VELUTHEEYAM
#ScienceTech #TheHindu
A tri-metal sculpture of Jesus Christ, Healing Christ, on the central courtyard of the Believers Church Medical College (BCMC) Hospital in Thiruvalla has entered the Universal Records Forum’s (URF) book of world records.
About:
A URF team adjudged that the 368-cm tall statue, weighing 2,400 kg, is the ‘largest tri-metal Jesus sculpture’ in the world.
The statue is sculpted with an alloy of zinc, copper, and velutheeyam (an alloy of tin and aluminium).
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#ScienceTech #TheHindu
A tri-metal sculpture of Jesus Christ, Healing Christ, on the central courtyard of the Believers Church Medical College (BCMC) Hospital in Thiruvalla has entered the Universal Records Forum’s (URF) book of world records.
About:
A URF team adjudged that the 368-cm tall statue, weighing 2,400 kg, is the ‘largest tri-metal Jesus sculpture’ in the world.
The statue is sculpted with an alloy of zinc, copper, and velutheeyam (an alloy of tin and aluminium).
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEE (SDF)
#International #TheHindu
Ending decades of free entry to Indian tourists visiting Bhutan, the Bhutanese Government has decided to levy a daily ₹1,200 ($17) fee for “regional tourists” from India, the Maldives and Bangladesh, beginning July 2020.
About:
The fee, called a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), is meant to help the government deal with burgeoning numbers in tourist traffic, which it is seeking to regulate through a new tourism policy.
The decision was passed by the National Assembly as a ‘Tourism Levy and Exemption Bill of Bhutan’, 2020. The SDF is considerably lower than the $65 charged to other foreign tourists, who are also charged a compulsory flat “cover charge” of $250 per day.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#International #TheHindu
Ending decades of free entry to Indian tourists visiting Bhutan, the Bhutanese Government has decided to levy a daily ₹1,200 ($17) fee for “regional tourists” from India, the Maldives and Bangladesh, beginning July 2020.
About:
The fee, called a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), is meant to help the government deal with burgeoning numbers in tourist traffic, which it is seeking to regulate through a new tourism policy.
The decision was passed by the National Assembly as a ‘Tourism Levy and Exemption Bill of Bhutan’, 2020. The SDF is considerably lower than the $65 charged to other foreign tourists, who are also charged a compulsory flat “cover charge” of $250 per day.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
MAITREE EXPRESS; BANDHAN EXPRESS
#International #Air
The frequency of the Maitree Express and Bandhan Express trains connecting Bangladesh and India has been increased.
About:
Maitree Express running between Dhaka and Kolkata will now run 5 days a week.
Bandhan Express running between Kolkata and Khulna will now be running twice a week.
The increased frequency of these trains will enhance the connectivity between India and Bangladesh further.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#International #Air
The frequency of the Maitree Express and Bandhan Express trains connecting Bangladesh and India has been increased.
About:
Maitree Express running between Dhaka and Kolkata will now run 5 days a week.
Bandhan Express running between Kolkata and Khulna will now be running twice a week.
The increased frequency of these trains will enhance the connectivity between India and Bangladesh further.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
DefExpo 2020
#DefenceSecurity #Pib
DefExpo-2020, a flagship biennial event of the Ministry of Defence is being held for the first time in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh from 5th to 9th Feb 2020.
About:
The 11th edition of Def Expo promises to bring new technologies, technological solutions, where Defence manufacturing companies from India and abroad showcase their products and services in Defence arena, on a single platform.
The DefExpo 2020 is being organized by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. Full support is being received from Government of Uttar Pradesh.
The main theme of the DefExpo India- 2020 is ‘India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub’ and the focus will be on ‘Digital Transformation of Defence’.
The fifth India Russia Military Industry Conference will be held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2020 at the venue. Over 100 Russian and over 200 Indian industry leaders are expected to participate.
Bandhan, a ceremony for signing of MoUs, launch of products and major announcements, will be presided by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh.
Live demonstration will be held at two locations viz. one at the exhibition site and the other at the Gomati river front.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#DefenceSecurity #Pib
DefExpo-2020, a flagship biennial event of the Ministry of Defence is being held for the first time in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh from 5th to 9th Feb 2020.
