New smart sensor for adjusting drug dosage to manage Parkinson’s Disease

Key Highlights:

• Development of Sensor: The Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) has created an affordable, user-friendly, and portable smartphone-based fluorescence turn-on sensor system for detecting L-dopa levels.
• Importance in Parkinson’s Disease: Accurate monitoring of L-dopa is crucial for managing Parkinson''s disease, which involves balancing dopamine levels to avoid side effects and ensure effective symptom control.
• Detection Range and Limits: It detects L-dopa in biological fluids (blood plasma, sweat, urine) within a linear range of 5 μM to 35 μM, with detection limits of 95.14 nM, 93.81 nM, and 104.04 nM respectively.
• Operational Setup: The sensor system includes a 365nm LED and a smartphone camera. The setup is enclosed in a dark chamber to minimize external light interference. The mobile app analyzes RGB values from images to determine L-dopa concentration.

Parkinson’s Disease

• Parkinson''s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that impairs movement and can lead to immobility and dementia over time.
• The disease usually occurs in older people,but younger people can also be affected. Men are affected more often than women.
• The prevalence of PD has doubled in the past 25 years. India shares around 10%of the global burden of Parkinson''s disease.

Cause:

• It is caused by the degeneration of nerve cells in the part of the brain called the substantia nigra, which controls movement.
• These nerve cells die or become impaired, losing the ability to produce an important chemical called dopamine.
• Dopamine operates with other neurotransmitters to help coordinate the millions of nerve and muscle cells involved in the movement.
• Lack of dopamine causes the slowed movements and tremors symptoms of Parkinson''s disease.

Treatment: 

• There is no cure for Parkinson disease, but therapies including medicines, surgery and rehabilitation can reduce symptoms.
• Levodopa/carbidopa,a combination medicine that increases the amount of dopamine in the brain, is the most common medication.

World Parkinson’s Day: 

• Every year,11th April is observed as World Parkinson''s Day.
• The day aims to amplify awareness and understanding about Parkinson''s disease internationally.

International Buddhist Confederation to organize a Two-day Conference at Nalanda, Bihar on the Life and Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava

(Source: PIB)

• The key themes of the conference will include his life and teachings, his travels across the Himalayas, and, most importantly, his relevance in the present time.
• Guru Padamasambhava also represents a consolidation of many strands of culture ranging from Yogic and Tantric practices to meditation, art, music, dance, magic, folklore and religious teachings. 

Guru Padmasambhava

Historical Background-

• Era and Origins: Guru Padmasambhava is traditionally believed to have lived during the 8th century CE. He is thought to have been born in Uddiyana (an ancient region, often identified with parts of modern-day Pakistan or Afghanistan), though exact details about his life are shrouded in legend.
• Introduction to Tibet: Padmasambhava is credited with bringing Buddhism to Tibet. His mission was sanctioned by the Tibetan king Trisong Detsen. This occurred during a period when Tibetan Buddhism was being established and faced challenges from indigenous Bon practices and other religious obstacles.

Role and Influence in Tibetan Buddhism

• Spiritual Significance: Guru Padmasambhava is revered as a legendary master and teacher who helped to establish and propagate Vajrayana Buddhism in Tibet. He is often considered an embodiment of wisdom and compassion and is central to the Nyingma school of Tibetan Buddhism.
• Transmission of Teachings: He is known for transmitting esoteric teachings, including the Dzogchen teachings, which are crucial for Tibetan Buddhism. His teachings emphasize direct experience and enlightenment.

Cultural and Religious Legacy

• Iconography: In Tibetan art and iconography, Padmasambhava is often depicted seated in a meditative posture or performing various ritual acts. His images frequently include symbols of his spiritual powers, such as a vajra (ritual scepter) or a lotus flower.
• Temples and Practices: Numerous monasteries and temples in Tibet and the Himalayan region are dedicated to him. His teachings continue to influence practices, rituals, and the spiritual lives of many Tibetan Buddhists.
• Modern Impact: In contemporary times, Padmasambhava''s influence extends beyond Tibet. His teachings and the practices associated with him have gained recognition and respect in various Buddhist communities worldwide.

ANUBHAV AWARDS 2024 will be conferred by Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh tomorrow in Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi

(Source: News on Air)

This award ceremony is unique as out of 15 awardees, 33% percent are women, the highest ever in the history of ''Anubhav'' since its inception in 2015, indicating their growing role and contribution in the Governance.

