Daily Current Affairs
To The Point Notes
Health
1.Hydroxyurea
Why in News ?
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is seeking collaboration to develop a child-friendly version of Hydroxyurea (HU), a drug crucial for managing Sickle Cell Disease (SCD).
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SCD and the Problem: SCD is a genetic blood disorder where abnormal, sickle-shaped red blood cells obstruct blood flow, causing immense pain and organ damage. India has the highest burden of SCD in South Asia, affecting over 20 million people.
Hydroxyurea: The Weapon: HU is an existing drug that helps manage SCD by increasing the production of fetal hemoglobin (HbF) in red blood cells. HbF allows red blood cells to retain their normal, disc-like shape, improving blood flow and reducing complications.
Why Pediatric Formulation?
Currently, HU lacks an appropriate dosage form for children. The National Mission to eliminate SCD by 2047 necessitates a child-friendly HU formulation to ensure early intervention and better treatment outcomes.
ICMR’s Call to Action: By inviting collaboration for pediatric HU development, ICMR aims to improve the lives of millions of children suffering from SCD in India.
Awards
2.C-DOT Wins UN Award for Disaster Resilience Tech
Why in News ?
Recognition for Innovation: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) secured a prestigious UN award for its “Mobile-Enabled Disaster Resilience through Cell Broadcast Emergency Alerting” initiative.
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Award Context: The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum, co-organized by UN bodies, recognized C-DOT’s contribution at their 2024 Geneva event. This win highlights C-DOT’s dedication to using technology for social good.
C-DOT’s Solutions: C-DOT showcased advanced telecom solutions, including an early warning system based on ITU standards and AI-powered fraud detection.
About C-DOT: Established in 1984, C-DOT is an autonomous R&D center under India’s Department of Telecommunication. It’s a registered society and a recognized public-funded research institution.
C-DOT’s Cell Broadcast Platform: This innovative platform delivers crucial emergency information directly to mobile phones through cellular networks.
Key Features:
- Near Real-Time Alerts: Timely dissemination of life-saving information during emergencies.
- Geo-Targeted and Multi-Hazard: Location-based alerts ensure targeted responses for various disasters.
- Multi-lingual Support: Alerts are accessible in multiple languages for wider reach.
- Cost-Effective and Automated: An indigenous solution promoting efficient disaster management.
Global Alignment: C-DOT’s technology aligns with global initiatives like:
- Early Warnings for All (EW4All): Contributing to international efforts for early warning systems.
- ITU’s Common Alerting Protocol (CAP): Standardizing alert formats for global compatibility.
- Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Supporting progress towards disaster resilience.
C-DOT’s award-winning platform demonstrates India’s commitment to technological innovation for a safer and more resilient society.
Source : https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2022951
IR
3.The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)
Why in News ?
The recent meeting between US officials and the GCC in Riyadh highlights their focus on strengthening defense cooperation and establishing a joint working group to counter air and maritime threats. This reflects the GCC’s role as a key player in regional security.
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The Gulf Cooperation Council, also known as the GCC, is a regional organization bringing together six Middle Eastern countries: Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman. Founded in 1981, the GCC aims for unity and cooperation among its members across various spheres.
Objectives:
- Integration: The GCC strives to create close economic, political, and social ties between member states.
- Deepened Relations: The organization fosters stronger connections and collaboration among member nations in all sectors.
- Unified Regulations: The GCC works towards establishing similar regulations in various fields, including finance, commerce, education, and healthcare.
- Joint Progress: The GCC encourages scientific and technological advancements, joint ventures, and private sector cooperation for the collective benefit of its people.
Structure:
- Supreme Council: The highest authority, comprising the heads of each member state with a rotating presidency.
- Consultative Commission: Composed of 30 members with expertise, advising the Supreme Council.
- Dispute Settlement Commission: Addresses disagreements arising from interpreting the GCC charter.
- Ministerial Council: Foreign ministers (or designated representatives) meet quarterly to implement Supreme Council decisions and propose new policies.
- Secretariat General: The administrative arm overseeing policy execution and meeting arrangements.
The recent meeting between US officials and the GCC in Riyadh highlights their focus on strengthening defense cooperation and establishing a joint working group to counter air and maritime threats. This reflects the GCC’s role as a key player in regional security.
Source : https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/gulf-cooperation-council
Economy
4.Get Real Information on PM-KUSUM Solar Pump Yojana
Why In News ?
The Ministry of Renewable Energy warns farmers about fraudulent websites and apps demanding registration fees for PM-KUSUM Yojana solar pumps. Don’t be a victim!
The Real Deal:
- The official website for PM-KUSUM is pmkusum.mnre.gov.in. Bookmark it!
- This scheme offers subsidies to install solar panels on farms for:
- Generating electricity for personal use and selling excess to the grid.
- Replacing diesel water pumps with solar alternatives.
- Solarizing existing grid-connected pumps.
More Information
PM-KUSUM in Action:
- Component A (Large Scale):
- Sets up solar power plants (500 kW to 2 MW) on barren or cultivable land.
- Generates additional income by selling power to electricity companies.
- Allows crops underneath if installed on stilts.
- Applicable for individuals, groups, cooperatives, and water user associations with land near a substation.
- Component B (Off-Grid):
- Supports standalone solar pumps for farmers in off-grid areas.
- Provides subsidies to replace diesel pumps with solar options.
- Covers pumps up to 7.5 HP with central and state government sharing subsidy (30% each). Farmers or loans cover the remaining 40%.
- Increased subsidy (up to 50% central government) in North-Eastern states, Sikkim, Jammu & Kashmir, and some hill states.
- Component C (Grid-Connected):
- Assists farmers with existing grid-connected pumps to switch to solar.
- Allows solar capacity up to twice the pump capacity.
- Farmers can use the generated power for irrigation and sell excess to electricity companies.
- Subsidy structure similar to Component B applies.
Benefits of PM-KUSUM:
- Access to advanced solar technology for farmers.
- Eco-friendly irrigation with cleaner energy.
- Potential for increased income by selling surplus power.
- Reduced reliance on diesel.
- Income generation for landowners through solar plant installation on uncultivated land (Component A).
- Continued cultivation with strategically placed solar panels (Component A).
- Reduced farm pollution and promotion of sustainable agriculture.
Who Can Apply?
- Individual farmers
- Groups of farmers
- Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs)
- Panchayats
- Cooperatives
- Water User Associations
Stay Informed, Stay Protected!
Refer to the official website (pmkusum.mnre.gov.in) for genuine information and avoid falling prey to fake websites and apps.
https://pmkusum.mnre.gov.in/landing-about.html
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