CURRENT AFFAIRS

Detailed explanation-1: -The Maharashtra Cabinet on Thursday approved the country’s first-of-its-kind gene bank programme in the State. The programme is aimed at conserving native biodiversity to ensure that natural resources are passed on to the next generation.

Detailed explanation-2: -The National Gene Bank established in the year 1996 to preserve the seeds of Plant Genetic Resources (PGR) for future generations, has the capacity to preserve about one million germplasm in the form of seeds.

Detailed explanation-3: -Recently, Maharashtra Cabinet approved the ‘Maharashtra Gene Bank’, a first-of-its-kind project in India.

Detailed explanation-4: -It is headquartered in New Delhi and has 10 regional stations.

Detailed explanation-5: -The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in Hyderabad has set up the world’s first gene bank that is powered entirely by solar energy. Spread across 4,500 sq metres, the gene bank is powered by a 500 kW solar power plant generating 60,000 units per month.