National Social Assistance Programme
National Social Assistance Programme NSAP stands for National Social Assistance Programme. NSAP was launched on 15th August, 1995. The National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) represents a significant step towards the fulfillment of the Directive Principles in Article 41 and 42 of the Constitution recognising the concurrent responsibility of the Central and the State Governments in the matter. In particular, Article 41 of the Constitution of India directs the State to provide public assistance to its citizens in case of unemployment, old age, sickness and disablement and in other cases of undeserved want within the limit of its economic capacity and development. Objectives of NSAP: National Social Assistance Programme is a social security and welfare programme to provide support to aged persons, widows, disabled persons and bereaved families on death of primary bread winner, belonging to below poverty line households. The NSAP at its inception in 1995 had three components namely: National Old Age Pension Scheme (NOAPS) National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) and National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS). The National Maternity Benefit Scheme (NMBS) was subsequently transferred on 1st April, 2001 from the Ministry of Rural development to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. On 1st April, 2000 a new Scheme known as Annapurna Scheme was launched. This scheme aimed at providing food security to meet the requirement of those senior citizens who, though eligible, have remained uncovered under the NOAPS. In February 2009, two new Schemes known as Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS) and Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS) were introduced. Presently NSAP comprises of five schemes, namely Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS), Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS), Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS), National Family Benefit Scheme NFBS) and For getting benefits under NSAP the applicant must belong to a Below Poverty Line (BPL) family according to the criteria prescribed by the Govt. of India. The other eligibility criteria and the scale of central assistance under the sub – schemes of NSAP are as follows. Besides the central assistance, states / UT contribute an equal amount as their share: Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS): The eligible age for IGNOAPS is 60 years. The pension is Rs.200 p.m. for persons between 60 years and 79 years. For persons who are 80 years and above the pension is Rs.500/ – per month. Indira Gandhi National Widow Pension Scheme (IGNWPS): The eligible age is 40 years and the pension is Rs.300 per month. After attaining the age of 80 years, the beneficiary will get Rs.500/ – per month. Indira Gandhi National Disability Pension Scheme (IGNDPS): The eligible age for the pension er is 18 years and above and the disability level has to be 80%. The amount is Rs.300 per month and after attaining the age of 80 years, the beneficiary will get Rs 500/ – per month . Dwarfs will also be a n eligible category for this pension. National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS) : Rs. 20000/ – will be given as a lumpsum assistance to the bereaved household in the event of death of the bread – winner. It is clarified that any event of death (natural or otherwise) would make the family eligible for assistance. A woman in the family, who is a home maker, is also considered as a ‘bread – winner’ for this purpose. The family benefit will be paid to such surviving member of the household of the deceased poor , who after local inquiry, is found to be the head of the household. For the purpose of the scheme, the term “household’ would include spouse, minor children, unmarried daughters and dependent parents. In case of death of an unmarried adult, the term household would include minor brothers/ sisters and dependent parents. The death of such a bread – winner should have occurred whilst he/ she is more than 18 years of age and less than 60 years of age. The assistance would be given to every case of death of breadwinner in a family. Annapurna Scheme : 10 kgs of food grains (wheat or rice) is given per month per beneficiary. The scheme aims at providing food security to meet the requirements of those eligible old aged persons who have remained uncovered under the IGNOAPS. Read Also NIRVIK scheme Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils out journey. Feel free to reach to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help join now
Thalinomics
