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October 15th

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ravi973
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© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY

Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046

Sonam Wangchuk’s protest for Ladakh’s rights


Context: Sonam Wangchuk’s protest for Ladakh’s rights, demanding democratic
governance and ecological development. It highlights the broader issues of the Himalayan
region and urges the Indian government to adopt a coherent “Himalayan policy” for
addressing these concerns effectively.

What is Sonam Wangchuk’s Padyatra and Protest About?

• Sonam Wangchuk led a 1,000 km padyatra from Leh to Delhi, representing the
demands of Ladakh’s people.
• The protest demands democratic governance for Ladakh, either as a full state or a
Union Territory with an elected legislature, similar to Delhi and Puducherry.
• Ladakh’s population is around 3 lakhs, but its area exceeds 59,000 square km,
larger than J&K or several northeastern states.
• Wangchuk advocates for Sixth Schedule status, ensuring Autonomous District
Councils for Ladakh’s diverse communities, empowering them to preserve their
cultural identity.
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046
• He promotes “ecological democracy,” opposing indiscriminate hydropower projects
while calling for sustainable development models.
• What Is the Connection to Rammanohar Lohia’s “Himalayan Policy”?
• Lohia, a political thinker, emphasized a coherent “Himalayan policy,” linking
external and internal challenges faced by Himalayan states.
• He criticized India’s foreign policy for ignoring Chinese expansionism and advocated
for democratic rights across the Himalayan region.
• Today, Wangchuk’s movement echoes Lohia’s vision of integrating the Himalayas’
needs with India’s larger governance framework.

What Vision Does Sonam Wangchuk Present?

• Moral Standpoint: Wangchuk sets a moral equation with the state, like Gandhiji did
with the British empire. He remains firm and persistent without being aggressive.
• Focus on Ecological Democracy: Wangchuk promotes a model of ecological
democracy that prioritizes land, jobs, and cultural rights for locals. He opposes
indiscriminate development projects but advocates for sustainable growth.
• Democratic Governance Demand: His primary focus is on Ladakh’s political rights,
seeking Sixth Schedule status for autonomous governance in eight districts.
• Alternative Vision: Wangchuk emphasizes a new model of development and
education, rooted in local context and wisdom, as exemplified by his 2018 Ramon
Magsaysay Award.

What should be done?

• Shift the Focus from Military to Human Security: The Indian state must evolve its
perspective on the Himalayas from just a military stronghold to a region rich in
biodiversity and sustainable livelihoods. Prioritizing human security is essential.
• Develop a Coherent Himalayan Policy: This policy should address the
interconnected issues of biodiversity, sustainable livelihoods, and human security.
The Indian state must recognize that the Himalayas are not just geographic but
involve the lives and cultures of the people living there.
• Incorporate Local Wisdom: The government should listen to the people of the region
to ensure sustainable, culturally sensitive development.

Treatment of Rare Diseases


Context- The Delhi High Court issued directions aimed at improving the availability of
orphan drugs, which are medications used to treat rare diseases.
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046
What are Rare Diseases?

• Rare diseases, also known as orphan diseases, are conditions that occur
infrequently within a population.
• They are characterized by three key markers: Total number of people with the
disease, Prevalence and Availability /Non-availability of treatment options.
• The World Health Organization (WHO) defines a rare disease as a condition that
affects a small percentage of the population, typically fewer than 1 in 1,000 to 2,000
people.

Status of rare diseases in India

• Around 55 medical conditions, including Gaucher’s disease, Lysosomal Storage


Disorders (LSDs), and certain forms of muscular dystrophy are classified as rare
diseases in India.
• The National Registry for Rare and Other Inherited Disorders (NRROID) started by
the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has the records of 14,472 rare
disease patients in the country.

Challenges in the Treatment of Rare Diseases

• Limited Availability: Less than 5% of rare diseases have available therapies, leaving
fewer than 1 in 10 patients with access to disease-specific care.
• High Cost: Many rare disease treatments are patented, leading to high prices due to
limited market size and high development costs.
• Pharmaceutical companies find it unprofitable to produce these drugs, further
driving up costs.
• Delays in approval processes: the National Rare Diseases Committee discussed
delays in the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) approving Sarepta
Therapeutics’ medicines, leaving patients without timely access.
• Unequal Treatment Across Groups: While limited assistance is available for Group 1
and Group 2 diseases, Group 3 patients face significant financial and healthcare
barriers.

