Whatsapp 93125-11015 For Details
1. The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) aims to address the growing burden of NCDs like cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and diabetes, which account for 63% of all deaths in India. The program focuses on prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, and health promotion through initiatives such as screening for diabetes, hypertension, and common cancers for individuals aged 30 and above. Key components include the establishment of District NCD Clinics, Cardiac Care Units, and Day Care Centres for cancer treatment, along with training healthcare workers. The program is supported by the National Health Mission (NHM) with financial assistance shared between the Centre and States. NCDs, influenced by lifestyle factors like tobacco use and inactivity, are responsible for 74% of global deaths, with prevention strategies targeting healthier habits and early screenings. The WHO aims to reduce premature NCD deaths by one-third by 2030.
2. The Northern Giant Hornet (Vespa mandarinia), also known as the murder hornet, has been successfully eradicated in the US. Native to Asia, it is the largest hornet in the world, measuring up to 2 inches long. The hornet has a distinct yellow or orange head with black eyes. It was first spotted in Washington state near the Canadian border in 2019. The hornet poses a significant threat to pollinators like honeybees, capable of destroying an entire hive in just 90 minutes. Its venom is seven times stronger than that of a honeybee, and it can sting multiple times. The hornets typically build nests in forested areas, often in underground cavities.
3. India is set to launch two new undersea cable systems: India Asia Xpress (IAX) and India Europe Xpress (IEX). IAX will connect Chennai and Mumbai with Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, while IEX will link them to France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Djibouti. Undersea cables are high-capacity optical fibre cables laid on the ocean floor, essential for global connectivity and high-speed data exchange. These cables use light pulses to transfer digital information through thin glass fibres, wrapped in protective layers of plastic and sometimes steel. They offer unlimited bandwidth and low latency, outperforming satellite communication, which faces challenges from space weather and debris. By 2023, India had 17 international subsea cables, with a total capacity of 138.55 terabits per second (tbps).
4. A study by the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire discovered that California ground squirrels (Otospermophilus beecheyi), previously considered herbivores, exhibit opportunistic omnivorous behavior. Researchers observed these squirrels hunting, killing, and eating voles (rodents), with 42% of interactions involving active hunting. The squirrels' carnivorous behavior peaked in early July, coinciding with a surge in vole numbers, indicating that hunting was triggered by prey abundance. This flexible diet helps them adapt to food availability in changing environments. California Ground Squirrels: Commonly found in the western US, they have mottled fur and are preyed upon by animals like rattlesnakes, eagles, and foxes. They can live up to 6 years in the wild. IUCN Red List: Least Concern. CITES: No special status. The Indian palm squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) is found in India and Sri Lanka.
5. In the 55th GST Council meeting, several important decisions were made. The GST on used electric vehicles (EVs) was raised from 12% to 18%, applicable only to the margin in business sales, with no GST for individual-to-individual transactions. Penal charges by banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) for loan term violations will not attract GST. Payment aggregators handling transactions under Rs 2,000 will be exempt from GST, though this does not extend to payment gateways or other fintech services. Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF) was not brought under GST due to state objections. The Council also exempted black pepper and raisins directly supplied by farmers, gene therapy, and surface-to-air missiles from GST. Additionally, the compensation cess rate was reduced to 0.1% on supplies to merchant exporters. The tax on caramelized popcorn was set at 18%, while salted popcorn is taxed at 5% (non-pre-packaged) or 12% (pre-packaged)