Thiruvananthapuram: The Left Democratic Front government in Kerala on Monday directed K-Rail to identify the sites to conduct social impact assessment (SIA) study for the Silverline project, by either the geo-tagging method or by demarcating the boundaries by marking them on permanent structures instead of laying survey stones, which has been receiving stiff resistance from the public. The direction to Kerala Rail Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL), or K-Rail as it is popularly known, was welcomed by Congress-led United Democratic Front opposition as they termed it a victory of the first phase of the struggle against the semi-high speed rail corridor.The Bharatiya Janata Party, which is also opposed to the project, said the state government had to bow before public sentiment. Meanwhile, LDF convener E P Jayarajan made it clear that only the survey method has changed and that the project has not been abandoned.Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the state assembly V D Satheesan, speaking to reporters in Kochi, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had to back down from his stand that laying of stones would continue irrespective of the protests against it. Next, the Chief Minister will have to climb down from his claims that the project would be implemented no matter what, Satheesan said. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) president and MP K Sudhakaran also termed the state government decision as a victory of the first phase of the struggle by the UDF against the project. The Lok Sabha member said if the decision was taken to win the upcoming Thrikkakara by-election then it indicates the 'political bankruptcy' of the Left front and would amount to betraying the people of Kerala.Sudhakaran claimed that the Congress had earlier suggested to the Left government to conduct the SIA study using the Global Positioning System (GPS), but they were not ready to accommodate it.The Congress MP said the state government should disclose how much money has been spent till date on laying of the stones and initiate proceedings to recover the same from the persons concerned. Both the Congress and the BJP also demanded that the cases lodged against those who protested against the laying of stones be withdrawn and the fines levied be refunded. BJP state president K Surendran said the state government decided to stop laying of stones as it realised it would not get the central government's approval for the project. He said Chief Minister should be ready to give up the project which the people do not want and added that his party would continue the struggle till the concerns of the public regarding the Silverline project are allayed. The reactions by the political bigwigs in the state came in the wake of a letter from the Revenue department to the K-Rail directing it to 'use either the geo-tagging method using good software or app or through demarcating the boundaries by marking on permanent structures' rather than planting boundary stones. The K-Rail was also directed to 'assist the SIA team to identify the alignment either by Differential GPS (DGPS) survey equipment or mobile phones with GPS facility as proposed so that the SIA team may identify the project affected persons and collect the data properly'. The directions were issued subsequent to a letter sent by K-Rail to the government stating that in view of the violent public protests and resistance to stone laying teams, the alignment of Silverline was finalised using LIDAR survey. LIDAR, which stands for Light Detection and Ranging, is a remote sensing technology which uses light in the form of lasers to measure distances. K-Rail had also told the government that the alignment can be easily established in the field by GPS coordinates using DGPS survey equipment or mobile phones with GPS facility. Therefore, it had proposed that the boundary stones can be placed where the land owners consent for the same and at other locations the alignment can be demarcated by marking on permanent structures. Subsequently, the state government -- which had been for the past several months refusing to budge from laying of the stones despite the widespread opposition to the same across the state -- decided to go with the GPS method. The decision which comes amidst the Thrikkakara by-election could serve to boost the UDF campaign.The Pinarayi Vijayan administration had backed the laying of concrete stones in the Supreme Court, which had ruled in favour of the LDF government by saying it had a right to go ahead with the survey process. Even a division bench of the Kerala High Court had given the state government the green light to go ahead with the survey process against which several pleas were moved in the high court by persons whose lands were expected to be affected.Subsequently, as the state government tried to lay the survey stones, it received stiff opposition from the locals wherever it tried to install the concrete marks.Though police force was used to lay the stones, in many places the locals removed and threw them away. The Congress-led UDF and the BJP were at the forefront of the protests against the project and the laying of the survey stones. The 530 kilometre long SilverLine semi-high speed rail corridor which starts from Thiruvananthapuram will have stoppages at Kollam, Chengannur, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Tirur, Kozhikode and Kannur before reaching Kasaragod.The entire journey from one end to the other is expected to take around four hours.—PTI

The Left Democratic Front government in Kerala on Monday directed K-Rail to identify the sites to conduct social impact assessment (SIA) study for the Silverline project, by either the geo-tagging method or by demarcating the boundaries by marking them on permanent structures instead of laying survey stones, which has been receiving stiff resistance from the public.