National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD), 2021

• It was launched in 2021, under which financial assistance up to Rs 50 lakh is


provided to patients receiving treatment at an identified Centre of Excellence (CoE).
• In India, rare diseases are categorized into three groups based on the nature and
complexity of available treatment options.
• Group 1 includes diseases that can be treated with a one-time curative procedure.
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046
• Group 2 diseases require long-term or lifelong treatment which are relatively less
costly and have shown documented benefits, but patients need regular check-ups.
• Group 3 diseases are those for which effective treatments are available, but they are
expensive and must often continue lifelong.

Other initiatives taken in India

• The Health Ministry has opened a Digital Portal for Crowdfunding & Voluntary
Donations with information about patients and their rare diseases.
• Donors can choose the CoE and patient treatments they wish to support.
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046
• Each CoE also has its own Rare Disease Fund, which is used with approval from its
governing authority.
• The Department of Pharmaceuticals has launched the Production Linked Incentive
(PLI) Scheme for Pharmaceuticals, offering financial incentives to selected
manufacturers for domestic production of orphan drugs.

Way Ahead

• Domestic Manufacturing: Developing and manufacturing orphan drugs within India


can significantly reduce costs.
• The government should offer incentives such as tax breaks and subsidies to
encourage pharmaceutical companies to invest in research and production of rare
disease treatments.
• Leveraging the Patents Act of 1970: If treatments for rare diseases are unavailable or
unaffordable, the government can use provisions under the Patents Act, 1970, to
enable third-party manufacturing of patented drugs.
• Faster approval processes for life-saving therapies will ensure that patients get
quicker access to essential treatments.
• A sustainable, long-term funding mechanism needs to be established, especially for
Group 3 rare diseases, to cover both immediate and lifelong treatment costs.

Haber-Bosch Process
Context- The Haber-Bosch process transformed agricultural practices and played a
significant role in feeding the growing global population.

What is the Haber-Bosch process?

• The Haber-Bosch process is a crucial industrial method for synthesizing ammonia


from nitrogen and hydrogen gasses.
• The process involves the reaction of nitrogen (N₂) from the air with hydrogen (H₂),
derived from natural gas or other fossil fuels, to produce ammonia (NH₃).
• The gases are mixed and passed over the catalyst at high temperatures and
pressures, facilitating the formation of ammonia.
• Ammonia produced is also a precursor for various chemicals, including nitric acid
and explosives.

Need for the process


SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046
• Nitrogen (N₂) makes up approximately 78% of the Earth’s atmosphere, existing
primarily as diatomic nitrogen molecules.
• However plants cannot utilize atmospheric nitrogen directly; they need reactive
forms of nitrogen, such as ammonia (NH₃), ammonium (NH₄⁺), or nitrates (NO₃⁻), for
their growth and development.

Natural Nitrogen Sources

• Lightning can break the N₂ bond, producing nitrogen oxides, which then combine
with water to form nitric acid (HNO₃) and nitrous acid (HNO₂), contributing reactive
nitrogen to the soil.
• However, this natural replenishment is limited.
• Certain bacteria, such as Azotobacter and Rhizobia, can fix atmospheric nitrogen,
but their contribution is insufficient to meet the demands of modern agriculture.

The Role of the Haber-Bosch Process

• Increases Fertilizer Supply: By producing ammonia on an industrial scale, it ensures


the availability of nitrogen fertilizers, essential for enhancing soil fertility and
increasing crop yields.
• Global Food Security: The ability to produce nitrogen fertilizers in large quantities
has significantly contributed to food security, enabling the world to sustain its
growing population.

Concerns

• Excessive Nitrogen Application: In many countries, the application of nitrogen


fertilizers exceeds 50 kg per capita annually, far more than the average adult’s body
nitrogen content of 1-2 kg.
• Nutrient Runoff: Surplus nitrogen from fertilizers runs off into freshwater and coastal
waters, causing eutrophication.
• Soil Acidification: The extra reactive nitrogen leach into the soil, leading to
acidification. This alters soil chemistry, negatively affecting soil health and reducing
its fertility over time.
• Air Pollution: Nitrogen fertilizers release nitrous oxide (N₂O), a potent greenhouse
gas that contributes to climate change.

Way Ahead

• The Haber-Bosch process has been a cornerstone of modern agriculture,


contributing to increased food production and improved human lifespan.
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046
• To ensure a sustainable future, it is essential to balance the benefits of synthetic
fertilizers with the need for ecological health and social equity.

Protecting Children from Online Sexual Abuse


Context: Supreme Court of India’s historic judgment on online child sexual abuse. It
expands the definition of crime and mandates strict actions against offenders and social
media platforms, aiming to protect children and prevent exploitation globally.

What was the Supreme Court’s Historic Judgment?

• Correction of Madras High Court Ruling: In January 2024, the Madras High Court
ruled that watching or downloading child pornography was not a crime. The
Supreme Court reversed this decision.
• Expanded Definition: The Supreme Court expanded the crime’s scope by making the
downloading and storing of Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material (CSEAM)
an offense.
• Mandate for Social Media Platforms: The judgment mandated strict accountability
for social media intermediaries to report CSEAM to law enforcement.
• Terminology Shift: It reframed “child pornography” as CSEAM, marking it as a
serious crime, not adult entertainment.
• For detailed information on Supreme Court’s Verdict on Child Sexual Exploitative
and Abuse Material (CSEAM) read this article here

How does CSEAM affect children and families?

• CSEAM keeps child abuse images online forever. These images revictimize children
and their families, causing ongoing harm. Many children are unaware that their
images are being used. This makes it hard to stop their exploitation.

What should be done?

• Legal Measures:
o Define Cybercrime: Indian laws should clearly define cybercrime and include
CSEAM as an organized crime.
o Treat AI-generated material as real: AI-generated child sexual abuse material
must be treated as equivalent to real child abuse.
o Mandate social media reporting: Platforms should report CSEAM to law
enforcement in real-time, as ordered by the Supreme Court.
• Technical Measures:
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046
• Create forensic labs: India should establish domestic forensic labs with
advanced technology to handle increased reporting of CSEAM. Currently,
international agencies like Interpol flag Indian IP addresses, delaying responses.
• National Database of Offenders: Individuals prosecuted for CSEAM should be
entered into a national database and barred from jobs involving children.
• Global Measures:
o International convention: Since CSEAM is a global crime, it needs a global
solution. The UN has not addressed emerging crimes like these. An
international convention is needed, and financial institutions must help track
the money supporting child exploitation networks.
o Global database: Establish an international sex offenders’ database to
improve law enforcement cooperation globally.

On Samsung workers’ right to unionise


Context: The article discusses Samsung India workers in Tamil Nadu protesting for their
right to form a trade union and collectively bargain. The government formed a “workmen
committee” but used police force against workers. Legal experts criticize this approach.

Why are Samsung India workers protesting?

• Workers at Samsung India’s Sriperumbudur plant in Tamil Nadu are protesting for
their fundamental right to form a trade union and collectively bargain for better
working conditions. They want to negotiate with the company on equal terms
through the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU).

What was the government’s response?

• The Tamil Nadu government formed a ‘workmen committee’ to address the issue.
• However, it used police force against the protesting workers, which led to
accusations of bias towards Samsung.
• Legal experts argue that the trade union should have been registered before forming
the committee.

What does the law say about forming a union?

• The Trade Unions Act, 1926 gives workers the legal right to form unions to represent
their interests.
• A minimum of seven members can apply to register a union under Section 4 of the
Act.
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046
• Section 6 mandates that the Registrar should ensure the union’s rules conform to
the Act.
• The Supreme Court in B.R. Singh vs Union of India (1989) recognized union
formation as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)© of the Constitution.
• Legal restrictions under Article 19(4) can be imposed only for reasons like public
order and morality.

What is collective bargaining and why is it important?

