1. PM visit in Vienna- first visit by Indian PM in 41years.

India-Austria relations

India-Austria relations have been traditionally close and very friendly since 1949 and is celebrating 75 years of bilateral relationships in 2024.

Political and Security Cooperation

• Prime Minister Modi and Chancellor Nehammer underscored the importance of democratic countries such as India and Austria working together to contribute to international and regional peace and prosperity.
• They prioritise efforts towards restoring peace and avoiding armed conflict as well as rigorous adherence to international law and the UN Charter.

Sustainable Economic Partnership

• The two leaders recognised the vital importance of research, scientific tie-ups, technology partnerships and innovation in driving forward the bilateral partnership and called for all such opportunities to be explored in mutual interest.
• They emphasised the need for stronger collaboration to develop and commercialise technologies in identified areas through new business, industry and R&D partnership models.

Skills for a Shared Future

• They welcomed the operationalisation of the bilateral Migration and Mobility Agreement, which provides an institutional framework to facilitate such exchanges, while at the same time combating irregular migration.

Scientific and Technological Cooperation

• Joint Research Projects: India-Austria have cooperated on various scientific and technological projects. This includes collaboration in areas like renewable energy, environmental technology, and space research.
• Innovation and Technology: Both countries are keen on fostering innovation and technology development. Austria’s expertise in sectors like renewable energy and India’s strengths in information technology offer opportunities for collaborative ventures.

2. AIIMS blood test offers hope and help in early Alzheimer’s diagnosis.

Alzheimer disease

• Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain condition that gradually deteriorates memory and cognitive abilities and is the most likely cause of dementia in older people. 
• Alzheimer’s is a neurodegenerative and progressive disease that slowly destroys memory and other functions related to memory. It happens when plagues containing amyloid-beta peptides continue to accumulate in the brain.
• Peptide aggregate ion means their formation of one over the other which deforms the cortex of the brain and leads to Alzheimer’s.
• It is similar to plaque which blocks arteries, affects blood supply and causes cardiovascular diseases.

Dementia

• Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interferes with doing everyday activities.
• Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. However, there are several other types of dementia, each with its own underlying causes. Some of the common types of dementia include: Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Mixed Dementia.
• Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal aging.

Diagnosis

• Cognitive and neuropsychological tests to assess memory, thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Imaging techniques (MRI, PET scans) to identify brain changes.
• Biomarker tests(cerebrospinal fluid analysis, amyloid PET) to detect amyloid plaques.

Prevention

• Just like physical exercise, exercising the brain every day is also important.
• Learning new languages, developing hobbies like music, and solving puzzles like Sudoku keep the brain active and cognitively fit. It is also important for the elderly to go out, make new friends and socialize.
• The disease can also be kept at bay by mitigating risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity through a good diet, exercise, enough sleep, and doing away with smoking.

3. Mercenary spyware

Mercenary spyware refers to surveillance software developed and sold by private companies to various entities, including governments and corporations. These companies typically market their products as tools for law enforcement, intelligence agencies, or cybersecurity firms to monitor individuals or organizations.

• This malware is specifically developed to infiltrate and compromise smartphones and other devices stealthily, without the owner''s awareness or permission.
• It primarily targets individuals to monitor their movements and communications and to steal confidential information.
• Such spyware is typically employed in advanced and resource-intensive attacks, making them challenging to identify and counteract.
• Notable examples of mercenary spyware include Pegasus (NSO Group), FinSpy (Fin Fisher), and Galileo (Hacking Team).

4. Deakin university open doors to first PG batch at GIFT city.

GIFT city

Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) is a 15.5 square kilometre business district currently under construction in the Gandhinagar district of Gujarat, India. Distinguished as India’s inaugural operational greenfield smart city and international financial services centre, GIFT City is envisioned as a global hub for finance and technology. Boasting single-window clearances and approvals, it offers businesses a plug-and-play infrastructure to facilitate rapid growth.

The city is designed with robust utility provisions, including:

• Electricity: A proposed 400 MV electrical supply line aims to minimize power outages. The cables will be laid in a utility tunnel with thick concrete walls, ensuring redundancy in their paths.
• Telecommunication Services: GIFT City will feature state-of-the-art telecommunications systems based on FTTX (Fiber to home/office) concepts. The fault-tolerant architecture of communication lines is designed to maximize service uptime.
• Piped Gas: Natural gas is distributed to every building and house through pipelines, a cost-effective and secure alternative to cylinders. The city receives its gas supply from the existing network of the state-owned company for gas transmission pipelines. Piped natural gas is already in distribution in nearby cities like Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar.
• Solid Waste Management: GIFT City adopts an advanced solid waste management system. Waste is collected through vacuum chutes installed on every floor of buildings and transported to a processing plant. The waste travels through underground chutes at a high speed of 90 km/h and undergoes treatment through various methods, including plasma gasification.

5. MSMEs need outlays for technology upgrades, to aid in green transition.

MSME

Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are entities that are involved in the production, manufacturing and processing of goods and commodities. The concept of MSME was first introduced by the government of India through the Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act, 2006.

Significance of MSMEs

• DP Contribution and Employment Generation: MSMEs currently contribute approximately 30% toIndia''s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), playing a crucial role in driving economic growth.
• MSMEs contribute significantly to the country''s manufacturing output, particularly in sectors likefood processing, engineering, and chemicals.
• The Khadi and Village industries sector,consisting of small-scale units, has been instrumental in providing employment opportunities in rural areas and empowering local communities.

Green transition

The green transition is essential for a better future. Its aim is to ensure that the key industries for the development of humankind pair their economic activity with greater environmental awareness.

The MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme (MSME GIFT Scheme) intends to help MSMEs adopt green technology with interest subvention and credit guarantee support.