CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• The Union Health Ministry has increased the monthly nutrition assistance provided under the Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana from the current Rs 500 to Rs 1,000 for all tuberculosis (TB) patients undergoing treatment.
• Overview of Ni-Kshay Poshan Yojana (NPY):
  • Initiated by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoH&FW) in April 2018, NPY is a centrally sponsored scheme within the National Health Mission (NHM). It operates as a direct benefit transfer (DBT) initiative under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) in India.
  • Objective: To offer nutritional support incentives to TB patients.
  • Beneficiaries: All officially notified TB patients are eligible for this scheme.
  • Eligibility Criteria: Patients diagnosed with TB and reported to the government from April 1, 2018, onward, including those already receiving treatment, qualify for financial assistance. To receive benefits, patients must be registered on the NIKSHAY portal.
  • Benefits: Each notified TB patient is entitled to a financial support of Rs. 1,000 per month for the duration of their anti-TB treatment. This assistance can be provided in cash (via DBT, ideally through Aadhaar-linked bank accounts) or in kind.
  • This scheme is operational across all states and union territories in India.

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• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has recently advised operators of Boeing 737 aircraft equipped with a specific rudder component to refrain from conducting low-visibility landings due to a “potential risk of jamming.”
• Overview of the Rudder:
  • The rudder is a crucial flight control surface that governs the aircraft's rotation around its vertical axis, known as "yaw."
  • It is a movable surface located on the trailing edge of the vertical stabilizer or fin. Unlike a boat's rudder, which steers the vessel, the aircraft's rudder primarily counters adverse yaw caused by turning or, in multi-engine planes, by engine failure. It also facilitates intentional slips when necessary.
  • Typically, the rudder is controlled via the rudder pedals in the flight deck, which are mechanically connected to the rudder. When a pilot presses a rudder pedal, the rudder moves in the corresponding direction—pressing the left pedal, for example, causes the rudder to deflect left. This movement results in the aircraft's nose rotating to the left.
  • In larger or faster aircraft, hydraulic actuators may assist in managing the mechanical and aerodynamic forces acting on the rudder surface. The effectiveness of the rudder increases with speed, meaning that at lower speeds, significant rudder input may be necessary to achieve the desired control. Conversely, at higher speeds, less rudder movement is needed, and many advanced aircraft feature automatic limits on rudder travel when operating above certain speeds to prevent deflections that could lead to structural damage.

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• A diet high in advanced glycation end products (AGEs) is one of the primary factors contributing to India’s status as the world's diabetes capital, according to a groundbreaking clinical trial published recently.
• Understanding Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs):
  • AGEs, also known as glycotoxins, are harmful compounds generated through the glycation and oxidation of proteins and lipids.
  • Glycation refers to the process of sugars combining with other molecules, while oxidation involves the reaction of molecules with oxygen.
  • Although AGEs are produced in the body as part of metabolism, the main source is dietary intake.
  • They are commonly formed in foods through high-temperature cooking methods such as grilling, roasting, frying, and broiling.
  • Tobacco use also contributes to AGE levels in the body.
  • As individuals age, the production of AGEs tends to increase.
• Why Are AGEs Harmful?
  • AGEs are continuously present in the body, but at low concentrations, they typically do not cause significant harm. However, elevated levels can lead to cell and tissue damage.
  • AGEs bind to receptors on blood vessels and various organs, potentially harming organ systems. They can disrupt the function of cellular proteins, alter the behavior of hormones, cytokines, and free radicals, and change the extracellular matrix that supports cells.
  • Additionally, AGEs can activate inflammatory and other damaging processes in multiple body systems. They are linked to the development of several chronic inflammatory diseases, including type II diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis, and arthritis.
  • Hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar levels, is associated with increased AGE production, which can result in blood vessel damage, particularly in individuals with diabetes.

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• The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) has recently suspended the membership of the Delhi Zoo due to concerns regarding the treatment of its sole African elephant, Shankar.
• Overview of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA):
  • WAZA serves as the global umbrella organization for the zoo and aquarium community. Established in 1935, it is the only entity representing zoos and aquariums on an international scale.
  • Mission: WAZA aims to guide, support, and encourage zoos, aquariums, and similar organizations in areas such as animal care and welfare, environmental education, and global conservation efforts.
  • Membership: Its members include prominent zoos and aquariums, as well as regional and national associations of zoos and aquariums, alongside affiliated organizations like zoo veterinarians and educators from around the globe.
• Key Activities of WAZA:
  • Fostering Collaboration: WAZA promotes cooperation among zoological institutions concerning the conservation, management, and breeding of captive animals.
  • Ensuring Animal Welfare: The organization encourages the highest standards of animal care and husbandry.
  • Coordinating Efforts: WAZA facilitates collaboration between national and regional associations and their members.
  • Representation: It assists in representing zoos and aquariums in various international organizations and assemblies.
  • Advocating Conservation: WAZA is dedicated to promoting wildlife conservation, environmental research, and education.
  • WAZA has established partnerships with leading international conservation organizations to address pressing global issues, including the illegal wildlife trade, coral reef restoration, marine pollution, sustainable palm oil production, and climate change.

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• The State of Global Water Resources Report 2023 indicates that this year has been the driest for global rivers in over 30 years.
• Overview of the State of Global Water Resources Report:
  • This annual report, published by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) since 2021, provides a thorough and consistent assessment of water resources across the globe. It draws on data from numerous National Meteorological and Hydrological Services, along with contributions from various organizations and experts.
• Key Findings from the 2023 Report:
  • Driest Year: The year 2023 has been identified as the driest year for global rivers in the past 33 years.
  • River Flow Conditions: The last five years have seen widespread below-normal conditions for river flows, with reservoir inflows reflecting a similar trend.
  • Glacier Ice Loss: The report highlights that 2023 is the second consecutive year where all glaciated regions reported ice loss, marking the largest mass loss of glaciers recorded in the past 50 years.
  • Water Loss: Over 600 gigatons (Gt) of water have been lost across glaciated areas worldwide.
  • Access to Water: Currently, 3.6 billion people experience inadequate access to water for at least one month each year, a number projected to exceed 5 billion by 2050.
  • Sustainable Development Goals: The world is significantly off track in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6, which focuses on water and sanitation.