• Collective bargaining :
o It refers to negotiations between employees and employers to determine
working conditions and terms of employment.
o Legal Basis: Recognised by the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 and supported
by the International Labour Organization (ILO) Collective Bargaining
Convention of 1981.
• It’s Important:
• Empowerment: It allows workers to negotiate on equal terms with employers, as
seen in the Samsung India Workers Union (SIWU) protest in Tamil Nadu.
• Social Justice: The Supreme Court of India and the U.S. courts have
acknowledged its role in ensuring fair working conditions. (e.g., the Karnal
Leather Karmchari vs Liberty Footwear case).
• Legal Recognition: The refusal to bargain is considered an ‘unfair labour practice’
under both India’s 1947 Act and the U.S. Wagner Act.

What is the role of the ‘workmen committee’?

• A ‘workmen committee’ should consist of equal representation from both workers


and employers. According to the Industrial Disputes Act, the workers’
representatives must be chosen in consultation with their trade union. In this c”se,
legal experts argue that SIWU should have been registered before forming the
committee.

Why is Samsung opposing the use of its name in the union?

• Samsung objected to the inclusion of its name in SIWU, claiming it violated the
Trademarks Act, 1999.
• However, trade unions are not business entities, and legal experts argue that this
does not infringe on trademark laws.
• The use of Samsung’s name is for identification purposes, not for business.
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046

Side effects of Covaxin


Context: The article discusses a controversy over a research paper on Covaxin’s side
effects. The study’s flawed methodology and unsupported conclusions led to criticism
from the ICMR and legal action by Bharat Biotech. It highlights concerns about research
independence and editorial responsibility.

What is the controversy about the BHU research paper?

• The BHU research paper analyzed Covaxin’s long-term safety, published in Drug
Safety in May 2024.
• Small Sample Size: The study had a highly localized sample of 926 participants,
which is statistically insignificant compared to millions vaccinated across India.
• Misinterpretation of Data: The study’s claim that one-third of participants developed
AESIs (adverse events of special interest) could lead to public misinterpretation, as
this high percentage suggests significant risk without robust evidence to support
such a claim. Although the paper didn’t claim a direct causal link, its language
implied one, raising public concerns.
• ICMR criticized the study for flawed methodology and improper use of AESIs.
• Bharat Biotech filed a lawsuit against the authors, claiming it caused alarm and
vaccine hesitancy.

What are the concerns about ICMR’s involvement?

• Conflict of Interest: ICMR co-owns Covaxin’s patent with Bharat Biotech, raising
concerns about impartiality when criticizing the BHU study.
• Vaccine Development Role: ICMR’s National Institute of Virology provided virus
strains for Covaxin, linking it closely to the vaccine’s success. Questions about
ICMR’s impartiality were raised given its financial stakes in Covaxin’s success.
• 2021 Concerns Resurfaced: Earlier questions about ICMR’s involvement in
Covaxin’s development were raised in 2021 but subsided after the vaccine’s
success. The BHU paper’s controversy has reignited these concerns.
• ICMR’s Influence: Its criticism of the BHU study could be seen as protecting
Covaxin’s reputation rather than encouraging independent research.

What are the Broader Implications?

• Threat to Independent Research: If defamation cases against academics become


common, as seen with Bharat Biotech’s lawsuit, it will discourage research,
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046
especially on drugs and vaccines. This could hurt consumers, who depend on
unbiased scientific studies for safety information.
• Need for Institutional Screening: ICMR and universities must see that medical
research proposals are screened institutionally to avoid causing public mistrust or
impacting the delivery of essential public health services, including vaccination.
• Practical Research Methodology: Researchers should avoid drawing impractical
conclusions. Staying grounded is crucial to producing credible, actionable research
in medical fields.

Prelims Facts-
T-90 Bhishma Tank
• In a significant move towards self-reliance, the Indian Army has rolled out its first
overhauled T-90 Bhishma tank, further enhancing its operational readiness.
• T-90 Bhishma Tank is Indian Army’s main battle tank since 2003.
• It is known for its firepower, speed, and protection. With this overhaul, the tank has
become even more powerful and lethal.
• The tank is manned by a crew of three—commander, gunner, and driver—who work
in close coordination to engage and destroy targets.
• It is equipped with a 125 mm smoothbore gun, capable of firing various types of
shells.
• An anti-aircraft gun mounted on top can bring down targets within a two kilometre
range, and the tank can fire up to 800 shells per minute.
• Its compact size enables it to manoeuvre quickly through forests, mountains, and
marshy terrain at a speed of up to 60 kilometres per hour.
• It has advanced thermal sighting system, the tank can detect targets up to 8
kilometers (5 miles) away, day or night.