Thalinomics Amid the pandemic, thali prices exhibited significant variation among the states. The Economic Survey, however, said that the easing of CPI-C is expected to ease thali prices going forward. The Economic Survey 2019-20 offered a simple way of looking at the economy — thalinomics. What’s in the thali ? As the name suggests, the concept helps the common man gauge at the economic situation of a country through something as simplistic and easy to understand as food. This year too, the Economic Survey 2020-21 looked at the cost of a plate of food in the country. This year’s thalinomics shows that thali prices for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian thalis declined significantly in January-March period, while rising sharply in April-November period in both rural and urban areas. Thali prices eventually eased in December. Amid the pandemic, thali prices exhibited significant variation among the states. The Economic Survey, however, said that the easing of CPI-C is expected to ease thali prices going forward. In June to December in the past year, the most expensive vegetarian thali in rural areas was in Andaman and Nicobar Islands at Rs 38.7, while the cheapest was in Uttar Pradesh for Rs 23.10. The most expensive non-vegetarian thali in the same period as in Arunachal Pradesh for Rs 48.50, while the cheapest was in Chandigarh for Rs 29.90. When it comes to urban areas, the most expensive vegetarian thali in June-December period was in Andaman and Nicobar Islands at Rs 40, while the cheapest was in Madhya Pradesh for Rs 24. The most expensive non-vegetarian thali in the same period was in Mizoram for Rs 52.40, while the cheapest was in Haryana for Rs 28. “Thali costs for the months of April and May are not compiled as sufficient price data was not available due to the lockdown situation of COVID-19 pandemic,” stated the survey. The Economic Survey 2020-21 said, “Overall, headline CPI inflation remained high during the COVID-19 induced lockdown period and subsequently, due to the persistence of supply side disruptions. The rise in inflation was mostly driven by food inflation, which increased to 9.1 per cent during 2020-21 (Apr-Dec). Due to COVID-19 induced disruptions, an overall increase in the price momentum is witnessed, driving inflation since April 2020, whereas positive base effect has been a moderating factor. The difference in rural-urban CPI inflation, which was high in 2019, saw a decline from November 2019 that continued in 2020. Inflation ranged between 3.2 per cent to 11 per cent across States/UTs in 2020-21 (Jun-Dec) compared to (-) 0.3 per cent to 7.6 per cent in the same period last year. Thali prices for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Thalis declined significantly in January-March 2020 before rising sharply during April to November in both rural and urban areas before easing in December 2020. The easing in CPI-C is expected to ease Thali prices going forward.” Amid the pandemic, thali prices exhibited significant variation among the states. The Economic Survey, however, said that the easing of CPI-C is expected to ease thali prices going forward. In June to December in the past year, the most expensive vegetarian thali in rural areas was in Andaman and Nicobar Islands at Rs 38.7, while the cheapest was in Uttar Pradesh for Rs 23.10. The most expensive non-vegetarian thali in the same period as in Arunachal Pradesh for Rs 48.50, while the cheapest was in Chandigarh for Rs 29.90. When it comes to urban areas, the most expensive vegetarian thali in June-December period was in Andaman and Nicobar Islands at Rs 40, while the cheapest was in Madhya Pradesh for Rs 24. The most expensive non-vegetarian thali in the same period was in Mizoram for Rs 52.40, while the cheapest was in Haryana for Rs 28. “Thali costs for the months of April and May are not compiled as sufficient price data was not available due to the lockdown situation of COVID-19 pandemic,” stated the survey. Shift in Thali dynamics: The Economic Survey 2020-21 said, “Overall, headline CPI inflation remained high during the COVID-19 induced lockdown period and subsequently, due to the persistence of supply side disruptions. The rise in inflation was mostly driven by food inflation, which increased to 9.1 per cent during 2020-21 (Apr-Dec). Due to COVID-19 induced disruptions, an overall increase in the price momentum is witnessed, driving inflation since April 2020, whereas positive base effect has been a moderating factor. The difference in rural-urban CPI inflation, which was high in 2019, saw a decline from November 2019 that continued in 2020. Inflation ranged between 3.2 per cent to 11 per cent across States/UTs in 2020-21 (Jun-Dec) compared to (-) 0.3 per cent to 7.6 per cent in the same period last year. Thali prices for both vegetarian and non-vegetarian Thalis declined significantly in January-March 2020 before rising sharply during April to November in both rural and urban areas before easing in December 2020. The easing in CPI-C is expected to ease Thali prices going forward.” Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils out journey. Feel free to reach to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help join now
Genetics of eye colour
