CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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  • India is gearing up to host the second Asia Pacific (APAC) ministerial conference on civil aviation, a collaborative effort between the Indian government and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) APAC.
  • Here's an overview of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):
    • ICAO, established in 1947 under the Convention on International Civil Aviation (1944), also known as the Chicago Convention, is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN).
    • Headquartered in Montreal, Canada, ICAO's primary mission is to ensure the safe and orderly growth of international civil aviation worldwide.
    • It develops and enforces global standards and regulations essential for aviation safety, security, efficiency, and environmental protection.


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  • China’s APSTAR-6E satellite has commenced operations following successful technical evaluations conducted both in orbit and on the ground in Hong Kong.
  • Here are key details about the APSTAR-6E Satellite:
    • APSTAR-6E is China’s pioneering all-electric propulsion communication satellite.
    • Developed by the China Aerospace Science and Technology Corporation (CASC), it orbits in the geostationary orbit.

The satellite was launched aboard a Long March-2C rocket from the Xichang Satellite Launch Center on January 13, 2023. After separating from its propulsion module, APSTAR-6E autonomously maneuvered to its geostationary orbit, setting a global precedent for telecommunications satellites using electric propulsion technology

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  • A rare Yellow-legged Buttonquail, an uncommon breeding migrant bird, was recently sighted in urban areas of Bopal-Ghuma within Ahmedabad city.
  • Here are some key details about the Yellow-Legged Buttonquail:
    • The Yellow-Legged Buttonquail, scientifically known as Turnix tanki, is a small bird belonging to the family Turnicidae.
    • Conservation Status:
      • Listed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List, the species benefits from its adaptable nature and widespread distribution across its range.

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  • The Ecosystem Model Intercomparison Project focused on Fisheries and Marine Ecosystems (FishMIP) has issued a report projecting a significant decline in exploitable fish biomass by mid-century, particularly under high-emissions scenarios, across various global regions.
  • Here are additional insights about FishMIP and related facts:
    • The Fisheries and Marine Ecosystem Model Intercomparison Project (FishMIP) was launched in 2013 with the aim of providing critical insights to industries and governments. These insights support effective planning for adaptive and resilient seafood sectors amidst climate change challenges.
    • FishMIP involves a collaborative network comprising over 100 marine ecosystem modellers and researchers from across the globe. It operates independently of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
    • Collaborating with the FAO, FishMIP endeavors to assess long-term climate change impacts on marine ecosystems and fisheries using advanced numerical models.
    • In 2024, FishMIP2.0 was established to enhance the accuracy of modelling projections and address broader policy-related questions concerning food security and marine resource management, with climate change as a central focus.

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  • Recently, the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC) issued a drug safety alert concerning the painkiller mefenamic acid, warning doctors and patients about its potential to cause Drug Reactions with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS) Syndrome.
  • Here are additional insights about DRESS Syndrome:
    • DRESS Syndrome, also known as Drug Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome (DIHS), is a type of drug allergy that can manifest in response to various medications.
    • Symptoms typically appear between 2 to 8 weeks after starting the offending drug and may include a rash, fever, and elevated eosinophil levels in the blood.
    • The syndrome can lead to severe complications involving the liver, lungs, kidneys, and other organs, contributing significantly to morbidity and mortality.
    • Treatment primarily involves discontinuing the medication responsible for the reaction. Supportive care is crucial, with corticosteroids often prescribed to manage symptoms. In severe cases, immunosuppressants like cyclosporine may be necessary.