Tele MANAS
• Tele MANAS is now available as a comprehensive mobile platform – Tele MANAS
App – developed for the public.
• Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) was
started by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare 2022.
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046
• It seeks to function as a comprehensive, integrated, and inclusive 24×7 tele-mental
health facility.
• It aims to provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the
clock, particularly to people in remote or underserved areas.
• Tele-MANAS will be organised in a two-tier system:
• Tier 1 comprises state Tele-MANAS cells, which include trained counsellors and
mental health specialists.
• Tier 2 will comprise specialists at the District Mental Health Programme
(DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or e-Sanjeevani
for audio-visual consultation.
• Currently, there are 51 operational Tele-MANAS cells functioning across all 36
States and UTs, offering services in 20 different languages.
• Another feature added to the programme this year is the video consultations facility
which will be undertaken by the mental health professionals who are taking audio
call escalations to get further information about the caller as part of history taking
and clarification.

UK Naga Skull Auction Controversy


• A 19th-century “horned Naga skull” was withdrawn from an auction in the UK
following significant backlash from authorities in Nagaland and India, bringing
attention to the sensitive issue of Indigenous human remains and the broader
debate surrounding colonial legacies.
• At the auction 19th-century Naga human skull was valued at 3,500-4,500 Pounds,
alongside remains from Papua New Guinea, Borneo, Solomon Islands, and African
countries like Benin, Congo, and Nigeria.
• Nagaland Chief Minister and the Civil society led the protest against the auction.
• They view it as a continuation of colonial violence and racism, perpetuating harmful
stereotypes such as labelling the Naga people as “savages” and “headhunters,” a
characterisation rooted in British colonialism.
• The sale of Indigenous human remains, particularly those stolen during colonial
rule, was strongly condemned as an ethical violation.
• The auction of human remains is said to violate Article 15 of the United Nations
Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which states:
“Indigenous Peoples have a right to the dignity and diversity of their cultures,
traditions, histories, and aspirations, which shall be appropriately reflected in
education and public information.”
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046
• The Naga community has been involved in efforts to repatriate ancestral remains
from the Pitt Rivers Museum in Oxford, which holds around 6,500 Naga artefacts
collected during the British colonial period.

Europa Clipper mission


• NASA is set to launch Europa Clipper mission today.
• The spacecraft is scheduled to launch from Nasa’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida
aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket.
• About Europa Clipper Mission
• Europa Clipper Mission is a NASA mission aimed at exploring Jupiter’s moon
Europa, which is considered one of the top candidates in the search for
extraterrestrial life.
• The mission is expected to last several years, with the spacecraft making multiple
flybys of Europa.
• The main objective of the Europa Clipper mission is to determine whether Europa’s
subsurface ocean could support life. The mission will investigate the moon’s ice
shell, ocean, composition, and geology.
• Europa Clipper is the largest spacecraft NASA has ever developed for a planetary
mission. Its solar arrays span over 100 feet (30 meters) when deployed.
• The spacecraft is expected to reach Jupiter and begin its scientific investigations by
April 2030
• The mission ends in 2034 with a planned crash into Ganymede — Jupiter’s biggest
moon and the solar system’s too.

