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.
