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- The National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) recently unveiled plans to establish 50 new Future Skills Centres and 10 international academies as part of its strategy to expand its skilling initiatives across India. This expansion aims to foster advanced skill development and deliver top-tier training programs.
- About National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC):
- Founded in 2009, NSDC is a not-for-profit entity established by the Ministry of Finance under Section 25 of the Companies Act, 1956.
- Its primary goal is to enhance skill development by facilitating the creation of large, high-quality, and profit-driven vocational institutions.
- NSDC plays a pivotal role in providing financial support for scalable and profitable vocational training initiatives.
- It is also committed to developing a robust support framework that includes quality assurance, information systems, and training programs for trainers, either directly or in collaboration with partners.
- NSDC serves as a catalyst for skill development by offering funding to businesses, organizations, and companies that offer skill training.
- Additionally, it focuses on designing models that bolster, support, and align private sector skill development efforts.
- NSDC’s current equity base stands at Rs. 10 Crore, with the Government of India, through the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), holding a 49% stake, while the private sector holds the remaining 51%.
- Medical professionals have expressed concern over the growing prevalence of colorectal diseases in India.
- About Colorectal Diseases:
- Colorectal disease refers to a range of digestive disorders that impact the colon and rectum.
- These conditions can be inflammatory, infectious, functional, or cancerous in nature.
- The severity of these diseases can vary from mild to severe.
- Examples of colorectal diseases include colon and rectal cancer, diverticulitis, and inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, among others.
- Colorectal diseases are quite common, with some causing noticeable symptoms such as abdominal pain or rectal bleeding, while others may develop silently and only be detected through screenings.
- Common symptoms of colorectal diseases include:
- Abdominal discomfort or pain
- Presence of blood in the stool
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Pain in the rectal or anal area
- Prevention & Public Health Measures:
- Dietary Modifications: Incorporating a high-fiber diet (including whole grains, fruits, and vegetables) while reducing red meat consumption.
- Lifestyle Adjustments: Engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining proper hydration, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
- Screening & Early Detection:
- Colonoscopy for individuals aged 45 and above.
- Fecal occult blood test (FOBT) for detecting hidden blood in stool.
- Public Health Initiatives:
- Campaigns aimed at raising awareness about colorectal cancer screenings and promoting healthy lifestyle changes.
- A pair of rare and endangered white-winged ducks (Deo Hanh), the state bird of Assam, was recently spotted in Dihing Patkai National Park by conservationists and forest officials.
- About the White-Winged Duck:
- The White-Winged Duck, also called the White-Winged Wood Duck, is a large, rare, and critically endangered species found in freshwater wetlands and dense tropical forests across South and Southeast Asia.
- Scientific Name: Asarcornis scutulata
- In Assamese, it is known as 'Deo Hans' or spirit duck due to its eerie, ghost-like call.
- It is regarded as one of the most endangered waterfowl species globally.
- Distribution:
- This duck species thrives in dense tropical and subtropical forests with slow-moving rivers, swamps, and wetlands.
- It can be found in India (Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur), Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Indonesia (Sumatra), and Malaysia.
- In India, it is primarily seen in Dibru-Saikhowa National Park, Kaziranga National Park, and the wetlands of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
- Physical Features:
- The White-Winged Duck has a black body, a white head speckled with black, and distinct white patches on its wings. Its eyes are red or orange.
- On average, it measures around 81 cm in length.
- The male and female appear quite similar, although the male has a more glossy plumage and is noticeably larger and heavier.
- This species is crepuscular, meaning it is most active during dusk and dawn. Its diet is mostly omnivorous.
- Conservation Status:
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered