UniFocus IAS ( UNIFOCUS UNIVERSAL )

National Institute of Mental Health & Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, an Institute of National Importance under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India has been awarded with the Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion, established by WHO in 2019, recognizes individuals, institutions and/or governmental or non-governmental organizations that have demonstrated remarkable contributions to health promotion. It is presented by the President of the World Health Assembly at a special ceremony during a plenary of the World Health Assembly, together with the Director-General of the WHO and normally a representative of the Nelson Mandela foundation. PIB , WHO

Relevance: " Satellite to probe mystery of clouds and climate" - BBC EarthCARE  (derived from  Earth   C loud,  A erosol and  R adiation  E xplorer ), nicknamed  Hakuryū  (Japanese for "white dragon"),  is a joint European/Japanese ( ESA  /  JAXA  /  NICT ) satellite, the sixth of ESA's  Earth Explorer Programme .  The main goal of the mission is the observation and characterization of  clouds  and  aerosols  as well as measuring the reflected  solar radiation  and the  infrared radiation  emitted from Earth's surface and atmosphere. Wikipedia ,  European Space Agency  ( ESA )

Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully flight-tested the RudraM-II air-to-surface missile from Su-30 MK-I platform of the Indian Air Force (IAF) off the coast of Odisha at around 1130 hours on May 29, 2024. The flight-test met all the trial objectives, validating the propulsion system and control & guidance algorithm. The performance of the missile has been validated from the flight data captured by range tracking instruments like electro-optical systems, radar and telemetry stations deployed by Integrated Test Range, Chandipur at various locations, including the on-board ship. RudraM-II is an indigenously-developed solid-propelled air-launched missile system meant for Air-to-Surface role to neutralise many types of enemy assets. A number of state-of-the-art indigenous technologies developed by various DRDO laboratories have been incorporated in the missile system. Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO, IAF and industry on the successful t...

  Within the medical specialty of   hematology ,   Hemoglobin D-Punjab , also known as   hemoglobin D-Los Angeles ,   D-North Carolina ,   D-Portugal ,   D-Oak Ridge , and   D-Chicago ,   is a   hemoglobin variant . It originates from a   point mutation   in the   human β-globin locus   and is one of the most common hemoglobin variants worldwide. [1]   It is so named because of its higher prevalence in the   Punjab region   of   India   and   Pakistan , along with northern China, and North America. It is also the most frequent hemoglobin variant in   Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region   of   China , with a 1997 study indicating that Hemoglobin D-Punjab accounts for 55.6% of the total hemoglobin variants. Hemoglobin D is a result of a mutation in the one or both of the Beta-chains that make up hemoglobin molecules. Having one gene effected is referred to as trait; having two ...

The   PRAVAAH portal   will make it convenient for any individual or entity to apply online for various regulatory approvals in a seamless manner. This portal will also enhance the efficiency of various processes related to granting of regulatory approvals and clearances by the Reserve Bank. The Retail Direct Mobile App will provide retail investors a seamless and convenient access to the retail direct platform and provide ease of transacting in government securities (G-Secs). The Fintech Repository will contain information on Indian FinTech Sector for a better understanding of the sector from a regulatory perspective and facilitate in designing appropriate policy approaches. 1. ‘PRAVAAH’ (Platform for Regulatory Application, VAlidation and AutHorisation) portal PRAVAAH is a secure and centralised web-based portal for any individual or entity to seek authorisation, license or regulatory approval on any reference made by it to the Reserve Bank. The following are some of the key...

  The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) treaty on intellectual property, Genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, is a significant win for countries of the global South and for India, which is a mega biodiversity hotspot with abundance of traditional knowledge, and wisdom.  For the first time the system of knowledge and wisdom which have supported economies, societies and cultures for centuries are now inscribed into the global IP system. For the first time the connection between local communities and their GRs and ATK is recognised in the global IP community. These are historic achievements long championed by India as a provider of traditional knowledge and wisdom and repository of biodiversity.  The treaty will not only safeguard and protect biodiversity but will increase transparency in the patent system and strengthen innovation. Through this, the IP system can continue to incentivize innovation while evolving in a more inclusive way, resp...