Genetics of eye colour Human eye colour ranges from black, brown to blue, green, and even red. Eye colour is primarily determined by melanin abundance within the iris pigment epithelium, which is greater in brown than in blue eyes. There are two forms of melanin – eumelanin and pheomelanin – and the ratio of the two within the iris as well as light absorption and scattering by extracellular components are additional factors that give irises their colour. Absolute melanin quantity and the eumelanin–pheomelanin ratio are higher in brown irises, while blue or green irises have very little of both pigments and relatively more pheomelanin. Eye colour in Asians with different shades of brown is genetically similar to eye colour in Europeans ranging from dark brown to light blue. Previously a dozen genes (mainly HERC2 and OCA2) were found to influence eye colour. The researchers have now identified 50 new genes for eye colour (Science Advances). Genetic analysis of nearly 0.2 million people across Europe and Asia helped the researchers to identify the new genes. The findings collectively explain over 53% of eye colour variation using common single-nucleotide polymorphisms. Overall, the study outcomes demonstrate that the genetic complexity of human eye colour considerably exceeds previous knowledge and expectations, highlighting eye colour as a genetically highly complex human trait. Read Also One Health Approach Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils out journey. Feel free to reach to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help join now
Impact of Global Warming on Himalayan Ecosystem
Impact of Global Warming on Himalayan Ecosystem Climate change has strong influence on the precipitation over Himalayas as well as melting response of glaciers/ snow cover in Himalayas. This in turn affects the runoff pattern of rivers draining from the glaciated catchments of Himalayas. Three major river catchments along with their several tributaries originating from Indian as well as Nepal part of Himalayas, receive significant contribution from Himalayan cryosphere, especially during the non-rainfall lean period of the year. The Hindu Kush Himalayan (HKH) region, the region — spread over 3,500 square kilometres across eight countries including India, Nepal and China — is also known as the Water Tower of Asia due to its reserve of frozen water. International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD): International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD), an intergovernmental body that works for the mountains and people of HKH. The HKH region is warming faster than the global average. And would continue to do so for this century. HKH: The assessment establishes HKH region firstly as an incredibly important asset for Asia and the world. It is a key source of water, energy, carbon stocks, as well as rich biodiversity. For example, the rivers starting from HKH are home to about 2 billion people, with 500 GW of hydropower potential. However, the region is under threat from climate change plus a host of other changes including ecosystem degradation, outmigration, and air pollution. Mountains warm up faster than global averages. Even if we could limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius, mountain temperatures would rise above 2 degrees, and if current trends continue temperatures could go up by 4 to 6 degrees Celsius. This has dire consequences not only on glaciers, but on food, energy and ecosystems, and for the people who rely on them in terms of ecosystem change, changing water flow patterns, and increased hazards of disasters. In a 1.5 degree Celsius world, about one-third of our glaciers will disappear by 2100, and under the current emission scenario, we will lose two-thirds of our glacier volumes. Many major cities in and near the HKH have annual average PM2.5 concentrations almost 10 times higher than WHO guidelines. In addition to negative health impacts, this also adds to glacier melt. Already 70 to 80 per cent of habitat in biodiversity hotspots has been lost over the last 500 years, and one-fourth of the endemic species could be lost by 2100. Overall in the HKH region, poverty incidence is one-third compared to the national average that’s one-fourth. Over 30 per cent of HKH population suffers from food insecurity, and 50 per cent faces some form of malnutrition. About 80 per cent of rural populations living in HKH countries lack access to clean energy for cooking. There remains persistent gender and social inclusion in development. Read Also Himalayan trillium Issues and Challenges: Water and energy are essential requirements for an economy’s development. While they contribute independently to development, the two are inextricably connected. Energy is vital for enabling the water value chain and is needed whenever it is extracted, moved, treated, heated, pressurized, reused, or discharged. Similarly, water is needed throughout the energy supply chain, sometimes as a direct input as in the case of hydropower or geothermal energy, as a coolant in thermal power plants or more often for the extraction and processing of energy fuels. Hence, issues