NATIONAL UPDATES:
What are ‘Forever Chemicals’?: A recent study has found toxic ‘Forever Chemicals’ in drinking water worldwide. These chemicals, known as perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), were detected in both tap and bottled water in major cities across the UK and China. Researchers from the University of Birmingham and Hainan University published their findings in ACS ES&T Water. PFAS are synthetic chemicals that do not break down easily in the environment. They are used in many products, including non-stick cookware, water-repellent clothing, and stain-resistant fabrics. Some PFAS have been banned, but many are still in use. These chemicals can enter the body through inhalation, ingestion, or skin absorption. Health effects linked to PFAS exposure include weakened immune response, liver damage, lower birth weight, and increased cancer risk.
Smart Insulin Developed for Diabetes Treatment: Diabetes affects over 500 million people globally. It leads to nearly 7 million deaths annually. The disease is marked by high blood sugar levels. Recently, scientists announced a breakthrough in diabetes treatment. They developed a smart insulin that reacts in real time to blood sugar changes. This research was published in the journal Nature. oth types are managed with synthetic insulin. However, insulin management is complex. Blood glucose levels fluctuate throughout the day. Too much insulin can cause dangerously low blood sugar levels. Patients must frequently monitor their blood sugar and adjust their insulin doses.
Abhyuday Jindal, President of Indian Chamber of Commerce: Jindal’s plans align with India’s big goal of becoming a $35 trillion economy by the year 2047. To achieve this, he believes in building a strong and resilient economy, focusing on strategic actions to reach this target. Jindal has a degree in economics and business management from Boston University, which highlights his strong academic foundation for leading the ICC through today’s complex economic challenges. The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) is a key business organization in India. It works closely with both the central and state governments to represent the interests of industries and address their specific needs. Since its founding, the ICC has played a vital role in promoting dialogue between businesses and the government to foster economic growth.
Nayab Singh Saini Takes Oath as Haryana CM: Nayab Singh Saini has been sworn in as the Chief Minister of Haryana for the second time. This confirms that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) will continue to lead the state for a third straight term. The ceremony took place at Panchkula’s Parade Ground and was attended by important political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This event highlights the BJP’s strong position as they prepare for upcoming elections in Maharashtra and Jharkhand. In the recent assembly elections held on October 5, 2024, the BJP had a fantastic success, winning 48 out of 90 seats. The Congress party came in second with 37 seats, while other regional parties struggled, leading to a significant loss for the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD).
INTERNATIONAL UPDATES:
What is fourth global coral bleaching event (GCBE4)?: The fourth global coral bleaching event (GCBE4) began in January 2023. It is the most extensive and rapid coral bleaching event recorded. According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), 99.9% of coral reefs in the Atlantic Ocean have experienced heat stress. This event has surpassed previous bleaching events from 2014 to 2017 by over 11%.The current event has unfolded in less time than GCBE3, which lasted three years and affected 65.7% of coral reefs. GCBE4 has impacted at least 77% of global reef areas in just 20 months. This rapid increase in bleaching is alarming and unprecedented.
Challenges of Extraditing Indian Criminals from Nepal: Many criminals from India seek refuge in Nepal after committing crimes. But why is this the case, and why is it so difficult to apprehend them? Despite an extradition treaty between India and Nepal, the process remains complex and ineffective. Extraditing criminals from Nepal is problematic due to the outdated extradition treaty between the two nations, signed in 1953. The treaty is weak and ineffective in handling modern criminal cases. Criminals know that once they reach Nepal, it becomes very difficult for Indian authorities to bring them back due to the lengthy legal procedures involved.
16th BRICS Summit: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Russia from October 22-23 to attend the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin. This will be Modi’s second trip to Russia in 2023, following a previous meeting in Moscow in July. The BRICS Summit is a meeting of five major countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. This year, new members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE, have joined. The summit’s main goal is to strengthen cooperation among these nations, especially to promote global development and security.
OTHER UPDATES:
DEFENCE
Exercise Swavlamban Shakti: The Indian Army’s Sudarshan Chakra Corps is conducting a major exercise called “Exercise SWAVLAMBAN SHAKTI” at the Babina Field Firing Ranges near Jhansi. This exercise, which runs until October 22, aims to improve the Army’s combat abilities by using new and advanced technologies. Around 1,800 soldiers are taking part in the exercise, supported by 210 armoured vehicles (such as tanks), 50 special-purpose vehicles, and aircraft. This large number of participants and equipment shows how important these modern technologies are for preparing the Army.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
New Road Safety Sensor Prototype Developed by Researchers: Researchers at the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) have created a special road safety sensor to improve safety at dangerous road curves where accidents often happen. This new sensor is made from a unique material that can both sense pressure and generate energy. The sensor uses a new kind of material called a polymer nanocomposite. This material can generate energy using the piezoelectric effect, which means it creates electricity when pressure is applied. The sensor is designed to be placed on movable ramps 100 meters before risky curves, giving oncoming vehicles visual signals, like lights, to alert them.
What is the Moonlight programme?: The European Space Agency (ESA) has introduced a new programme called the Moonlight Lunar Communication and Navigation Services (LCNS). It was announced at the International Astronautical Congress and is focused on building important infrastructure for future missions to the Moon over the next 20 years. The Moonlight programme aims to create a network of around five satellites that will orbit the Moon. These satellites will help spacecraft land accurately, enable fast Communication, and assist with movement on the Moon’s surface. The system will support more than 400 planned Moon missions by allowing smooth communication and data transfer between Earth and the Moon.
Study Highlights Gut-Brain Link in Parkinson’s Disease: Recent studies suggest a “gut-first hypothesis” for Parkinson’s Disease (PD), which means that problems in the gastrointestinal (GI) system might play a key role in causing and worsening the disease. One important study, published in JAMA Network Open, found that people who had damage to their upper GI tract were 76% more likely to develop Parkinson’s. Many Parkinson’s patients notice GI problems, especially constipation, long before they have trouble moving. This suggests that the disease may begin in the gut. The dopaminergic neurons in the gut are also important for keeping the brain healthy, which further strengthens the connection between gut and brain health.
BANKING AND FINANCE
Hong Kong Regains Title of World’s Freest Economy: The report also indicates that there has been a global decline in economic freedom for the third year in a row. This suggests a worrying trend away from the progress seen over the past decade. The Fraser Institute has been ranking economies in this way since 1970, highlighting changes in global economic policies over time.
The Hong Kong government has welcomed this new ranking and stated that it is committed to upholding the rule of law, despite growing concerns about outside influences on how it governs.
Hong Kong is known for having the longest escalator system in the world, which stretches 800 meters. It also boasts more skyscrapers than any other city, with over 1,500 buildings. Even though it is a small area, it is one of the most densely populated places in the world, with more than 7 million residents. The city has a unique culture that blends British colonial history with Chinese traditions, often described as “East meets West.”
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