SNIPPETS 15 APRIL 2026

Glufosinate: It is a broad-spectrum, non-selective, contact herbicide used globally for crop weed management+ It serves as a prominent alternative to glyphosate-based weedicides+ Mode of Action: It irreversibly inhibits glutamine synthetase, an enzyme crucial for nitrogen metabolism+ This triggers toxic ammonia accumulation, rapidly destroying weed cells leading to plant death+ Potential threats: Risks to aquatic life and non-target plants; contamination of water.

Matua community: The Matua is a Dalit (Scheduled Caste) community, primarily belonging to the Namasudra sect, with roots in East Bengal (modern-day Bangladesh)+ The meaning of the word ‘Matua’ is ‘NAAME PREME MATOYARA’(Fall in Love with Name)+ The Matua movement (Matua Mahasangha) was founded by Harichand Thakur in the 19th century+ It sought to address the socio-economic, educational, and cultural challenges faced by the marginalized Namasudra community.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF):Statutory body: Established under ANRF Act 2023 and operates under the Department of Science & Technology+ Aim: To seed, grow and promote R&D and foster culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories+ Apex body to provide strategic direction of scientific research in country as per recommendations of National Education Policy+ Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB) subsumed into ANRF.