Silverline project: Kerala govt to use GPS for SIA study

Beijing: With China expecting a surge in demand for Chinese arms and ammunition from several countries including Middle-Eastern and African countries as the Russia-Ukraine war has entered into fourth month, a study indicates a fall in Chinese defence contracts due to lack in transparency and less sophisticated parts vis-a-vis Western technologies in manufacturing weapons. A RAND Corporation (US-based thinktank) study in 2021 clearly pointed to a lacuna in Chinese defence contracts, stating there is a lack of transparency and accountability.According to the experts, a lot of countries have little or no faith in Chinese companies because of poor after-sales support and equipment that rapidly declines into non-functional machinery. China also does not have the required ability to manufacture highly sophisticated parts as it is still not considered a first-rate developer and producer of state-of-the-art military material, reported the Russian Council. Meanwhile, Bejing's assertive policy in terms of arms sales and presence around the world should raise some cautionary eyebrows. China is not only increasing its arms sales, but also military training and investment in Africa's infrastructure projects, which are giving Beijing a foothold on the continent.Moreover, a new analysis by Jane's, a company known for its publications on global weapons, a sharp increase is witnessed over the past two decades in Chinese military equipment sales to Africa, compared with the continent's traditional benefactor, Russia.Pakistan, Bangladesh and Thailand are other China's clients for arms and ammunition. China has also sold 36 J-10C fighters to Pakistan and delivered HQ-22 (FK-3) surface-to-air missiles (SAM) to Serbia.Countries like Tanzania, Nigeria, Sudan, Cameroon, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Gabon, Algeria, Namibia, Ghana and Ethiopia are among the top importers of Chinese arms. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI)'s recent report, nearly half of Chinese weapon exports -- 47 per cent, in fact -- went to its closest ally Pakistan, while Beijing's next largest clients were Bangladesh and Thailand at 16 pc and 5 pc respectively, as per the media portal.Given the relative strength of China's position on the arms export table, it is perhaps surprising that China also appeared fifth on the international list of arms importers, behind India, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Australia.—ANI

With China expecting a surge in demand for Chinese arms and ammunition from several countries including Middle-Eastern and African countries as the Russia-Ukraine war has entered into fourth month, a study indicates a fall in Chinese defence contracts due to lack in transparency and less sophisticated parts vis-a-vis Western technologies in manufacturing weapons.

