UniFocus IAS ( UNIFOCUS UNIVERSAL )

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

The Kadar are a tribal community or indigenous community in India, a designated Scheduled Tribe in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Kerala. They are an aboriginal tribe whose traditional way of life has been based on hunting and gathering. They specialized in collecting honey, wax, sago, arrowroot, cardamom, ginger, and umbrella sticks for trade with merchants from the plains. The People of Paraiyar Community claims that Kadar is part of Paraiyar who lives and take care of forest and forest lives. In the early twentieth century, the Kadars used to work with forest officials to take care of forest and guide royal hunting parties in the princely state of Cochin. Currently, many of the tribe members have moved to areas closer to the plains and urban areas. Recently, Tamil Nadu reported a death of Kadar tribesman in  elephant attack in  Anamalai Tiger Reserve. It is a cause of concern because this community is known t o-exist with wild elephants for ages.   This man animal conflict

It is a  $134-million initiative launched to eliminate mercury-containing medical devices. Members:  Governments of Albania, Burkina Faso, India , Montenegro and Uganda. Initiative was led by the  United Nations Environment Programme  (UNEP), with funding from the  Global Environment Facility  (GEF) and executed by the  World Health Organization  (WHO). Aims of Project: Project will  develop and implement nation-wide strategies to stop the import, export and manufacture of thermometers and sphygmomanometers,  Project will  encourage the adoption of accurate, affordable and safe mercury-free alternatives, while improving the management of mercury-containing medical waste. UNEP

As per the report  In 2022, India, Mexico, China, the Philippines and France were (in descending order) the top five remittance recipient countries. India is the first country to  receiving more than USD 111 billion of remittance.  United States of America is consistently been the top remittance-sending country in the world followed by Saudi Arabia, Switzerland,  and Germany. World Migration Report - 2024

Environmentalists alarmed by Early blooming of rhododendrons is Uttarakhand. It is attributed to shift in  climate patterns, disrupting ecosystems, endangering local  traditions, and threatening medicinal resources. Rhododendrons typically bloom in March and April. These flowers are available in all colours namely white, pink,  red, purple, yellow, and orange. Flowers can be single, semi-double, or double. Rhododendrons are also the source of nector for pollinators. They are also used to make juice for refreshment. Early blooimng could affect quality and availability which will affect economy of state. Times of India

The Sixteenth Finance Commission (XVIFC) invites suggestions/views from general public, interested organisations and individuals on the terms of reference for the XVIFC as specified below, as well as the general approach that the XVIFC may adopt. Views are also invited on any other issue relevant to the work of the XVIFC. Suggestions may be submitted through the website of the 16 th  Finance Commission  https://fincomindia.nic.in/portal/feedback ) under the section ‘Call for Suggestions’. The Sixteenth Finance Commission (XVIFC) has been constituted in pursuance of the provisions of the Constitution of India by the President with Dr. Arvind Panagariya as Chairman vide a Notification dated 31st December 2023. The XVIFC is required to make recommendations covering a period of five years commencing on 01 st  April 2026 as to the following matters: The distribution between the Union and the States of the net proceeds of taxes which are to be, or may be, divided between them under Chapter I, P

ISRO is developing a 2000 kN thrust semi-cryogenic engine working on an LOX Kerosene propellant combination for enhancing the payload capability of LVM3 and for future launch vehicles. Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) is the lead centre for the development of semi-cryogenic propulsion systems with the support of other launch vehicle centres of ISRO. The assembly and testing of the propulsion modules were done at the ISRO propulsion complex (IPRC), Mahendragiri. As part of the engine development, a pre-burner ignition test article, which is a full complement of the engine power head system excluding the turbopumps is realized. The first ignition trial was conducted successfully on May 2, 2024, at semi cryo integrated engine test facility (SIET) at IPRC, Mahendragiri, which was dedicated to the nation recently by the honorable Prime Minister of India. Smooth and sustained ignition of the preburner is demonstrated which is vital for the starting of the semi-cryogenic engine. Semi-c

