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1. The National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG) recently hosted the inaugural Advanced Leadership Development Program on Public Policy and Governance for civil servants from FIPIC/IORA countries in August 2024. The program, attended by 40 civil servants from 11 countries, including Seychelles, Somalia, and South Africa, focused on topics like geopolitical potential, cyber security, and public-private partnerships. Established in 2014 by upgrading the National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR), NCGG operates under India’s Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances. It aims to enhance governance through national and international training, research, and citizen-centric initiatives. NCGG’s head office is in New Delhi, with a registered office in Mussoorie.
2. A new drug delivery method using Nikkomycin-loaded polymeric nanoparticles has been developed to enhance treatment for asthma, cystic fibrosis, HIV, cancer, and long-term corticosteroid use. Nikkomycin, a chitin synthesis fungicide produced by Streptomyces bacteria, is used in these nanoparticles to address fungal infections such as Aspergillosis. Chitin, found in the exoskeletons of arthropods and fungal cell walls, provides structural support and protection. Nanotechnology, which involves manipulating materials at the nanoscale (100 nanometers or less), enables precise drug delivery by targeting specific sites in the body. Recent advances show that these nanoparticles can effectively disrupt fungal growth and offer a promising alternative to existing antifungal treatments. Nanotechnology's role in healthcare includes precision medicine, improved diagnostics, regenerative medicine, gene therapy, and antimicrobial treatments, enhancing drug delivery, diagnostics, and treatment outcomes.
3. Recently, a luxury yacht sank off Sicily, Italy, likely due to a waterspout—a tornado-like phenomenon over water. Waterspouts are rotating columns of air and mist that are less intense than tornadoes, typically lasting 5-10 minutes, with a diameter of about 165 feet and wind speeds up to 100 km/h. There are two main types: Tornadic Waterspouts, which develop from severe thunderstorms and can cause significant damage, and Fair-Weather Waterspouts, which form in calm conditions and are generally smaller and less dangerous. Cyclones are named differently across regions: Typhoons in the China Sea and Pacific, Hurricanes in the Caribbean and Atlantic, Tornadoes in West Africa and the southern USA, Willy-willies in north-western Australia, and Tropical Cyclones in the Indian Ocean. Sicily, the largest Mediterranean island, is an autonomous region of Italy with Palermo as its capital.
4. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has mandated the electronic registration of exotic animals listed under Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, via the PARIVESH 2.0 portal. This registration, which must be submitted to the Chief Wildlife Warden of the respective State, is part of the Living Animal Species (Reporting and Registration) Rules, 2024, and Section 49 M of the Act. Exotic species, such as the ball python and African grey parrot, are those moved from their native regions to new locations. Concerns include the risk of zoonotic diseases, unregulated trade, and smuggling, as seen with recent seizures of species in Assam and Mizoram. The Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, includes four schedules, with Schedule IV covering species protected under CITES. PARIVESH 2.0, developed by MoEFCC, streamlines environmental and wildlife clearances and compliance monitoring.
5. The Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting has inaugurated the inaugural season of the ‘Create in India Challenge’ ahead of the World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) 2024 in Goa. This initiative, featuring 25 competitions across animation, filmmaking, gaming, music, and visual arts, highlights the government's push to enhance the creators' economy. The National Creators Award, introduced by the Prime Minister, aims to recognize excellence in storytelling, social change, environmental sustainability, education, and gaming. The initiative aligns with the vision of ‘Design in India, Design for the World,’ aiming to create 2-3 lakh jobs in media and entertainment by fostering talent and infrastructure. WAVES 2024, set for November, will serve as a key forum for industry leaders and innovators to influence the future of the sector.