CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• Researchers from India, London, and Africa are advocating for replacing the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), currently used to diagnose gestational diabetes in pregnant women, with the HbA1c test.
• Here's an overview of both tests:
• Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT):
  • OGTTs assess how effectively the body processes larger quantities of sugar. The procedure involves fasting overnight, followed by consuming a glucose solution in the morning. Blood samples are taken at half-hour intervals over a two-hour period. Elevated blood sugar levels during the test may indicate issues with sugar absorption by the body's organs, potentially pointing to diabetes, including gestational diabetes during pregnancy. While gestational diabetes typically resolves post-delivery, it can pose risks such as heart disease, nerve damage, eye disease, and kidney damage.
• HbA1c Test:
  • The HbA1c test, also known as a hemoglobin A1C test, provides an average blood glucose level over the past two to three months. It measures the amount of glucose bound to hemoglobin, a protein in red blood cells. The test does not require fasting beforehand and is not time-sensitive like OGTT. A higher HbA1c percentage indicates elevated blood sugar levels, suggesting potential diabetes.
• Switching from OGTT to HbA1c could streamline the diagnostic process for gestational diabetes, offering a longer-term perspective on blood sugar control without the fasting requirement associated with OGTT.

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• A tourist from Haryana tragically slipped into the fast-moving waters of the Parvati River while taking photographs along the riverside at Katagala near Manikaran, Himachal Pradesh.
• About Parvati River:

The Parvati River, also known as the Parbati River, flows through the picturesque Parvati Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It serves as a significant tributary of the Beas River. Originating from the Man Talai Glacier below the Pin Parbati Pass at an elevation of 5200 meters, the river winds its way for about 150 kilometers. Along its course, it traverses through lush green forests, rolling hills, and picturesque locales such as Malana and Manikaran. The Parvati River is nourished by numerous glacial streams and monsoonal rains, sustaining its flow until it merges with the Beas River near Bhuntar, south of Kullu. Noteworthy features along its banks include geothermal springs at Manikaran and Khirganga, adding to the area's natural allure

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• In a historic move, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has chosen SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket to launch its latest cutting-edge communications satellite, GSAT 20.
• About GSAT 20 Satellite:
  • GSAT 20 represents India’s most advanced communications satellite to date, designed by ISRO. Weighing an impressive 4,700 kilograms, it boasts a substantial throughput capacity of 48 gigabits per second (GBPS). Featuring 32 spot beams, the satellite is meticulously engineered to provide comprehensive coverage across India, with particular focus on enhancing connectivity in the Northeastern region. GSAT 20 will be managed and operated by ISRO's commercial entity, New Space India Ltd. (NSIL).
• ISRO’s decision to collaborate with SpaceX for this mission underscores the unique capabilities of Falcon 9, as India's indigenous heavy-lift rocket, the Launch Vehicle Mark 3, currently lacks the requisite capacity to launch such a massive satellite. This partnership marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration endeavors, highlighting international cooperation in advancing space technology.

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• Central Electronics Limited (CEL) recently achieved the prestigious "Mini Ratna" status (Category-1) during its Golden Jubilee celebrations.
• About Central Electronics Limited (CEL):
  • Established in 1974 under the aegis of the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), Ministry of Science and Technology, Government of India, CEL is dedicated to leveraging indigenous technologies developed by national laboratories and research institutions. Its primary mission is to excel in technology innovation and manufacturing, aiming to lead the market in Solar Energy Systems and Strategic Electronics.
• CEL occupies a unique position among Public Sector Enterprises in Electronics, focusing extensively on indigenous technology derived from its own research and collaborations with national laboratories. The enterprise specializes in high-technology domains crucial for national development, including:
• Solar Photovoltaic Systems: CEL is renowned globally for its expertise in solar photovoltaic cells, modules, and systems catering to diverse applications.
• Selected Electronic Systems: This includes critical equipment for Railway Signalling and Safety, Cathodic Protection Equipment for Oil Pipelines, Switching Systems, and Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSATs).
• Selected Electronic Components: CEL is a pioneer in the production of professional (Soft) Ferrites, Electronic Ceramics, Piezo Electric Elements, and Microwave Components.
• CEL's contributions extend to strategic sectors, including defence, where it has developed and supplied critical components for various applications. The enterprise's commitment to technological advancement and indigenous production has positioned it as a leading global producer of crystalline silicon solar cells.
• Achieving Mini Ratna status (Category-1) underscores CEL's significant role in advancing India's technological capabilities and its pivotal position in the realm of electronics and solar energy systems.