Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB)

General public is being alerted on fake and fraudulent e-mails bearing names, signatures, stamps and logos of various Central agencies including Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB).

• The Central Economic Intelligence Bureau (CEIB) is a nodal agency in the Ministry of Finance on economic intelligence.
• It receives information from Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and acts as the Central Repository of economic offence records.
• The information and inputs received in the Bureau are analysed and subsequently shared with other LEAs in cases having multi-agency implications.
• The Bureau acts as a coordinating agency for sharing of information and holistic investigations.
• The Economic Intelligence Council (EIC) is headed by the Union Finance Minister is the apex forum for inter-agency coordination.
• CEIB is the Secretariat for the EIC and the Director General of CEIB acts as the Member Secretary of the EIC.
• Other functions of CEIB – Administers the COFEPOSA (Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities) Act 1974 at Central Government Level.
• Supervises and monitors the functioning of Regional Economic Intelligence Councils (REICs).
• REICs are coordinating bodies at the field level and comprise representatives from various Central and State enforcement and investigative agencies dealing with economic offences.
• Organizes training programmes in premier training institutions for officers of the Department of Revenue and Member agencies of REICs.
• Acts as a ‘think tank’ for the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance on all issues related to economic offences.
• Provides antecedents reports to the Public Sector Banks on the Prospective Borrowers/ Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) for the loan amount exceeding 50 crores rupees, as per the mandate given by Department of Financial Services (DFS).

Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)

New research suggests a link between popular diabetes and weight loss medications Ozempic and Wegovy and an uncommon eye condition, NAION that can lead to blindness.

• Non-arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) is a disorder caused by the decreased blood flow to the front part of the optic nerve, resulting in sudden vision loss.
• The optic nerve is a bundle of over one million nerve fibres that transmit visual signals.
• It is one of the most common cause of optic nerve blindness with no effective cure.
• NAION typically affects one eye, although the other eye sometimes suffers similar loss months or years later.
• NAION is a rare condition that affects 2-10 people out of every 100,000.
• The drug Ozempic is used to treat diabetes and drug Wegovy is used to treat obesity.
• Ozempic helps lower blood sugar levels by encouraging the body to produce more insulin.
• Those taking semaglutide for diabetes were four times more likely to develop NAION compared to those not on the medication.
• The researchers discovered that diabetes and related comorbidities, such as obesity, did not significantly increase the risk of NAION.
• Overweight or obese people taking semaglutide who also have hyperlipidemia (high levels of lipids in the blood such as cholesterol and triglycerides) may be at a higher risk of developing NAION.

Global Conclave on Plastics Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS)

The Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS) recently began at New Delhi that serve as the platform on achieving sustainability in the plastic industry.

• The Global Conclave on Plastics Recycling and Sustainability (GCPRS) is a recycling and sustainability focused trade exhibition.
• GCPRS aims to address the critical issues surrounding plastic use, its impact on the environment, and the innovative solutions that can lead to a more sustainable future.
• It serves as a platform for industry leaders, start-ups, and environmental experts to share insights on achieving sustainability in the plastic industry.
• The conclave is jointly organized by the All India Plastics Manufacturers Association (AIPMA) and the Chemicals and Petrochemicals Manufacturers Association (CPMA).
• Aligned with India's zero waste goal, the GCPRS showcases innovative recycling technologies, sustainable options like biodegradable and compostable plastics.
• Currently only 30% of India’s plastic waste is recycled.
• The event will also feature International Conference on Circular Economy and Plastics Recycling Technologies.
• All India Plastics Manufacturers' Association (AIPMA) – Was founded by Industry visionaries 75 years ago making it one of the oldest & largest Apex bodies of the Plastic Industry in India.
• Through the years AIPMA has expanded and progressed by leaps and bounds in all fields of Plastics.
• It is recognized by the Chemical & Fertilizers Ministry, Department of Petrochemicals and has representation at various Union & State Government Ministries to voice concerns and difficulties faced by the plastic industry.

NAMO Drone Didi Scheme

• Namo Drone Didis initiative aims to enhance economic empowerment and financial autonomy among women, especially in rural areas.
• Under the initiative, rural women are trained to become drone pilots for agricultural purposes.
• The initiative aims to equip 15,000 women-led Self-Help Groups (SHGs) with agricultural drones to assist in tasks such as crop monitoring, spraying fertilisers and sowing seeds.
• It is an initiative by the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilisers.
• In the number of women commercial pilots, India ranks first in the world.

Index of Eight Core Industries

The ministry of Ministry of Commerce & Industries has recently released the Index of Eight Core Industries in which the Coal Sector has achieved the remarkable growth of 10.2 % for May, 2024.

• Index of Eight Core Industries measures the combined and individual production performance of eight core industries.
• The Combined Index of Eight Core Industries increased by 6.3% in May 2024 compared to the May 2023.
• The coal sector has recorded the highest growth of 10.2 % (provisional) for May 2024.
• It is followed by the electricity industry for the month of May, 2024.
•  It is released by Ministry of Commerce & Industries.
• The Petroleum Refinery Products and Fertilizers has the maximum and minimum weightage in the index respectively.