About:
The 11th edition of Def Expo promises to bring new technologies, technological solutions, where Defence manufacturing companies from India and abroad showcase their products and services in Defence arena, on a single platform.
The DefExpo 2020 is being organized by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. Full support is being received from Government of Uttar Pradesh.
The main theme of the DefExpo India- 2020 is ‘India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub’ and the focus will be on ‘Digital Transformation of Defence’.
The fifth India Russia Military Industry Conference will be held on the sidelines of DefExpo 2020 at the venue. Over 100 Russian and over 200 Indian industry leaders are expected to participate.
Bandhan, a ceremony for signing of MoUs, launch of products and major announcements, will be presided by Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh.
Live demonstration will be held at two locations viz. one at the exhibition site and the other at the Gomati river front.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
MEDICAL DATA LEAK
#Health #TheHindu
According to a recent report published by Greenbone Sustainable Resilience, a German cybersecurity firm, Medical details of over 120 million Indian patients have been leaked and made freely available on the Internet.
About:
The report also places Maharashtra at the top of the States affected by the global medical data leak. Maharashtra ranks the highest in terms of the number of data troves available online, with 3,08,451 troves offering access to 6,97,89,685 images. The next is Karnataka, with 1,82,865 data troves giving access to 1,37,31,001 images.
The report classifies countries in the “good”, “bad” and “ugly” categories based on the action taken by their governments in stopping it. India ranks second in the “ugly” category, after the U.S.
The data leak of records, includes images of CT scans, X-rays, MRIs and even pictures of the patients.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#Health #TheHindu
According to a recent report published by Greenbone Sustainable Resilience, a German cybersecurity firm, Medical details of over 120 million Indian patients have been leaked and made freely available on the Internet.
About:
The report also places Maharashtra at the top of the States affected by the global medical data leak. Maharashtra ranks the highest in terms of the number of data troves available online, with 3,08,451 troves offering access to 6,97,89,685 images. The next is Karnataka, with 1,82,865 data troves giving access to 1,37,31,001 images.
The report classifies countries in the “good”, “bad” and “ugly” categories based on the action taken by their governments in stopping it. India ranks second in the “ugly” category, after the U.S.
The data leak of records, includes images of CT scans, X-rays, MRIs and even pictures of the patients.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
UDYANOTSAV
#Culture #Air
The President of India opened the annual “Udyanotsav” of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Mughal Gardens will remain open for the general public from February 5, 2020 to March 08, 2020.
About:
The Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, is flanked by the iconic Mughal gardens — spread over 15 acres.
The gardens are a blend of the Mughal and English style of gardening and is inspired by the Persian Charbagh style. It is replete with canals, fountains, elaborate flower beds, well-trimmed shrubs, and a near endless variety of flowers.
A part of the gardens — comprising the Herbal Garden, the Bonsai Garden, the main Mughal Garden, the Spiritual Garden — is open to the public every year in February-March under the event called the Udyanotsav (translates to ‘Garden Festival’).
Charbagh?
Charbagh is a Persian/Islamic quadrilateral garden layout based on the four gardens of Paradise mentioned in the Qur'an.
The quadrilateral garden is divided by walkways or flowing water into four smaller parts. Significant use of rectilinear layouts are made within the walled enclosures. Some of the typical features include pools, fountains and canals inside the gardens.
They are found in countries throughout Western and South Asia, including Iran and India.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#Culture #Air
The President of India opened the annual “Udyanotsav” of Rashtrapati Bhavan. The Mughal Gardens will remain open for the general public from February 5, 2020 to March 08, 2020.
About:
The Rashtrapati Bhavan, the official residence of the President of India, is flanked by the iconic Mughal gardens — spread over 15 acres.
The gardens are a blend of the Mughal and English style of gardening and is inspired by the Persian Charbagh style. It is replete with canals, fountains, elaborate flower beds, well-trimmed shrubs, and a near endless variety of flowers.
A part of the gardens — comprising the Herbal Garden, the Bonsai Garden, the main Mughal Garden, the Spiritual Garden — is open to the public every year in February-March under the event called the Udyanotsav (translates to ‘Garden Festival’).
Charbagh?
Charbagh is a Persian/Islamic quadrilateral garden layout based on the four gardens of Paradise mentioned in the Qur'an.
