12th April, 2024 Current Affairs

INTERNATIONAL
Israel Deploys C-Dome Defense System Against Aerial Threat Near Eilat

• Israel's deployment of the C-Dome defense system near Eilat underscores its commitment to safeguarding its airspace and population centers from potential aerial threats. The C-Dome, known for its advanced capabilities in intercepting incoming threats such as missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles, adds another layer of defense to Israel's existing security infrastructure.
• Eilat, located in the southernmost part of Israel, holds strategic significance due to its proximity to neighboring countries and maritime routes. As a popular tourist destination and a vital economic hub, protecting Eilat from potential threats is of paramount importance for Israel's security and stability.
• The deployment of the C-Dome defense system reaffirms Israel's proactive approach to countering emerging security challenges and ensuring the safety of its citizens and assets. By leveraging cutting-edge defense technologies like the C-Dome, Israel continues to demonstrate its readiness to defend against evolving threats in the region.

World Parkinson's Day

• Every year on April 11th, the world comes together to observe World Parkinson's Day. This day isn't just about raising awareness – it's about shining a light on the challenges faced by millions living with Parkinson's disease, their families, and caregivers.
• It underscores the critical need for early diagnosis, readily available quality care, and continuous research efforts.

Celebrating Dr. James Parkinson's Legacy

• The date itself holds historical significance. It marks the birthday of Dr. James Parkinson, a British physician who first meticulously described the disease's symptoms in his 1817 essay, "An Essay on the Shaking Palsy." Dr. Parkinson's groundbreaking work laid the foundation for understanding this neurodegenerative disorder. World Parkinson's Day honors his invaluable contribution.

Understanding Parkinson's Disease

• Parkinson's disease manifests through symptoms like tremors, stiffness, slow movements, and balance and coordination difficulties. These symptoms can severely impact a person's daily life, making it harder to perform basic tasks and maintain independence.

Empowering Patients, Supporting Caregivers

• World Parkinson's Day aims to increase awareness and understanding so that those living with the disease can receive the support and resources they need to manage their symptoms effectively. It also serves as a platform to advocate for policies that ensure better healthcare access, boost research funding, and ultimately improve the quality of life for both patients and their caregivers.

Also Read: Science & Technology: Weekly Current Affairs Bitbank (February 19 to 25, 2024): What type of missile is the SAMAR air defence system?

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BILATERAL
India-Peru Trade Talks: Focus on Mutual Respect and Benefit

• The seventh round of negotiations for a potential India-Peru Trade Agreement took place in New Delhi from April 8th to 11th, 2024. Both sides emphasized understanding each other's priorities and concerns to ensure negotiations are rooted in mutual respect and benefit.

Building on Historical Ties

• Mr. Sunil Barthwal, representing India, highlighted the long-standing relationship between India and Peru, dating back to the 1960s. He emphasized the importance of these talks in resuming negotiations for a stronger economic partnership.
• Around sixty delegates from both countries participated, achieving significant progress on the agreement's text.

Growing Trade Partnership

• Peru has become India's third-largest trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean. Bilateral trade has seen a significant rise in the past two decades.
• The next round of negotiations is scheduled for June 2024.  To address any remaining issues, intersessional negotiations will be held virtually in the lead-up to the June meeting.
• The seventh round of negotiations for a potential India-Peru Trade Agreement took place in New Delhi from April 8th to 11th, 2024. Both sides emphasized understanding each other's priorities and concerns to ensure negotiations are rooted in mutual respect and benefit.

Building on Historical Ties

• Mr. Sunil Barthwal, representing India, highlighted the long-standing relationship between India and Peru, dating back to the 1960s. He emphasized the importance of these talks in resuming negotiations for a stronger economic partnership.
• Around sixty delegates from both countries participated, achieving significant progress on the agreement's text.

Growing Trade Partnership

• Peru has become India's third-largest trading partner in Latin America and the Caribbean. Bilateral trade has seen a significant rise in the past two decades.
• The next round of negotiations is scheduled for June 2024.  To address any remaining issues, intersessional negotiations will be held virtually in the lead-up to the June meeting.

UK Makes History with First Woman High Commissioner to India

• The United Kingdom has taken a historic step in its relationship with India by appointing Lindy Cameron as the first woman High Commissioner to the country. This landmark appointment comes 70 years after India appointed its first High Commissioner to London.
• Cameron is a highly respected figure with an impressive career trajectory. A distinguished graduate of Oxford University, she previously served as the CEO of the UK's National Cyber Security Centre, demonstrating her expertise in critical national security matters. Her career also extends to international development, where she held senior positions within the UK government, including the role of Director General for Country Programmes. This diverse background suggests a well-rounded diplomat with a deep understanding of global affairs.

