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- Researchers from the US and Japan have identified the Arhgap36 gene as the key factor behind the distinctive orange fur in cats.
- This discovery paves the way for deeper studies into feline genetics, health, and behavior.
- The Arhgap36 gene, located on the X chromosome in mammals including cats and humans, regulates cellular processes related to pigmentation and is active in the skin, brain, and hormone glands.
Orange cats have a specific deletion in this gene’s DNA sequence, which triggers increased production of lighter-colored pigments, resulting in their characteristic fur color.
- ONGC has made significant oil and gas discoveries named Suryamani and Vajramani in the Mumbai offshore basin, about 165 km off India’s west coast in the Arabian Sea.
- These discoveries were made in blocks awarded under the Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) regime.
- Introduced in 2017 as part of the Hydrocarbon Exploration and Licensing Policy (HELP) by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas, OALP aims to boost exploration and production activities. I
t allows companies to select exploration blocks independently, bypassing traditional government bid rounds, thereby accelerating hydrocarbon development across India.
- IIT Bombay researchers have created a semi-transparent perovskite solar cell (PSC) that offers 25–30% higher efficiency than traditional solar cells, potentially reducing costs by half. This PSC features a 4-terminal tandem design, layering a perovskite top cell over a silicon-based bottom cell.
- The top cell uses an indigenously developed halide perovskite semiconductor, enhancing light absorption and energy conversion.
- Key advantages include local production, long lifespan, and independence from geopolitically sensitive materials, unlike some silicon components controlled by China.
- This innovation promises a more efficient and cost-effective solar energy solution.
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced an early onset of the southwest monsoon over Kerala, arriving eight days ahead of the usual June 1 schedule.
- The last similar advancement was recorded in 2009. This early arrival is attributed to several meteorological and oceanic factors.
- The Madden-Julian Oscillation (MJO) boosted cloud formation and wind patterns, while the intensified Mascarene High steered stronger monsoon winds toward India.
- Enhanced convection and the strengthening of the Somali Jet further energized monsoon currents over the Arabian Sea. Additionally, a heat-low—a low-pressure system over the Indian subcontinent—acted like a vacuum, pulling moist air inland.
- The southward movement of the monsoon trough also helped trigger widespread rain.
- For IMD to officially declare the onset, key criteria must be met: sufficient rainfall at 60% of 14 monitoring stations, persistent westerly winds up to 600 hPa, and Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) values below 200 W/m², indicating active monsoon conditions.