“Cherish all your happy moments: they make a fine cushion for old age.”
Christopher Morley

“अपनी खुशियों के प्रत्येक क्षण का आनन्द लें; ये वृद्धावस्था के लिए अच्छा सहारा साबित होते हैं।”
क्रिस्टोफर मोर्ले

Current Affairs- June 22, 2023

 

INDIA

• Two-day G20 Labour Engagement Group meeting begins in Patna, Bihar.
• A record was achieved in the United Nations Headquarters by setting a Guinness World Record for participation by the maximum number of nationalities in the Yoga session.
• 2,250 Child adoption orders issued across the country after Amended Juvenile Justice Act came into force.
• North India’s first Skin Bank inaugurated at New Delhi’s Safdarjung Hospital.
• National Medical Commission (NMC) has brought in changes in the undergraduate medical curriculum.
• 16 tigers were dead in Uttarakhand since January
• Odisha Cabinet approves increase of outlay for Puri’s development by ₹1,000 crore.

ECONOMY & CORPORATE

• World Bank is set to pause loan repayments by disaster-hit nations.
• India’s rising imports of Russian oil hit a record high of about 1.95 million barrels per day (bpd) in May.
• India unable to fill 30% of cybersecurity jobs due to skill gap.

WORLD

• India climbs eight places to 127 in global gender index: WEF report.
• St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF): Putin seeks alternative partnerships.
• U.S. bombers land in Sweden for training exercises for first time.

SPORTS

• Taipei Open: HS Prannoy to face Tommy Sugiarto for spot in Men’s Singles quarterfinal
• Sunil Chhetri hat-trick powered India to 4-0 victory over Pakistan in its SAFF Championship opener.
• Venus Williams has been awarded a wildcard for next month’s Wimbledon championships.

Current Affairs-June 23, 2023

 

INDIA

• India and US identify around 25 areas of technology for partnership.
• Ladakh holds UT-level Science, Mathematics and Environment exhibition-2023, organized by DIET.
• US to open two new consulates in India – Ahmedabad and Bengaluru.
• Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy virtually inaugurates three industrial units in the state.
• L&T, DRDO sign pact to build two Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) System Modules.
• Prime Minister Narendra Modi gifted 7.5-carat eco-friendly laboratory-grown diamond to the U.S. First Lady.
• G-20 Education Ministers agree on equitable use of Artificial Intelligence.

ECONOMY & CORPORATE

• American chipmaker Micron to invest 825 million dollars to build Chip Assembly and Testing Facility in Gujarat.
• Monetary Policy Committee stresses need for inflation vigil.
• Indians’ funds in Swiss banks slid 11% to ₹30,000 crores in 2022.

WORLD

• All five people killed aboard submersible “Titan,” on exploration dive to wreckage of Titanic.
• ‘Summit for New Global Financing Pact’ commenced in Paris, France.
• Dhaka remains 7th in least liveable city in world, reveals EIU Global Liveability Index 2023.
• U.S. approves deal aimed at deepening economic relations with Taiwan, trade deal despite Chinese ire

SPORTS

• Uttar Pradesh unveils first ticket for first race of world’s fastest motor bike race ‘Moto GP’ 2023.
• Indian contingent passes 50-medal mark at Special Olympics World Games in Berlin.

Nutraceutical Properties of Joha Rice

 Joha rice, a variety cultivated in the Northeastern region of India, has gained attention for its distinct aroma and notable taste. Beyond its sensory appeal, Joha rice has been traditionally associated with health benefits, including a low incidence of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. In recent years, scientists at the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) have conducted research to explore the nutraceutical properties of this unique grain.

Unveiling Joha Rice’s Nutraceutical Potential  

Researchers at the IASST have made significant strides in unraveling the nutraceutical properties of Joha rice. Through their studies, they identified two essential fatty acids: linoleic acid (omega-6) and linolenic acid (omega-3). These fatty acids, which are not produced by the human body, play a vital role in maintaining various physiological conditions. Notably, omega-3 fatty acids have been linked to the prevention of metabolic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and cancer. 

Balanced Ratio and Patented Rice Bran Oil  

The scientists discovered that scented Joha rice exhibits a more balanced ratio of omega-6 to omega-3 essential fatty acids compared to the widely consumed non-scented variety. This finding suggests that the scented variety may offer enhanced nutritional benefits. Building upon this, the scientists utilized Joha rice to create a patented rice bran oil, which has demonstrated efficacy in the management of diabetes.

Antioxidants and Bioactive Compounds  

Joha rice is not only rich in essential fatty acids but also contains a range of beneficial compounds. It boasts antioxidants, flavonoids, and phenolics, which contribute to its potential health advantages. Among the identified bioactive compounds present in Joha rice are oryzanol, ferulic acid, tocotrienol, caffeic acid, catechuic acid, gallic acid, and tricin. These compounds have been associated with antioxidant, hypoglycemic, and cardio-protective effects. 

