Daily Current Affairs and GK | 10 September 2024

Topic: Biotechnology and Diseases

1. A global framework for investigating pathogen origins launched by the World Health Organization with contributions from Indian scientists.

• A new global framework has been introduced by the World Health Organization (WHO) that aims to streamline the investigation into the origins of new and re-emerging pathogens that have the potential to cause epidemics or pandemics.
• This framework has been developed by the Scientific Advisory Group on the Origins of New Pathogens (SAGO).
• The aim of this framework is to address existing shortcomings in outbreak investigation methods and establish an integrated approach to the study of pathogen origins.
• Indian scientists have made significant contributions to the development of this framework, especially in key areas such as animal-human interface studies and genomic analysis.
• These topics are key to understanding how germs evolve and are transmitted, which is essential to preventing future outbreaks.
• The framework outlines six technical elements that provide guidance for investigations, including early epidemiological studies, research on human disease patterns, and laboratory safety protocols.
• These investigations are designed to begin as soon as an outbreak is detected, initially focusing on areas where cases are first identified.
• Early identification of the source of the pathogen can help prevent spread and reduce the likelihood of a large outbreak.

Topic: National News

2. Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh inaugurated 8 new Nidhi I-TBIs across India

• On September 6, Union Minister of State Dr Jitendra virtually inaugurated a new DST-Nidhi website as well as 8 new Nidhi I-TBIs across India at IIT Delhi to mark the completion of 8 years of Department of Science and Technology (DST-Nidhi) initiative.
• 8 new Fund Inclusive TBIs (I-TBIs) have been established at various locations across the country:
  • Central University of Rajasthan Ajmer.
  • Guru Angad Dev Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Ludhiana, Punjab
  • BLDE Bijapur, Karnataka
  • Aligarh Muslim University
  • Pranveer Singh Institute of Technology Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
  • Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya (Central University) Bilaspur,
  • GSSS Institute of Engineering and Technology for Women Mysore, Karnataka
  • University of Petroleum & Energy Studies (UPES) Dehradun
• I-TBI (Inclusive TBI) is a three-year period initiative supported by DST for those educational institutions.
• These have the potential to promote innovation and entrepreneurial culture among students, faculty, entrepreneurs and surrounding communities.
• Apart from this, Dr. Jitendra Singh launched the DST-GDC IIT Madras Incubate programme for deep tech startups.
• GDC is funded by grants from three distinguished alumni of IIT Madras namely Dr. Gururaj Deshpande, Mrs. Jayashree Deshpande and Mr. 'Kris' Gopalakrishnan.
• These initiatives are designed to enhance our support to innovators primarily from Tier II and Tier III cities and provide targeted support to start-ups at critical stages of growth.
• The NIDHI was launched by the Department of Science and Technology in 2016.

Topic: MoUs /Agreements

3. Indian Army and Indian Airforce inked a pact with Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya.

• To enhance the skills and capability building of personnel in logistics operations, the Indian Army and Indian Airforce signed a MoU.
• It is a partnership to build a world-class and future-proof logistics system and achieve self-reliance in the defence sector. 
• Vishwavidyalaya act as a vital partner in empowering the Armed Forces with cutting-edge logistics education, research and innovation.
• Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya (GSV) is a central university located in Vadodara, Gujarat.
• It was established in 2018 as a Deemed-to-be University and was converted into a central University under The Central Universities (Amendment) Act, 2022.

Topic: State News/ Uttar Pradesh

4. Semicon India 2024 will be hosted by the UP government at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida.

• Uttar Pradesh government will host Semicon India 2024 at the India Expo Mart in Greater Noida from September 11 to 13.
• It will be organized in collaboration with SEMI, Messe Muenchen India, and the Electronic Industries Association of India.
• Its main aim is to elevate India’s semiconductor sector and establish the country as a significant global contender.
• This year’s Semicon India Exhibition and Conference will be held alongside Electronica India and Productronica India.
• Many domestic and international companies will participate in this event.
• It will provide an opportunity to explore India’s burgeoning semiconductor sector and discover new business prospects.