Additional Guidelines For Health and Wellness Celebrities

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, has issued Additional Influencer Guidelines For Health and Wellness Celebrities, Influencers and Virtual Influencers, making it mandatory for them to give disclaimers while presenting as Health Experts.

• These guidelines are an extension of the previously established "Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements for Misleading Advertisements, 2022".
• The additional guidelines aim to deal with misleading advertisements, unsubstantiated claims and ensure transparency in health and wellness endorsements.

What are the Key Highlights of the Guidelines?

• Disclosure of Health Certificates:
  • Certified medical practitioners and health & fitness experts holding certifications from recognised institutions when sharing information, promoting products or services or making any health-related claims, must disclose that they are certified health/fitness experts and medical practitioners.
• Must Provide Clear Disclaimer:
  • Celebrities, influencers, and virtual influencers who position themselves as health experts or medical practitioners need to provide clear disclaimers.
  • These disclaimers must emphasize that their endorsements should not be treated as substitutes for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
  • Endorsers must encourage their audience to seek advice from health and wellness centers prior to making any significant alterations to their diet, exercise or medication routines.
• Adequate Due Diligence:
  • Endorsers will have to conduct adequate due diligence before endorsing any product or service. They may, preferably, use or experience product or service to the extent possible before endorsement.
  • Influencers and virtual influencers must refrain from making false, misleading or exaggerated claims that could potentially mislead their consumers.
• Scope of Disclosure:
  • The requirement for disclosure or disclaimer applies to endorsements, promotions, and instances where health-related claims are made.
  • Topics such as health benefits from food items, nutraceuticals, disease prevention, treatment, cure, medical conditions, recovery methods, and immunity enhancement fall within the purview of these regulations.
• Exemptions for General Wellness Advice:
  • General wellness and health advice, which do not pertain to specific products, services, health conditions, or outcomes, are exempt from these regulations.
    • For instance, advice like "Drink Water and Stay Hydrated," "Exercise Regularly," and "Get Enough Good Sleep" are exempt.
• Distinguishing Personal Views and Professional Advice:
  • Celebrities who position themselves as health experts must clearly differentiate between their personal opinions and professional advice.
  • They are cautioned against making specific health claims without credible evidence. Encouraging audiences to consult healthcare professionals for accurate medical advice is strongly recommended.
• Enforcement and Penalties:
  • The Department of Consumer Affairs will actively monitor and enforce these guidelines.
  • Violations may lead to penalties under the Consumer Protection Act 2019 and other relevant legal provisions.

Concerns of Over Deflation in China

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, China’s National Bureau of Statistics reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) had declined in July 2023 by 0.3% compared to a year earlier, causing Deflation in the Country.

What is Deflation?

• About:
  • Deflation is the opposite of Inflation. It refers to a sustained and general decrease in the overall price levels of goods and services in the economy.
  • In a deflationary environment, consumers can buy more goods and services for the same amount of money over time.
  • However, deflation can occur for various reasons, such as reduced consumer demand, oversupply of goods, technological advancements that lower production costs, or tight monetary policies by central banks.
    • In China’s case, reduced consumer demand and economic slowdown are the reasons.
• Impact:
  • Positive:
    • Lower Interest Rates: In a deflationary environment, central banks may lower interest rates to encourage borrowing and spending. Lower interest rates can lead to reduced borrowing costs for businesses and consumers, potentially stimulating investment, consumption, and economic activity.
    • Improved Savings Incentives: Deflation can encourage saving because the value of money increases over time. Savers are more likely to see the value of their money grow, which can incentivize them to save more for the future, contributing to long-term financial stability.
    • Economic Efficiency: Deflation can prompt businesses to become more efficient and streamline their operations. Falling prices can encourage companies to reduce costs, innovate, and become more competitive in order to maintain profitability. This focus on efficiency can lead to productivity gains and long-term economic growth.
    • Favorable for Fixed-Income Beneficiaries: People who rely on fixed-income investments, such as retirees with pension plans or fixed annuities, may benefit from deflation. Since the value of money increases, their fixed income becomes relatively more valuable, providing them with a stable and reliable source of income.
  • Negative:
    • Downward Spiral of Economic Contraction: When consumers expect prices to fall further, they delay purchases, leading to decreased demand for goods and services. This reduction in demand can lead to lower production, reduced business revenues, and even layoffs, which in turn further reduce consumer spending.
      • This cycle can create a downward spiral of economic contraction, job losses, and financial instability.
    • Drive Down Business Revenue: Lower prices drive down business revenues, leading to lower profits, less investment, and potentially higher unemployment as companies pare back on production in the face of decreased demand.
    • Expensive Service Debt: Deflation can increase the real burden of debt. As prices fall, the value of debt remains constant or even increases in real terms. This can make it more difficult for individuals, businesses, and governments to manage their debt obligations.
      • In times of deflation, the relative purchasing power of every dollar spent on debt repayment is higher than it was before prices began falling.
  • However, economic situations can be complex, and the actual effects of deflation can vary depending on the specific circumstances of an economy.

