West Bengal

• 19 Mar 2025

Advance Homoeopathy Research

Why in News? 

Adamas University, Kolkata, and the Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH), New Delhi, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen academic and research collaboration in Homoeopathy. 

 Key Points 

• Significance of the Partnership: 
  • This agreement represents a key step in interdisciplinary research, promoting scientific advancements in Homoeopathy through collaborative initiatives. 
  • Both institutions have reaffirmed their commitment to innovation and evidence-based research in alternative medicine. 
• Expected Outcomes: 
  • The partnership aims to strengthen academic ties and facilitate joint research projects. 
  • It is expected to contribute to the broader acceptance and integration of Homoeopathy in mainstream healthcare. 
• About CCRH: 
  • The Central Council for Research in Homoeopathy (CCRH) operates under the Ministry of Ayush, Government of India as an apex research organisation. 
  • It conducts core research in Homoeopathy and collaborates with national and international institutes of excellence for various research activities. 

 Homeopathy 

• It is a system of medicine which is based on the concept that the body has an inherent ability to heal itself, and the role of the homoeopathic remedy is to stimulate this self-healing process. 
  • Practitioners of homoeopathy believe that diluting the substance to extremely small amounts enhances its healing properties while reducing any potential side effects. 
• The World Homoeopathy Day is observed every year on 10th April to commemorate the Birth Anniversary of Dr. Hahnemann, the Founder of Homoeopathy. 

Human Coronavirus- HKU1

Why in News? 

According to reports a woman in Kolkata is suffering from human coronavirus HKU1, a species of coronavirus. HKU1 typically causes milder respiratory illnesses and does not pose a pandemic threat. 

 Key Points 

• Identification and Evolution: 
  • Coronaviruses exist in multiple types, but HKU1 is not a novel virus like Covid-19. 
  • Scientists first identified HKU1 in 2005 as a rare isolate. 
  • Evidence suggests HKU1 has been evolving steadily in humans, who are likely its only known reservoir. 
• Symptoms and Severity: 
  • HKU1 generally affects the upper respiratory tract, causing symptoms similar to the common cold and flu, including: 
    • Malaise, Persistent cough, Runny nose or nasal congestion, Blocked sinuses, Sore throat, Fatigue, Headaches, Low-grade fever. 
    • In severe cases, the virus may descend to the lungs, leading to pneumonia or bronchitis. 
• Mode of Transmission: 
  • It spreads through common respiratory transmission methods, such as: 
    • Direct contact with an infected person, Respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. 
    • Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the face, mouth, or nose 
• Vulnerability:  
  • The disease is self-limiting and resolves on its own. But vulnerable groups like the elderly, children, pregnant women, those with immuno-compromised conditions or with co-morbidities need to be vigilant for severe manifestation of the disease. 
• Treatment:  
  • There is no vaccine or specific treatment for human coronaviruses. Most infected individuals get better on their own.