The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and its national research partners have developed Golden Rice to complement existing interventions to address vitamin A deficiency (VAD). VAD is a serious public health problem affecting millions of children and pregnant women globally. In South and Southeast Asian countries, where at least half of daily caloric intake is obtained from rice, Golden Rice can help in the fight against VAD, particularly among the people who depend mostly on rice for nourishment. Golden Rice is intended to be used in combination with existing approaches to overcome VAD, including eating foods that are naturally high in vitamin A or beta-carotene, eating foods fortified with vitamin A, taking vitamin A supplements, and optimal breastfeeding practices. In July 2021, the Philippines became the first country in the world to approve Golden Rice for commercial propagation. The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) " ‘A catastrophe’: Greenpeace blocks p...

Project Agorá,  launched  by the Bank for International Settlements (BIS), a group of leading central banks and the Institute of International Finance (IIF), is inviting the private sector to join its exploration of how tokenisation can enhance the functioning of wholesale cross-border payments. Project Agorá is a joint public-private initiative of the BIS, Banque de France (representing the Eurosystem), Bank of Japan, Bank of Korea, Bank of Mexico, Swiss National Bank, Bank of England, the Federal Reserve Bank of New York and the IIF as the private sector convener.  The main goal of the project is to explore improving the speed and integrity of cross-border payments within the two-tiered banking system, as well as the functions of commercial bank money (deposits) and central bank money (reserves with central banks) for wholesale transactions.  About BIS: Established  in 1930, the BIS is owned by  63  central banks, representing countries from around t...

  In the light of   Russia’s continued war of aggression against Ukraine, the Council today adopted a set of legal acts ensuring that the net profits stemming from unexpected and extraordinary revenues accruing to central securities depositories (CSDs) in the EU, as a result of the implementation of the EU restrictive measures, will be  used for further military support to Ukraine , as well as its  defence industry capacities and reconstruction . This means that the CSDs holding Russian sovereign assets and reserves of  more than €1 million  will make a financial contribution from their corresponding net profits, accumulating since 15 February 2024. The amounts will be paid by the CSDs to the EU on a bi-annual basis, and will be used for further military support to Ukraine through the European Peace Facility, as well as with support to Ukraine’s defence industry capacities and reconstruction needs with EU programmes, according to the following key: European...

WIPO member states today approved a groundbreaking new Treaty related to intellectual property (IP), genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge, marking a historic breakthrough that capped decades of negotiations. The President of the Diplomatic Conference, Ambassador Guilherme de Aguiar Patriota, who is also Brazil’s Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization, brought down the gavel to mark consensus approval of the new WIPO Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources and Associated Traditional Knowledge. Delegates at the May 13 - 24, 2024 final stage negotiations cheered and applauded the successful outcome. This is the first WIPO Treaty to address the interface between intellectual property, genetic resources and traditional knowledge and the first WIPO Treaty to include provisions specifically for Indigenous Peoples as well as local communities. The Treaty, once it enters into force with 15 contracting parties, will establish in international law a ...

A fter USSR invaded Ukraine in February 2022,  G7 nations started negotiatin on freezing Russian financial assets. Since Western Nations have insignificant investment in its jurisdiction, USSR is likely to go behind private entities,  US owned companies, investment funds etc .  After USSR invaded Ukraine, Russia introduced special type-c accounts. All the assets of US investments including individuals are held in these type of accounts.  Without permission of Russian Authorities, funds in these accounts cannot be transferred out of Russia.  It is to be noted that  USA has passed legislation allowing confiscation of Russian assets held in American banks and transfer them to Ukraine which Russia alleged it is illegal. Reuters

Ireland, Spain and Norway have announced they will formally recognise a Palestinian state on 28 May. As a protest, Israel said it would recall its ambassadors from Dublin, Madrid and Oslo, and also said it will withhold funds from the Palestinian Authority. The three European governments announced they will support two-state solution and foster peace in the Middle East. " How significant is Spain, Norway and Ireland’s recognition of Palestinian state?" - The Guardian "Ireland, Spain and Norway to recognise Palestinian state"   - The Guardian "First Thing: Norway, Ireland and Spain to recognize Palestinian state"   - The Guardian " Ireland, Norway and Spain to recognise Palestinian state" - BBC