The quadrilateral garden is divided by walkways or flowing water into four smaller parts. Significant use of rectilinear layouts are made within the walled enclosures. Some of the typical features include pools, fountains and canals inside the gardens.
They are found in countries throughout Western and South Asia, including Iran and India.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
RANI RAMPAL
#Sports #TimesOfIndia
The Indian women’s Hockey team captain Rani Rampal is the World Games Athlete of the Year 2019, thus becoming the first-ever hockey player to win the prestigious World Games Athlete of the Year Award.
About:
Rani Rampal (born 1994) is an Indian field hockey player from Haryana. She is currently the Captain for Indian Women's Hockey Team.
In 2020, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#Sports #TimesOfIndia
The Indian women’s Hockey team captain Rani Rampal is the World Games Athlete of the Year 2019, thus becoming the first-ever hockey player to win the prestigious World Games Athlete of the Year Award.
About:
Rani Rampal (born 1994) is an Indian field hockey player from Haryana. She is currently the Captain for Indian Women's Hockey Team.
In 2020, the Government of India honoured her with the Padma Shri.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
VIDYA BAL
#SocialIssues #TheHindu
Stalwart social activist, feminist writer and journalist Vidya Bal, who was a tireless crusader for gender equality, passed away at the age of 83.
About:
Vidya Bal (1938 – 2020) was a Marathi feminist writer/editor from Maharashtra, India.
She joined the editorial staff of monthly Stree (‘Woman’) in 1964, and then worked from 1983 to 1986 as its full-time editor. After leaving the editorship of Stree, she founded monthly Miloon Saryajani (‘All of us together’) in 1989.
She launched social platforms such as the Naari Samata Manch, started awareness campaigns and personally toured villages to awaken society to women’s issues.
She filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court in 2016 demanding the enforcement of a law for granting women the right to enter various places of worship.
The biography Kamlaki and novel Valvantatil Vat are famous.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#SocialIssues #TheHindu
Stalwart social activist, feminist writer and journalist Vidya Bal, who was a tireless crusader for gender equality, passed away at the age of 83.
About:
Vidya Bal (1938 – 2020) was a Marathi feminist writer/editor from Maharashtra, India.
She joined the editorial staff of monthly Stree (‘Woman’) in 1964, and then worked from 1983 to 1986 as its full-time editor. After leaving the editorship of Stree, she founded monthly Miloon Saryajani (‘All of us together’) in 1989.
She launched social platforms such as the Naari Samata Manch, started awareness campaigns and personally toured villages to awaken society to women’s issues.
She filed a PIL in the Bombay High Court in 2016 demanding the enforcement of a law for granting women the right to enter various places of worship.
The biography Kamlaki and novel Valvantatil Vat are famous.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
GLOBAL MISERY INDEX (GMI)
#Economy #TheHindu
The Congress said that India’s economy needs to be evaluated in terms of the Global Misery Index (GMI).
About:
American economist Steve Hanke of Johns Hopkins University, an applied economist has popularised the GMI concept. He has ranked India a measly 44 out of 95 countries on GMI.
The benchmark index measures people’s “misery score” instead of the conventional gross domestic product (GDP).
Methodology:
It is based on the three parameters namely unemployment rate, inflation rate and lending rate.
To calculate misery index, the annualised growth of GDP is subtracted from the sum total of these three rates. That gives a score which really defines how miserable people living in a particular geography are.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#Economy #TheHindu
The Congress said that India’s economy needs to be evaluated in terms of the Global Misery Index (GMI).
About:
American economist Steve Hanke of Johns Hopkins University, an applied economist has popularised the GMI concept. He has ranked India a measly 44 out of 95 countries on GMI.
The benchmark index measures people’s “misery score” instead of the conventional gross domestic product (GDP).
Methodology:
It is based on the three parameters namely unemployment rate, inflation rate and lending rate.
To calculate misery index, the annualised growth of GDP is subtracted from the sum total of these three rates. That gives a score which really defines how miserable people living in a particular geography are.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
15th FINANCE COMMISSION
#PolityAndGovernance #IndianExpress
The report of the 15th Finance Commission, along with an Action Taken Report, was tabled in Parliament.
About:
The Commission has reduced the vertical devolution — the share of tax revenues that the Centre shares with the states — from 42% to 41%.