ANUBHAV Awards 

• It recognizes the contribution made by Retired Officials to Nation building while working in Government and to document the administrative history of India by written narratives.
• The ANUBHAV Portal, established in March 2015, serves as an online platform for retiring and retired government employees to share their experiences. 
• The portal was launched by the Government of India, Ministry of personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Department of Pension & Pensioners'' welfare.

Objectives

• It aims to create a database of significant suggestions and work experiences.
• It channelizes the human resource of retiring employees for nation building.
• Enable Ministries/ Departments to take crucial steps while considering useful and replicable suggestions.

Eligibility:

• To participate in the scheme, retiring Central Government employees/pensioners are required to submit their Anubhav write ups, 8 months prior to retirement and up to 1 year after their retirement.
• Thereafter, the write-ups will be published after assessment by concerned Ministries/Departments. The published write-ups will be shortlisted for Anubhav Awards and Jury Certificates.

Significance and Impact

• Documenting Administrative History: The scheme helps in creating a repository of experiences that can serve as a foundation for good governance and administrative reforms.
• Sharing Wisdom: It provides a national forum for the retirees to share their experiences and insights, fostering a culture of learning and reflection.
• Recognition: Acknowledging the unsung heroes of the government machinery, it boosts morale and encourages a sense of ownership and pride among the retirees.

Recent Developments

• As of now, 54 ANUBHAV Awards have been conferred since the inception of the scheme.
• The last year  award ceremony took place on 23rd October 2023, where 05 Anubhav Awards and 10 Jury Certificates were presented.
• The DoPPW has been actively involved in grievance redressal, with over 72,110 grievances resolved and significant improvements in the redressal time​.

SC’s National Task Force Holds First Meeting to Address Medical Professionals’ Safety

(Source: News on Air)

• Union Health Ministry has created a national portal on its website under the title “Suggestions to NTF” to seek suggestions from individuals and different stakeholders across the country.

National Task Force

• The Supreme Court formed a 10-member National Task Force to make a blueprint for the safety and facility of healthcare workers at their workplace.

Responsibilities

• The NTF has been tasked with the critical responsibility of devising an action plan to ensure the safety and well-being of medical professionals.
• It will particularly focus on preventing gender-based violence and creating dignified working conditions for interns, resident doctors, and non-resident doctors.

Areas to be addressed

• Enhancing security in emergency rooms and other critical areas.
• Implementing baggage screening to prevent the entry of arms.
• Restricting the number of non-patient visitors.
• Managing crowd control effectively.
• Providing restrooms and gender-neutral spaces for medical staff.
• Introducing biometric and facial recognition systems.
• Improving lighting and installing CCTV in all hospital areas.
• Arranging transport for medical professionals between 10 pm and 6 am.
• Conducting workshops on handling grief and crisis situations.
• Performing quarterly audits of institutional safety measures.
• Establishing police force commensurate with hospital footfall.
• Applying the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) Act to medical establishments, ensuring the constitution of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC).
• Setting up an emergency helpline for medical professionals.

Present Scenario of Legal Protection to Healthcare Professionals

• Currently no imperative law exists to protect healthcare people nationwide. 
• As of 2020,19 States had carried out their statutes, each with varying provisions. Other States and Union Territories had no legal guidelines in any respect.
• This loss of uniformity intended for safety is inconsistent. 
• Among States, Kerala and Karnataka offer their healthcare workers with the strongest criminal protections in India. 

India-Brazil co-chair 9th Joint Commission Meeting; Discuss ways to advance key G20 outcomes

• 9th India-Brazil Joint Commission Meeting: Co-chaired by Dr. S. Jaishankar (India) and Mauro Vieira (Brazil) in New Delhi.
• Key Discussion Areas: Bilateral cooperation in trade, defence, energy, health, agriculture, space, and technology; global geopolitical developments; engagement in BRICS, IBSA, and G20.
• Support for G20 Presidency: India supports Brazil’s G20 presidency; G20 summit scheduled for November 18-19, 2024, in Rio de Janeiro.
• Strategic Partnership: The partnership, established in 2006, has diversified; India values Brazil’s increasing appreciation of Indian culture.