In a recent study, AstroSat has enabled the discovery of the ‘aperiodic modulation’ of high-energy X-ray photons during an 'unusual' outburst phase of the black hole binary source Swift J1727.8-1613. This significant discovery, carried out utilizing the unique capabilities of AstroSat, is reported by a team of astrophysicists led by U R Rao Satellite Centre (URSC)/ISRO in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), University of Mumbai, and Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) in the international journal Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (MNRAS). In an astrophysical black hole X-ray binary (BH-XRB) system, both the black hole and its companion are locked in a gravitational embrace. A black hole pulls matter from its tidally deformed companion, leading to the formation of a luminous accretion disk. As matter accretes through the disk, it becomes extremely hot, reaching temperatures in the millions of degrees and emitting high-...

Manipuri Pony Conservation and Development Policy SC orders closure of all mining activities around Sariska Tiger reserve Flamingo 400,000 pixel SNSPD unveiled Nucleosynthesis

Relevance: " Legendary Manipuri Ponies, that gifted the world polo, find a new home" - India Today The Manipur Pony is one of the five recognised equine breeds of India which is very important and critical for the State as well as the country as national gene pool. The Manipuri pony has been indispensible with Manipuri society for its socio-cultural association for centuries. Its antecedents, however, are not clear, as one source stated Tibetan ponies as it ancestors while another source stated its origin to be a cross between  Mongolian wild horse & Arabian. However, all agreed that it was derived from ancient stock. In some manuscripts, it is referred to as Mangal-sa or Mongolian animal. In Manipuri mythology, the Manipuri pony was regarded to have descended from “Samadon Ayangba” the winged steed of Lord Margjing, one of the guardian deities of Manipur.  The Manipuri pony was so highly regarded that it was never used as a draught animal. The Manipuri pony though small ...

 SC ruled that  No mining activity will be permissible within one-kilometre radius of a critical tiger habitat (CTH). Order will end activities of nearly 110 mines operating around the reserve. The Rajasthan government told the court that the prohibition on mining, as ordered in April last year, was applicable to the eco-sensitive zone (of 1 km) from national parks and wildlife sanctuaries and it did not apply to tiger reserves. Section 38XA of Wildlife Protection Act will show that tiger reserve stands on a higher pedestal than wildlife sanctuaries and national parks, bench remarked.  Court ruled that  order of April 26, 2023 that prohibited mining activities within 1 km of protected area applicable not just to sanctuaries and national parks, but also to  critical tiger habitat (CTH)  as well. About  Sariska Tiger Reserve: Sariska Tiger Reserve is a tiger reserve in Alwar district, Rajasthan, India. It stretches over an area o...

The Hindu: " Over 30 flamingos killed after being hit on flight landing path in Mumbai" - The Hindu Flamingos  are types of birds. They are noisy birds and they live in big groups called flocks. Flamingos are wading birds. This means they live by water, such as lakes. They are in the genus Phoenicopterus and family Phoenicopteridae. There are six species of flamingo. Two of species are found in Africa, Europe and Asia. The other four are found in North America and South America. Flamingos are pink or red. This is because of small bacteria that live in water which the flamingos eat. This small bacteria is known as carotenoids. This is a pigment that causes the plumage color you see on flamingos. They also eat small crayfish and algae. Baby flamingos are gray. Flamingos can fly. This is why they have wings. Flamingos are very tall birds and they have long legs. They often stand on only one leg. Scientsts found that they do this beacuse it takes less energy than standing on two ...

When imaging faint objects such as distant stars or exoplanets, capturing every last bit of light is crucial to get the most out of a scientific mission. These cameras must be extremely low-noise, and be able to detect the smallest quantities of light—single photons.  Superconducting cameras excel in both of these criteria, but have historically not been widely applicable because their camera sizes have been small, rarely exceeding a few thousand pixels, which limits their ability to capture high-resolution images.  However, a team of researchers has recently shattered that barrier, developing a superconducting camera with 400,000 pixels, which could be used to detect faint astronomical signals in a wide range of wavelengths—from the ultraviolet to the infrared. While plenty of other camera technologies exist, cameras using superconducting detectors are very appealing for use in astronomical missions due to their extremely low-noise operation.  When imaging faint sources,...