What Caused Deflation in China?

• Zero-Covid Policy:
  • The Chinese economy has been struggling for more than a year. The most prominent was a heavy-handed Zero-Covid policy that saw entire cities shut down, sometimes for weeks at a time, in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
• Slowdown in Property and Banking Sector:
  • The property sector, which in recent years accounted for between 20% and 30% of GDP (Gross Domestic Product), has suffered a severe slowdown, with a number of major developers unable to service their Debts, and many projects left incomplete.
  • The banking sector is also burdened by bad loans, many of which were made to local government agencies that have experienced sharp declines in revenue.
• Unemployment:
  • Increasing unemployment among younger workers is also a problem, with the official jobless rate for people ages 16 to 24 at 21%, and some experts expressing concern that the real number is significantly higher.

How can China’s Deflation Impact India and the World?

• India:
  • Positive Effect: If investment in the Chinese economy is lowered owing to the increasing slowing rate of their economy, and now deflation, India could potentially emerge and take over as the manufacturing hub for the developed economies.
    • For India, if economic reforms are accelerated, India can become the next manufacturing hub.
  • Negative Effect: China remains one of the biggest importers of iron ore from India. The east Asian country imports almost 70% of Iron-ore from India.
    • Therefore, a slower economy for China would mean the amount of import into China could fall, spelling somewhat doom from India's economy.
• World:
  • Global Supply Chains:
    • Many global supply chains are intricately linked with China. If China's export engine is sputtering due to deflation and weak demand, disruptions in supply chains could affect industries worldwide, including those in India that rely on intermediate goods from China.
  • Global Growth:
    • China is the world's second-largest economy, and its economic health has a significant impact on global growth.
    • A sharp decline in China's economic activity due to deflation could lead to reduced demand for goods and services worldwide, contributing to a slowdown in global economic growth.
  • Central Banks and Monetary Policy:
    • Central banks in various countries might face challenges in managing monetary policy in response to deflation in China.
    • Lower global demand could lead to reduced inflationary pressures and impact the effectiveness of interest rate policies.

Way Forward

• Policymakers around the world, including in India, would need to closely monitor these developments and formulate strategies to mitigate potential negative impacts.
• The implications of deflation can include increased debt burdens, altered consumer behavior, reduced business investment, and challenges for monetary policy.
• Addressing deflation will require a combination of fiscal stimulus and monetary policy measures to boost demand and reignite economic growth.

Enhancing Water Resources Management and Conservation in India

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, in a written reply in Lok Sabha, the Minister of State for Jal Shakti, provided valuable insights into India's water resource management strategies and conservation efforts.

• These initiatives, undertaken by the government, play a crucial role in addressing the challenges of water scarcity and ensuring sustainable utilization of this precious natural resource.

What are India's Initiatives Related to Water Resource Management?

