Published on: May 11, 2024
Snippets : 11 MAY 2024
Snippets : 11 MAY 2024
- The Spices Board has introduced stringent guidelines to prevent ethylene oxide (EtO) contamination in exported spices from India, emphasizing the avoidance of EtO use, testing for EtO contamination, implementing preventive measures, and ensuring microbial contaminant control throughout the supply chain to maintain product safety and quality
- India voted in favor of a draft UN General Assembly resolution supporting Palestine’s full membership in the United Nations, stating that Palestine is qualified and should be admitted as a full member. The resolution received 143 votes in favor, including India’s, with nine against and 25 abstentions. This move reflects India’s stance in support of Palestine’s status at the UN and calls for the Security Council to reconsider the matter favorably based on this determination.
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- The government has officially implemented the Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs) (Command, Control, and Discipline) Act, granting Commanders-in-Chief and Officers-in-Command of ISOs the authority to maintain discipline and administration among Service personnel. This Act aims to streamline processes, prevent redundant proceedings, and foster greater integration within the armed forces personnel, especially as the Indian military prepares for reorganisation into integrated theatre commands
- The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) recently introduced a new high-yielding wheat seed variety, HD 3386.
- Karnataka’s plastic waste management struggles include low recycling rates at 57%, generating 44 tonnes daily, with only 74.2% collected. Policy-wise, they banned carry bags in 2016 but face issues with illegal units and banned material imports. The state has 143 recycling units, yet 57.27% of waste is recycled, with non-recyclable plastic going to cement factories as RDF, causing environmental hazards due to toxic additives. Despite KSPCB’s enforcement actions, including 53,698 cases, banned plastic remains a challenge, often sourced from neighboring states
- BBMP in response to recent heavy rainfall installed water level gauging sensors at 124 locations, powered by solar energy, transmitting data to KSNDMC and then to BBMP’s ICC. The sensors use color codes to indicate safe water levels and flood risks. BBMP’s initiatives include RCC walls along stormwater drains, ongoing desilting works, and permanent flood mitigation measures in 74 areas
- The Union Health Ministry issued standardized guidelines for confirming heatstroke and heat-related deaths, aiding hospitals in labeling such deaths and conducting autopsies when necessary. Collaboration with forensic medicine departments is encouraged, and the guidelines stress awareness of climate change risks in increasing heat-related deaths. The aim is to improve hospitals’ capacity for evidence-based medical decision-making regarding these deaths.
- The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) has adopted a work plan focusing on assessing biofuel potential, drafting policy frameworks, and conducting workshops. India plays a significant role in proposing workstreams, engaging in global forums, and positioning itself as a climate champion. GBA aims to promote biofuel development globally, emphasizing market strengthening, trade facilitation, and sustainable utilization across generations
- ISRO successfully hot-tested a liquid rocket engine designed through Additive Manufacturing (AM) technology at the Iaro Propulsion Complex in Tamil Nadu. The redesigned PS4 engine, used in PSLV’s fourth stage and PS1’s Reaction Control System, was validated for key performance parameters. Benefits of the redesign include reduced parts, eliminated weld joints, saved raw material usage, and decreased production time by 60%. Wipro 3D partnered in manufacturing the engine using AM technology
- The FDA authorized gene therapy for sickle cell disease, making it commercially available for the first time. Kendric Cromer, a 12-year-old with sickle cell disease from Washington, is the first commercial patient for Bluebird Bio’s gene therapy, involving the modification of bone marrow stem cells to address the genetic disorder over several months.
- India contributed $500,000 to the United Nations Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund (UNCTF), demonstrating its commitment to combating global terrorism. The UNCTF, established in 2009 and transferred to the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in 2017, accepts contributions from various entities and utilizes funds for specific global programs. India’s contribution will primarily support UNOCT’s initiatives in countering financing of terrorism (CFT) and preventing terrorist travel in eastern and southern Africa