The Commission intends to set up an expert group to initiate a non-lapsable fund for defence expenditure. It may do so by creating a separate fund from the gross tax revenue before computing the divisible pool — which means that states would get a smaller share of the taxes.
It has considered the 2011 population along with forest cover, income distance, tax effort, area of the state, and “demographic performance” to arrive at the states’ share in the divisible pool of taxes.
The use of 2011 population figures has resulted in states with larger populations like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar getting larger shares, while smaller states with lower fertility rates have lost out. Shares of the southern states, except Tamil Nadu, have fallen — with Karnataka losing the most.
In order to reward population control efforts by states, the Commission developed a criterion for demographic effort — which is essentially the ratio of the state’s population in 1971 to its fertility rate in 2011 — with a weight of 12.5%. But its impact is not entirely clear.
The Income distance criterion: Income distance is calculated as the difference between the per capita gross state domestic product (GSDP) of the state from that of the state with the highest per capita GSDP, with states with less income getting a higher share in order to allow them to provide services comparable to those provided by the richer ones.
View of centre on recommendations:
The Centre has rejected the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendation to give special grants worth ₹6,764 crore to States in 2020-21 to ensure that they do not receive less than the previous year’s allocation.
Major recommendations accepted by the Centre include the 41% share for States out of the divisible pool of tax collections, the suggested grants-in-aid and post-devolution revenue deficit grants of ₹74,340 crore for 14 States. It also accepted recommendations for grants to local bodies, disaster-related grants and sectoral grants.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#PolityAndGovernance #IndianExpress
The report of the 15th Finance Commission, along with an Action Taken Report, was tabled in Parliament.
About:
The Commission has reduced the vertical devolution — the share of tax revenues that the Centre shares with the states — from 42% to 41%.
The Commission intends to set up an expert group to initiate a non-lapsable fund for defence expenditure. It may do so by creating a separate fund from the gross tax revenue before computing the divisible pool — which means that states would get a smaller share of the taxes.
It has considered the 2011 population along with forest cover, income distance, tax effort, area of the state, and “demographic performance” to arrive at the states’ share in the divisible pool of taxes.
The use of 2011 population figures has resulted in states with larger populations like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar getting larger shares, while smaller states with lower fertility rates have lost out. Shares of the southern states, except Tamil Nadu, have fallen — with Karnataka losing the most.
In order to reward population control efforts by states, the Commission developed a criterion for demographic effort — which is essentially the ratio of the state’s population in 1971 to its fertility rate in 2011 — with a weight of 12.5%. But its impact is not entirely clear.
The Income distance criterion: Income distance is calculated as the difference between the per capita gross state domestic product (GSDP) of the state from that of the state with the highest per capita GSDP, with states with less income getting a higher share in order to allow them to provide services comparable to those provided by the richer ones.
View of centre on recommendations:
The Centre has rejected the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendation to give special grants worth ₹6,764 crore to States in 2020-21 to ensure that they do not receive less than the previous year’s allocation.
Major recommendations accepted by the Centre include the 41% share for States out of the divisible pool of tax collections, the suggested grants-in-aid and post-devolution revenue deficit grants of ₹74,340 crore for 14 States. It also accepted recommendations for grants to local bodies, disaster-related grants and sectoral grants.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
NAMASTE ORCHHA
#Culture #TheHindu
Madhya Pradesh government is organizing a three-day multi-cultural festival to promote tourism in the heritage city of Orchha, Madhya Pradesh.
About:
Namaste Orchha will take place between March 6 to 8, 2020 at Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. It will celebrate the cultural diversity, natural beauty and the architectural heritage of the town by showcasing music, dance, heritage walks, local cuisine, arts and handicrafts.
The first day of the festival will be held at Jahangir Mahal, built in 17th Century by the then ruler Vir Singh Deo in honour of the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
Noted Hindustani classical vocal singer Shubha Mudgal will perform alongside a giant African Baobab, a 500-year-old tree planted by Maharaja Vir Singh Deo.
Orchha?
Orchha (or Urchha) is a town in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh. Orchha lies on the Betwa River.
Orchha was founded in the 16th century AD by the Bundela Rajput chief, Rudra Pratap Singh, who became the first King of Orchha and also built the Fort of Orchha.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#Culture #TheHindu
Madhya Pradesh government is organizing a three-day multi-cultural festival to promote tourism in the heritage city of Orchha, Madhya Pradesh.
