Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 09 Oct 2023
- 4 min read
Indian Air Force Day 2023
- Indian Air Force Day is celebrated on 8th October every year to commemorate the establishment of the Royal Indian Air Force on 8th October 1932.
- The IAF unveiled its new ensign during the 91st IAF Day celebrations. The new ensign prominently displays the IAF crest in the top right corner, along with the national flag in the upper left canton and the IAF tri-colour roundel in the lower right. This design was officially adopted in 1951.
- The theme for Indian Air Force Day 2023 is “IAF - Airpower Beyond Boundaries.”
- The Motto of the IAF is “Touch the sky with Glory” has been taken from the eleventh chapter of the Bhagavad Gita.
- Till now, IAF has fought four conflicts with Pakistan in 1947-1948, 1965, The Bangladesh Liberation War (1971) and 1999 (Kargil War), and Operation Meghdoot.
Read more: Indian Air Force Day
Sixth Basic Taste
The traditional five basic tastes, such as sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and umami, have been part of our understanding of taste for years. However, recent scientific research has unveiled evidence of a sixth basic taste sensation.
- A recent study published in Nature Communications reveals the existence of a sixth basic taste.
- This new taste is triggered by ammonium chloride and activates the same protein receptor responsible for signaling sour taste.
- Research identified the protein called OTOP1 as the one responsible for detecting sour taste.
- OTOP1 is situated within cell membranes and forms a channel for hydrogen ions moving into the cell.
- To validate their findings, scientists used a technique that measures electrical conductivity, simulating nerve signal conduction.
- Normal mouse taste cells responded to ammonium chloride with increased action potentials. Genetically engineered mice lacking OTOP1 had no response. This confirmed their hypothesis that OTOP1 responds to the salt, generating an electrical signal in taste bud cells.
World Dyslexia Day
World Dyslexia Day, celebrated annually on 8th October, sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals with dyslexia. Also, the Dyslexia awareness week is celebrated annually from 2nd to 8th October.
- Dyslexia is a specific learning disorder that primarily affects a person's ability to read, write, and spell accurately.
- It is characterized by difficulties in processing language-related tasks, including recognizing and decoding written words. However, Dyslexia is not related to intelligence.
- Theme for 2023: Uniquely You
World Cerebral Palsy Day
World Cerebral Palsy Day, observed globally on 6th October, serves as a platform to raise awareness, provide support, and advocate for greater understanding of cerebral palsy (CP) and its impact.
- Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and coordination.
- It is caused by damage to the developing brain, before, during, or shortly after birth.
- People with CP may have difficulties with motor skills, muscle control, and balance, which can vary from mild to severe.
- It is also recognised as a disability under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
- Theme for 2023: "Together Stronger"
