Published on: October 24, 2024
Snippets : 24 OCTOBER 2024
Snippets : 24 OCTOBER 2024
- India’s hockey team, Olympic bronze medalists, squandered numerous chances and suffered a 0-2 defeat to reigning world champions Germany in the first hockey Test of their two-match series on Wednesday. Germany, Olympic silver medalists, fielded a young team that delivered, with Henrik Mertgens scoring in the 4th minute and captain Lukas Windfeder in the 30th
- The Department of School Education and Literacy of Karnataka signed an agreement with the British Council, the United Kingdom’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural exchange for a programme called ‘Premier League Primary Stars’ in India. This programme aims to support primary school teachers and coaches in improving learning outcomes in physical education (PE) and personal, social, health, and economic education.
- Researchers are developing the first successful vaccine against Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile), a highly contagious bacterium causing colon infections, utilizing mRNA technology from COVID-19 vaccines. C. difficile affects older adults in hospitals and long-term care, and can also infect individuals outside these settings. Symptoms range from watery diarrhea and mild cramping to life-threatening colon damage. Transmission occurs through healthcare workers’ hands, and roughly one-third of infected individuals experience recurrent infections. Current treatments include lengthy antibiotic courses, which harm beneficial gut bacteria, and fecal transplants to introduce healthy bacteria. The vaccine aims to combat this bacterium, which causes dehydration, toxic megacolon, and severe inflammation, offering hope for improved treatment options.
- Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Pralhad Joshi, launched the retail of Bharat Chana Dal Phase II in Delhi-NCR, making 3 lakh tons of Chana stock available at Rs. 70 per kg and Rs. 58 per kg for Chana Dal and Chana Whole, respectively. This initiative aims to ensure essential food availability at affordable prices, particularly during the festive season. Bharat brand has also been expanded to Moong and Masur Dals, priced at Rs. 107, Rs. 93, and Rs. 89 per kg. The government has taken measures to encourage domestic production, including raising MSP for pulses and duty-free imports till March 2025. This has led to declining pulse prices since July 2024, with Tur dal, Urad dal, Moong dal, and Masur dal prices either declining or remaining stable
- The Karnataka government has launched the Gruha Arogya program, a door-to-door non-communicable disease screening initiative to address rising health concerns. ASHA workers and local health officers will visit homes to screen for diseases like diabetes, hypertension, oral, cervical, and breast cancer. The program will also provide free medicines for diabetes and high blood pressure, with patients referred to government health facilities if needed. Health statistics show 26.9% of the population suffers from hypertension, 15.6% from diabetes, and significant percentages from various cancers.
- The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has proposed a high-level committee to investigate heavy metal contamination in Bengaluru’s vegetables after a study by the Environment Management Policy Research Institute (EMPRI) found elevated levels of iron, cadmium, lead, and nickel in 97% of leafy vegetables, with 39% exceeding safe limits. A five-member committee, including experts from FSSAI, the Indian Institute of Soil Science, and other key institutions, will conduct a comprehensive study over four months, with samples tested in FSSAI-approved labs. The findings will be compared to FSSAI standards and submitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT).
- The PM Young Achievers’ Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM YASASVI) has been launched by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment to uplift students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified Tribes (DNT) by providing access to quality education. The scheme includes a pre-matric scholarship for students in classes IX and X, offering an annual allowance of Rs. 4,000 for families earning below Rs. 2.5 lakh, as well as post-matric scholarships with allowances ranging from Rs. 5,000 to Rs. 20,000 for higher education. Additionally, it provides funding for meritorious students, hostel construction, and aims to address systemic barriers in education, thereby promoting upward mobility and enhancing inclusivity.
- On October 24, 2024, the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Ministry of Earth Sciences, launched a Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting program aimed at improving rural preparedness for climate change and natural disasters. The initiative provides weather forecasts via platforms like e-GramSwaraj and Meri Panchayat, offering hourly updates and five-day forecasts to help farmers plan their agricultural activities and mitigate crop risks. Localized forecasts will enhance responsiveness to sudden weather changes, and training will be provided to over 200 local officials to effectively use these tools for informed decision-making.
- On October 21, 2024, Bihar inaugurated its first dry port in Bihta, near Patna, to enhance the state’s export potential. Developed in partnership with Pristine Magadh Infrastructure Private Limited and the state industry department, this dry port, also known as an Inland Container Depot (ICD), will serve as a logistics hub offering cargo handling, storage, and customs clearance services. It addresses the need for efficient consolidation and processing of Bihar’s agricultural, garment, and leather exports while reducing transportation costs. With rail connectivity to major ports, the Bihta dry port is expected to boost exports not only for Bihar but also for neighboring states.
- The Hon’ble President of India recently conferred the 5th National Water Awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to water conservation and management. Odisha was awarded the title of Best State for establishing 53,000 water conservation and rainwater harvesting structures, alongside significant investments in wastewater treatment. Uttar Pradesh secured second place by connecting 1.91 crore households to tap water and developing 14,679 Amrit Sarovars. District winners included Banda (UP) for rejuvenating ponds, Indore (MP) for sapling planting, Visakhapatnam (AP) for water body restoration, and Ganderbal (J&K) for canal maintenance. Other notable winners included Surat (Best Urban Local Body) and Pullampara (Best Village Panchayat). The awards, initiated in 2007 by the Ministry of Jal Shakti, aim to encourage water conservation efforts and promote best practices in water usage.