About:
Namaste Orchha will take place between March 6 to 8, 2020 at Orchha, Madhya Pradesh. It will celebrate the cultural diversity, natural beauty and the architectural heritage of the town by showcasing music, dance, heritage walks, local cuisine, arts and handicrafts.
The first day of the festival will be held at Jahangir Mahal, built in 17th Century by the then ruler Vir Singh Deo in honour of the Mughal emperor Jahangir.
Noted Hindustani classical vocal singer Shubha Mudgal will perform alongside a giant African Baobab, a 500-year-old tree planted by Maharaja Vir Singh Deo.
Orchha?
Orchha (or Urchha) is a town in Niwari district of Madhya Pradesh. Orchha lies on the Betwa River.
Orchha was founded in the 16th century AD by the Bundela Rajput chief, Rudra Pratap Singh, who became the first King of Orchha and also built the Fort of Orchha.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
LUCKNOW DECLARATION
#DefenceSecurity #TheHindu
The first India-Africa Defence Ministers’ Conclave (IADMC 2020) held in Lucknow on February 06, coinciding with DefExpo-2020, adopted the Lucknow Declaration.
About:
Besides traditional partners in Eastern and Southern Africa, Western African states have also sought to deepen defence ties with India including training for its officers and joint defence exercises.
The leaders recognised the importance of peace and security for both India and the African countries including "Silence the Guns; Creating Conducive Conditions for African Development” as the African Union’s theme of the year.
They welcomed the AU vision for peace and security in Africa that coincides with India’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region).
Defence Ministers also called for deeper cooperation in the domain of defence industries including through investments, joint venture in defence equipment software, digital defence, research and development on mutually beneficial terms.
India has also made available defence equipment and supply to African countries through its robust India-Africa development partnership, including through grant assistance and Lines of Credit. This effort will be considerably enhanced.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#DefenceSecurity #TheHindu
The first India-Africa Defence Ministers’ Conclave (IADMC 2020) held in Lucknow on February 06, coinciding with DefExpo-2020, adopted the Lucknow Declaration.
About:
Besides traditional partners in Eastern and Southern Africa, Western African states have also sought to deepen defence ties with India including training for its officers and joint defence exercises.
The leaders recognised the importance of peace and security for both India and the African countries including "Silence the Guns; Creating Conducive Conditions for African Development” as the African Union’s theme of the year.
They welcomed the AU vision for peace and security in Africa that coincides with India’s vision of SAGAR (Security And Growth for All in the Region).
Defence Ministers also called for deeper cooperation in the domain of defence industries including through investments, joint venture in defence equipment software, digital defence, research and development on mutually beneficial terms.
India has also made available defence equipment and supply to African countries through its robust India-Africa development partnership, including through grant assistance and Lines of Credit. This effort will be considerably enhanced.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
SECOND NATIONAL JUDICIAL PAY COMMISSION
#PolityAndGovernance #Pib
The Second National Judicial Pay Commission has submitted its final Report covering the subject of Pay, Pension and Allowances, in the Registry of the Supreme Court.
About:
The Commission has been constituted pursuant to the Order of the Supreme Court in All India Judges Association case.
Justice P.V. Reddi, former Judge of the Supreme Court is the Chairman of commission.
The Supreme Court will have to issue directions regarding the implementation of recommendations after hearing the stakeholders.
Recommendations on
Pay:
It has recommended the adoption of Pay Matrix which has been drawn up by applying the multiplier of 2.81 to the existing pay, commensurate with the percentage of increase of pay of High Court Judges.
The highest pay which a District Judge (STS) will get, is Rs.2,24,100/-.
Pension:
Pension at 50% of last drawn pay worked out on the basis of proposed revised pay scales is recommended w. e. f. 1-1-2016. The family pension will be 30% of the last drawn pay.
Recommendation has been made to discontinue the New Pension Scheme (NPS) which is being applied to those entering service during or after 2004. The old pension system, which is more beneficial to be revived.
Allowances:
The existing allowances have been suitably increased and certain new features have been added. However, the CCA is proposed to be discontinued.