China's arms sales declining due to trust deficit: Study

Mumbai: Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, who has got a clean chit in last year's drugs-on-cruise case, had told the Narcotics Control Bureau that he started consuming 'ganja' during his graduation days in the US as he was having a sleeping disorder, as per a chargesheet filed by the agency. The NCB on Friday filed a charge-sheet in a Mumbai court against 14 out of 20 people, who were arrested in the case last October following a raid on a cruise ship and alleged seizure of drugs. Six of them, including Aryan Khan, were not named due to lack of evidence, the central agency said.In one of his statements before the NCB, Aryan Khan admitted that he started smoking ganja in the US in 2018 when he was doing graduation there, as per the chargesheet. During that time, he was having "some sleeping disorders and he read over a few internet articles that ganja smoking can help in this regard," he told the agency.In another statement, Aryan Khan admitted that the incriminating WhatsApp drug chat found in his mobile phone was done by him, the NCB said.He also told the agency that he knows a dealer in Bandra (area of Mumbai), but does not know his name or exact location as primarily he (the dealer) is known to his friend Aachit, a co-accused in the case, said the charge-sheet.The NCB, while giving a clean chit to Aryan Khan in the drugs-on-cruise case, had said there was no recovery of drugs from him or any concrete evidence to prove that he conspired with the other accused.During the analysis of voluntary statements of Aryan Khan and Arbaaz A Merchant, a co-accused, it came to light that Merchant in none of his statements claimed that the six gm charas recovered from his possession was meant for consumption by Aryan Khan, the charge-sheet said.It further stated that Aryan Khan, in his voluntary statements, also never accepted that the recovered charas was to be consumed by him."In fact, Arbaaz in his statement of October 6, 2021, stated that he was warned by Aryan Khan not to carry any narcotic drug on the cruise," the NCB said.Also, Aryan Khan's mobile phone was not formally seized and none of the chats recovered from his phone connect him to the present case, it said."No recovery of drugs from Aryan Khan and non-availability of any concrete evidence which could prove role of Aryan Khan or his conspiracy with Arbaaz A Merchant or any other accused in the instant case beyond reasonable doubt, surfaced during the investigation carried so far. Hence, no complaint is being filed against him in the instant case," the charge-sheet said.But, the charge-sheet mentioned that in one his statements before the probe agency, Aryan Khan accepted that he had consumed Marijuana when he was in Los Angeles, US, on an experimental basis for recreational purpose.He had also accepted his WhatsApp chats with another accused Aachit for drug procurement.Aryan Khan stated that they talked about buying "Dokha", a word used for weed, the charge-sheet said.Further, in a statement, Aryan Khan admitted to his chat conversation with actress Ananya Pandey regarding weed procurement and said those messages were sent through the i-message feature of the iphone, the charge-sheet claimed.Accordingly, a voluntary statement Pandey was recorded. When she was shown the drug chats held in 2019, she acknowledged the chats by putting her signatures and said the chats related to weed were made "in jest and it was a joke in an attempt to be funny," the charge-sheet said."She told that all the chats held with Aryan were an extension of the same joke as mentioned earlier. Ananya Pandey told that Aryan is lying and she is completely unaware why Aryan said something like this," the charge-sheet claimed.Based on the disclosure made by Aryan Khan, a follow-up action against Ananya Pandey was carried out on October 21 last year. Upon search of her house, no illicit contraband was found, however, some electronic gadgets were recovered and seized, the charge-sheet said.—PTI

Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan's son Aryan Khan, who has got a clean chit in last year's drugs-on-cruise case, had told the Narcotics Control Bureau that he started consuming 'ganja' during his graduation days in the US as he was having a sleeping disorder, as per a chargesheet filed by the agency.