 Sea cucumbers are echinoderms from the class Holothuroidea (/ˌhɒləˌθjʊəˈrɔɪdiə, ˌhoʊ-/ HOL-ə-thure-OY-dee-ə, HOHL-). They are marine animals with a leathery skin and an elongated body containing a single, branched gonad. They are found on the sea floor worldwide. The number of known holothurian (/ˌhɒləˈθjʊəriən, ˌhoʊ-/ HOL-ə-THURE-ee-ən, HOHL-) species worldwide is about 1,786, with the greatest number being in the Asia-Pacific region. Many of these are gathered for human consumption and some species are cultivated in aquaculture systems. The harvested product is variously referred to as trepang, namako, bêche-de-mer, or balate. Sea cucumbers serve a useful role in the marine ecosystem as they help recycle nutrients, breaking down detritus and other organic matter, after which bacteria can continue the decomposition process. Like all echinoderms, sea cucumbers have an endoskeleton just below the skin, calcified structures that are usually reduced to isolated microscopic ossicles (or s

The Permanent Mission of India to the United Nations and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), is organizing the side event titled “Localizing the SDGs: Women in Local Governance in India Lead the Way” on 3 rd May, 2024, during the 57th Session of the Commission on Population and Development (CPD57), taking place from the 29 th  of April until the 3 rd  of May 2024 at United Nations Headquarters in New York.Smt. Supriya Das Datta, Sabhadhipati, Sepahijala Zilla Parishad, Tripura; Smt. Kunuku Hema Kumari, Sarpanch, Pekeru Gram Panchayat, Andhra Pradesh and Smt. Neeru Yadav, Sarpanch, Lambi Aheer Gram Panchayat, Rajasthan are attending the event to represent the Elected Women Representatives from the rural local self-government in India and the delegation is led by Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, GoI. A Population Commission was established by the Economic and Social Council in its resolution 3 (III)

"Nilgiri tahr census kicks off"- The Times of India About the Nilgiri Tahr: The Nilgiri tahr is the only mountain ungulate in southern India amongst the 12 species present in India. It is also the state animal of Tamil Nadu. The Nilgiri tahr, which used to be found along the entire stretch of Western Ghats, is presently found only in small fragmented pockets. A large part of its population has been wiped out from its historical range. The existing populations are under severe stress due to habitat loss and hunting. This endemic species of the Western Ghats is listed as Endangered in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and is protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972. The population of Nilgiri Tahr has been estimated at 3,122 individuals in the wild as per a report released by WWF India in 2015. HABITAT AND DISTRIBUTION OF NILGIRI TAHR The Nilgiri tahr is a sure-footed ungulate that inhabits the open montane grassland habitats at elevations

  The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), Government of India, through the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) and the 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP 26) from May 20 to 30, 2024, in Kochi, Kerala. This is in line with India’s poise to facilitate constructive global dialogue on environmental stewardship, scientific collaboration, and cooperation in Antarctica. The ATCM and meetings of the CEP are pivotal in the international community's ongoing efforts to safeguard Antarctica's fragile ecosystem and promote scientific research in the region. Convened annually under the Antarctic Treaty System, these meetings serve as forums for Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties and other stakeholders to address Antarctica's pressing environmental, scientific, and governance issues. The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and entered into force in 1961, established Antarctica

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)  classified ethylene oxide as a Group 1 carcinogen. About IARC: The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC; French: Centre International de Recherche sur le Cancer, CIRC) is an intergovernmental agency forming part of the World Health Organization of the United Nations. Its role is to conduct and coordinate research into the causes of cancer. It also collects and publishes surveillance data regarding the occurrence of cancer worldwide. Its IARC monographs programme identifies carcinogenic hazards and evaluates environmental causes of cancer in humans. IARC was created on 20 May 1965, by a resolution of the World Health Assembly, as the specialized cancer agency of the World Health Organization. IARC has its own governing council, and in 1965 the first members were West Germany, France, Italy, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America. Today, IARC's membership has grown to 27 countries. About Ethylene Oxide

United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland’s ratified the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It will be effective on 7 June 2024. Created in 2003, UNESCO’s Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage recognizes traditional craftsmanship, oral traditions and expressions, performing arts, social practices, rituals and festive events, knowledge and practices related to nature and the universe.  The Convention entered into force on 20 April 2006 for the thirty States that had ratified it on or before the 20 January 2006. With respect to any other State, the Convention enters into force three months after the deposit of its instrument of ratification, acceptance, approval or accession. India and  2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of Intangible Cultural Heritage India ratified the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage in September 2005. As one of the earliest State Parties to ratify the

The Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) has lifted the age cap on purchasing health insurance policies, effective from April 1, 2024. Previously, individuals were restricted to buying new insurance policies only until the age of 65. However, with the recent changes that came into effect on April 1, 2024, anyone, regardless of age, is now eligible to purchase new health insurance. Through gazette notification, Body asked insurers to design following types of policies: 2.1.1 Indemnity based health insurance policy means an insurance policy that compensates an insured for the loss due to occurrence of an insured event as specified in the policy.  2.1.2 Benefit based health insurance policy means an insurance policy that pays fixed amount on the occurrence of an insured event as specified in the policy. Following are the three major changes introduced by Notification:  6.1 Insurers shall ensure that they offer health insurance products to cater to all the age gr

Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) conducted a successful flight-test of Indigenous Technology Cruise Missile (ITCM) from the Integrated Test Range (ITR), Chandipur off the coast of Odisha on April 18, 2024. During the test, all subsystems performed as per expectation. The missile performance was monitored by several Range Sensors like Radar, Electro Optical Tracking System (EOTS) and Telemetry deployed by ITR at different locations to ensure complete coverage of the flight path. The flight of the missile was also monitored from the Su-30-Mk-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The missile followed the desired path using way point navigation and demonstrated very low altitude sea-skimming flight. This successful flight test has also established the reliable performance of the indigenous propulsion system developed by Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE), Bengaluru. The missile is also equipped with advanced avionics and software to ensure better and reliable perfo

Undoubtedly, the drought is a phenomenon of lack of rainfall, but this concept of drought is highly controversial. What should be the threshold value of rainfall which sets-in drought in the region, is difficult to quantify. Different disciplines have different threshold to define drought, but this varies from region to region. Even in agriculture where drought impact is most visible, one cannot quantify the threshold. This is because different crops need different amount of rainfall for their growth and maturity. Even for the same crop, different varieties have different water need. Moreover, this need differs from one phase to another phase of the same crop.  In a more general way, we may however, define drought as a lack of rainfall so large and so long continued to adversely affect all established human activities of the region (Warrick, 1965). Different countries have, however, defined drought as per their rainfall pattern. The British Rainfall Organisation in UK defines “absolute

 " India Lost 2.33 Million Hectares Of Tree Cover Since 2000: Global Forest Watch" - NDTV " India lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000: Global Forest Watch" - Hindustan Times Global Forest Watch  (GFW) is an open-source web application to monitor global  forests  in near real-time. GFW is an initiative of the  World Resources Institute  (WRI), with partners including  Google ,  USAID , the  University of Maryland  (UMD),  Esri , Vizzuality and many other academic, non-profit, public, and private organizations. Global Forest Watch originally began in 1997 as an initiative to establish a global forest monitoring network, convened by the World Resources Institute and partners. The initiative was rebooted in 2013 with data from the  Center for Global Development  derived from  NASA 's  MODIS  sensor, with additional layers subsequently added from  Google / UMD ,  Imazon , Terra-i, and  NASA . The second iteration of GFW was released in February 2014,

A state-of-the-art Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) was inaugurated by Secretary, Department of Defence (R&D) and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat at Underwater Acoustic Research Facility, Kulamavu in Idukki, Kerala on April 17, 2024. The SPACE, set up by the Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory of DRDO, has been designed as a premier testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems destined for Indian Navy onboard various platforms including ships, submarines and helicopters. The SPACE marks a milestone in naval technology advancement. It will consist of two distinct assemblages - a platform which floats on the water surface, and a submersible platform which can be lowered to any depth upto 100 m using winch systems. Upon completion of operations, the submersible platform can be winched up and docked with the floating platform. The SPACE will mainly be utilised for evaluation of complete sonar system, allowing for quick deployment and ea

  The Ministry of Environment Forest & Climate Change (MoEF&CC) is the Nodal Agency in the Central Government for overseeing the implementation of India’s environmental and forest policies and programmes related to the country’s natural resources including lakes and rivers, its biodiversity, Coastal Regulatory Zone forest and wildlife, ensuring welfare of animals and prevention and abatement of pollution. While implementing these policies and programmes, the Ministry is guided by the principle of sustainability promoting sustainable development. The objectives of the Ministry are well supported by a set of legislative and regulatory measures, aimed at the preservation, conservation and protection of the environment and prevention, control and abatement of pollution. Several Acts have been enacted and Rules have been framed thereunder for the protection of the environment while also allowing the developmental activities in regulated manner. To maintain a balance between strict l