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Time of India
an hour ago
- Science
- Time of India
Decoding house sparrow genome unveils insight into avian evolution
1 2 Varanasi/Prayagraj: For the first time, a team of researchers from Manipal University Jaipur, Banaras Hindu University , the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata and other leading institutions achieved a significant milestone in avian genomics by successfully sequencing and assembling the whole genome of the house sparrow (Passer domesticus). This high-quality genome assembly identified 24,152 genes and offers a vital resource for understanding the evolutionary biology, adaptation and population dynamics of passerines, a diverse group of birds that includes the house sparrow. This study was published in the Giga Byte, Giga Science journal. Co-led by Prof Prashanth Suravajhala of Manipal University and Prof Gyaneshwer Chaubey of BHU, the study utilised advanced sequencing technologies and a robust genomic workflow to produce a 922 MB reference genome. The assembly, comprising 268,193 contig bases, revealed significant genetic similarities to the genomes of the chicken (Gallus gallus) and zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). The team also performed functional annotations, identifying key genes related to circadian rhythms, immune responses, and oxygen transport, shedding light on the house sparrow's adaptability to diverse environments. The house sparrow, a globally distributed species, experienced alarming population declines, with studies reporting up to an 89% drop in urban areas like Paris and over 70% in Indian cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru. Factors such as urbanisation, habitat loss and environmental changes have been implicated in these declines. This new genomic resource provides a foundation for investigating the genetic underpinnings of these declines, including the Allee effect, where low population densities impact individual fitness. The first author of this study, Dr Vikas Kumar, senior scientist from ZSI Kolkata, said that the phylogenetic analysis indicates that the house sparrow shares a common ancestor with the Eurasian tree sparrow and Saxaul sparrow, diverging approximately 4.4 million years ago. These findings enhance understanding of avian phylogenetics and evolutionary timelines. "This genome assembly is a treasure trove for researchers studying avian evolution, adaptation, and conservation. By decoding the genetic blueprint of the house sparrow, we can better understand how these birds adapt to changing environments and inform conservation strategies to protect this iconic species," said Prof. Suravajhala. Prof Gyaneshwer Chaubey said, "The Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) genome analyses in passerines that we performed serve as a powerful tool for understanding avian evolution and diversity. We exploited this by analysing mtDNA, where we could infer evolutionary relationships, thereby understanding avian ancestry." The research, supported by the Department of Forestry, govts of Rajasthan and India, and the Birla Institute of Scientific Research, is a collaborative effort involving equal contributions from Vikas Kumar, Gopesh Sharma, Sankalp Sharma, Samvrutha Prasad, Shailesh Desai, and others.
India Today
2 days ago
- Politics
- India Today
Centre approves suspension of three IPS officers in Bengaluru stampede case
The central government has approved the suspension of three IPS officers, namely Dayananda, Vikas Kumar and Shekhar, in connection with the Chinnaswamy Stadium stampede case that claimed the lives of 11 people and left many others approval comes after the Karnataka government initiated disciplinary action against the officers citing dereliction of duty in handling crowd control during the victory celebrations of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) team in Indian Premier League (IPL) suspension report was earlier submitted by the Karnataka government to the Centre, which has now formally endorsed the action. The Centre has conveyed its approval to the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), thereby reinforcing the state's move. According to the Chief Minister's Office (CMO), the state government has been advised to issue a charge sheet against the officers within 30 days, further progressing the disciplinary process.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Bengaluru
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Time of India
Six held for over Rs 38 lakh fraud in rural job scheme using fake muster rolls
