Published on: November 11, 2024
Snippets : 11 NOVEMBER 2024
Snippets : 11 NOVEMBER 2024
- The Labour Department of Karnataka is contemplating a proposal to introduce a six-day annual paid menstrual leave in the private sector. This proposal comes after the recommendations of an 18-member committee headed by Sapna Mohan, an associate dean at the School of Law, Christ University. The committee consulted with various groups and suggested not only the introduction of menstrual leave but also a Bill on the Right of Women to Menstrual Leave and Free Access to Menstrual Health Products. States like Bihar, Kerala, and Odisha have already introduced menstrual leave policies for government employees and students in universities. However, the proposal has faced criticism from management groups worried about its impact on workplace operations. To balance concerns, the committee recommended a six-day annual paid leave rather than one day per month. Furthermore, some members of the committee proposed renaming “menstrual leave” to “special leave” to reduce stigma. Globally, countries like Japan and Indonesia have menstrual leave policies, typically offering one-day leave per month, which is generally recognized as a reasonable accommodation for workers.
- KSRTC (Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation) plans to launch the Ashwamedha AC buses to cater to commuters traveling within a 100-km radius of Bengaluru. These buses aim to provide a more comfortable, reliable, and efficient alternative for daily travelers from towns like Ramanagara, Tumakuru, Kolar, Mandya, and Hosur, among others. Unlike the regular Ashwamedha buses, the AC versions will be more compact and maneuverable, with comfortable seating, air-conditioning, and charging ports to enhance the commuter experience. While the fares for these buses will be slightly higher than ordinary buses, the added comfort and convenience are expected to make the daily commute more enjoyable. The Ashwamedha bus series, which already operates with 750 buses across Karnataka, connects Bengaluru with district headquarters and major towns. The introduction of these AC buses is expected to reduce overcrowding, enhance service quality, and provide commuters with a healthier, more comfortable travel experience.
- The PyPIM Platform is an innovative computing solution developed by Israeli researchers that combines Python programming with Digital Processing-In-Memory (PIM) technology. This platform enables more efficient data processing by performing computations directly within the memory, eliminating the need to transfer data to the Central Processing Unit (CPU). By bypassing traditional memory-to-CPU data transfers, PyPIM reduces delays, inefficiencies, and energy consumption. It simplifies software development by using the widely accessible Python language, allowing developers to take full advantage of in-memory computations. This approach benefits energy-intensive applications and large-scale computing by reducing the CPU’s workload, improving overall system efficiency, and speeding up data processing.
- France is currently evaluating India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket system as a potential replacement for its outdated M270 Lance-Roquettes Unitaire systems, with a special mission traveling to India for assessment. The Pinaka system, which was showcased during India’s 75th Republic Day parade, has attracted France’s attention due to its impressive range and versatility. Armenia has already become the first international customer, and several other countries have expressed interest in acquiring it. The Indian Army currently operates four Pinaka regiments, with plans to expand to six more. The system’s range is set to increase from 38 km to 75 km and eventually to 120 km and 300 km. The Pinaka system’s key features include its varied ammunition options, such as guided extended-range rockets, and its ongoing development for even greater range. France and India also share a growing defense cooperation, exemplified by the Shakti bilateral army exercise, focusing on high-altitude warfare, and mutual concerns about global geopolitical issues, particularly regarding international law in regions like Lebanon.
- India is currently in advanced discussions with Oman, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Maldives, and Singapore to establish cross-border electricity transmission lines as part of the ambitious ‘One Sun One World One Grid’ (OSOWOG) initiative. This initiative was proposed by the Prime Minister of India at the First Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) in October 2018, with the goal of creating a transnational electricity grid that supplies power globally, focusing primarily on renewable energy sources like solar. The initiative aims to connect regional grids across continents, allowing for cross-border renewable energy transfer, and to maximize the potential of solar and other renewable sources by utilizing areas where sunlight is abundant to supply regions in need. The grid is expected to cover around 140 countries, providing clean, cost-effective, and reliable energy, thereby supporting the global clean energy transition, enhancing energy security, and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
- The Supreme Court of India has made a landmark decision, overturning a 1967 verdict that denied Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) its minority status. In a 4-3 majority ruling, the seven-judge Constitution bench, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, declared that AMU retains its minority status under Article 30 of the Constitution . This decision allows AMU to implement reservation policies for Muslim students, potentially reserving up to 50% of seats . The court emphasized that the institution’s founding purpose and historical significance as a Muslim institution justify its minority status, countering arguments that its substantial federal funding disqualifies it . The ruling sets a precedent that could influence other educational institutions seeking minority status and promotes inclusivity and representation in education for all communities
- Sandhya S. Visweswariah, professor and ex-chair at the Indian Institute of Sciences (IISc), Department of Bioengineering, is the president-elect of the International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB).
- The Tamil Nadu government has declared snakebite envenomation a notifiable disease under the Tamil Nadu Public Health Act, 1939, to tackle the public health challenge of snakebites. This life-threatening condition, caused by venomous snakebites, poses a significant risk to agricultural workers, children, and those in tropical and sub-tropical areas. Following the WHO’s recognition of snakebite as a global public health issue and the Ministry of Health’s National Action Plan, Tamil Nadu aims to halve snakebite deaths by 2030. By making snakebite a notifiable disease, the government seeks to improve data collection, strengthen clinical infrastructure, and enhance anti-snake venom distribution. Both government and private hospitals must now report snakebite cases and fatalities to the government, enabling better prevention strategies and reduced mortality rates.
- Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan on Friday launched Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’, an initiative of the Department of Military Affairs and the United Service Institution (USI) of India, to conserve and promote India’s military heritage. It was launched at the second edition of the annual Indian Military Heritage Festival organised by the USI. The two-day festival aims to engage global and Indian think tanks, corporations, public and private sector undertakings, non-profits, academicians, and research scholars focusing on India’s national security, foreign policy, military history and heritage, a Defence Ministry statement said.
- India’s Niti Aayog has surprisingly endorsed joining the China-backed Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) trade bloc, despite the government’s previous reservations. RCEP is a proposed agreement between ASEAN’s 10 member states (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, Laos, Vietnam) and six FTA partners (China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand). Launched in 2012 and effective since January 2022, RCEP aims to create an integrated market among 16 countries, facilitating trade in goods, services, investment, intellectual property, and e-commerce, with focuses on dispute settlement, SMEs, and economic cooperation.
- Recently, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and the Indian Institute of Technology-Roorkee (IIT-Roorkee) have signed an agreement under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the DoT with the development of a “millimeter wave transceiver for 5G rural connectivity”. It refers to electromagnetic waves with frequency between 30-300 GHz and wavelength between 10 mm and 1 mm. Its frequency spectrum is used for wireless high-speed communications. It is also known as the extremely high frequency, or EHF, band by the International Telecommunication Union.
- Allulose, a low-calorie sugar substitute naturally found in foods like wheat, raisins, and figs, has gained popularity in South Korea as a testing ground. Also known as D-allulose or d-psicose, it’s commercially produced from beet sugar or corn using enzymes. Seventy percent as sweet as sugar, allulose is almost calorie-free, making it ideal for those cutting sugar, including diabetics. However, high doses may cause nausea, diarrhea, and gastrointestinal symptoms. Approved by the US FDA as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS), allulose is also cleared for use in Japan, Mexico, Singapore, and South Korea, offering a promising alternative for health-conscious consumers.
- Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers Shri JP Nadda launches ” Scheme for Strengthening the Medical Device Industry “. With a total outlay of 500 crores, the comprehensive scheme targets critical areas of the medical device industry covering manufacturing of key components and accessories, skill development, support for clinical studies, development of common infrastructure and industry promotion
- Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan inaugurated the 2nd edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) in New Delhi, a two-day event held on November 8-9, 2024, aiming to engage global and Indian think tanks, corporations, and academia on national security, foreign policy, and military heritage. The festival also launched Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’, an initiative to conserve and promote India’s military heritage through education and tourism. Notable publications were released, including “A History of the Indo-Pak Air War December 1971” and “Valour and Honour”. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) showcased its achievements in defence research through a photo exhibition. NCC Cadets and informative stalls from the three Services participated, highlighting opportunities for aspiring youth. The IMHF seeks to bridge the gap in national discourse on India’s military heritage and security concerns, enhancing understanding of military traditions, contemporary security issues, and self-reliance in military capability
- The 3rd edition of joint military Exercise AUSTRAHIND commenced at Foreign Training Node, Pune in Maharashtra today. The exercise will be conducted from 8th to 21st November 2024. Exercise AUSTRAHIND is an annual event conducted alternatively in India and Australia. Last edition of the same exercise was conducted in Australia in December 2023.
- Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru have developed an eco-friendly, biodegradable foam that disintegrates in landfills without contaminating groundwater, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastic foams. Led by professors Suryasarathi Bose and Subodh Kumar, the team created the foam from bio-based epoxy resins derived from non-edible oils and tea leaf-based hardeners, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and non-recyclable materials. This innovation addresses the significant environmental impact of traditional plastic foam production, which generates 308 kg of greenhouse gas emissions per 10,000 cups and contributes to growing landfill waste, with less than 1% of the 2.3 million tonnes produced annually being recycled. The Indian foam market is projected to grow from USD 7.9 billion in 2023 to USD 11.1 billion by 2032, and this biodegradable foam is poised to revolutionize the industry with its excellent compressive strength and sustainable properties.
- India has taken a significant step towards strengthening regional energy cooperation by signing an agreement to establish the BIMSTEC Energy Centre in Bengaluru . This move aims to promote energy cooperation, including inter-grid connectivity, among BIMSTEC member states, which include Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Thailand. The centre will serve as a hub for energy information sharing, knowledge and technology transfer, and program and project coordination to promote sustainable energy development in the region . The BIMSTEC Energy Centre is expected to play a crucial role in achieving the organization’s vision of promoting energy security and sustainability in the region. With India’s Neighbourhood First Policy, Vision SAGAR, and Act East Policy guiding its commitment to BIMSTEC, the establishment of the energy centre is a significant milestone in regional cooperation
- At the World University Shooting Championship, Indian shooters excelled, with Palak Gulia and Amit Sharma securing mixed air pistol gold, defeating compatriots Sainyam and Samrat Rana 16-12. Neeru claimed silver in women’s trap, narrowly losing to Zina Hrdlickova, while Kirti Gupta took bronze. Aishwary Pratap Singh Tomar won team gold in the 50-meter rifle 3-position event but settled for individual silver behind Jiri Privratsky. India dominated the medals table with four gold, five silver, and two bronze, maintaining its top position.
- A new species of mouse with a remarkably long tail, dubbed Otavalo’s Andean mouse, has been discovered near a dormant volcano in Ecuador.
- Kerala tourism Ministry is launching a seaplane service meant to boost the tourism sector at Bolgatty Waterdrome in Kochi.