• National Perspective Plan for Interlinking of Rivers:
  • Formulated to transfer water from surplus basins to deficit areas in 1980.
  • National Water Development Agency (NWDA) identified 30 interlinking projects (16 under Peninsular Component and 14 under Himalayan Component) under Inter-linking of Rivers Project.
    • However, river interlinking projects are largely dependent on consensus on water sharing between participating States.
• National Aquifer Mapping and Management Program (NAQUIM):
  • Implemented by Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) under Ground Water Management and Regulation (GWM&R) Scheme, a central sector scheme.
  • Maps aquifers (water-bearing formations), characterizes them, and develops Aquifer Management Plans.
  • Aims for sustainable management of groundwater resources across the country.
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) - Har Khet Ko Paani (HKKP) – Ground Water (GW):
  • Launched to enhance farm water access and promote efficient irrigation.
  • Involves on-farm water use efficiency, sustainable conservation practices, and more.
  • Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare is implementing the "Per Drop More Crop" component of PMKSY.
    • The PMKSY- "Per Drop More Crop" mainly focuses on water use efficiency at the farm level through micro irrigation (drip and sprinkler irrigation system).
  • Operational since 2015-16, enhances water conservation at the farm level.
  • Command Area Development & Water Management (CADWM) Programme has been brought under PMKSY – HKKP.
    • The main objective of taking up CAD works is to enhance the utilization of irrigation potential created and improve agriculture production on a sustainable basis through Participatory Irrigation Management (PIM).
• Mission Amrit Sarovar:
  • Launched as part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav to conserve water bodies.
  • Aims to develop and rejuvenate 75 water bodies in each district.
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM):
  • Aims to provide potable tap water to every rural household by 2024.
  • Focus on tap water supply in water-scarce and drought-prone areas.
  • Includes bulk water transfer and regional water supply schemes.
• Jal Shakti Abhiyan (JSA):
  • Conducted in water-stressed districts for water conservation and management.
  • "Catch the Rain" campaign launched to cover all districts, rural and urban areas.
  • Aims to capture rainwater where and when it falls.
• Water Use Efficiency and Performance Evaluation Studies:
  • Central Water Commission (CWC) promotes studies for irrigation projects.
  • Focus on improving water use efficiency and conservation practices.
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABY):
  • Central sector scheme in water-stressed areas in 8,774 gram panchayats of 81 districts of seven States namely Haryana, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Emphasizes community participation and demand-side interventions.
• National Commission on Integrated Water Resources Development (NCIWRD):
  • Reports on projected water requirements for different scenarios.
  • Provides insights for planning and management of water resources.
• National Disaster Management Agency (NDMA):
  • Utilizes water-related data and technologies for disaster alerts and management.
  • Uses platforms like NavIC for timely dissemination of alerts.
• “Sahi Fasal” Campaign:
  • Launched to encourage water-efficient crop choices in water-stressed areas.
  • Promotes economically viable and sustainable crop cultivation practices.

Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan

Source: TH

Why in News?

14 States and Union Territories are yet to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Ministry of Education, mandating the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) to avail funds for the next three years, under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA).

What is the Need for MoU and Concerns Raised by States?

• Need:
  • The MoU includes provisions for planning, implementation, and monitoring, aligning State proposals with NEP for better integration.
  • The scheme offers flexibility for States/UTs to tailor activities according to their needs, streamlining components for more effective resource allocation.
  • Moreover, States can identify focus districts based on indicators like enrollment ratios, gender parity, and population proportions of marginalized communities.
• Concerns:
  • Some State governments have expressed dissatisfaction with the MoU, as it doesn't address the need for additional funding to implement NEP reforms.
  • States are responsible for 40% of the PM-USHA expenses, but the MoU doesn't provide clarity on funding mechanisms for NEP-related changes.

What is the PM-USHA Scheme?

• About:
  • In the light of the National Education Policy , RUSA ( Rashtriya Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan) Scheme has been launched as “Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM- USHA)” in June 2023.
    • RUSA, as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme launched in October 2013, aiming at providing strategic funding to higher education institutions throughout the country.
  • It focuses on:
    • Equity Access and inclusion in higher education
    • Developing Quality Teaching & Learning processes,
    • Accreditation of Non Accredited Institutions and improving accreditation.
    • ICT – based Digital Infrastructure.
    • Enhancing Employability through Multidisciplinary.
• Objective:
  • To improve the overall quality of existing state higher educational institutions by ensuring their conformity to prescribed norms and standards and adoption of accreditation as a quality assurance framework.
  • Ensure governance, academic, and examination reforms in the State higher educational institutions and establish backward and forward linkages with school education on one hand and employment market, on the other hand, to facilitate self-reliance and thus creating an Atma-Nirbhar Bharat
  • Create an enabling atmosphere in the higher educational institutions to devote themselves to research and innovations.
• Key Features:
  • MERU Transformation: It supports 35 accredited state universities with Rs 100 crore each to facilitate multi-disciplinary education and research.
  • Model Degree Colleges: The scheme provides provisions for establishing new model degree colleges.
  • Enhancing Universities: Grants are allocated to strengthen universities.
  • Focus on Remote and Aspirational Areas: PM-USHA targets remote, Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected regions, aspirational districts, and areas with low Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER).
  • Support for Gender Inclusion and Equity: The scheme aids state governments in promoting gender inclusion and equity, as well as upgrading skills for better employability through Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Conclusion

• The current standoff between several States/UTs and the Ministry of Education over the MoU's terms reflects concerns about funding NEP reforms under the PM-USHA scheme.
• While discussions continue to resolve differences, the MoU's successful implementation will play a crucial role in shaping the integration of NEP goals and higher education quality enhancement across various Indian states.