India-Brazil Relations

• India and Brazil established diplomatic relations between India and Brazil in 1948. The long bilateral strategic partnership is based on a common global vision, shared democratic values, and a commitment to foster economic growth with social inclusion for the welfare of the people of both countries.

Areas of cooperation between India and Brazil

Defence & Security Cooperation

• India and Brazil signed an agreement in 2003 for cooperation in defense. Joint Defence Committee (JDC) meetings are held as an institutionalized mechanism for defense cooperation. 
• India and Brazil established a strategic dialogue mechanismin 2006 to cover regional and global issues of mutual concern. This dialogue is led by NSA from the Indian side. 
• An MoU on cooperation in the area of Cyber Security between CERT-In and its counterpart agency was signed during the State Visit of President Bolsonaro in January 2020.

Trade and Investment

India-Brazil trade accounts for nearly one-fourth of India-Latin America trade in the 21st century, and Indian investment in Brazil, estimated at US $6 billion in 2018 is by far the largest in the region.

Bilateral Trade: 

• India became the 5th largest trading partner of Brazil in 2021. The bilateral trade exceeded US$ 11 billion, an increase of 63% compared to 2020. 
• Major Indian exports to Brazil include agrochemicals, synthetic yarns, auto components and parts, and imports include crude oil, gold, vegetable oil, sugar, and bulk mineral and ores.

Bilateral Investments: 

• A plethora of sectors have witnessed investments between India and Brazil in sectors such as automobiles, IT, mining, energy, biofuels, and footwear sectors.
• In 2018, the total Indian investment in Brazil was estimated at USD 6 billion, and the total Brazilian investment in India was estimated at USD 1 billion.

India-MERCOSUR PTA: 

• Brazil played a crucial role in the India-MERCOSUR Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA) that improves India’s access to the large South American market.

Science and Technology

• Space cooperation: Both countries have been collaborating in Data sharing and satellite tracking of Indian satellites.
• Cooperation in Science and Technology (S&T): A Programme of Scientific and Technological Cooperation (PoC S&T) for the period 2020-2023 was signed during the recent State Visit of President Bolsonaro to India.
• Cooperation in agriculture, food processing, and animal husbandry: Indian cattle like Gir and Kankrej, which were exported centuries back, have been suitably modified to yield large quantities of milk in Brazil. Both sides are working on training and capacity building, including technology transfer.

Cultural relations

• In Brazil, there is a lot of interest in India’s culture, religion, performing arts and philosophy
• Cultural exchanges: A Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for the years 2020-2024 was signed during the State Visit of President Bolsonaro to India in January 2020.
• AYUSH: Brazil has a strong community of Yoga and Ayurveda practitioners. The Brazilian Association of Ayurveda (ABRA) is a non-profit association with offices in 9 states of Brazil and members all over Brazil. 

Challenges in the bilateral relationship between India and Brazil

• Trade competition: Both India and Brazil are major exporters of agricultural products such as sugar and meat, which can create competition and trade friction between the two countries.
• Sugarcane subsidy: Brazil''s complaint to the World Trade Organization about India''s subsidies to sugarcane farmers. This has led to tensions between the two countries due to Brazil''s concerns over India''s agricultural policies that could negatively impact its economic interests. 
• Limited people-to-people contact: India and Brazil have a limited number of people-to-people contacts, including business, cultural, and educational exchanges.
• Role of China: Furthermore, there are concerns as China, which is Brazil''s largest trading partner, can have an impact on relations between India and Brazil.
• Differences in strategic priorities: India and Brazil are both emerging powers that seek to enhance their global influence, but their approaches to regional and global issues may differ.

Way Forward:

• Identify new areas of collaboration: Identifying new areas of collaboration, such as technology, health, and infrastructure, can help the two countries explore new opportunities and deepen their engagement.
• Address tariff and non-tariff barriers: This involves identifying the specific trade and investment issues, conducting bilateral negotiations, and providing preferential treatment to each other''s exports.
• Promote people-to-people contacts and cultural ties: Promoting tourism, organizing cultural events, facilitating educational exchanges, and encouraging mutual understanding and respect for each other''s culture.
• Energy cooperation: India and Brazil are both major consumers and producers of energy. According to a report by the International Energy Agency (IEA), India and Brazil are among the fastest-growing energy markets in the world.