SNIPPETS 11 MARCH 2026

Deinococcus radiodurans: A bacterium famous for surviving extreme radiation and dryness+ New Finding: It can withstand intense pressures (14,000–24,000 Earth atmospheres), similar to being blasted off a planet’s surface+ Survival Mechanism – Genetic analysis shows survivors rely on: DNA repair systems, Iron transport for recovery+ Implications: It supports the panspermia hypothesis+ It expands the scope of the search for extraterrestrial life.

PM-DAKSH Scheme: PM-DAKSH – Pradhan Mantri Dakshata Aur Kushalata Sampanna Hitgrahi Yojana+ It is a Central Sector Scheme+ Launched during – 2020-21+ Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship+ To provide high quality skills through good quality institutions so that the training can result in finding jobs or self-employment ventures for the target group+ Types of Trainings: Up-skilling/Reskilling, Short Term Training, Entrepreneurship Development Programme+ Target Group – SCs, OBCs, EWSs, DNTs Safai Karamcharis including waste pickers etc+ Age Criterion – 18-45 years.

Dzukou Valley: It is Known as the “Valley of Flowers”+ Located at – Nagaland–Manipur border+ Altitude – 2,438 metres, behind the Japfu mountain range+ Adjacent to – Pulie Badze Wildlife Sanctuary (Nagaland)+ Biodiversity: Rare and vulnerable birds – Blyth’s Tragopan (Nagaland’s state bird), Rufous-necked Hornbill, Dark-rumped Swift+ Endangered species – Western Hoolock Gibbons+ Vegetation – Bamboo, grasses, and endemic Dzukou Lily (Lilium chitrangada)+ Home to – Angami people.