojana (PMRY) and Rural Employment Generation Programme (REGP) schemes. KVIC is the Nodal Agency at National Level.
Objectives: To generate continuous and sustainable employment opportunities in Rural and Urban areas of the country
To provide continuous and sustainable employment to a large segment of traditional and prospective artisans, rural and urban unemployed youth in the country through setting up of micro enterprises.
To facilitate participation of financial institutions for higher credit flow to micro sector.
Genetic secrets of the tea tree
Scientists have unlocked the genome of the tea tree, which may help explain why tea leaves are rich in antioxidants and caffeine, and how they produce so many flavours.
The most popular varieties of tea — all come from the leaves of the evergreen shrub Camellia sinensis, otherwise known as the tea tree.
The researchers found that the leaves of the tea plant contain high levels of chemicals that give tea its distinctive flavour. They include flavonoids and caffeine.
Six main types of tea are produced from Camellia sinensis - white, yellow, green, oolong, black and post-fermented. Each has its own aroma, taste and appearance.
The distinctive flavours of these teas are created by their different chemical compositions.
The genetic knowledge could lead to ways to improve the quality and price of tea, by selective breeding of tea plants.
SAMPADA
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, has given its approval for re-structuring the schemes of the Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) under new Central Sector Scheme – SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing and Development of Agro-Processing Clusters) for the period 2016-20 coterminous with the 14th Finance Commission cycle.
The objective of SAMPADA is to supplement agriculture, modernize processing and decrease agri-waste.
It is a comprehensive package to give a renewed thrust to the food processing sector in the country.
The implementation of SAMPADA will result in creation of modern infrastructure with efficient supply chain management from farm gate to retail outlet.
Extra Neutral Alcohol
The Patna High Court has recently set aside the Bihar government’s decision to ban production of Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA) by several distillery and liquor companies in the State.
The court observed that the government had no right to ban production of ENA as it is used in various other industries apart from making liquor.
The Extra Neutral alcohol or ENA is a high distillated alcohol without any impurities.
ENA is mainly used in the production of potable alcohol, in the pharmaceutical industry.
In the flavors and fragrance industry, dilute ethanol is used to produce distilled vinegar, flavour extracts and concentrates for soft drinks and food products.