Removing Animals from Drug-Testing Process

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Government of India has recently introduced an amendment to the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules, 2023. The amendment addresses the ethical and scientific concerns surrounding the use of animals in research, particularly in drug testing.

• This step authorizes researchers to utilize innovative non-animal and human-relevant methods for testing new drugs, ushering in an era of more accurate, efficient, and ethically aligned drug development processes.

What is the Current Drug-Development Landscape?

• The journey of every drug from conception to market involves a series of rigorous tests to assess its efficacy and potential side effects. Traditionally, this process has involved testing candidate molecules on animals, typically rodents like mice or rats, as well as non-rodents such as canines and primates. However, this approach has significant limitations:
  • Species Mismatch: Humans exhibit intricate biological variations due to factors such as age, genetics, diet, and pre-existing diseases.
    • Animal models, even non-rodents, cannot fully replicate the complex human response to drugs.
  • High Failure Rates: The considerable divergence between animal and human responses contributes to the high failure rate of drug development.
    • Despite advancements in the pharmaceutical sector, most drugs that pass animal testing fail during human clinical trials.
• Recognizing these limitations, researchers globally have been exploring alternative testing methods that better replicate human biology and responses.

What are the Key Emerging Alternative Testing Methods?

• Organoids: Organoids are three-dimensional cellular structures that emulate specific organs of the body.
  • These miniature organs, developed from human cells or stem cells, provide a more accurate representation of human physiology, enabling researchers to study drug interactions in a human context.
• Organs-on-Chip: Organs-on-chip are small devices lined with human cells, mimicking the blood flow and cellular interactions within the body.
  • These chips replicate key physiological aspects and allow researchers to analyze tissue-tissue interactions and chemical signals, providing a platform for more accurate drug testing.
• 3D Bioprinting: 3D bioprinting technology enables the creation of complex human tissues and organs using patient-specific cells.
  • This advancement allows for the development of personalized drug testing approaches, catering to individual variations in biology.

What are the Global Regulatory Shift to Accommodate Emerging Methods?

• The European Union passed a resolution in 2021 to transition towards non-animal testing methods.
• The U.S. introduced the FDA Modernization Act 2.0 in 2022, allowing the use of human-relevant systems for drug testing.
• South Korea and Canada also introduced legislation to promote alternatives to animal testing.
• In March 2023, India joined this global shift by amending the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules 2019, enabling the incorporation of human-based testing methods into the drug development pipeline.

What are the Challenges and Opportunities Related to Regulatory Shift for India?

• Multidisciplinary Expertise: Developing and implementing technologies like organoids and organs-on-chip demand diverse expertise, ranging from cell biology and materials science to electronics and pharmacology.
  • India must invest in multidisciplinary training and resource-building to bridge existing knowledge gaps.
• Resource Localization: The current reliance on imported reagents, cell-culture materials, and instruments poses a resource challenge.
  • To establish a self-sufficient ecosystem, India should focus on developing a robust infrastructure in areas like cell culture, material science, and electronics.
• Standardization and Guidelines: Variability in laboratory protocols can lead to inconsistent data.
  • Clear guidelines and quality criteria are essential to ensure reliable and comparable results across different labs.
  • Regulatory bodies must adapt to the advancements in cell-based and gene-editing-based therapeutics.

Overhauling IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Home Minister introduced three bills in the Lok Sabha that aim to repeal and replace the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), and the Indian Evidence Act, which were enacted during the British rule in India. The bills are:

• The Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita Bill, 2023, which will replace the IPC, 1860
• The Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023, which will replace the CrPC, 1898
• The Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023, which will replace the Evidence Act, 1872

What are the Main Features of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita Bill, 2023?