and challenges related to one sector have direct influence on the other. Increasing Water Stress: Increasing Energy Demand: Trade-offs between water and energy security Impacts on Financial Viability of energy projects Multiple regulatory institutions: Ecological Degradation Lack of clear understanding about the melt response of glaciers to climate change Limited support for glacier research on Himalaya Way Forward: There is a lot of work to do to reduce air and water pollution, to promote sustainable energy, to halt biodiversity loss and to assist some of the most poor and vulnerable people to adapt. Countries have to work with one another to do this. Countries do come together around mountain issues, especially environment and livelihoods. And also take inspiration from the Arctic Council where countries do unite to share information, to jointly develop solutions, and to speak with a common voice to the global communities about the impacts of climate change and other concerns. Then there is a need to bring the results to the global community and in global events. Reducing water footprints of energy utilities: Integrated Water Storage Policy: Watershed management by Energy Utilities: Glacier/ Source vulnerability assessment for the Hydropower plants: Promotion of research on Himalayan glaciers: Developing a comprehensive understanding about the status of Himalayan glaciers: Integrated River Basin Management to rejuvenate water potential: Assessment of GLOF potential: Joint coordination committee for Water and Energy: The HKH is indeed a unique region, and does need differing approaches, first, because of its topography and ecology, the impacts are quite different than other places — there is a rapid gradient in terms of species, and we already see flowering and migration patterns changing. And, the region is especially prone to different kinds of disasters like glacial lake outburst floods, and landslides. Second, the HKH is home to unique societies and traditional knowledge, people who have learned to adapt to harsh environments, and people who have secrets to our future survival. Blanket approaches will not work, and much attention is needed to understand and learn from this unique environment. Read Also Uttarakhand glacier burst. Central Asia Meet Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards yours Civils out journey. Feel free to reach to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help join now
Frame rules for amicus curiae
Frame rules for amicus curiae Solicitor General Tushar Mehta made a strong appeal to the Supreme Court to frame guidelines to rein in lawyers appointed as the court’s amici curiae in various cases, especially sensitive ones. Appearing before a Bench led by Justice N.V. Ramana, Mr. Mehta said court-appointed amici curiae tended to even interfere in the “running” of organisations such as the CBI.“An amicusis appointed to assist the court… It is time the court frame guidelines to demarcate the role of an amicus curiae,” Mr. Mehta submitted. Amicus Curiae: Amicus curiae refers to a person who volunteers to help the court in deciding some matters however it is the discretion of the court whether to accept it or not, the information provided by the amicus curiae could be in the form of brief, testimony which has not been asked by any member of the case, or a learned treatise on the matter before the court. Procedure To Appoint The Amicus Curiae: An advocate appointed as Amicus Curiae by the court or from the panel of advocates at the cost of the state shall be entitled to fee at the rate of 6000/- at the admission hearing stage and Rs. 10000/- at the final disposal stage or the regular hearing stage as fixed by the chief justice, or as may be ordered by the court, wherefore a certificate in the form no. 10 shall be issued. Read Also Virtual court Role of Amicus Curiae 1. Acting as a counsel / an advocate may be appointed as Amicus Curiae: In the case of Md. Sukur ali v. State of Assam, for some reason the counsel for the accused did not appear before the court of law, and so one important question that lay before the court was whether they could appoint an amicus curiae for the purpose of defending the accused.Thus focus was put on the Article 21 and Article 22(1) of the Constitution of India.Article 21- Protection of life and personal liberty No person shall be deprived of his life or personal liberty except according to procedure established by law. Article 22 (1) – No person who is arrested shall be detained in custody without being informed, as soon as may be, of the grounds for such arrest nor shall he be denied the right to consult, and to be defended by, a legal practitioner of his choice. Relying upon the two articles of the constitution of India and the judgment in the case of Powell v Alabama, Mr. Nariman held that the accused should not suffer merely because of the fault of counsel and rather he should be provided with Amicus Curiae to defend him in the case as, if the judgment is pronounced