Nucleosynthesis   is the creation of new atomic   nuclei , the centers of atoms that are made up of protons and   neutrons . Nucleosynthesis first occurred within a few minutes of the Big Bang. At that time, a quark-gluon   plasma , a soup of particles known as   quarks and gluons , condensed into protons and neutrons. After the universe cooled slightly, the neutrons fused with protons to make nuclei of deuterium, an   isotope   of hydrogen. Deuterium nuclei then combined to make helium. Further reactions between   protons ,   neutrons , and different   isotopes   of helium produced lithium. The hydrogen and helium produced during this phase of the universe eventually created the universe’s first massive stars. Since then, the nuclear reactions   in the life and death of stars have formed most of the other nuclei in the universe. Stars can create nuclei through two processes: either by combining two smaller nucle...

Called PREFIRE  (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment) , this CubeSat duo will boost our understanding of how much heat Earth’s polar regions radiate out to space and how that influences our climate. Twin shoebox-size climate satellites will soon be studying two of the most remote regions on Earth: the Arctic and Antarctic. The NASA mission will measure the amount of heat the planet emits into space from these polar regions — information that’s key to understanding the balance of energy coming into and out of Earth and how that affects the planet’s climate. NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages PREFIRE for the agency’s Science Mission Directorate and provided the spectrometers. Blue Canyon Technologies built the CubeSats and the University of Wisconsin-Madison will process the data the instruments collect. The launch services provider, Rocket Lab USA Inc. of Long Beach, California, will launch both PREFIRE CubeSats from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand. ...

The World Health Organization (WHO) today released its  updated Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (BPPL) 2024 , featuring 15 families of antibiotic-resistant bacteria grouped into critical, high and medium categories for prioritization. AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to medicines, making people sicker and increasing the risk of disease spread, illness and deaths. AMR is driven in large part by the misuse and overuse of antimicrobials. The critical priority pathogens means gram-negative bacteria resistant to last-resort antibiotics. High priority pathogens  are of particularly high burden in low- and middle-income countries, which pose significant challenges in healthcare settings. Medium priority pathogens  present a high disease burden. These pathogens require increased attention, especially in vulnerable populations including paediatric and elderly populations, particularly in resource-limited settings. WHO News

A new vaccine for dengue received prequalification from the World Health Organization (WHO) on 10 May 2024. TAK-003 is the second dengue vaccine to be prequalified by WHO. Developed by Takeda, it is a live-attenuated vaccine containing weakened versions of the four serotypes of the virus that cause dengue.   WHO recommends the use of TAK-003 in children aged 6–16 years in settings with high dengue burden and transmission intensity. The vaccine should be administered in a 2-dose schedule with a 3-month interval between doses.  WHO News <<< About Dengue

The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has alerted traders’/fruits handlers/Food Business Operators (FBOs) operating ripening chambers to strictly ensure compliance with the prohibition on calcium carbide for artificial ripening of fruits, particularly during the mango season. FSSAI is also advising Food Safety Departments of States /UTs to remain vigilant and take serious action and deal stringently against person(s) indulging in such unlawful practices as per the provisions of FSS Act, 2006 and Rules/Regulations made thereunder. Calcium carbide, commonly used for ripening fruits like mangoes, releases acetylene gas which contains harmful traces of arsenic and phosphorus. These substances, also known as ‘ Masala ’, can cause serious health issues such as dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting and skin ulcers, etc. Additionally, acetylene gas is equally hazardous to those handling it. There are chances that calcium carbide...

  The All India Spices Exporters Forum (AISEF)   body fighting to legalise  ethylene oxide (EtO) treatment for spices within the country. Association urged that prohibition of ethylene oxide could make Indian spies bronds unsafe as per FDA standards.  Recenty indian spies brands are facing rejetion in many countries because of presence of ethylene oxide content beyond maximum treshold level. Inlight of all these developments, FSSAI is also started collecting spies samples accross bronds for testing treshold level of EtO levels. It is to be noted that  ethylene oxide is approved for use on spices in the US under prescribed tolerance limits.   EtO is used as a sterilizer in order to stop reproduction of microorganisms, thus preventing food from getting spoiled. The Hindu Business Line Deccan Herald The Hindu <<< International Agency for Research on Cancer ( IARC ) reports cancer-causing chemicals ( ethylene oxide ) in Indian spices