Bio-electronic Medicine
- Scientists have recently developed world’s first bio-electronic medicine.
- It is an implantable, biodegradable wireless device that speeds nerve regeneration and improves the healing of a damaged nerve.
- It delivers regular pulses of electricity to damaged peripheral nerves, accelerates the regrowth of nerves and enhance the ultimate recovery of muscle strength.
- This Bio-electronic medicine technology provides therapy and treatment directly at the site for a relevant period of time, thereby reducing risks associated with conventional, permanent implants.
- The ability of the device to degrade in the body eliminates the additional risk for surgery to remove a non-biodegradable device.
Section 151A of RPA
- Section 151A of the Representation of the People Act deals with time limit within which casual vacancies in Parliament and State Legislatures should be filled through bye-elections by Election Commission of India (ECI).
- The section mandates ECI to fill the vacancies within 6 months from the date of occurrence of the vacancy provided that the remainder of the term of a member in relation to a vacancy is one year or more.
- There is a recent controversy in conducting bye-elections in Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh to fill vacancies in the Lok Sabha.
- The term of 16th Lok sabha is upto 3rd June, 2019.
- ECI has started the process to fill the vacancies in Karnataka alone.
- This is because the vacancies in the seats of Lok Sabha from Karnataka occurred in the Month of May, 2018.
- Whereas, in A.P, the vacancies occurred in the month of 20th June, 2018.
- Thus, there is no need for conducting bye-election in A.P as the remaining term of the Lok Sabha is less than 1 year from the date of occurrence of vacancies.
- Exception in Sec 151A - If ECI in consultation with the Central Government certifies that it is difficult to hold the bye-election within the said period, then the section 151A can be overruled.
Purana Qila
- It is an iconic fort in Delhi, believed to be constructed by the Mughal Emperor Humayun.
- It is known as “Dinpanah” meaning the “The refuge of the faithful”.
- It has 3 majestic gates – Humayun Darwaza, Bara Darwaza and Talaqi Darwaza, all built in red sandstones.
- The other attractions at the fort sites are Qila-I-Kuhna Masjid (Built by Sher Shah), Sher Mandal (Observatory) and Museum.
- This iconic site recently underwent a facelift after it was adopted by NBCC (Central PSU) under Ministry of Tourism’s Adopt a Heritage Scheme.
- NBCC in support with Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has completed the refurbishment work in the site.
- The total cost of restoration is equally between ASI and NBCC through its CSR funds.
Commitment to Reduce Inequality Index
- The index is developed by Oxfam and Development Finance International.
- The Index ranks 157 countries on their policies on social spending, tax, and labour rights.
- According to the index, Denmark topped the list in reducing inequality.
- Nigeria, Singapore, India and Argentina are among a group of governments that are fueling inequality.
- India fared poorly, ranking 147 out of 157 countries, in terms of its commitment to reducing inequality.
- Regionally, India ranks 6th among the eight South Asian nations.
- On public spending and on labour rights India ranks 6th, but India is placed on the top in terms of progressiveness of tax policy.
- Among the emerging economies, China was ranked 81st on the list, Brazil 39th and Russia 50th.
- Among rich countries, USA showed a lack of commitment towards closing the inequality gap.
Cyclone Titli
- Cyclone Titli is currently spinning in the Bay of Bengal and it is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm.
- According to the Cyclone Warning Centre in Visakhapatnam, it will hit Odisha and Andhra Pradesh coast.
- Thereafter, it is very likely to re-curve northeastwards, move towards the Gangetic West Bengal across coastal Odisha and weaken gradually.
Source: PIB, The Hindu, Business Standard