Top 10 technology to learn for significant professional growth in 2023

 Technology is constantly evolving and has become an integral part of our daily lives. As we move into 2023, it is no secret that technology is changing the way we live, work and interact with one another. With technological advancements occurring at a rapid pace, it can be difficult to keep up with the latest trends. However, staying informed and up to date with them can be a huge advantage, especially when it comes to career growth.

Here are 10 booming technologies that are expected to drive significant professional growth in 2023.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML)

These are two of the fastest-growing technologies today. AI involves the creation of intelligent machines that can work and think like humans, while ML involves the use of algorithms to help machines learn from data and improve their performance over time. With these technologies, machines now have become capable of performing tasks that previously required human intelligence and decision-making.

The use of AI and ML is becoming increasingly popular in various industries, including finance, healthcare, retail, and manufacturing. Companies are now looking for professionals who can help them integrate AI and ML into their processes to increase efficiency and productivity.

Internet of Things (IoT)

IoT refers to a network of interconnected devices that can communicate with each other and exchange data in real-time. This technology has revolutionized the way we live and work, and it is expected to have an even greater impact in the coming years, especially in industries like healthcare, manufacturing, and transportation.

And as it continues to grow, there will be an increasing need for professionals who can develop and maintain these systems. Jobs such as IoT developers, network architects, and data analysts will be in high demand in the coming years.

Blockchain

This technology has been gaining popularity in recent years due to its ability to provide secure and decentralized record-keeping. Blockchain is being used in a variety of industries, including finance, healthcare, and logistics.

And as it continues to grow, it is expected that there will be an increasing need for professionals who can develop and implement this technology. Jobs such as blockchain developers, security analysts, and project managers could be in demand in times to come.

Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important as we continue to rely on technology to conduct our daily lives. With the rise of cyber threats, companies are now looking for professionals who can help protect their systems and data from cyber-attacks. Therefore cybersecurity jobs such as security analysts, network security engineers, and ethical hackers will be great career choices for professionals in the coming years.

Cloud Computing

Cloud computing has been a game changer for businesses, allowing them to store and access data from anywhere in the world. This technology has revolutionized the way we work and is being leveraged by various companies across healthcare, finance, and e-commerce.

Therefore jobs such as cloud architects, cloud engineers, and cloud security specialists are expected to witness an uptick in the coming years.

Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Although in their infancy, both these technologies have the potential to change our perception of the world around us. AR involves the overlay of digital information onto the real world, while VR involves the creation of a completely immersive digital environment.

These technologies are being used in a variety of industries, including gaming, education, and healthcare with high degrees of success. Therefore from a career perspective, jobs like AR/VR developers, UX designers, and 3D artists will prove to be a good investment.

Data Science and Analytics

Data Science and Analytics are two fields that are becoming increasingly important as companies strive to make data-driven decisions. Data Science involves the extraction of insights from data, while Analytics involves the use of statistical and mathematical methods to analyze data and make predictions.

As companies continue to collect vast amounts of data, there will be an increasing need for professionals who can extract insights from this data. From an employee point of view investing time and effort in profiles such as data scientists, data analysts, and data engineers will prove beneficial in coming years.

Robotics and Automation

Robotics and Automation have had a large-scale impact on the manufacturing and logistics sectors. These technologies not only allow machines to perform tasks that would otherwise require human intervention but also allow for the use of software to automate repetitive tasks.

Quantum Computing

Quantum Computing is a technology still in its early stages, but it has the potential to revolutionize how we process and store data. It basically involves the use of quantum-mechanical phenomena, such as superposition and entanglement, to perform computations. And given its vast growth potential, there is expected to be an increasing need for professionals in the future who can develop and implement this technology.

5G Technology

5G Technology is the latest generation of cellular networks, offering faster speeds, lower latency, and increased capacity. By enabling the development of new applications and services, 5G is expected to revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us.

Staying up to date with the latest trends and technologies can be a huge advantage, especially when it comes to career growth. Whether you are a seasoned professional or just starting out, investing in developing skills in some of these areas can help you stay ahead of the curve and secure a successful career in the tech industry.

Gaurv Bhatia

Source: The Telegraph, 27/05/23

A land in trouble

 

An overview of Manipur's three-way ethnic conflict between Meitei, Naga and Kuki groups, which started since the era of British rule and the Anglo-Kuki war of 1917-19 during World War I

One regularly sees headlines describing the clashes in Manipur as ‘attacks on Christians’ because more than 100 churches and some temples have been attacked. That gives a communal colour to what is a decades-old ethnic conflict resulting from complex ethnic relations and land management systems of Manipur. The state has three main ethnic families — the predominantly Christian Naga and Kuki tribals and the mostly Hindu, non-tribal Meitei who form 53% of the 2.86 million population (2011 census) living on 10% of Manipur’s land in the valley. The tribes comprise 40% of the population living on 90% of the land in the hills. However, tribal land includes most forests that are 67% of the state’s landmass. The Meiteis complain that they cannot own land in the hill areas while tribals can own land in the valley; they thus call this arrangement unjust. The tribes rebut by saying that the Meiteis monopolise jobs as well as economic and political power in the state and that they cannot claim land over and above of what they have. In reality, some poor Meitei families live in the hills and some well-off tribal families live in the valley. The valley-based leaders do not necessarily represent the poor but land remains central to this conflict.

