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1. Bengaluru's first digital population clock was inaugurated at the Institute for Social and Economic Change (ISEC) through a collaboration between ISEC and the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW). This clock provides real-time population updates, with Karnataka's population updating every 1 minute and 10 seconds, and India's population every 2 seconds. The clock’s precision is maintained through satellite connections, ensuring accurate data. The MoHFW is also installing similar digital population clocks at 18 Population Research Centres across India. ISEC, established in 1972, is an All India Institute focused on interdisciplinary research and training in social sciences.
2. Wave Life Sciences, a U.S. biotechnology company, recently became the first to treat a genetic condition using RNA editing at the clinical level. RNA editing modifies messenger RNA (mRNA) after it is transcribed from DNA, before it is used in protein synthesis. The process involves adding, deleting, or substituting nucleotides with the help of ADAR enzymes and guide RNA. Wave used this technology to treat α-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD) with the therapy WVE-006. RNA editing shows promise for treating diseases like Huntington's, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, Parkinson’s, and heart conditions. Unlike DNA editing, RNA editing makes temporary changes, allowing flexibility in discontinuing therapy if necessary. However, challenges remain, such as the temporary nature of treatment and limitations in delivery systems for large molecules.
3. The Department of Fisheries recently discussed the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Kisan Samridhi Sah-Yojana (PM-MKSSY), a sub-scheme of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY), aimed at the sustainable growth of India's fisheries sector. Approved in February 2024, PM-MKSSY seeks to formalize the unorganized fisheries sector, promote digital identities through the National Fisheries Digital Platform (NFDP), and improve access to institutional finance for fish farmers and micro-enterprises. It also encourages insurance adoption and traceability in aquaculture supply chains. PMMSY, implemented from 2020-2025, aims to boost fish production, productivity, and export earnings while enhancing the socio-economic welfare of fishers. Key targets include increasing fish production to 22 million metric tons, enhancing aquaculture productivity, and generating 55 lakh employment opportunities, with a focus on reducing post-harvest losses and boosting incomes in the sector.
4. The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) recently celebrated November as National Adoption Awareness Month to promote legal adoptions in India. CARA, a statutory body under the Ministry of Women & Child Development, is responsible for monitoring and regulating both in-country and inter-country adoptions of Indian children. It adheres to the Hague Convention on Intercountry Adoption (1993), which ensures the prompt return of children abducted across borders, and was ratified by India in 2003. The theme for this year's awareness month is "Rehabilitation of Older Children through Foster Care and Foster Adoption." The Hague Convention ceases to apply once a child reaches the age of 16. CARA’s efforts are aimed at increasing awareness and encouraging legal adoption practices in the country.
5. The Supreme Court recently ruled that individuals holding a light motor vehicle (LMV) licence are entitled to drive transport vehicles with an unladen weight of up to 7,500 kg. The ruling upheld a 2017 decision, which was accepted by the Central Government, leading to amendments in the Motor Vehicles Rules, 2017. According to Section 2(21) of The Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, a light motor vehicle includes transport vehicles, omnibuses, motor cars, tractors, or road-rollers with a gross or unladen weight not exceeding 7,500 kg. The Court's decision addressed the issue of insurance companies rejecting claims for accidents involving transport vehicles driven by LMV licence holders, ensuring that such claims are now valid.