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- A new species of phytopathogenic fungi, Epicoccum indicum (Ascomycota, Didymellaceae), has recently been identified by researchers at Banaras Hindu University. This species is linked to a rising leaf spot disease in Chrysopogon zizanioides (vetiver).
- About Epicoccum indicum:
- It represents a newly discovered species of phytopathogenic fungi.
- The name indicum is derived from India, where the species was first found.
- What Are Phytopathogenic Fungi?
- Phytopathogenic fungi are a type of fungus responsible for causing diseases in plants, which can result in substantial economic losses in both agriculture and horticulture.
- Around 70–80% of plant diseases are caused by these fungi.
- These fungi can infect various plant parts, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and fruits.
- Most phytopathogenic fungi belong to the Ascomycetes or Basidiomycetes groups.
- They utilize different methods to colonize plants and induce disease.
- These fungi produce a variety of enzymes that break down carbohydrate polymers, which are key components of plant cell walls.
- Some fungi kill their hosts and feed on the dead material (necrotrophs), while others invade living tissue to derive nutrients (biotrophs).
- The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently displayed a model of the indigenous Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS) during the 76th Republic Day parade.
- About Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS):
- The ATAGS is a large-caliber artillery system capable of programming and firing future Long Range Guided Munitions (LRGM), ensuring precision and deep strike capabilities.
- Developed indigenously by DRDO, the production of ATAGS involves two private sector partners—Bharat Forge (Pune) and Tata Advanced Systems.
- Key Features:
- It is a 155mm, 52-caliber howitzer.
- With a range of 48 km, the ATAGS is one of the longest-range towed artillery systems in the world.
- The gun is mounted on a 6×6 platform, providing outstanding mobility across different terrains.
- Advanced features include burst firing mode and cutting-edge electronics.
- It also offers shoot-and-scoot capabilities and is the first of its kind to achieve the shortest minimum range at a high angle.
- The system is equipped with an all-electric drive for maintenance-free and reliable operation over extended periods.
- Designed to operate effectively in extreme temperature conditions, the ATAGS is built for high endurance.
- The Union Finance Ministry recently announced the operationalization of the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) as an option under the National Pension System (NPS) for central government employees.
- About Unified Pension Scheme (UPS):
- The UPS is available to central government employees who are enrolled under the National Pension System (NPS) and opt for this scheme.
- Both current and future central government employees enrolled under the NPS can choose either the UPS or continue with the existing NPS plan.
- Once an employee decides to switch to the UPS, the choice is final and binding.
- The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) may release regulations to facilitate the implementation of the UPS.
- The UPS will be operational from April 1, 2025.
- Key Features of UPS:
- The UPS guarantees a payout to employees upon retirement (superannuation).
- Employees will receive 50% of the average basic pay drawn during the last 12 months prior to retirement, provided they have completed 25 years of service.
- Employees with less than 25 years but more than 10 years of service will receive a proportionate pension.
- A minimum payout of Rs 10,000 per month is guaranteed for employees with 10 or more years of qualifying service.
- For those who opt for voluntary retirement after 25 years of service, the payout will begin from the date they would have otherwise reached retirement age.
- In case of the employee’s death after retirement, the spouse will receive a family payout amounting to 60% of the pension payable to the employee.
- Both the assured payout and the family payout will be subject to dearness relief, calculated in the same manner as the Dearness Allowance for serving employees.
- The UPS or assured payout will not apply in cases of removal, dismissal from service, or resignation.
- Contributions under the UPS:
- Unlike the old pension scheme, the UPS is contributory. Employees are required to contribute 10% of their basic salary and dearness allowance, while the central government (employer) will contribute 18.5%.
- The final payout will depend on market returns on the accumulated corpus, which is largely invested in government debt instruments.