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1. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued color-coded alerts for several districts in Kerala due to potential isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall. These alerts are part of IMD's system to warn about severe or hazardous weather conditions. The color-coded warnings include Green, Yellow, Orange/Amber, and Red, indicating varying levels of severity. Established in 1875 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, IMD is responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology. Headquartered in New Delhi, IMD serves as one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centers of the World Meteorological Organization.
2. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1957 under the "Atoms for Peace" initiative within the UN. It aims to promote peaceful nuclear energy use and prevent military applications, including nuclear weapons. India is among its 178 member states, and the agency is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. In 2005, it won the Nobel Peace Prize. The IAEA's International Conference on Nuclear Security (ICONS) is a significant event for the global nuclear security community. ICONS 2024 addressed concerns about nuclear waste and the potential for terrorists to use radioactive materials in "dirty bombs," causing mass panic. International agreements like the Convention on Nuclear Safety and India's Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) ensure safe radioactive discharge and nuclear facility operations.
3. The rules for political parties using state-owned media during elections are governed by guidelines set by the Election Commission of India (ECI). Recognized parties are allocated specific airtime on state-owned television and radio channels, determined by the ECI before the election campaign begins. Parties must adhere to guidelines regarding speech content, including submitting transcripts for approval in advance. The ECI prohibits criticism of other countries, attacks on religions or communities, obscene or defamatory content, incitement of violence, contempt of court, aspersions against the President and judiciary, anything affecting national unity and integrity, and criticism of individuals by name. Prasar Bharati, established in 1997, oversees state-owned media, including All India Radio (AIR) and Doordarshan (DD), operating as the country's public service broadcaster.
4. Electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, propelled by electric power, are garnering attention for their ability to hover, take off, and land vertically, sans runways, making them ideal for congested urban settings. Offering solutions for commuting, cargo transport, and emergency services, eVTOLs promise reduced maintenance costs and enhanced operational efficiency. Capable of speeds up to 200 km/h, they can eliminate the need for extensive infrastructure like helipads. In India, initiatives like the ePlane Company from IIT Madras aim to introduce e-flying taxis in Bengaluru, subject to DGCA approval. However, India faces challenges due to a lack of clear policies, necessitating robust route planning, collaboration, and air traffic control for seamless integration of eVTOL technology into urban landscapes.
5. India is poised to receive access to two novel cancer drugs, Tislelizumab and Zanubrutinib. Tislelizumab, an immunotherapy drug, exhibits efficacy in treating advanced oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Conversely, Zanubrutinib, a BTK protein inhibitor, is sanctioned for specific blood cancer treatments. Cancer, a disease marked by uncontrollable cell growth, poses a significant health challenge, with India recording 1.2 million new cases and 930,000 deaths in 2019. Projected data from the Indian Council of Medical Research anticipates a rise in cancer cases from 14.6 lakh in 2022 to 15.7 lakh in 2025. Access to these drugs reflects progress in addressing India's cancer burden, potentially offering improved treatment options for patients facing this challenging illness.
6. The National Council for Cement and Building Materials (NCB) recently inaugurated its Incubation Centre (NCB-IC) by the Joint Secretary of DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry. NCB-IC aims to mentor startups and entrepreneurs with the assistance of NCB scientists and industry experts to develop market-ready products. This initiative aligns with the increasing number of DPIIT-recognized startups, which now stands at 1,36,584. NCB serves as the apex research and development organization under DPIIT's administration, focusing on research, technology development, transfer, education, and industrial services for cement, allied building materials, and construction sectors.