Daily Current Affairs 

To The Point Notes

1.Ban of Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) Drugs

Overview:

• Government has banned 156 FDC drugs, including popular ones like Cheston Cold and Foracet.
• Total of 499 FDCs banned since 2014.
• Committee set up in 2014 found 963 irrational FDCs.
• 2019 rules require central approval for FDCs, reducing irrational combinations.

Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) Drugs:

• Medications with multiple active ingredients in a single dosage form.
• Often used for conditions requiring multiple drugs.
• Examples include gastrointestinal issues, anti-allergic medications, skin treatments, migraine and nausea, menstrual cramps, and erectile dysfunction.

Reason for the Ban:

• No therapeutic benefits: FDCs were deemed “irrational” as they offer no therapeutic benefit or contain unnecessary ingredients.
• Patients might consume unnecessary drugs.
• Potential for antibiotic resistance and unnecessary medication.

Impact:

• Manufacturers ordered to stop production, stocking, and selling banned drugs.
• FDCs have increased in proportion, particularly antibiotic FDCs.
• Many FDCs are potentially inappropriate and not recommended by WHO.

Indian Pharmaceutical Alliance (IPA):

• Supports the ban.
• Cites previous committee reviews.
• Emphasizes patient safety.

 

 

2.IMDX Mpox Detection RT-PCR Assay

Overview:

• Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) granted approval to Siemens Healthineers for Mpox RT-PCR testing kits.
• Mpox is a viral illness caused by the monkeypox virus.
• There are two clades of the virus: clade I and clade II.
• Common symptoms include skin rash, fever, headache, muscle aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
• Transmission through close contact with an infected person or animal.
• Treatment involves supportive care and vaccination.

Mpox Outbreak:

• WHO classified the outbreak as a global health emergency.
• New strain of the disease spread beyond the Democratic Republic of Congo to 12 other African countries.

 

 

3.Himachal Pradesh Increases Minimum Age of Marriage for Women

Overview:

• Himachal Pradesh State Assembly passed the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024.
• Bill proposes raising the minimum age of marriage for girls from 18 to 21 years.
• Aims to provide gender equality and create opportunities for girls to pursue higher education and personal development.

Significance:

• Himachal Pradesh becomes the first state in India to enact such legislation.
• Early marriages can hinder a woman’s career and physical development.
• Increasing the minimum marriage age empowers women and ensures more choices and opportunities.

 

 

4.Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D)

Overview:

• Established in 1970.
• Operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• Vision: Transforming Indian police forces into SMART forces.

Mission:

• Promote systematic and rapid research on police and prison-related issues.
• Apply scientific and technological advancements to enhance policing methods.

Key Functions and Divisions:

• Training and Modernization Division:
  • Formulates quality standards for police training.
  • Focuses on capacity building.
  • Ensures law enforcement personnel receive necessary resources.
  • Actively engages with training initiatives like iGOT.
• Special Project Division:
  • Specializes in internet security, human trafficking, gender issues, and problems faced by senior citizens.
  • Publishes research in policing and administration.
• Research and Correctional Administration Division:
  • Conducts research in key policing areas.
  • Contributes to evidence-based policy formulation and correctional practices.

Historical Context:

• Gore-Committee (1971) studied training aspects of police and gave recommendations.
• Government created a Training Division (1973) to function under the Bureau.

 

 

5.India’s First Quantum Computer Under NQM

• Launch: India’s first quantum computer to be launched under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).
• Mission Goals:

• • Develop quantum computers with 20-50 qubits in the next 3 years, 50-100 qubits in 5 years, and 50-1000 qubits in 10 years.
  • Essential for India’s self-reliance in quantum computing to secure its critical digital infrastructure.
  • China leads in quantum computing investments, surpassing even the US.

• Quantum Technology:

• • Impact areas include computing, communication, cryptography, and sensing.
  • Applications span sectors like healthcare, finance, defense.

• National Quantum Mission (NQM):

• • Approved: 19th April 2023 by the Union Cabinet.
  • Budget: ₹6003.65 crore from 2023-24 to 2030-31.
  • Implementation Strategy: Establish 4 Thematic Hubs (T-Hubs) in top academic and R&D institutes focusing on:
    • Quantum Computing
    • Quantum Communication
    • Quantum Sensing & Metrology
    • Quantum Materials & Devices

• Mission Objectives:

• • Develop intermediate-scale quantum computers.
  • Establish satellite-based secure quantum communications across India and internationally.

• Impact:

• • Boost India’s technology to global competitiveness.
  • Benefit sectors like communication, health, finance, energy.
  • Support national initiatives like Digital India, Make in India, Start-up India, Self-reliant India, and SDGs.

 

 

6.Hoolock Gibbons in Hollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary

Overview:

• Assam wildlife department recommends forest clearance for oil and gas exploration in Hollongapar Gibbon wildlife sanctuary.
• Hollongapar Gibbon wildlife sanctuary is located in Jorhat district of Assam.
• Home to India’s only gibbons – the hoolock gibbons.

Hoolock Gibbons:

• Smallest and fastest apes.
• Found in forested areas from eastern India to Myanmar and southern China.
• Habitat: Thick evergreen, mixed evergreen, and scrub forest.
• Appearance: Longer hair, curved white brow streaks, triangular-shaped head.
• Diet: Frugivorous, with some insects, leaves, and other vegetable matter.
• Threats: Habitat loss and hunting.
• Conservation Status: Endangered (IUCN Redlist) for western hoolock, Vulnerable for eastern hoolock.
• Protected under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife Protection Act 1972.

 

7.Sudan

Overview:

• Located in northeastern Africa.
• Third largest country in Africa by area.
• Bordered by Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and the Red Sea.
• Home to the longest river in the world, the Nile River.
• White and Blue Niles meet in Khartoum, the capital city.