without a counsel to defend him that would be gross negligence of the rights which are provided by the Indian Constitution.Hence an Amicus Curiae was appointed by the court who was a lawyer practicing on the criminal side. 2. Providing assistance in deciding of a case: In the case of Ali Ibrahim v state of Kerala, the case related to some unknown persons who defrauded the plaintiff to the tune of 63 lakhs of rupees, all the transactions took place via Email and banking transactions, after which it was decided that since this particular case is of grave nature it should be sent to the CBI for further investigation and an Amicus Curiae was appointed, whereby the amicus curiae provided various important aspects of the case and as to how the investigation should be carried forward with respect to the resources and expertise to use in the investigation of the matter, also it suggested that the case should not be given to the National Investigation Agency as is provided under the National Investigation Agency act, 2008 that only the cases which have national ramifications such as terrorism shall be investigated by the NIA.All of which was accepted by the court. 3. Cases of great public importance: In the case of Manoj Narula v Union of India and ors. a point of great public importance was brought up before the court and the court appointed Amicus Curiae to assist the court. Broadly the point was about the legality of persons with criminal background or having committed criminal offences appointed as the ministers in the central and state governments. On the recommendations of who a notice was sent to the Union Government to file the affidavit within four weeks of the service of notice. Similarly in the case ofPublic Union for civil liberties v. state of T.N. and ors. wherein Kapil Sibal was appointed as the Amicus Curiae, the case related to the gravity of the problem of Bonded labor and steps to be taken to implement the Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act 1976. All the states were required to organize a survey and the affidavit of the same should be submitted to the Amicus Curiae. The amicus curiae was required to submit brief written statements and all the states were required to comply with the written statements. Read Also Sedition Law Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Rajya Sabha passes Bill to raise FDI limit in insurance sector
Rajya Sabha passes Bill to raise FDI limit in insurance sector The Rajya Sabha passed the Insurance Amendment Bill, 2021 that increases the maximum foreign investment allowed in an insurance company from 49% to 74%, amid criticism from the Opposition parties on the clause enabling “control and ownership” by foreign investors. Insurance Amendment Bill, 2021: The Insurance (Amendment) Bill, 2021 was introduced in Rajya Sabha by the Minister of Corporate Affairs, Ms. Nirmala Sitharaman, on March 15, 2021. The Bill amends the Insurance Act, 1938. The Act provides the framework for functioning of insurance businesses and regulates the relationship between an insurer, its policyholders, its shareholders, and the regulator (the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India). The Bill seeks to increase the maximum foreign investment allowed in an Indian insurance company. Foreign investment: The Act allows foreign investors to hold up to 49% of the capital in an Indian insurance company, which must be owned and controlled by an Indian entity. The Bill increases the limit on foreign investment in an Indian insurance company from 49% to 74%, and removes restrictions on ownership and control. However, such foreign investment may be subject to additional conditions as prescribed by the central government. Investment of assets: The Act requires insurers to hold a minimum investment in assets which would be sufficient to clear their insurance claim liabilities. If the insurer is incorporated or domiciled outside India, such assets must be held in India in a trust and vested with trustees who must be residents of India. The Act specifies in an explanation that this will also apply to an insurer incorporated in India, in which at least: (i) 33% capital is owned by investors domiciled outside India, or (ii) 33% of the members of the governing body are domiciled outside India. The Bill removes this explanation. Read Office of Profit Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
BRO plans to open key pass to Leh ahead of schedule
