NATIONAL:
1. Dietary Guidelines’ for Indians
Why in news: ICMR Released upgraded ‘Dietary Guidelines’ For Indians.
Key points:
• The Indian Council of Medical Research-ICMR has released an upgraded ‘Dietary Guidelines for Indians to suit the modern eating habits of 2024.
• Hyderabad-based National Institute of Nutrition-NIN in the report has framed 17 dietary guidelines that emphasize on health promotion and disease prevention across all age groups with special attention on healthy diets.
• According to the guidelines, individuals from all age groups must pursue a minimum of at least 30 to 45 minutes of physical activity of moderate intensity for good health.
• Regular physical activity of at least 60 minutes per day among children can prevent overweight and obesity.
• The ICMR-NIN has advised people to consume iodized salt, restrict intake of added salt to a maximum of 5 gm per day and has urged people to develop a taste for food-diets that are low in salt from an early age.
INTERNATIONAL:
1. Sudan Crisis
Why in news: Civil war in Sudan has ensued.
Key points:
• UN has said that people have been eating ‘grass and peanut shells’ in Darfur due to hunger crisis in Sudan.
• Since April 2023, civil war in Sudan has ensued with clashes between the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
• Darfur is a region of western Sudan, bordering Libya, Chad, and the Central African Republic.
• The latest surge in violence comes as the RSF encircles North Darfur’s capital, El Fasher.
ECONOMY:
1. India, A Net Exporter of Medical Consumables and Disposables
Why in news: India is now a net exporter of medical consumables and disposables: Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP)
Key points:
• According to the DoP exports surpassed imports in consumables and disposables last year, yet the overall MedTech sector experienced an import surge.
• The import was driven primarily by countries like the US, China, and Germany.
Value Addition:
India’s Medtech Sector:
• India’s MedTech sector is projected to grow 28% annually, reaching a size of US$50 billion by 2030.
• India ranks as the 4th largest market for medical devices in Asia and stands among the top 20 globally.
ENVIRONMENT:
1. Sahyadri Tiger Reserve (STR)
Why in news: Maharashtra plans to relocate tigers to the Sahyadri Tiger
Key points:
• Maharashtra is planning to relocate tigers to the Sahyadri Tiger Reserve from Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Chandrapur district.
• STR is located in the Sahyadri Ranges of Western Ghats in Maharashtra.
• Reserve was notified in 2010 amalgamating KoyanaSanctuary and Chandoli National P ark.
SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY:
1. Semi-cryogenic Engine (SCE)-200
Why in news: ISRO successfully conducted the first PreBurner Ignition trial for semi-cryogenic engine (SCE)-200
Key points:
• The ignition process is one of the most critical parts in the development of liquid rocket engine systems.
• The recent SCE ignition is achieved using a start fuel ampule which uses a combination of Triethyle Alumnide and Triethyle Boron developed by Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC).
• SCE utilises liquid oxygen (LOX) as an oxidiser and refined kerosene as fuel.
• ISRO is developing a powerful SCE that produces a thrust of 2,000 kilonewtons (kN).
• Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre, Bengaluru, is ISRO’s lead center for development of SCE.
2. West Nile Virus (WNV)
Why in news: Cases of West Nile fever, caused by WNV, were reported in Kerala
Key points:
• WNV was first isolated in 1937 in the West Nile district of Uganda, hence named so.
• Virus Family: a member of the flavivirus genus.
• Vectors: Transmitted through the bites of infected mosquitoes, specifically from the genus Culex.
• Natural Hosts: Bird
REPORTS/INDICES:
1. World Migration Report 2024
Why in news: International Organization for Migration (IOM) released World Migration Report 2024
Key points:
• Factors driving global displacement: Conflict and climate change remain the most significant.
• Total international migrants: about 281 million worldwide, of which 117 million are displaced, marking the highest level recorded.
• In India, strong influence of climate impacts on internal migration from Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
• India hosts the world's largest number of international migrants (18 million), residing notably in UAE, USA, and Saudi Arabia.
• In 2022, India remains the top remittance recipient country.
SPORTS:
1. Yuzvendra Chahal
Why in news: Yuzvendra Chahal created history to become first Indian bowler to 350 T20 Wickets
Key points:
• In the ongoing edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Chahal achieved a remarkable feat by becoming the first Indian bowler to take 350 wickets in the shortest format of the game.
• The historic moment unfolded at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, when Chahal dismissed the Delhi Capitals’ skipper, Rishabh Pant.
PERSONS/PLACES in News:
1. Sangeeth Sivan
Why in news: Renowned filmmaker from Kerala Sangeeth Sivan passed away at the age of 61.
Key points:
• He had films like 'Vyooham,' 'Daddy,' 'Gandharvam,' and the 'Yodha'.
• Apart from this, he also made 10 Hindi movies like ‘Kya Kool Hai Hum’ and ‘Apna Sapna Money Money’.
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