• The bill defines terrorism and offenses such as separatism, armed rebellion against the government, challenging the sovereignty of the country, which were earlier mentioned under different provisions of law.
• It repeals the offense of sedition, which was widely criticized as a colonial relic that curbed free speech and dissent.
• It prescribes capital punishment as the maximum sentence for mob lynching, which has been a menace in recent years.
• It proposes 10 years imprisonment for sexual intercourse with women on false promise of marriage, which is a common form of deception and exploitation.
• The bill introduces community service as a form of punishment for specific crimes, which can help in reforming offenders and reducing overcrowding in prisons.
• The bill fixes a maximum limit of 180 days to file a charge sheet, which can speed up the trial process and prevent indefinite delays.

What are the Main Features of the Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita Bill, 2023?

• It promotes the use of technology for trials, appeals, and recording depositions, allowing video-conferencing for proceedings.
  • The bill makes video-recording of statement of survivors of sexual violence compulsory, which can help in preserving evidence and preventing coercion or manipulation.
• The bill mandates that police must inform about the status of a complaint in 90 days, which can enhance accountability and transparency.
• Section 41A of the CrPC will be renumbered as Section 35. This change includes an added safeguard, stipulating that no arrest can be made without prior approval from an officer at least at the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), especially for offenses punishable by less than 3 years or for individuals above 60 years.
• The bill requires that police consult the victim before withdrawing a case punishable by seven years or more, which can ensure that justice is not compromised or denied.
• It allows absconding criminals to be tried in-absentia by court and sentenced too, which can deter fugitives from escaping justice.
• It empowers magistrates to take cognizance of offenses based on electronic records such as emails, SMSs, WhatsApp messages etc., which can facilitate evidence collection and verification.
• Mercy petitions in death sentence cases to be filed within 30 days to the Governor and within 60 days to the President.
  • No appeal shall lie against the President's decision in any court.

What are the Main Features of Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023?

• The bill defines electronic evidence as any information generated or transmitted by any device or system that is capable of being stored or retrieved by any means.
• It lays down specific criteria for admissibility of electronic evidence such as authenticity, integrity, reliability etc., which can prevent misuse or tampering of digital data.
• It provides for special provisions for admissibility of DNA evidence such as consent, chain of custody etc., which can enhance accuracy and reliability of biological evidence.
• It recognises expert opinion as a form of evidence such as medical opinion, handwriting analysis etc., which can assist in establishing facts or circumstances relevant to a case.
• It introduces the presumption of innocence as a fundamental principle of criminal justice system, which means that every person accused of an offence is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty beyond reasonable doubt.

Lymphatic Filariasis

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Health Minister inaugurated the second phase of the Annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) initiative for Lymphatic Filariasis.

• India aims to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis by 2027, three years ahead of the global target, through a mission-driven strategy.

What is Lymphatic Filariasis?

• About:
  • Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic infection which is transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
  • This impacts millions of individuals in tropical and subtropical regions across the globe.
• Causes and Transmission:
  • Lymphatic filariasis is caused by infection with parasites classified as nematodes (roundworms) of the family Filariodidea.
  • There are 3 types of these thread-like filarial worms:
    • Wuchereria bancrofti, which is responsible for 90% of the cases,
    • Brugia malayi, which causes most of the remainder of the cases,
    • Brugia timori, which also causes the disease.
• Symptoms:
  • Lymphatic filariasis infection involves asymptomatic, acute, and chronic conditions.
    • In chronic conditions, it leads to lymphoedema (tissue swelling) or elephantiasis (skin/tissue thickening) of limbs and hydrocele (scrotal swelling).
• Treatment:
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends three drug treatments to accelerate the global elimination of lymphatic filariasis. The treatment, known as IDA, involves a combination of ivermectin, diethylcarbamazine citrate and albendazole.
    • The plan is to administer these drugs for two consecutive years. The life of the adult worm is hardly four years, so it would die a natural death without causing any harm to the person.
• Global Threat and Preventive Measures:
  • Over 882 million people in 44 countries face the threat of lymphatic filariasis and require preventive chemotherapy.
  • Preventive measures involve mass drug administration (MDA) to the at-risk population using safe medicine combinations.
  • More than 9 billion treatments have been administered since 2000 to halt infection spread.
• Progress and Achievements:
  • Successful MDA efforts have reduced transmission and infection prevalence.
  • 740 million people no longer require preventive chemotherapy.
  • In 2018, 51 million people were infected, marking a 74% reduction since the initiation of global elimination efforts.
• Vector Control and WHO's Approach:
  • Mosquito control, such as insecticide-treated nets and indoor residual spraying, supplements preventive chemotherapy.
  • WHO's Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GPELF) launched in 2000 with a mission to eradicate the disease.
    • GPELF aims to validate elimination in 80% of endemic countries by achieving sustained low infection rates and providing care.
    • The program strives for post-MDA surveillance in all endemic countries and ultimately reduces the population needing MDA to zero.
  • The strategy focuses on stopping infection spread and providing essential care to affected individuals.

