HIMACHAL PRADESH

Himachal Pradesh: IIT Mandi develops device to detect diseases in potato crop

Scientists from IIT Mandi have developed a computational model for automated disease detection in potato crops using photographs of its leaves. The research led by Srikant Srinivasan, associate professor, School of Computing and Electrical Engineering, IIT Mandi, in collaboration with the Central Potato Research Institute, Shimla, uses artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to highlight the diseased portions of the leaf.

The computational tool can detect blight in potato leaf images. The model is built using an AI tool called mask region-based convolutional neural network architecture and can accurately highlight the diseased portions of the leaf amid a complex background of plant and soil matter.

In order to develop a robust model, healthy and diseased leaf data were collected from fields across Punjab, UP and Himachal Pradesh. It was important that the model developed should have portability across the nation.

INTERNATIONAL

Nelson Mandela International Day – 18th July

The UN observes July 18 every year as Nelson Mandela International Day. This day acknowledges Nelson Mandela’s contribution to the struggle for democracy and the promotion of a culture of peace all over the globe. This day is an occasion for all to take action and inspire change.

Background:

♦ On July 18, 2009, the first Mandela Day was observed in the city of New York. The UNGA adopted a resolution on November 10, 2009, declaring 18 July as Nelson Mandela International Day. Nelson Mandela day marks his contribution to peace through his active involvement in resolving conflicts, promoting human rights, international democracy, reconciliation, and addressing racial issues.

NATIONAL

Launch of SIATP Programme

School Innovation Ambassador Training Program (SIATP) has been launched to enhance the innovation capability of the students.

Highlights:

♦ The SIATP programme aims at nurturing students with innovation capabilities, develop them a culture of innovation and lay the base of a new and vibrant India.

♦ It was launched jointly by the ministries of Education and Tribal Affairs.

♦ The program launched is a joint effort by the Ministry of Education’s Innovation Cell, Ministry of Tribal Affairs, CBSE and AICTE.

♦ The initiative will benefit a large number of schools for tribal children across the country by giving wings to the children’s creativity and providing a platform so that they can provide something new to the world with their ideas.

♦ The program is aimed at 50000 schoolteachers.

Foundation Day of Indian Council of Agriculture Research
Foundation Day of Indian Council of Agriculture Research

Foundation Day of the Indian Council of Agriculture Research is on 16th July. And this year is the 93rd foundation day.

About ICAR:

♦ Indian Council Agriculture Research is an autonomous body responsible for coordinating agricultural education and research in India.

♦ Indian Council Agriculture Research is the largest network of agricultural research & education institutes in the world.

♦ This body reports to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education under the Union Ministry of Agriculture.

♦ The Union Minister of Agriculture serves as its president.

♦ Headquarters: New Delhi

♦ ICAR is earlier known as the Imperial Council of Agricultural Research. And, it was established on July 16, 1929, as a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.

Infection spreading in local clusters: Government

Even as there is a consistent decline in daily cases of Covid since May, some states are recording a high share of cases, health officials said underlining need for proactive measures to contain the infection in localised clusters and remain vigilant against wider spread.

Five states — Kerala, Maharashtra, TN, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha — accounted for 73.4% of total new cases in July. Despite the declining trajectory of cases, the share from these states to the total count is increasing, particularly Kerala and Maharashtra — that add up to more than 51% cases reported in July so far.

There are also states like Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura and Arunachal Pradesh that are witnessing a surge in cases. The Centre has deputed teams to 11 such states to assist governments in controlling the spread. Besides northeastern states, the teams have been sent to Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Kerala and Odisha.

The Centre is also worried over the slowdown in rate of decline in daily new cases that have stagnated at an average of around 40,000 cases since last three weeks. Currently, there are 55 districts in 13 states reporting over 10% positivity. While Rajasthan tops the list with nine such districts, Kerala and Manipur have eight districts each, Meghalaya has seven and Nagaland five districts.

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