MLC Daily Current Affairs – 05 Jan 2024

Todays in History (January 5^th, 1982)

The UN Economic Commission for Latin America reported that in 1982 the region posted its worst record in 40 years. In many nations inflation was rampant, and the region had cumulative foreign debts amounting to almost $275 billion. These debts more than offset the gains made by an overall 19% decline in imports.

Summary of Today’s News

SMART 2.0

• Recently SMART 2.0′ (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research among Teaching Professionals) program has been launched.

About

• The programwas launched by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS) along with the National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM).
• The objective of ‘SMART 2.0’ is to generate tangible evidence to demonstrate efficacy and safety of Ayurveda interventions using interdisciplinary research methods and translating it into public health care.

Cyber Kidnapping

• A Chinese student who was a victim of‘cyber kidnapping’ has been found in rural Utah, unharmed.

What is Cyber Kidnapping?

• Cyber kidnapping refers to a crime where the ‘kidnappers’ convince their victim to hide,and then contact their loved ones for ransom.
• Criminals may threaten the victim or their family with violence, or they may createfake evidence of a kidnapping, such as photos or videos.
  • The goal is to convince the victim tocooperate with the criminals and do what they say, such as isolating themselves, providing personal information, or transferring money.
• The ‘kidnappers’, though not physically present, monitor the victim online through video-call platforms.

Delhi L-G recommends CBI probe into ghost patients by Mohalla Clinic

• Governor V. K. Saxena recommended probe in corruption in Aam Aadmi Mohalla clinic
• The issue is ghost patients or nonexistent patients.
• Hundreds of crores of medical checkups are provided free
• Checkups are done by private labs and the government pays the bills

Polar Bear

• Context: First death of polar bear due to Avian Influenza occurred in Arctic region recently.
• Polar bear is both the largest bear and the largest land carnivore (main food source is seals) in the world.
• Habitat is Arctic region only (not in Antarctica).
• Live solitary lives except when mating.
• Can swim (due to large paws) for long distances.
• White fur helps the bear remain camouflaged.
• Thick layer of fat below the skin surface acts as insulation on the body to trap heat.

Short selling

• Supreme Court directed Centre and SEBI to investigate if Hindenburg report on short-selling caused harm to investors.
• “Short selling” involves selling a stock not owned at the time of trade.
• Speculating a price decrease, sellers borrow stocks to sell, and then buy them back at a lower price, making a profit.

Indian Science Congress (ISC)

• The 109th edition of the Indian Science Congress event has been postponed this year.
• 108th edition of ISC was held in Nagpur (January 2023).
• It is an annual event in India that brings together scientists, researchers, academicians, and policymakers to discuss and showcase scientific achievements and advancements.

‘SMART 2.0’ launched for Ayurveda Teaching Professionals

• Launched by two prominent institutions under Ministry of Ayush namely National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) and Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences (CCRAS).
• SMART 2.0 (Scope for Mainstreaming Ayurveda Research in Teaching Professionals) Program,
• Its aim is to promote robust clinical studies in priority areas of Ayurveda with Ayurveda academic institutions/hospitals across the country.

19^th NAM SUMMIT

• NAM Summit: 19th edition of the NAM Summit is scheduled from January 17 to 20.
• It will be preceded by a foreign ministers’ meeting from January 15.
• NAM Host: Uganda will be the chair of the NAM grouping during 2024-2027.
• Basis of NAM: The concept of non-alignment was based on the Third World desire not to become involved in the East-West ideological confrontation of the Cold War.