International Day for Biological Diversityis observed on 22 May
International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) is observed on 22 May. The day to increase understanding and awareness of biodiversity issues. It calls people to re-examine human relationship to the natural world. Theme: The theme for 2020 International Day for Biological Diversity is “Our solutions are in nature”. The theme emphasizes hope, solidarity, and the importance of working together at all levels to build a future of life in harmony with nature.
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula is observed on 23 May
International Day to End Obstetric Fistula (IDEOF) is observed on 23 May. The day is celebrated by the United Nations. In 2003, the United Nations Population Fund (UNPF), formerly known as the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) and its partners had launched a global campaign to End Obstetric Fistula.
Theme: The theme for 2020 IDEOF is “End gender inequality! End health inequities! End Fistula now!”.
NTPC Ltd signs MoU with ONGC for Renewable Energy business
NTPC Ltd., the PSU under Ministry of Power, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC), the PSU under Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas on 22 May. The MoU aimed to set up a Joint Venture (JV) Company for the Renewable Energy business.
IIT-Guwahati scientists discover new ways to prevent memory loss due to Alzheimer
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati have discovered a new method to help prevent or reduce short-term memory losses associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In this method, the researchers used ‘Trojan peptides’ to arrest the aggregation of the neurotoxic molecules. The idea of using ‘Trojan peptide’ was initiated from the mythological “Trojan Horse” used as subterfuge by the Greeks in the battle of Troy.
UN lists khudol of Manipur as one of top 10 global initiatives to fight COVID-19 pandemic
The United Nations (UN) has listed Manipur’s “khudol” (gift) among the top 10 global initiatives for an inclusive fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. It was listed by the United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Youth. Khudol is a crowdfunded initiative of Ya_All, . The initiative aims to ensure food supplies and health services for the people living with HIV, daily-wage earners, LGBTQI+ community, children, and adolescents. Under the initiative network of 100 volunteers has been mobilized. The volunteers have, so far, provided around 2,000 families and individuals with over 1,000 health kits, 6,500 sanitary pads, and 1,500 condoms.
ICMR to use Kangra Tea to lower coronavirus activity better than HCQ
The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has announced that it is to replace hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) with Kangra tea to improve immunity and possibly reduce viral replication, in the revised protocol. The chemicals in Kangra tea will be effective in boosting immunity as they can block coronavirus activity better than anti-HIV drugs.
CeNS develops cup-shaped design mask to tackle COVID-19 spread
Researchers at Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS), Bangalore developed a cup-shaped design mask that helps to create enough space in front of the mouth while speaking to tackle COVID-19. It has been transferred to a Bangalore based company for mass production.
IIT-M developed Parabolic Trough Collector to help manufacturers in solar energy devices
Indian Institute of Madras (IIT-M) developed ‘Parabolic Trough Collector’, a new trough collector equipped with enhanced energy to serve industries. The discovery is expected to pave the way for sustainable energy solutions in agriculture and industrial process heat sectors. It has been designed in a way to help manufacturers in solar energy devices.
GoI launched five key initiatives to conserve biodiversity
Government of India launched five key initiatives towards conservation of biodiversity during the occasion of International Day for Biological Diversity 2020. The initiatives were launched by the Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Prakash Javadekar.
IASST develops electrochemical sensing platform for detecting carcinogenic and mutagenic compounds in food
Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST), Guwahati, developed an electrochemical sensing platform. It will detect carcinogenic or mutagenic compound N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) and N-nitrosodiethanolamine (NDEA) that are found in food items like cured meat, bacon, some cheese, and low-fat milk. It was achieved by developing a modified electrode by immobilizing carbon nanomaterials (carbon dots) in Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA).
