Mycobacterium indicus pranii (MIP)
- MIP is a non-pathogenic bacteria.
- In its heat-killed form, it acts by sprucing up the body’s immunity.
- It has received approval as a leprosy vaccine from the Indian drug regulator, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
- Apart from leprosy, it is also being tried as a vaccine against bladder cancer, warts, lung cancer and TB.
Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary
- Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary (CWS) is located in the Idukki district of Kerala state in South India.
- The CWS is the only place in Kerala where star tortoises are known to occur in the wild.
- It has recently succeeded in its attempt to rehabilitate Indian star tortoises seized from smugglers.
- According to IUCN, Indian star tortoise is vulnerable.
- CWS is the only rehabilitation centre for star tortoises in the country.
Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR)
- ICSSR is the apex body for promoting research in social sciences.
- It was established in 1969 as an autonomous body under Government of India with their office in New Delhi.
- Among the BRICS nation India spends minimum on social science research among which majority goes to ICSSR.
