Published on: April 18, 2024

Snippets : 18 APRIL 2024

Snippets : 18 APRIL 2024

  • A 65-year-old patient from France underwent a high cervical spinal cord stimulation in Bengaluru for Parkinson’s plus syndrome, a neurodegenerative disorder with limited surgical options. Doctors at Fortis Hospital claimed it as the first such surgery in India. Led by Dr. Raghuram G. and Dr. Guruprasad Hosurkar, the patient was discharged within 10 days with improved mobility and reduced symptoms after enduring four years of distress and being wheelchair-bound. The innovative approach involved precise placement of electrodes along the spinal cord to modulate neural activity and alleviate symptoms associated with the condition, offering hope in managing challenging symptoms.
  • The water storage in Veeranam Lake plummeted to zero million cubic feet (mcft) in April 2024, a stark contrast to the 687.40 mcft recorded on the same date last year. This lake, spanning 14 km and located in Cuddalore district, Tamil Nadu, is vital for Chennai’s drinking water supply, despite its total capacity of 1,465 mcft
  • The government has amended the FDI policy in the space sector to attract offshore investors in satellite manufacturing and launch vehicles. The amendments cover FDI regulations for satellites, launch vehicles, spaceports, and space-related component manufacturing. Liberalised entry routes aim to encourage potential investors in Indian space companies, approved by the Union Cabinet earlier. FDI limits allow up to 74% without government approval for certain activities like satellite manufacturing & operation, satellite data products, ground segment & user segment under the automatic route, with higher limits requiring government route approval. 100% FDI is permitted for manufacturing components and systems for satellites without government permission.
  • The Centre has modified the Green Credit Programme (GCP) to prioritize ecosystem restoration over mere tree planting for financial gains. Forest departments of 13 States have offered degraded forest land for restoration, totaling 10,983 hectares, under the GCP. Each tree planted and evaluated by ICFRE could earn one ‘green credit’ after two years, which can be utilized for compliance or reporting purposes. The Environment Ministry’s updated guidelines remove the minimum tree requirement and allow States to specify criteria for ecosystem restoration. The changes aim to ensure that the GCP significantly contributes to ecological rejuvenation and sustainable environmental practices.
  • Inauguration of Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE) at Underwater Acoustic Research Facility, Kerala, by DRDO’s Naval Physical & Oceanographic Laboratory; serves as a testing hub for Indian Navy’s sonar systems across ships, submarines, and helicopters.
  • The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) collaborated on the Surya Tilak Project in Ayodhya, involving astronomical calculations, opto-mechanical design for directing sunlight to Sri Ram Lalla’s forehead during Sri Ram Navami, and adapting the system for the current temple structure.