Legal measures have been attempted to change the nature of land-ownership in the hills. The tribes have resisted these attempts. They have been demanding the Sixth Schedule and have been granted some concessions under Article 371C. The conflict has continued, but till now it had taken the form of highway blockades, strikes and shutdowns. Moreover, it is a three-way conflict. The Nagas and the Kukis join hands to oppose moves of the State that they perceive to be pro-Meitei but they, too, have a conflict centred on land. During World War I, the Kukis refused to go to Europe as porters for the British army; the British army then attacked them. After the defeat of the Kukis in the Anglo-Kuki war of 1917-19, the British regime evicted them from their land, dispersed them all over the Northeast, and justified its actions by creating the myth that the Kukis were nomads who went around occupying land belonging to other tribes. Most people accept that myth today and treat Kukis as refugees with no right over land. The refusal of other communities to recognise the Kukis’ rights over land further complicates ethnic relations.

Some Meitei leaders decided recently that the only way of gaining access to tribal land was to include their community in the tribal schedule. They approached the Manipur High Court with a plea to act on this demand. A single bench judge ordered the government of Manipur to consider recommending tribal status for the Meitei to the Union government. On April 26, the state government used a 1966 boundary notification to evict some Kuki families in Churachandpur district from their land on the plea that it was forest land. For good measure, it added that the Kukis were growing poppy; they do so, but only as bit players. The State has not touched the masterminds. These events combined to light the fuse. The violence began on May 3 when the joint Naga-Kuki demonstration against the high court judgment was attacked. The Supreme Court has since reprimanded the Manipur High Court. But the damage had been done.

Three features distinguish the present conflict from past ones. First, although the Nagas and the Kukis joined hands to oppose the move on tribal status for Meiteis, the Kukis were singled out for attacks. Attempts seem to have been made to provoke the Nagas and turn it into a Naga-Kuki conflict but they failed. Second, for the first time, religious places were attacked in order to give the conflict a communal turn. Third, eyewitness accounts state that gangs of young men came on motorbikes from Imphal to places around 50 kilometres away to attack churches. Unfounded rumours were spread that some Meitei women had been raped in Churachandpur to justify the raping of Kuki women in retaliation.

One would be justified in concluding from these events that the conflict was well-planned, funded, and executed with precision by people in power. In most cases, the security forces remained mute spectators. Significantly, the chief of the defence staff has stated that Kuki militants were not involved in the conflict. But if the situation continues, it can encourage the militants to intervene. For many years, civil society organisations of all three communities have attempted to facilitate dialogue among the ethnic groups. But they have been sidelined in the last few years. Violent groups have taken their place and seem to play a major role in intensifying ethnic divisions. There evidently is a link among the court case, evictions, the conflict, and the break-up of dialogue.

There are, however, some signs of hope. Not all Meiteis are involved in the conflict. Many of their leaders and thinkers have come out against it. Houses of some of them have been attacked in retaliation and they are in hiding. In Churachandpur, when some Kuki men were planning to attack Meiteis, Kuki women formed a human chain to prevent these attacks. In neighbouring Moirang, Meitei parents and students stood near the gate of a Jesuit school to prevent attacks on it by an armed group. These are among many instances that suggest that a beginning can be made towards reconciliation. Even as the organisers of the conflict tried to turn the Nagas against the Kukis, a few Naga outfits and some political leaders based in Nagaland visited Kuki villages with relief material to express their solidarity with them. The chief minister of Nagaland sent a massive consignment of relief to the Kuki-majority Kangpokpi district. Naga outfits based in Manipur are yet to show similar solidarity with the Kukis but they have not opposed them. These actions offer the ray of hope that the Nagas and the Kukis can be brought together and, then, bridges can be built by beginning a dialogue with the Meiteis.

Walter Fernandes is Director, North Eastern Social Research Centre, Guwahati

Source: The Telegraph, 25/06/23

Quote of the Day June 19, 2023

 

“Courage and perseverance have a magical talisman, before which difficulties disappear and obstacles vanish into air.”
John Quincy Adams

“साहस और दृढ़ निश्चय जादुई तावीज़ हैं जिनके आगे कठिनाईयां दूर हो जाती हैं और बाधाएं उड़न-छू हो जाती है।”
जॉन क्विंसी एडम्स