BRO plans to open key pass to Leh ahead of schedule For the first time ever, the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) has started work on reopening the crucial Baralacha Pass in Himachal Pradesh much before schedule to restore connectivity to Leh in Ladakh. Amid the stand-offwith China in eastern Ladakh last year, the BRO had kept crucial passes open for longer duration to enable the Army to undertake advanced winter stocking for the thousands of troops deployed in Ladakh. “The team has traversed a total distance of 20 km in super high-altitude conditions scrupulously crossing the Baralacha La in the Zanskar range on foot amidst sub-zero freezing conditions, frequent avalanches and slides with 15 to 20 feet snow accumulation,”. Adverse weather Stating that the air recce for air induction of the snow clearance team from Sitingiri to Sarchu was carried out on March 3. The aim of this induction was to clear Baralacha Pass using two attack points from Patsio and Sarchu side each to achieve connectivity to Leh. However, air induction of the team could not take place in the subsequent days due to inclement weather. To avoid further delay, it was decided to march the party on foot with rations, spare parts and communication equipment. After two failed attempts, it finally reached the destination on March 14. BRO – Vision Nation’s most reputed, multifaceted, transnational, modern construction Organisation committed to meeting the strategic needs of the armed forces with enlightened leadership, a strong, skilled and committed work force, a well ingrained value system and a strong environment conscience. Playing a national role in socio economic development through its large scale contribution to infrastructure development. Mission To support the armed forces meet their strategic needs by committed, dedicated and cost effective development and sustenance of the infrastructure. To achieve international levels of quality excellence and time consciousness in a diversified sphere of construction activity in a cost effective manner. Optimise potential and expertise through increased involvement in agency, transnational and national development projects. To attain leadership in development, adoption, assimilation and use of state of the art technology. To create the environment for accurate, real time and effective decision making through optimising use of information technology. Through a focus on core competencies; ensure highest level of skill and proficiency in construction activity. To sustain a sense of values in the Organisation that will ensure a high level of self esteem in each individual and immeasurable synergy in the Organisation To help enrich the quality of life of the community and ensure all round growth. Role of the BRO In Peace Develop & Maintain the Operational Road Infrastructure of General Staff in the Border Areas. Contribute to the Socio-Economic Development of the Border States. In War To Develop & Maintain Roads to Keep Line of Control through in Original Sectors and Re-Deployed Sectors. To Execute Addl Tasks as laid down by the Govt Contributing to the War Effort Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
6 tigers missing in Ranthambore
6 tigers missing in Ranthambore Six tigers—four adults and two sub-adults—have been unaccounted for since March 2020 in the Ranthambore tiger sanctuary, Rajasthan. Independent wildlife groups such as Tiger Watch have alleged that the tigers have been missing for over a year and that “negative human intervention being a cause [poaching]” could not be ruled out. The National Tiger Conservation Authority, a wing of the Union Environment Ministry, has constituted a committee over the disappearance of the tigers. Ranthambore tiger sanctuary Ranthambore National Park holds the significant status in the tourism sector of India with its distinct class and charm. However, the Ranthambore National Park is not one of the biggest National parks of India, but surely it is the most famous one. Situated in the vicinity of the Aravali hills and Vindhya plateau, the Ranthambore forest spreads over an area of 1334 sq km with having the 392 sq km of the area as the national park. Highly revered for the natural habitat to the significant number of Royal Bengal tigers. The Ranthambhore National Park not only boasts of its populous tiger reserve, but also the heritage sites which includes the mighty Ranthambore Fort, Jogi Mahal, Ancient temple and Rajbagh ruins which are the reminders of glory and grandeur of the Rulers of Ranthambore. Many picturesque lakes like Padam Talao, Malik Talao, Raj Bagh Talao and others are enriching the landscape of this forest which consists of deciduous forest, small hills, valleys and lush greenery. The park is enclosed by the Chambal River and Banas River from the two sides enhancing the wild ambience of the Ranthambhore forest. Read Also keoladeo national park Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Centre warns of COVID-19 spike at Kumbh
