Today's Brief 7-13/05/2024

1.Oxytocin is often dubbed the "love hormone" or the "bonding hormone" because of its role in social bonding, reproduction, and childbirth. Produced primarily in the hypothalamus and released by the pituitary gland, oxytocin plays a crucial role in various physiological processes and behaviors.

Here are some key aspects of oxytocin:

1. Social Bonding: Oxytocin is associated with social behaviors such as trust, empathy, and bonding between individuals. It promotes feelings of closeness and connection.

2. Childbirth and Breastfeeding: Oxytocin is essential during childbirth, stimulating uterine contractions and aiding in the delivery of the baby. It also plays a role in breastfeeding by promoting the milk ejection reflex.

3. Stress Reduction: Oxytocin has been linked to stress reduction and anxiety relief. It can help lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress.

4. Sexual Activity: Oxytocin is involved in sexual arousal and orgasm, and it's believed to foster intimacy between partners.

5. Parental Behavior: Oxytocin is implicated in maternal and paternal behavior, fostering nurturing and protective instincts towards offspring.

2. Moon Standard Time:  A Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC)

The concept of Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) signifies a giant leap for lunar exploration. Here's a deeper dive into its purpose, potential functionalities, and the challenges it aims to solve:

Why LTC is Needed:

• Standardization:  Imagine multiple countries and private companies setting up lunar bases, each using their own timekeeping system. Communication, scheduling, and collaboration would become a nightmare. LTC eliminates this by providing a unified lunar time reference.

• Cislunar Operations:  LTC isn't just for the Moon itself. It will be the standard for "cislunar space," encompassing the region between Earth and the Moon. This ensures smooth operations for spacecraft traveling between the two celestial bodies.

• Precision Matters:  The Moon's weaker gravity causes time to flow ever so slightly faster compared to Earth (about a fraction of a second per day). For high-precision scientific missions and navigation, this tiny difference can be crucial. LTC accounts for this lunar time discrepancy.

How LTC Might Work (Details are still under development):

• Earthly Inspiration:  LTC might borrow heavily from Earth's Coordinated Universal Time (UTC) system. Both likely rely on ultra-atomic clocks for exceptional accuracy.

• Lunar Implementation:  Deploying atomic clocks on the Moon itself is a possibility. However, LTC might also consider using Earth-based clocks with adjustments for the lunar time difference.

• Resilience is Key:  Communication hiccups between Earth and the Moon are a possibility. LTC's design might incorporate ways to function independently during such periods.

Challenges and Considerations:

• International Agreement:  Finalizing the specifics of LTC will likely involve international collaboration among space agencies and private entities. Reaching a consensus on the technical aspects is crucial.

• Infrastructure on the Moon:  Deploying and maintaining the infrastructure for LTC on the Moon (if that's the chosen route) will require resources and planning.

• Future-proofing:  As lunar exploration evolves, LTC needs to be adaptable to accommodate future technologies and mission types.

The Benefits of LTC:

• Efficiency:  A standardized time system streamlines communication, scheduling, and overall lunar operations.

• Safety:  Precise timekeeping is crucial for navigation and mission planning, ensuring the safety of astronauts and equipment.

• Collaboration:  LTC fosters international cooperation by providing a common time reference for all lunar endeavors.

3.The PlayTrue Campaign was a recent initiative organized by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India [1]. It aimed to promote clean sports and raise awareness about anti-doping practices throughout the country.

• Goal: Aligned with the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) vision, the campaign strived to create a culture of fair play and ethical competition in Indian sports [1].

• Dates: The campaign ran from April 15th to 30th, 2024 [1].

• Activities: NADA India engaged participants through various interactive activities including [1]:

• #PlayTrue Quiz: Tested knowledge on anti-doping regulations.

• I'm a #PlayTrue Ambassador: Encouraged individuals to pledge for clean sports.

• #PlayTrue Pledge: A formal commitment to fair play.

• Mascot Drawing Competition: Increased engagement with a fun contest.