Serious Fraud Investigation Office


• The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) recorded the statement of daughter of
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and owner of a now-dormant information
technology firm, raising a political storm.
• The Union Corporate Affairs Ministry had ordered an SFIO inquiry based on the
finding of the Interim Settlement Board (ISB) under the Central Board of Direct
Taxes.
• The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) is a specialized agency established
under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA), tasked with investigating serious
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046
financial frauds in India. It plays a critical role in ensuring corporate governance and
financial integrity, especially concerning complex and large-scale frauds.
• The SFIO was set up In 2003 based on the recommendations of the Naresh Chandra
Committee on Corporate Governance.
• It gained statutory status under the Companies Act, 2013 (Section 211),
empowering it to investigate frauds relating to companies.
• It is a multi-disciplinary organization, consisting of experts in the field of
accountancy, forensic auditing, banking, law, information technology, investigation,
company law, capital market and taxation, etc. for detecting and prosecuting or
recommending for prosecution white-collar crimes/frauds.
• SFIO is headed by a Director as Head of Department in the rank of Joint Secretary to
the Government of India.
• SFIO take up for investigation cases characterized by –
o Complexity and having inter-departmental and multi- disciplinary
ramifications.
o Substantial involvement of public interest to be judged by size, either in
terms of monetary
o The possibility of investigation leading to or contributing towards a clear
improvement in systems, laws or procedures
o SFIO Investigate into the affairs of a company on: –
o On receipt of a report of the Registrar or inspector under section 208 of the
Companies Act, 2013.
o On intimation of a special resolution passed by a company that its affairs are
required to be investigated in the public interest
o On request from any department of the Central Government or a State
Government.

Water chestnut (Goer)


• Water chestnut, or “goer” in Kashmir, is a vital income source for families around
Wular Lake, one of Asia’s largest freshwater lakes. However, environmental changes
have led to declining production, affecting local livelihoods.
• Water Chestnut (Goer) in Kashmir Grows in Wular Lake, Kashmir; known as
“Singhara” in other parts of India.
• Collected during autumn, typically starting in late September.
• Harvested by villagers using boats, with protective footwear to avoid injuries from
sharp barbed spines on the plants.
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046
• The edible kernel is peeled, dried, and ground into flour. It’s widely consumed during
festivals like Navaratri.
• Uses:
o Food: White, crunchy, sweet flesh is eaten fresh or dried and used in fasting
rituals.
o Fuel: Dried outer shells are used as fuel in traditional Kashmiri fire pots
(kangri) during winter.
o Nutritional value: Rich in potassium and fiber, low in sodium and fat, and
high in carbohydrates.
o Economic importance: Primarily harvested by poorer communities around
Wular Lake; provides seasonal income.

AI-Generated Synthetic Medical Images


• The rise of AI-generated synthetic medical images can provide an ethical, scalable,
and cost-effective solution to the medical field.
• Synthetic Medical Image is generated by AI or computer algorithms without being
captured by traditional imaging devices such as MRI, CT scans, or X-rays.
• These images are entirely constructed using mathematical models or AI techniques
like Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), diffusion models, and autoencoders.
• In the medical field, synthetic medical images are created in a similar way, where
the AI generates entirely new medical scans or radiological images that mimic real
ones but are not derived from any actual patient data.
• A Variational Autoencoder (VAE) takes an image, compresses it into a simpler form
called the latent space, and then tries to recreate the original image from that
compressed version.
• The process continuously improves the image by minimising the difference between
the real image and the recreated version.
• GANs involve a generator that creates synthetic images from random data and a
discriminator that determines whether the image is real or synthetic.
• Both improve through competition—the generator tries to make its images more
realistic, while the discriminator gets better at spotting fakes.
• Diffusion models begin with a bunch of random noise and gradually transform it into
a realistic image, using a step-by-step process that slowly shapes the noise into
something that resembles the images it was trained on.
• These methods generate synthetic images in various fields, including healthcare
and research.
SIMRAN ABLAZE ACADEMY
Sco – 226 Top Floor Sector – 36D Chandigarh 9779190222/998821046

Nobel in Economics 2024 Awarded to Acemoglu, Johnson, and Robinson


• 2024 Nobel laureates in the economic sciences are Daron Acemoglu, Simon
Johnson and James Robinson – have demonstrated the importance of societal
institutions for a country’s prosperity. Societies with a poor rule of law and
institutions that exploit the population do not generate growth or change for the
better.

L Satya Srinivas Appointed CEO of GeM Portal

• The Indian government has appointed L Satya Srinivas, currently serving as


Additional Secretary in the Department of Commerce, as the additional CEO of the
Government e Marketplace (GeM). This decision follows the recent appointment of
the previous CEO, P K Singh, as secretary of the renewable energy ministry.

HAL Becomes 14th Maharatna Company


• Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has been upgraded to the status of
Maharatna, making it the 14th Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) to receive this
prestigious classification from the Government of India.

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