September Updates

• Scientists have made a major breakthrough in understanding the genetics of the insect
parasite that is being targeted by researchers as a way of preventing the spread of
malaria. WOLBACHIA bacteria are parasites that infect as many as 80 per cent of
the world’s insects and manipulate reproduction in their hosts in order to improve
their own transmission.

• Central Vigilance Commissioner – P J Thomas

• 2010 – 2020 – Decade of Innovation for India. Head of National Innovation Council –
Sam Pitroda.

• CSIR (Council for Scientific and Industrial Research) Director General – Samir
Brahmachari

• Typhoon Fanapi – China

• Eminent Malayalam poet O. N.V. Kurup has been chosen for the Jnanpith Award for
the year 2007, and noted Urdu poet Akhlaq Khan Shahryar for 2008 for their
contribution to literature.

• Gajah: A comprehensive report of the Elephant Task Force of the Ministry of

Environment and Forests titled “Gajah: Securing the Future for Elephants in India”
presented a road map to reduce elephant mortality in train accidents.

• The Chennai Container Terminal Ltd (CCTL), operated by DP World Chennai, has
become the first e-terminal in the country.