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Polity & Governance

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT)

Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT), New Delhi celebrated its Diamond Jubilee on its 60th Foundation Day on 2nd May 2023.

About IIFT

• The Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) was established in 1963 as an autonomous body under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry to contribute in the skill building for the external trade sector of India.
• The Institute was granted “Deemed to be University” status in 2002.
• The Institute was granted the prestigious AACSB accreditation on 17th November, 2021. 
• With this the IIFT figures amongst 900+ Business School of the world which have earned this accreditation.
• The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has recognized IIFT as Grade ‘A’ Institution in 2005 as well as in 2015.

Environment

Rare Black Tiger in Similipal Tiger Reserve

Recently, the death of a Rare Black Tiger was reported in the Similipal Tiger Reservein Odisha.

About

• Tigers bear a distinctive dark stripe on a light background — either golden or white.
• A rare variation in pattern, distinguished by broad stripes fused together, has also been observed among both captive and wild tiger populations. 

Pseudo-melanism

• This pseudo-melanism, unlike true melanism, is characterised by unusually high melanin deposition.
• Pseudo-melanism is linked to only one mutation in Transmembrane Aminopeptidase Q (Taqpep).
• This is the same gene that is responsible for similar traits in other cat species.
• Pseudo-melanism is caused by a hidden or recessive gene.
• A cub gets from both parents two copies of each gene — the recessive gene manifests itself only if the dominant one is absent.
• This means two tigers with normal patterns carrying the recessive gene will have to breed for a one-in-four probability of birthing a black cub.
• Recessive genes are, however, rare. As a result, it is unlikely that two unrelated tigers will carry the same gene and then pass it on to a cub together.
• A black tiger may succeed in a small founding population forced for generations to inbreed in isolation, offering the recessive gene a far higher chance to show up.