Why in the News?

The Lok Sabha recently witnessed the introduction of the National Dental Commission Bill, 2023, by the government. 

About National Dental Commission Bill, 2023:

• The primary objective of the Bill is to revoke the Dentists Act of 1948, ushering in new regulations and reforms.
• With a focus on affordability, the bill strives to enhance dental education accessibility and ensure quality oral healthcare services.
• In place of the existing Dental Council of India, the Bill proposes the establishment of the National Dental Commission (NDC) to oversee dental education and related matters effectively.

What is National Dental Commission (NDC)?

• The establishment of the new commission entails the formulation of policies and the maintenance of quality standards in dental education and the dental profession.
• A key responsibility of the commission will be to regulate fees for 50% of seats in private dental colleges.

Composition of NDC:

• The structure of the NDC will mirror that of the National Medical Commission (NMC), which replaced the Medical Council of India.
• The head office of the National Dental Commission will be located in New Delhi, consisting of a chairperson, eight ex officio members, and 24 part-time members and the appointment of members will be done by the central government.
• The Bill mandates that all members of the commission must declare their assets and liabilities upon entering and leaving office, along with disclosing any professional and commercial engagements they are involved in.

Why in the News?

ISRO recently declared that the launch of the PSLV-C56, carrying Singapore's DS-SAR satellite, is scheduled for July 30th.

Facts About PSLV-C56:

• From the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, the PSLV-C56 is all set to embark on its mission, carrying the DS-SAR satellite and six additional co-passengers.
• Just like C55, the PSLV-C56 will be configured in its core-alone mode, ensuring a streamlined and efficient launch process.
• The primary objective of the mission is to deploy the DS-SAR satellite, weighing 360 kg, into a Near-equatorial Orbit (NEO) with a precise inclination of 5 degrees and an altitude of 535 km.

What is The DS-SAR satellite?

• The DS-SAR satellite is a collaborative effort between DSTA, representing the Government of Singapore, and ST Engineering.
• Its primary purpose is to cater to the satellite imagery needs of diverse governmental agencies within Singapore.
• ST Engineering intends to utilize the satellite for multi-modal and more responsive imagery and geospatial services, serving their commercial clientele effectively.
• The DS-SAR is equipped with a sophisticated Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) payload, developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI).
• This advanced technology enables the DS-SAR to offer all-weather day and night coverage, providing imaging capabilities at an impressive 1m resolution with full polarimetry.

Why in the News?

The silver cockscomb plant, which is typically thought of as a weed but has been shown to have benefits, is used by the Soliga tribal community.

About Silver cockscomb:

• This plant is a short-lived, reaching a height of 50-60 cm, often considered a weed, displaying simple, spirally arranged leaves with pinkish or silky white flowers.
• In Karnataka's Chamarajanagara district, it is locally known as "anne soppu," while in other regions, it is referred to as "lagos spinach."
• It belongs to the Amaranthaceae family, which includes economically significant plants like spinach (Spinacia oleracea), beetroot, and quinoa.
• Scientifically named Celosia argentea, it goes by the names "kurdu" in Marathi and "pannai keerai" in Tamil.
• The plant thrives even on fallow land and in drought-like conditions, displaying resilience and adaptability.
• Notably, its leaves have lower levels of oxalic acid and phytic acid, making it nutritionally beneficial for consumption.

Soliga Tribe:

• They are an indigenous tribe of Karnataka.
• Their settlements are located in the outskirts of Biligiri Rangana Hills and Male Mahadeshwara in the Chamarajnagar district of Karnataka, amidst the surrounding forest areas.
• Notably, they hold the distinction of being the first tribal community residing within a tiger reserve in India to have their forest rights formally acknowledged and recognized by a court of law.
   

Why in the News?

In a recent development, the Government of Goa has been directed by the Goa Bench of the Bombay High Court to take action within the next three months. Specifically, they are required to officially designate the 208 sq. km. Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary (WLS) along with its adjoining areas as a tiger reserve, as per the court's decision.

Key Facts About Mhadei Wildlife Sanctuary:

Location:

• It is located in the Northern Part of Goa, Sanguem taluka, near Valpoi town.
• The sanctuary is named after the Mhadei River (also known as Mandovi River), which originates from the Sahyadri range of mountains in Karnataka (Belgaum district) and falls in the Arabian Sea at Panaji crossing Goa.
• There are a number of picturesque waterfalls, including Vazra Sakla Falls and Virdi Falls.
• It is known for its nesting grounds of critically endangered Long-billed vultures near Vazra Falls.

 Flora and Fauna

• The sanctuary is abundant with lush vegetation, characterized by a dense cover of moist deciduous trees, interspersed with pockets of evergreen species.
• t is particularly well-known for its sacred groves that protect rare and indigenous trees.
• Faunas like Indian gaur, Barking deer, Sambar deer, Asian palm civet, small Indian civet, Wild boar, Indian hare etc. found here.
• The sanctuary holds immense allure for herpetologists due to its impressive diversity of snakes, encompassing all four of India's notorious venomous species - the Indian krait, Russell's viper, Saw-scaled viper, and Spectacled cobra.

Why in the News?

The 'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign has been recently launched by the Union government of India, as a culminating event of the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebration, commemorating 75 years of Indian Independence.

About Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign:

• Soil collected from various parts of the country during August will be utilized to create a garden along the Kartavya Path in Delhi.
• Events have been planned at different levels including panchayat, village, block, urban local bodies, and state and national levels, respectively.
• The five-point agenda includes the installation of a shilaphalakam (memorial plaque) bearing the names of those who made the supreme sacrifice, following specific specifications.
• Execution of the shilaphalakam project can be undertaken through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) by leveraging local materials and resources.
• 'Vasudha Vandhan' aims at every gram panchayat or village renewing Mother Earth by planting 75 saplings of indigenous species and creating an Amrit Vatika.
• 'Veeron Ka Vandan' will honor freedom fighters and the families of deceased freedom fighters.
• Young volunteers and others will collect soil from each panchayat/village and bring it to the block, from where the 'Mitti Kalash' will be transported to Delhi.
• Urban areas will organize events at local bodies, notified area councils, Cantonment Boards, and town panchayats from August 9 to 15, and in larger municipalities and municipal corporations from August 16 to 20.
• The 'Mitti Kalash' will be ceremoniously brought to the larger municipalities/corporations and then transported to Kartavya Path.