Lucknow: The Balrampur police arrested six individuals for embezzling Rs38.49 lakh from the Mahatma Gandhi national rural employment guarantee scheme (MGNREGS) funds. The arrests were made in connection with the alleged misappropriation of funds allocated for the renovation of three ponds in Bishunpur Tantanwa village under Pachpedwa block. Police said the sanctioned amount for the project was Rs58.34 lakh. The accused allegedly forged muster rolls in the names of workers to siphon off the funds, without executing the work as per official norms. SP Vikas Kumar supervised the probe, leading to the arrests. Those arrested were Abdul Wahab, Mohd Zuber Khan, Girija Shankar, Atul Kumar Mishra (son of Ram Prakash Mishra, additional programme officer), Pradeep Kumar Chaudhary (son of Ramchandra, junior engineer) and Ajay Yadav (son of Gulab Chandra Yadav, gram vikas adhikari, resident of Belhar, Sahjanwa, Gorakhpur). Kumar said a formal complaint was submitted by block development officer (BDO) Mohit Dubey. He reported irregularities in the pond renovation project under MGNREGS in Bishunpur Tantanwa village. An inspection revealed that fake construction activities were shown, with expenses falsely recorded to the tune of Rs58.34 lakh. An FIR was lodged and an investigation found that the accused passed fake work proposals and used fraudulent muster rolls to divert funds amounting to Rs38.49 lakh. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch vàng CFDs với mức chênh lệch giá thấp nhất IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Kumar added that the accused operated in a pre-planned, coordinated manner to loot public funds under the guise of MGNREGS work. "The arrested individuals were found to be involved in preparing forged documentation and disbursing wages for non-existent workers to commit fraud," said Kumar. Kumar added that police have seized records and investigation is ongoing to identify other possible beneficiaries and verify whether similar frauds occurred in nearby villages. The accused have been booked under BNS and were remanded to judicial custody after being presented in court.
Time of India
19-06-2025
- Time of India
Chatra rape convict gets 20-yr term
Chatra: A special Pocso court of ADJ-III Amresh Kumar awarded 20-year imprisonment to a person convicted of rape on Thursday. The criminal was identified as Vikas Kumar , a resident of Nawada under Tandwa block of Chatra district. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the convict. He would have to serve an additional sentence of one year, in case of nonpayment of fine. A case was lodged against him by the survivor in 2021, stating that the accused had forced physical relations with her for a year and also made an obscene video. The accused had also threatened her that he would make the video viral and kill her parents if she told anyone. Vikash was out on bail and facing trial.
News18
08-06-2025
- General
- News18
Delhi Metro Achieves Tunnelling Breakthrough On Golden Line Corridor, Check Details
Last Updated: According to a DMRC statement, the tunnel connects Maa Anandmayee Marg to Tughlakabad Railway Colony on the Tughlakabad–Aerocity corridor. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has achieved a major construction milestone with a successful tunnelling breakthrough at Tughlakabad Railway Colony station on the upcoming Golden Line, part of Phase IV of the metro expansion. According to a DMRC statement, the tunnel connects Maa Anandmayee Marg to Tughlakabad Railway Colony on the Tughlakabad–Aerocity corridor. The breakthrough was achieved by a Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM) after completing a 792-metre stretch in presence of Delhi Health and Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh, DMRC Managing Director Dr Vikas Kumar, and other senior officials, it said. The corporation said TBMs are designed to bore through various soil and rock layers while minimizing disruption to the surface. They are especially effective in urban settings and have been extensively used in previous metro phases. DMRC said the tunnel, located at an average depth of 18 metres, is one of two parallel tunnels being built for up and down movement on the corridor. The breakthrough on the second tunnel is expected by July 2025. A total of 566 tunnel rings, each with an inner diameter of 5.8 metres, were installed using the Earth Pressure Balancing Method (EPBM), the statement said. The precast concrete segments used in the tunnel lining were manufactured at a mechanised casting yard in Mundka and steam-cured for early strength. DMRC said ground movement was carefully monitored during the tunnelling to avoid any surface settlement under existing structures. Under Phase IV, 40.1 km of underground metro lines are being constructed, with the Tughlakabad–Aerocity corridor accounting for 19.3 km of that stretch, it added. The latest development marks another step forward in the ongoing expansion of the Delhi Metro network, aiming to enhance connectivity and ease urban transportation challenges in the national capital, it said. (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) About the Author Shahrukh Shah First Published: June 08, 2025, 08:01 IST News auto Delhi Metro Achieves Tunnelling Breakthrough On Golden Line Corridor, Check Details
