Terbium

• Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have created an innovative glowing paper sensor that can detect liver cancer. The sensor uses a green glow produced by the rare-earth metal Terbium to identify the presence of an enzyme called β-glucuronidase, which acts as a key biomarker for liver cancer. 
•  The paper sensor reacts to β-glucuronidase by emitting a visible green light due to the properties of Terbium. This method provides a simple, cost-effective and early detection tool for liver cancer, making diagnosis easier in low-resource settings. It enhances the accuracy and speed of detecting the disease. 
•  Terbium is a soft, silvery metal from the lanthanide series of the periodic table. It is mainly extracted from minerals like monazite, bastnaesite, and euxenite. Terbium is widely used in solid-state devices, energy-efficient lighting, x-ray safety tools and laser devices due to its unique luminescent properties. 

Mud Volcano

• A mud volcano recently erupted in Taiwan, drawing attention to these unique geological formations. Unlike traditional volcanoes, mud volcanoes do not emit lava or ash but release gases, mainly methane, along with mud and water. 
• Mud volcanoes usually form in subduction zones, where one tectonic plate slides under another. This movement causes pressure and heat, forcing mud and gas upward through the Earth's surface. They can also be triggered by human activities like gas drilling or mining. 
• These volcanoes often appear as mounds or hills and may erupt when tectonic pressure builds or sediments are squeezed at river deltas. While not as violent as lava volcanoes, mud volcanoes are important indicators of underground geological proceses and potential energy sources. 

 Mud Volcano 

Garcinia Kusumia

• A new tree species of the genus Garcinia, locally known as thoikora in Assam, has been discovered and named Garcinia kusumae in honour of Kusum Devi, the late mother of Jatindra Sarma, Chairman of Assam’s State Expert Appraisal Committee. 
• Garcinia is the largest genus in the family Clusiaceae, comprising 414 species of shrubs and trees. 
• It is pan-tropically distributed, with centres of diversity in Africa, Australasia and Southeast Asia; known for floral diversity and pharmacological potential. 
• In India, 33 species and 7 varieties of Garcinia are documented, with Assam accounting for 12 species and 3 varieties. 

Garcinia kusumae 

Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) 

• SECI has signed Power Sale Agreements for over 60 GW of renewable energy, including solar, wind and hybrid projects, marking a key milestone in India’s clean energy growth. 
• SECI is the only Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) exclusively dedicated to the renewable energy sector in India. 
• It was established in 2011 as a not-for-profit company and became a commercial entity in 2015 to implement the National Solar Mission. 
• SECI operates under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).