• Awareness Sessions: Provided in-depth information on anti-doping rules and regulations.

WADA was established in 1999 as an international independent agency to lead a collaborative worldwide movement for doping-free sport. WADA’s governance and funding are based on equal partnership between the Sport Movement and Governments of the world

• The Rulebook:  WADA develops and enforces the World Anti-Doping Code (the Code) [2]. This document serves as the foundation for anti-doping policies and regulations worldwide, ensuring consistency and fairness.

• Banned Substances: WADA maintains the Prohibited List, which outlines substances and methods banned for athletes in competition and out-of-competition [2]. This list is constantly updated based on scientific research and potential health risks.

• Testing & Compliance: WADA oversees independent anti-doping organizations (ADOs) that conduct testing programs and ensure compliance with the Code.

• Education & Research:  WADA prioritizes education and research initiatives. They offer resources and training programs for athletes, coaches, and other stakeholders in the sporting world [2]. Additionally, they support scientific research to detect new doping methods and substances.

• Collaboration: WADA fosters international collaboration among governments, sports organizations, and anti-doping agencies. This collaboration is crucial for a unified approach against doping.

4.Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI):

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India's premier investigating agency, operating under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions .

Established in 1963, the CBI initially focused on investigating bribery and corruption cases involving government officials. Over time, its mandate has expanded to include:

• Special crimes like economic offenses, cybercrime, and serious crimes

• Cases involving violation of central laws enforceable by the Government of India

• Multi-state organized crime

• Multi-agency or international cases

The CBI is known for its high conviction rate, which stood at 74.59% in 2022. It is also India's Central Authority for Interpol and the nodal agency for international cooperation in the field of crime investigation.

Here's a breakdown of the CBI's key functions:

• Investigating Corruption: The CBI plays a crucial role in combating corruption in India. It investigates cases involving bribery, extortion, and other forms of misconduct by public servants.

• Economic Offenses: The CBI probes cases related to economic fraud, bank scams, and other financial crimes.

• Serious Crimes: The agency investigates serious crimes like murder, kidnapping, and organized crime that have national or inter-state ramifications.

• Special Crimes: The CBI deals with special crimes like cybercrime, human trafficking, and bomb blasts.

• Central Law Enforcement: The CBI investigates cases involving violation of central laws like customs and central excise laws, income tax laws, and foreign exchange regulations.

The CBI has played a significant role in upholding the rule of law in India. It has investigated several high-profile cases and brought many criminals to justice. However, the agency has also faced criticism for political interference and delays in investigations.

5. 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting--

The 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46), also known as ATCM 46 - CEP 26 (26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection), is currently happening! It's a significant event for international cooperation on Antarctica.

• Location: Kochi, Kerala, India [1]

• Host: The Government of India, through the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) and the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) [2]

• Purpose:

• Discuss and decide on matters related to the Antarctic Treaty System [1]. This includes issues concerning the preservation and protection of Antarctica.

• Facilitate international cooperation for scientific research in Antarctica [1].

The ATCM 46 covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Peaceful use of Antarctica and inspections [1].

• Science and operations in Antarctica, including key science priorities [1].

Here are some additional points to consider:

• The ATCM is a forum for countries that have acceded to the Antarctic Treaty. This treaty ensures the peaceful use of Antarctica and sets a framework for international cooperation on the continent [1].

• The meeting is attended by representatives from Consultative Parties (countries that have a substantial scientific interest in Antarctica),  Acceding Parties (countries that have acceded to the Treaty), Observers, and invited Experts [1].

• The decisions taken at the ATCM are important for shaping the future of Antarctica and ensuring its conservation for generations to come.

6. Global Report on Neglected Tropical Diseases 2024: The Global report on neglected tropical diseases 2024 depicts encouraging advancements in the battle against NTDs. It highlights key challenges, ranging from a slow post-COVID-19 recovery to funding uncertainties, from geopolitical disruptions to climate change, from gaps in knowledge and tools to insufficient data, to illustrate the complexities inherent in addressing NTDs.