Smoked ganja during study in US due to sleeping disorder: Aryan Khan to NCB

Colombo: Children who eat fruits and vegetables have less inattention, according to a recent study. The findings of the study were published in the journal, 'Nutritional Neuroscience'. As part of a larger study, researchers asked parents of 134 kids with ADHD symptoms to complete a detailed questionnaire about the typical foods the children ate, including portion sizes, over a 90-day period.Another questionnaire asked parents to rate symptoms of inattention a hallmark of ADHD in their kids, such as having trouble staying focused, not following instructions, difficulty remembering things, and difficulty regulating emotions.Results showed that kids who consumed more fruits and vegetables showed less severe symptoms of inattention, said Irene Hatsu, co-author of the study and associate professor of human nutrition at The Ohio State University. "Eating a healthy diet, including fruits and vegetables, maybe one way to reduce some of the symptoms of ADHD," Hatsu said.The data for this research was collected as part of the Micronutrients for ADHD in Youth (MADDY) Study, which examined the efficacy of a 36-ingredient vitamin and mineral supplement to treat symptoms of ADHD and poor emotional control in the 134 kids aged 6 to 12.The study that evaluated the effectiveness of the supplement showed that children who took the micronutrients were three times as likely to show significant improvement in their ADHD and emotional dysregulation symptoms than those who took a placebo. That study was published last year in the Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry.Another study involving the same children, published earlier this year in the journal Nutrients, showed that kids whose families had higher levels of food insecurity were more likely than others to show more severe symptoms of emotional dysregulation, such as chronic irritability, angry moods and outbursts of anger.The three studies all paint a similar picture, Hatsu said: A healthy diet that provides all the nutrients that children require can help reduce the symptoms of ADHD in children. "What clinicians usually do when kids with ADHD start having more severe symptoms is increase the dose of their treatment medication, if they are on one, or put them on medication," Hatsu said."Our studies suggest that it is worthwhile to check the children's access to food as well as the quality of their diet to see if it may be contributing to their symptom severity," he added.Children in the MADDY study, all of whom met the criteria for ADHD, were recruited from three sites: Columbus, Ohio; Portland, Oregon; and Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada. The study took place between 2018 and 2020. Participants were either not taking medication or stopped using it two weeks before the study began.The studies on fruit and vegetable intake and the role of food insecurity were based on data collected when the children were first enrolled in the study before they began taking the micronutrient supplement or placebo.Why may diet be so important in ADHD?Researchers believe that ADHD is related to low levels of some neurotransmitters in the brain -- and vitamins and minerals play a key role as cofactors in helping the body make those important neurochemicals and in overall brain function, Hatsu said.Food insecurity may play an additional role."Everyone tends to get irritated when they're hungry and kids with ADHD are no exception. If they're not getting enough food, it could make their symptoms worse," she said. Also, the stress of parents who are upset about not being able to provide enough food for their children can create family tension that could lead to more symptoms for children with ADHD.The MADDY study is one of the first to look at the relationship between ADHD symptoms and diet quality among children in the United States and Canada, Hatsu said. That's important because Western diets are more likely than many others, such as the Mediterranean diet, to fall short on fruit and vegetable intake, she said."We believe clinicians should assess the food security status of children with ADHD before creating or changing a treatment program," Hatsu said. "Some symptoms might be more manageable by helping families become more food secure and able to provide a healthier diet."—ANI

Children who eat fruits and vegetables have less inattention, according to a recent study. The findings of the study were published in the journal, 'Nutritional Neuroscience'. As part of a larger study, researchers asked parents of 134 kids with ADHD symptoms to complete a detailed questionnaire about the typical foods the children ate, including portion sizes, over a 90-day period.

Fruits and vegetables play important role in ADHD symptoms in kids

Shimla (The Hawk): The Office of International Affairs (OIA) at Shoolini University organised a two-day long first International Education Fair.Representatives from the ten best international universities joined the fair and conducted counseling sessions for around 1000+ students. In the education fair, students learned about the possibilities of international study.The education fair was inaugurated by Chancellor Shoolini University Prof PK Khosla. He said we work hard to provide a bright chance for our students to study abroad on students exchange programme. Prof. Khosla further added that we want our students to have international exposure in both industry and research.Dr. Rozy Dhanta assistant Director International Office at Shoolini University organised the event in collaboration with International Development Program (IDP) for education. She said that Shoolini University students will get more opportunities for two plus two, dual degree, higher education, and twining program.&nbsp;Dr. Rozy further added that in the coming future will work to get more such high-ranked international Universities on the campus to benefit Shoolini students.Dr RP Dwivedi Director International Affairs Office at Shoolini University introduced the delegates to Shoolini University students and staff and also explained the research and university ranking.Delegates from ten different universities were from Flinders University, Australia, Mr. Tapan Srivastava,Griffith International, Australia&nbsp;Ms. Tanu Srivastava University of New Castle, Australia&nbsp;Ms. Maria Husain,&nbsp;Le Trobe University, Australia, Ms. Veronica Vimal,&nbsp;University of Canada West, Canada&nbsp;Mr. Sawrabh Windlas,University of Guelph, Canada, Mr. Abhimanyu Sharma,&nbsp;University of Essex, UK Kshitij Bhatia,&nbsp;and from Study group, UK Ms. Ruchi Sapra.All the guests were obliged with the hospitality of Shoolini University and was amased to see such enthusiasm among students for grabbing international opportunitiesFlinders University, Australian representative and&nbsp;Mr. Tapan Srivastava was excited and ready for more such events. The University of New Castle, Australia representative Ms. Maria Husain wanted to take this opportunity and start with 2+2, and dual degree education programs for the students. A cultural event was also organised by Shoolini students to honor these delegates and they all enjoyed the event.