Certain new allowances viz. children education allowance, home orderly allowance, transport allowance in lieu of pool car facility, have been proposed.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#PolityAndGovernance #Pib
The Second National Judicial Pay Commission has submitted its final Report covering the subject of Pay, Pension and Allowances, in the Registry of the Supreme Court.
About:
The Commission has been constituted pursuant to the Order of the Supreme Court in All India Judges Association case.
Justice P.V. Reddi, former Judge of the Supreme Court is the Chairman of commission.
The Supreme Court will have to issue directions regarding the implementation of recommendations after hearing the stakeholders.
Recommendations on
Pay:
It has recommended the adoption of Pay Matrix which has been drawn up by applying the multiplier of 2.81 to the existing pay, commensurate with the percentage of increase of pay of High Court Judges.
The highest pay which a District Judge (STS) will get, is Rs.2,24,100/-.
Pension:
Pension at 50% of last drawn pay worked out on the basis of proposed revised pay scales is recommended w. e. f. 1-1-2016. The family pension will be 30% of the last drawn pay.
Recommendation has been made to discontinue the New Pension Scheme (NPS) which is being applied to those entering service during or after 2004. The old pension system, which is more beneficial to be revived.
Allowances:
The existing allowances have been suitably increased and certain new features have been added. However, the CCA is proposed to be discontinued.
Certain new allowances viz. children education allowance, home orderly allowance, transport allowance in lieu of pool car facility, have been proposed.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
EUTHERMIA
#ScienceTech #IndianExpress
A new study, published in the journal eLife, that concluded the average human body temperature has never been constant in the first place.
About:
Normal human body temperature, also known as normothermia or euthermia, is the typical temperature range found in humans.
The thermometer reading of 98.6°F has been a gold standard for a century and a half, ever since a German doctor laid it down as the “normal” human body temperature.
In 1851, Carl Reinhold August Wunderlich pioneered the use of the clinical thermometer. He took over a million measurements of 25,000 patients, and published his findings in a book in 1868, in which he concluded that the average human body temperature is 98.6°F.
Most modern scientists feel Wunderlich’s experiments were flawed, and his equipment inaccurate. Different studies have found the human body temperature averaging out differently, including at 97.7°, 97.9° and 98.2°F.
Recent study:
Now, new research has found that body temperatures have, in fact, been declining over the last two centuries as a result of changes in the environment over the past 200 years.
While the authors are confident of a cooling trend, they do not offer an updated definition of “average body temperature” to cover all Americans today. The strong influences of age, time of day, and genders on body temperature preclude such a definition.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#ScienceTech #IndianExpress
A new study, published in the journal eLife, that concluded the average human body temperature has never been constant in the first place.
About:
Normal human body temperature, also known as normothermia or euthermia, is the typical temperature range found in humans.
The thermometer reading of 98.6°F has been a gold standard for a century and a half, ever since a German doctor laid it down as the “normal” human body temperature.
In 1851, Carl Reinhold August Wunderlich pioneered the use of the clinical thermometer. He took over a million measurements of 25,000 patients, and published his findings in a book in 1868, in which he concluded that the average human body temperature is 98.6°F.
Most modern scientists feel Wunderlich’s experiments were flawed, and his equipment inaccurate. Different studies have found the human body temperature averaging out differently, including at 97.7°, 97.9° and 98.2°F.
Recent study:
Now, new research has found that body temperatures have, in fact, been declining over the last two centuries as a result of changes in the environment over the past 200 years.
While the authors are confident of a cooling trend, they do not offer an updated definition of “average body temperature” to cover all Americans today. The strong influences of age, time of day, and genders on body temperature preclude such a definition.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
BRIHADEESWARAR TEMPLE
#Culture #IndianExpress
The kumbhabishegam (consecration) ceremony at the Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple was held after 23 years — and after the Madras High Court had settled an old argument over the ritual purification process, thus addressing the struggle for supremacy between the Sanskrit and Tamil traditions that lies at the heart of several cultural battles in the state.
About:
Brihadeshwara Temple is also called as Rajarajesvaram or Peruvudaiyar Kovil temple.
It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock.
It is located in South Bank of Kaveri river in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
Peruvudaiyaar Kovil is an example of Tamil architecture from the Chola period. It was built by Tamil King Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD.
The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples", along with Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temple.