Centre warns of COVID-19 spike at Kumbh A Health Ministry team has reported that nearly 10 to 20 pilgrims and 10 to 20 locals at the ongoing Kumbh Mela in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, are being reported positive every day. Negative COVID-19 test wouldn’t be a requirement for those intending to visit the festival at Haridwar. Kumbh Mela Kumbh Mela, also called Kumbha Mela, in Hinduism, religious festival that is celebrated four times over the course of 12 years, the site of the observance rotating between four pilgrimage places on four sacred rivers—at Haridwar on the Ganges River, at Ujjain on the Shipra, at Nashik on the Godavari, and at Prayag (modern Prayagraj) at the confluence of the Ganges, the Jamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati. Each site’s celebration is based on a distinct set of astrological positions of the Sun, the Moon, and Jupiter, the holiest time occurring at the exact moment when these positions are fully occupied. The Kumbh Mela at Prayag, in particular, attracts millions of pilgrims. In addition, a Great Kumbh Mela festival is held every 144 years at Prayag. Background Tradition ascribes the Kumbh Mela’s origin to the 8th-century philosopher Shankara, who instituted regular gatherings of learned asceticsfor discussion and debate. The founding mythof the Kumbh Mela—attributed to the Puranas (collections of myth and legend)—recounts how the gods and demons fought over the pot (kumbha) of amrita, the elixir of immortality produced by their joint churning of the milky ocean. During the struggle, drops of the elixir fell on the Kumbh Mela’s four earthly sites, and the rivers are believed to turn back into that primordialnectar at the climactic moment of each, giving pilgrims the chance to bathe in the essence of purity, auspiciousness, and immortality. The term Kumbh comes from this mythic pot of elixir, but it is also the Hindi name for Aquarius, the sign of the zodiac in which Jupiter resides during the Haridwar Mela. Read FATF Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia (INSACOG)
Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia (INSACOG) The government has launched the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomic Consortia (INSACOG), comprising 10 labs namely DBT-NIBMG Kalyani, DBT-ILS Bhubaneswar, ICMR-NIV Pune, DBT-NCCS Pune, CSIR-CCMB Hyderabad, DBT-CDFD Hyderabad, DBT-InSTEM/ NCBS Bengaluru, NIMHANS Bengaluru, CSIR-IGIB Delhi, and NCDC Delhi. Features of Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium : The overall aim of the Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium is to monitor the genomic variations in the SARS-CoV-2 on a regular basis through a multi-laboratory network. This vital research consortium will also assist in developing potential vaccines in the future. The consortium will ascertain the status of new variant of SARS-CoV-2 (SARS-CoV-2 VUI 202012/01) in the country, establish a sentinel surveillance for early detection of genomic variants with public health implication, and determine the genomic variants in the unusual events/trends (super-spreader events, high mortality/morbidity trend areas etc. Coordinated by Department of Biotechnology (DBT) along with MoH&FW, ICMR, and CSIR, the strategy and roadmap of the National SARS CoV2 Genome Sequencing Consortium (INSACOG) has been prepared. SARS-CoV-2 Virus ICTV announced “severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)” as the name of the new virus. This name was chosen because the virus is genetically related to the coronavirus responsible for the SARS outbreak of 2003. While related, the two viruses are different. In the backdrop of the emergence of a newly identified variant of the novel SARS-CoV-2 Virus in the UK, South Africa and some other parts of the world, the Government has taken action to accelerate VirusSurveillance, Genome Sequencing and Characterization. A new variant, which that was found in the UK, especially in the London region, is defined by multiple mutations in the Spike region, as well as mutations in other genomic regions. As per DBTDBT, these mutations are rapidly increasing the number of variants of the virus. This variant is significantly more transmissible than previously circulating variants, with an estimated potential to increase the reproductive number with an estimated increased transmissibility of up to 70%. The Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) will monitor the genomic variations on a regular basis through the multi-laboratory network. Knowledge generated though this vital research consortium will also assist in developing diagnostics and potential therapeutics and vaccines in the future. DBT-NIBMG DBT-NIBMG as the Co-ordinating Unit of Genome Sequencing Consortium and will closely work with a Nodal Unit of NCDCon activities like SOPs, data annotation, data analysis, data release etc. NCDC will maintain a database of all samples of the new variants of public health significance. The data will be epidemiologically analysed, interpreted and shared with state/district for investigation, contact tracing and planning response strategies. All the genomic sequencing data will be maintained in a National database at two sites, DBT-NIBMG, Kalyani and CSIR-IGIB, New Delhi. The virus isolated will be deposited in the notified SARS-CoV-2 virus repository etc RCB, Faridabad and NIV, Pune. Source: PIB Enroll today with the best civils service academy and take your first step towards your Civils journey. Feel free to reach out to us for any inquiries, collaborations, or support. We’re here to help. join now
