In News:

• India recently facilitated the export of 25 metric tonnes of GI-tagged Joha rice from Assam to the United Kingdom and Italy.
• The initiative was supported by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) to expand global access to India’s niche agricultural products and strengthen export opportunities for farmers in the North-Eastern region.
• This export marks an important step in promoting geographical indication (GI) products in international markets while enhancing income opportunities for local producers.

About Joha Rice

• Joha Rice is a short-grain aromatic rice variety traditionally cultivated in Assam. Known for its distinctive fragrance and soft texture, it is an integral part of Assamese cuisine and cultural traditions.
• The rice received Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2017, recognising its unique origin, traditional cultivation methods, and region-specific characteristics.

Region of Cultivation

Joha rice is primarily cultivated in Upper and Central Assam, where agro-climatic conditions support its growth. Major producing districts include:

• Sivasagar
• Jorhat
• Golaghat
• Dibrugarh
• Lakhimpur

The crop is usually grown during the Sali (winter) rice season, which is the primary paddy cultivation cycle in Assam.

Key Characteristics

Joha rice possesses several unique features that distinguish it from other rice varieties:

• Aromatic Quality: The rice emits a distinct natural fragrance, similar to premium aromatic varieties, making it suitable for specialty dishes.
• Short-Grain Variety: It is a short-grain winter paddy, known for its soft texture when cooked.
• Nutraceutical Properties: Studies indicate that Joha rice contains several bioactive compounds, including:
  • Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids
  • Antioxidants
  • Flavonoids and phenolic compounds
• Potential Health Benefits: Bioactive compounds such as oryzanol, ferulic acid, and tocotrienols are associated with anti-diabetic and cardio-protective properties, increasing its appeal in health-conscious markets.

Significance of the Export

• Promoting GI-Tagged Products: The export highlights the growing international demand for India’s geographically unique agricultural products, reinforcing the value of the GI certification system.
• Enhancing Farmer Income: GI-tagged agricultural commodities often command premium prices in international markets, benefiting local farmers and producers.
• Boosting Agricultural Exports: The initiative supports India’s strategy to diversify agricultural exports by promoting specialty and high-value crops.
• Supporting North-East Agricultural Development: Export promotion of Joha rice contributes to economic development in the North-Eastern region, integrating local farmers into global supply chains.

In News:

In a significant milestone for India’s indigenous aviation sector, the Hansa-3 trainer aircraft has recently been approved for training aircrew for pilot licences. Notably, the production of this aircraft will now be undertaken by private industry, marking a step forward in India’s push for self-reliance in aviation technology and defence manufacturing.

About Hansa-3 Trainer Aircraft

• India’s First Indigenous Flying Trainer: The Hansa-3 is the country’s first indigenously developed light trainer aircraft.
• Developed by: The aircraft was designed and developed by the CSIR–National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), Bengaluru, under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR).
• Intended Use: Specifically designed for flying clubs in India, it is well-suited for Commercial Pilot Licensing (CPL) training, owing to its cost-effectiveness and low fuel consumption.

Key Features and Technological Advancements

• Configuration: It is a two-seater, low-wing monoplane, optimized for pilot training missions.
• Engine: Powered by a Rotax Digital Control Engine, known for high efficiency and performance.
• Advanced Airframe: Incorporates Just-In-Time Prepreg (JIPREG) composite lightweight material, enhancing aerodynamic efficiency and reducing fuel use.
• Modern Cockpit: Equipped with a glass cockpit and bubble canopy, offering a wide panoramic view — critical for pilot situational awareness.
• Electronic Systems:
  • Electric Flaps for improved handling.
  • Advanced Electronic Fuel Injection System for automatic adjustment of fuel-air mixture across varying altitudes, enhancing performance and fuel economy.

Significance for India

• Promotes Atmanirbhar Bharat: The transition to private manufacturing aligns with the government’s vision of strengthening the domestic aerospace ecosystem under the Make in India initiative.
• Reduces Dependency: Reduces reliance on imported aircraft for pilot training, supporting India’s goal of strategic autonomy in aviation technology.
• Skill Development: Enhances the capacity of Indian flying schools and contributes to the growth of the civil aviation sector by producing more trained pilots domestically.

Why in the News?

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) recently shared a satellite image of Deception Island, one of the only places in the world where a ship can sail directly into the centre of an active volcano.

About Deception Island:

• Deception Island is situated within the South Shetland Islands, forming part of an archipelago northwest of the Antarctic Peninsula.
• This volcanic island is notable for its dynamic features and distinct geography.
• Originating from a colossal volcanic eruption, Deception Island's formation resulted in the collapse of its central structure, allowing seawater to inundate the resulting caldera.
• The landscape is characterized by desolate volcanic slopes, steaming beaches, and glaciers adorned with ash layers, creating a unique horseshoe-shaped entrance to the sea via Neptune’s Bellows.
• The island encircles Port Foster, recognized as one of the safest harbours in the Antarctic, offering vessels a rare opportunity to navigate into the heart of an active volcano.
• Among the few places globally where this is possible, Deception Island has experienced over twenty eruptions since the 19th century.
• Notably, the island witnessed three volcanic eruptions from 1967 to 1970, leading to the destruction of Chilean and British stations.
• Presently, Argentina and Spain maintain summer scientific stations on the island.
• Deception Island is safeguarded under the Antarctic Treaty, designating it as a protected area with restricted human visits and minimized environmental impact.