What are India's Initiatives for Lymphatic Filariasis Eradication?

• Nationwide Mass Drug Administration campaigns administer preventive medicines in endemic areas.
• Collaboration with various stakeholders, sectors, and NGOs enhances the initiative's impact.
• “Through Jan Bhagidaari and ‘Whole of Government’ and ‘Whole of Society’ approach, India shall be able to eliminate this disease from the country”.
• Second phase of the MDA initiative targets 81 districts in 9 endemic states for targeted intervention. (Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Odisha, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh).
• State-central collaborations enhance healthcare, surveillance, prevention, and treatment.
• Encouraging medication consumption in the presence of healthcare workers promotes adherence.

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

National Manuscripts Bill 2023

India's rich cultural heritage is encapsulated in its ancient manuscripts, which hold invaluable knowledge and historical significance. However, the loss and dispersal of many of these manuscripts, even beyond the country's borders, have raised concerns. In a significant move, the Indian government is gearing up to address this issue through the introduction of the National Manuscripts Bill, 2023.

• The primary objectives of the Bill include documenting and cataloguing Indian heritage texts worldwide, maintaining accurate information, and specifying consultation conditions.
• The bill proposes the establishment of a 10-member National Manuscripts Authority (NMA), chaired by the Culture Minister and including representatives from Culture, Finance, Education, and private agencies.
  • The NMA will oversee digitization, conservation, preservation, editing, and publication of manuscripts.
  • The NMA will possess civil court powers to regulate manuscript access, investigate thefts, and ensure protection against damage or theft.
  • The NMA can acquire manuscripts from private owners based on content importance, with compensation determined by an expert committee.
• Manuscripts is a handwritten composition on materials like palm leaf, paper, cloth, and bark, in Sanskrit and regional languages, dating back at least 75 years.
• India possesses approximately 10 million manuscripts in 80 ancient scripts, with the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) responsible for preservation.
  • The Bakhshali manuscript, an ancient mathematical text, showcases the early use of zero and dates back to the third or fourth century A.D.

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India's ODOP Wall

Recently, through a collaborative effort between One District One Product (ODOP) and Deendayal Antyodaya Yojna - National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), the 'ODOP Wall' has been introduced. This initiative aligns with highlighting India's exceptional craft heritage globally.

• 'ODOP Wall' aims to showcase India's craft uniqueness worldwide.
• ODOP initiative focuses on promoting one unique product from each district, fostering balanced regional development.
• Diverse range of products covered, including handlooms, handicrafts, and agricultural products.
• Collaboration identifies and promotes products with cultural significance and unique qualities.
• Boosts sales, and supports rural self-help groups (SHGs) and indigenous crafts.

Read more: One District One Product (ODOP)

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The Centrifugal Force

The centrifugal force, an outward force experienced by an object that is in motion along a curved or circular path, is not a true force but a result of inertia, the tendency for an object to maintain its state of motion.

• This perceived force arises when an object moves along a curved path, always pointing away from the center of rotation.
• While not a genuine force like gravity or magnetism, it emerges from an object's resistance to altering its direction.
  • This principle finds ingenious applications in various fields. Industries like pharmaceuticals, dairy, and nuclear energy utilize centrifuges to exploit this resistance.
    • Washing machine, which dries clothes in the spin cycle by expelling water from them using the centrifugal force.

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Vindhyagiri

On 17th August 2023, the President of India will launch the Vindhyagiri, a Project 17A Frigate, at the Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited in Kolkata.

• This vessel, the sixth in the Project 17A Frigate series, takes its name from the Karnataka mountain range.
• These frigates are an evolution of the Project 17 Class Frigates (Shivalik Class), featuring enhanced stealth capabilities, advanced weaponry, sensors, and platform management systems.
  • The technologically sophisticated Vindhyagiri pays tribute to its predecessor, the former INS Vindhyagiri, a Leander Class ASW Frigate.
• In line with the nation's commitment to self-reliance, a significant 75% of equipment and system orders for the Project 17A ships are from indigenous firms, including Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

Read more: Project 17A