11th April, 2024 Current Affairs

Sakshi Education

Science and Technology

Command Hospital becomes first in country to conduct successful piezoelectric bone conduction hearing implants

The Department of Ear, Nose & Throat (ENT) at Command Hospital (Southern Command) in Pune has successfully conducted two piezoelectric Bone Conduction Hearing Implants (BCI). The first recipient was a 7-year-old male child with congenital external and middle ear anomalies and severe hearing loss, while the second was an adult with Single Sided Deafness (SSD). This achievement marks the first instance of a government hospital in the country procuring and conducting successful piezoelectric bone conduction hearing implants.
The ENT department at Command Hospital (Southern Command) serves as a designated Neurotology center of the AFMS and has a history of providing implantable hearing solutions to its clientele. The piezoelectric bone conduction hearing implant system is designed for patients with conductive loss, mixed hearing loss, and single-sided deafness. However, the high cost of the equipment has limited its accessibility to a wider population.

India Bolsters Naval Power with First Fleet Support Ship Under Construction

Marking a significant milestone, India commenced construction of its first Fleet Support Ship (FSS) on April 10, 2024, at Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL) in Visakhapatnam. The ceremony was graced by the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane, alongside other dignitaries from the Indian Navy and HSL.
Contracted in August 2023, five FSS are planned for delivery by mid-2027. These state-of-the-art vessels will be instrumental in enhancing the Indian Navy's "Blue Water" capabilities. They will function as mobile replenishment units, providing essential supplies like fuel, water, ammunition, and stores to naval fleets at sea. This eliminates the need for frequent port calls, extending operational range and ensuring greater mobility.
Furthermore, the FSS will be equipped for Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR) missions. They can facilitate swift personnel evacuations during emergencies and deliver critical relief materials in the aftermath of natural disasters.
This project is a major win for Indian self-reliance. The design and a majority of the equipment for the FSS are indigenous, significantly boosting the domestic shipbuilding industry. This aligns perfectly with the Government of India's initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat ("Self-reliant India"), Make in India, and Make for the World, promoting domestic manufacturing and technological prowess.

Also Read: Excavation Unearths 5,200-Year-Old Harappan Settlement in Kachchh, Gujarat

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Bilateral
India and Russia Explore Collaboration in Education

New Delhi, April 11, 2024: The Department of School Education and Literacy (DoSEL) under the Ministry of Education, is fostering collaboration with Russia in the field of education. A recent meeting between Shri Sanjay Kumar, Secretary of DoSEL, and H.E. Mr. Denis Gribov, Deputy Minister of Education of the Russian Federation, explored potential areas of cooperation.

Focus on National Education Policy (NEP) 2020:

Mr. Kumar highlighted the vast Indian education system and the key features of NEP 2020, including the introduction of skill-based learning from Class 6 onwards.
He emphasized aspects like experiential learning, innovative assessment methods, and policies supporting gifted children.

Insights from Russia:

Mr. Gribov shared Russia's education system's strengths, highlighting their approach to student assessment and tailored grading systems.
He expressed interest in introducing the Russian language in Indian schools and proposed teacher exchange programs.

Value Education and G20 Collaboration:

The Russian delegation sought guidance on implementing value education, a key focus of NEP 2020. Mr. Kumar explained the role of NCERT in developing relevant content.
Smt. Neeta Prasad discussed collaboration opportunities during India's G20 Presidency and urged the delegation to share a concept note for initiating teacher exchange and language programs.

Focus on Technology, Foundational Literacy, and Skills:

Mr. Patil elaborated on the integration of technology in Indian education.
Smt. Awasthi emphasized Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN), advocating for instruction in mother tongues and local languages.
Smt. Prachi Pandey detailed skill education from Class 6, ensuring students acquire at least one skill by Class 12.

Economy
KABIL-CSIR-IMMT Boosts Critical Mineral Exploration Through Collaboration

Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL), a government-backed company focused on securing critical minerals, signed a pact with the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) arm - Institute of Minerals and Materials Technology (CSIR-IMMT).
The MoU aims to leverage CSIR-IMMT's expertise for critical mineral exploration projects in India.
This collaboration will involve joint research initiatives, exchange of scientific information, and technical assistance for KABIL.
The partnership is expected to strengthen domestic mineral security and support the "Make in India" initiative.

Details:

KABIL, a joint venture between NALCO, HCL and MECL under the Ministry of Mines, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CSIR-IMMT to bolster technical cooperation in critical mineral exploration.
This agreement will see KABIL drawing on CSIR-IMMT's expertise in various areas, including:
Design and analysis of metallurgical test work plans.
Development and review of process flowsheets.
Selection of suitable technologies for mineral processing, beneficiation (upgrading ore quality), and metal extraction.
The MoU also paves the way for collaborative research and knowledge sharing between the two entities.
This collaboration is a significant step towards ensuring India's mineral security. Critical minerals are essential for various high-tech industries, and their domestic availability is crucial for sustainable economic growth.
By partnering with a premier research institute like CSIR-IMMT, KABIL can streamline critical mineral exploration efforts and identify new resources within the country. This aligns perfectly with the objectives of the "Make in India" initiative, which promotes self-reliance and domestic manufacturing.

Looking Ahead:

The India-CSIR-IMMT collaboration holds promise for a more secure and self-sufficient future in the critical minerals sector. It will be interesting to see the specific projects undertaken and the technological advancements achieved through this partnership.

International
Alarming Hepatitis Rates in India: Ranked Second in Hepatitis B and C Cases

The World Health Organization's (WHO) 2024 Global Hepatitis Report paints a concerning picture, revealing that India has the second-highest burden of Hepatitis B and C infections globally, with over 35 million cases. This number is surpassed only by China.

Understanding Hepatitis:

Inflamed Livers, Serious Risks: Hepatitis refers to a group of viral infections that cause inflammation of the liver. This inflammation can lead to serious health problems, including cirrhosis (scarring) and even death.
Five Strains, Varied Impacts: There are five main strains of hepatitis: A, B, C, D, and E. Each strain has different ways of spreading, can cause varying degrees of illness, and is more prevalent in specific regions. However, all strains can damage the liver.

Published date : 11 Apr 2024 05:32PM