#Culture #IndianExpress
The kumbhabishegam (consecration) ceremony at the Sri Brahadeeswarar Temple was held after 23 years — and after the Madras High Court had settled an old argument over the ritual purification process, thus addressing the struggle for supremacy between the Sanskrit and Tamil traditions that lies at the heart of several cultural battles in the state.
About:
Brihadeshwara Temple is also called as Rajarajesvaram or Peruvudaiyar Kovil temple.
It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Shiva. The Kumbam (the apex or the bulbous structure on the top) of the temple is carved out of a single rock.
It is located in South Bank of Kaveri river in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu.
Peruvudaiyaar Kovil is an example of Tamil architecture from the Chola period. It was built by Tamil King Raja Raja Chola I and completed in 1010 AD.
The temple is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the "Great Living Chola Temples", along with Gangaikonda Cholapuram and Airavatesvara temple.
PAN-CANCER ANALYSIS OF WHOLE GENOMES (PCAWG)
#Health #IndianExpress
A series of new papers in the journal Nature has revealed the most comprehensive gene map ever of the genes whose departures from normal behaviour — mutations — trigger a cascade of genetic misbehaviours that eventually lead to cancer.
About:
It is a major international collaboration called the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG), in which researchers has published a series of papers after analysing 2,658 whole-cancer genomes and their matching normal tissues across 38 tumour types.
They have concluded that “On average, cancer genomes contained 4-5 driver mutations when combining coding and non-coding genomic elements; however, in around 5% of cases no drivers were identified, suggesting that cancer driver discovery is not yet complete.”
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#Health #IndianExpress
A series of new papers in the journal Nature has revealed the most comprehensive gene map ever of the genes whose departures from normal behaviour — mutations — trigger a cascade of genetic misbehaviours that eventually lead to cancer.
About:
It is a major international collaboration called the Pan-Cancer Analysis of Whole Genomes (PCAWG), in which researchers has published a series of papers after analysing 2,658 whole-cancer genomes and their matching normal tissues across 38 tumour types.
They have concluded that “On average, cancer genomes contained 4-5 driver mutations when combining coding and non-coding genomic elements; however, in around 5% of cases no drivers were identified, suggesting that cancer driver discovery is not yet complete.”
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
Significance:
This is the largest genome study ever of primary cancer. Various kinds of cancers required to be studied separately because cancers of different parts of the body often behave very differently from one another; so much so that it is often said that cancer is not one disease but many.
Previous studies had focused on the 1 per cent of the genome that codes for proteins. The Pan-Cancer Project explored, in considerably greater detail, the remaining 99 per cent of the genome, including key regions that control switching genes on and off.
Cancer in India:
One in 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime, and one in 15 Indians will die of cancer, according to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report.
The Northeastern states, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Haryana, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh account for 44% of the cancer burden in India, says a recent analysis, published in The Lancet Global Health, that looked about 9.7 million deaths that happened in India in 2017.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
This is the largest genome study ever of primary cancer. Various kinds of cancers required to be studied separately because cancers of different parts of the body often behave very differently from one another; so much so that it is often said that cancer is not one disease but many.
Previous studies had focused on the 1 per cent of the genome that codes for proteins. The Pan-Cancer Project explored, in considerably greater detail, the remaining 99 per cent of the genome, including key regions that control switching genes on and off.
Cancer in India:
One in 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime, and one in 15 Indians will die of cancer, according to a recent World Health Organization (WHO) report.
The Northeastern states, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Haryana, Gujarat, Kerala, Karnataka and Madhya Pradesh account for 44% of the cancer burden in India, says a recent analysis, published in The Lancet Global Health, that looked about 9.7 million deaths that happened in India in 2017.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
KERALA’s BAN ON CFL AND FILAMENT BULBS
#Environment #IndianExpress
Kerala Finance Minister announced that the state will impose a ban on the sale of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and incandescent (filament) bulbs starting November, 2020 as part of sustainable energy policy.
About:
He also added that streetlights and bulbs in government offices across the state will be converted to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.
The announcement is in line with the government project of ‘Filament-free Kerala’ envisaged in 2018 as part of the state’s Urja Kerala mission. In 2019, Peelikode in Kasaragod district became the first panchayat in the country to be completely filament-free.