Key Facts:

In 2022, 1.62 billion people required interventions against neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). Although this reflects a 26% decrease from 2010, it does not provide the required trajectory to attain the road map’s global target of a 90% reduction by 2030.

• In 2023, five countries were acknowledged by WHO for eliminating one NTD, and one country for eliminating two NTDs. As of December 2023, a total of 50 countries have successfully eliminated at least one NTD, marking the halfway point towards the 2030 target of 100 countries.

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• In 2022, approximately 848 million people received treatment for at least one NTD through preventive chemotherapy interventions, 49 million fewer than in 2021 but 50 million more than in 2020.

• As of end 2022, the number of reported deaths from vector-borne NTDs has increased by 22% (as compared with 2016).

• Progress made includes a gradual scale-up of the adoption and implementation of integrated skin-NTD strategies (11 countries), of the development of guidance for management of NTD-related disabilities (19 countries), of integration on NTDs in national health plans (28 countries), of inclusion of NTD interventions in packages of essential services (6 countries), of data reporting on all NTDs (32 countries), and of collecting and reporting gender-disaggregated data (17 countries).

• Access to water supply, sanitation and hygiene is overall 85.8% in NTD-endemic countries and 63% among the population requiring interventions against NTDs.

• The share of the population at risk protected against catastrophic out-of-pocket health expenditure due to NTDs is 87.4%.  

• In 2023, noma (cancrum oris, gangrenous stomatitis) was added to the list of NTDs.

• NTD medicine donation programmes achieved significant milestones in 2023, delivering 2.1 billion tablets and vials, 200 million more than in 2022. Of them, 994 million were managed by WHO and made available to 112 Member States free of charge.

• In 2023, the offer of normative guidance, capacity strengthening tools and data collection mechanisms was broadened, with the aim of providing Member States and partners with the necessary support to implement, monitor and evaluate NTD programmes.

• Key advocacy events carried out in 2023 included the Global NTD Programme Partners’ Meeting and the Reaching the Last Mile Forum, which raised the visibility of NTDs in the global health agenda and increased resource mobilization.

7. India’s Srishti Khandagale scripted history by becoming the first ever Indian to win a medal at the Asian Trampoline Gymnastics Championships.

8.Shakti: Exercise SHAKTI is a biennial training event conducted alternatively in India and France. Last edition was conducted in France in November 2021. Indian contingent comprising 90 personnel is being represented primarily by a Battalion of the RAJPUT Regiment besides personnel from other arms and services

9.India participated in the 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF), held at the UN Headquarters in New York from May 6th to 10th May 2024. During the session, India highlighted the Country’s significant advancements in forest conservation and sustainable forest management which led to consistent increase in forest cover over the past fifteen years.

Globally, India ranks third in the net gain, in average annual forest area, between 2010 and 2020.

The United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF) is a critical international platform dedicated to the sustainable management, conservation, and development of all types of forests worldwide. Here's a breakdown of its key aspects:

• Function: The UNFF acts as a high-level intergovernmental policy forum [1]. This means it brings together government representatives from all UN member states to discuss and formulate forest-related policies.

• Establishment: Founded in 2000 by the UN Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), the UNFF plays a vital role in implementing sustainable forest management practices globall].

• Membership: The UNFF boasts universal membership, meaning all UN member states are automatically included]. Additionally, specialized agencies, regional organizations, and major groups (like NGOs and indigenous peoples' organizations) can participate as observers.

• Recent Developments: The 19th session of the UNFF (UNFF19) just concluded on May 10th, 2024 [2]. This session focused on the midterm review of the International Arrangement on Forests (IAF), a set of international agreements on forest management. The key outcomes include:Overall Significance: The UNFF plays a crucial role in:

• A High-Level Segment declaration outlining future priorities for global forests.

• An omnibus resolution encompassing the review's findings and a new Quadrennial Programme of Work for the UNFF (2025-2028) [2].

By facilitating international cooperation and policy development, the UNFF works towards a future where forests are managed sustainably for the benefit of people and the planet.

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