Strengthening UK-India Ties

• Cameron's arrival coincides with a period of growing cooperation between the UK and India. While historical ties already exist, recent efforts focus on solidifying economic and defense partnerships. Negotiations are underway for a free-trade agreement, hinting at the potential for a much stronger economic bond between the two nations.

Defense Cooperation on the Rise

• Both countries are actively seeking to bolster their defense ties, as evidenced by recent high-level visits and strategic initiatives. The deployment of the UK's carrier strike group and littoral response group to the Indian Ocean, along with the establishment of a dedicated office for India within London, underscores a shared commitment to enhancing regional security cooperation.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
Indian Army Conducts Anti-Tank Guided Missile Training Exercise in Sikkim

• The Trishakti Corps of the Indian Army recently carried out a significant Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) exercise in Sikkim, an operation that unfolded at a staggering altitude of 17,000 feet.
• This exercise wasn't just a routine drill; it was a testament to the rigorous training and readiness of the Indian Army, particularly its Eastern Command.

• Drawing participation from Missile Firing Detachments of both Mechanized and Infantry Units across the Eastern Command, the exercise was comprehensive and intense. The focus was on live firing scenarios against dynamic and stationary targets, mirroring real battlefield situations. Such drills are vital for honing soldiers' skills and ensuring they're prepared for any combat scenario, especially in demanding terrains like the Himalayas.
• The prowess displayed by the ATGM Detachments was commendable. Their ability to accurately and efficiently neutralize armored threats underscores their critical role in ensuring mission success, even amidst the formidable challenges posed by mountainous regions.
•  This exercise underscored the strategic imperative encapsulated by the motto "Ek Missile Ek Tank" while emphasizing the ATGM systems' precision and effectiveness in operating seamlessly in super high-altitude environments.

IIT Jodhpur Develops Nano-sensor for Early Disease Detection

• Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Jodhpur (IIT Jodhpur) have made a significant breakthrough in disease diagnosis with a novel nano-sensor for rapid cytokine detection. Cytokines are crucial signaling molecules that play a vital role in inflammation and the immune system's response. By detecting these proteins quickly and precisely, the sensor has the potential to revolutionize early disease detection and improve patient outcomes.

Cytokines: The Key to Early Diagnosis

• Cytokines act as messengers within the body, regulating various cellular functions and signaling the immune system to fight infections and repair tissues. Their levels fluctuate depending on the body's health, making them valuable biomarkers for a wide range of diseases, including autoimmune disorders, cancer, and infections.

Faster, More Efficient Detection

• The traditional methods for cytokine detection, ELISA and PCR, are time-consuming and require specialized equipment. IIT Jodhpur's nano-sensor, led by Prof. Ajay Agarwal's team, utilizes Surface Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy, a powerful technique that offers rapid and accurate detection even at low cytokine concentrations. This translates to results within just 30 minutes, significantly faster and more cost-effective compared to conventional methods.

AI Integration for Personalized Medicine

• The nano-sensor doesn't stop at swift detection. It seamlessly integrates with artificial intelligence (AI) for intelligent data analysis. This allows for faster and more accurate diagnoses, particularly for autoimmune diseases and bacterial infections. By tracking cytokine levels in real-time, the technology paves the way for personalized medicine, enabling doctors to tailor treatment plans based on the specific needs of each patient.

PhonePe Partners with eSewa and HAN Pokhara to Boost UPI in Nepal

• PhonePe, a leading Indian fintech company, is joining forces with eSewa, Nepal's top online payment platform, and the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Pokhara to promote UPI payments during the upcoming Fewa New Year Festival. This popular festival, held from April 11th to 14th, attracts both Nepalis and Indian tourists, offering a vibrant mix of cultural experiences and delicious food.

Here's a breakdown of the key players involved:

• PhonePe: A dominant force in India's digital payments landscape, PhonePe aims to expand its reach and promote UPI, a unified digital payments system, in Nepal.
• eSewa: As Nepal's leading online payment service provider, eSewa is well-positioned to collaborate with PhonePe and facilitate UPI adoption among Nepali merchants and consumers.
• Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Pokhara: Representing the interests of hoteliers in Pokhara, a major tourist destination, HAN supports initiatives that enhance the visitor experience, including the ease of making payments.

SPORTS
Asian Wrestling Championship: Udit Bags Silver, Abhimanyu and Vicky Claim Bronze Each

• At the Asian Wrestling Championship, Udit demonstrated remarkable skill and determination, securing the silver medal in his category. Additionally, Abhimanyu and Vicky each clinched the bronze medal in their respective weight classes.
• Their achievements highlight not only their individual talent and dedication but also the prowess of Indian wrestlers on the international stage. Congratulations to Udit, Abhimanyu, Vicky, and the entire Indian wrestling contingent for their outstanding performance!

Published date : 12 Apr 2024 05:18PM