LED bulbs are energy-efficient than filament or CFL bulbs and will, therefore, generate less waste. Also, filament bulbs contain the mercury element which, when broken, is polluting in nature.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#Environment #IndianExpress
Kerala Finance Minister announced that the state will impose a ban on the sale of compact fluorescent lamps (CFL) and incandescent (filament) bulbs starting November, 2020 as part of sustainable energy policy.
About:
He also added that streetlights and bulbs in government offices across the state will be converted to light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs.
The announcement is in line with the government project of ‘Filament-free Kerala’ envisaged in 2018 as part of the state’s Urja Kerala mission. In 2019, Peelikode in Kasaragod district became the first panchayat in the country to be completely filament-free.
LED bulbs are energy-efficient than filament or CFL bulbs and will, therefore, generate less waste. Also, filament bulbs contain the mercury element which, when broken, is polluting in nature.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
SHARANG
#DefenceSecurity #TheHindu
The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) handed over Sharang, the first 130mm M-46 artillery gun upgraded to 155mm to the Indian Army.
About:
Sharang is the 130mm artillery gun ‘up-gunned’ to 155mm, 45 calibre up-gunning based on the Army’s tender.
The gun’s range has now gone from 27 km to over 36 km with the upgrade. It also has more explosive capability and hence and more damage potential. In all, OFB will upgrade 300 130mm guns to 155mm and the contract will be completed in four years.
The Army inducted its first modern artillery guns system in November 2018. These include M-777 Ultra Light Howitzers (ULH) from the U.S. and K9 Vajra-T self-propelled artillery guns.
The Army has the older, battle-proven Bofors 155mm guns in service.
The 155mm Dhanush towed gun system, developed based on the Bofors guns, is under induction.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#DefenceSecurity #TheHindu
The Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) handed over Sharang, the first 130mm M-46 artillery gun upgraded to 155mm to the Indian Army.
About:
Sharang is the 130mm artillery gun ‘up-gunned’ to 155mm, 45 calibre up-gunning based on the Army’s tender.
The gun’s range has now gone from 27 km to over 36 km with the upgrade. It also has more explosive capability and hence and more damage potential. In all, OFB will upgrade 300 130mm guns to 155mm and the contract will be completed in four years.
The Army inducted its first modern artillery guns system in November 2018. These include M-777 Ultra Light Howitzers (ULH) from the U.S. and K9 Vajra-T self-propelled artillery guns.
The Army has the older, battle-proven Bofors 155mm guns in service.
The 155mm Dhanush towed gun system, developed based on the Bofors guns, is under induction.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
DefExpo 2020
#DefenceSecurity #Pib
Over 200 partnerships involving Signing of MoUs, Transfer of Technology (ToTs) , Product launches were concluded on the third day of DefExpo 2020, at ceremony tilted “Bandhan.”
Light Utility Helicopter (LUH):
The indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) crossed a milestone as it received the initial operational clearance (IOC) at the ongoing Defexpo.
LUH is a new generation helicopter in the 3-Ton class with glass cockpit for reconnaissance and surveillance roles.
LUH is designed and developed as a replacement for Cheetah & Chetak helicopters which are currently being operated by Indian Armed forces.
Amogha-3:
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) launched Amogha-3, the anti-Tank Guided Missile. It is a man portable fire and forget missile.
Varunastra:
BDL also launched Varunastra – the anti-submarine torpedo, manufactured under the technological guidance of DRDO.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams
#DefenceSecurity #Pib
Over 200 partnerships involving Signing of MoUs, Transfer of Technology (ToTs) , Product launches were concluded on the third day of DefExpo 2020, at ceremony tilted “Bandhan.”
Light Utility Helicopter (LUH):
The indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) being developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) crossed a milestone as it received the initial operational clearance (IOC) at the ongoing Defexpo.
LUH is a new generation helicopter in the 3-Ton class with glass cockpit for reconnaissance and surveillance roles.
LUH is designed and developed as a replacement for Cheetah & Chetak helicopters which are currently being operated by Indian Armed forces.
Amogha-3:
Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) launched Amogha-3, the anti-Tank Guided Missile. It is a man portable fire and forget missile.
Varunastra:
BDL also launched Varunastra – the anti-submarine torpedo, manufactured under the technological guidance of DRDO.
jOiN ➛ @CurrentAffair4Exams