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) at Shoolini University organised a two-day long first International Education Fair. Representatives from the ten best international universities joined the fair and conducted counseling sessions for around 1000+ students. In the education fair, students learned about the possibilities of international study.

International Education Fair organised at Shoolini University Shimla

The Office of International Affairs (OIA) at Shoolini University organised a two-day long first International Education Fair.
Representatives from the ten best international universities joined the fair and conducted counseling sessions for around 1000+ students. In the education fair, students learned about the possibilities of international study.


Lucknow: Students of class 8 had faced maximum difficulties in arranging digital devices for online classes during the pandemic, a survey report by the National Achievement Survey (NAS, 2021) on hardships faced by students has revealed.As many as 84 per cent students in class 8 had trouble keeping up with online classes as they had no access to digital device at home, while 97 per cent experienced anxiety and fear during the pandemic.The survey was conducted among 4.23 lakh students in more than 62,000 teachers and 15,000 schools in UP.Post Covid-19, NAS is the first and biggest achievement survey of its kind, and the findings reflect the impact of the pandemic on learning among students.The report says that class 10 students faced the least trouble in arranging for the same in Uttar Pradesh.On the other hand, while 47 per cent and 48 per cent classes 3 and 5 students had trouble arranging digital devices, 46 per cent and 48 per cent classes 3 and 5 students experienced anxiety.The report showed that 46 per cent class 10 students were having no access to digital devices, and 45 per cent of them had experienced fear, worry and anxiety.Nearly 59 per cent students from primary section - classes 3 and 5 - learned singing, painting, cooking, engaged in indoor games, and spent joyful time with family as against 52 per cent of students from higher classes who were engaged in extra-curricular activities during the pandemic."The trend is not limited to UP. Big states like Maharashtra, too, showed a similar pattern. The report shows performance of students worsening across all types of schools, including those run centrally. This needs an immediate examination," said an official.—IANS

Students of class 8 had faced maximum difficulties in arranging digital devices for online classes during the pandemic, a survey report by the National Achievement Survey (NAS, 2021) on hardships faced by students has revealed.

Class 8 students faced max difficulties in remote learning: Study

Washington: According to a new study by Northwestern University, Ketamine acts as a speedster of antidepressants, working within hours compared to common antidepressants that can take several weeks. The Northwestern Medicine study has identified for the first time exactly how ketamine works so quickly, and how it might be adapted for use as a drug without the side effects. The study in mice shows ketamine works as a rapid antidepressant by increasing the activity of the very small number of newborn neurons, which are part of an ongoing neurogenesis in the brain.New neurons are always being made at a slow rate. It's been known that increasing the number of neurons leads to behavioral changes. Other antidepressants work by increasing the rate of neurogenesis, in other words, increasing the number of neurons. But this takes weeks to happen. By contrast, ketamine produces behavioral changes simply by increasing the activity of the existing new neurons. This can happen immediately when the cells are activated by ketamine. "We narrowed down the population of cells to a small window that is involved," said lead study author Dr. John Kessler, a professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and the Ken and Ruth Davee Professor of Stem Cell Biology. "That's important because when you give ketamine to patients now, it affects multiple regions of the brain and causes a lot of adverse side effects. But since we now know exactly which cells we want to target, we can design drugs to focus only on those cells."The side effects of ketamine include blurred or double vision, nausea, vomiting, insomnia, drowsiness and addiction. The study was published recently in Nature Communications. "The goal is to develop an antidepressant that doesn't take three to four weeks to work because people don't do well during that period of time," Kessler said. "If you are badly depressed and start taking your drug and nothing is happening, that is depressing in itself. To have something that works right away would make a huge difference." "We prove neurogenesis is responsible for the behavioral effects of ketamine," Kessler said. "The reason is these newborn neurons form synapses (connections) that activate the other cells in the hippocampus. This small population of cells acts like a match, starting a fire that ignites a bunch of activity in a lot of other cells that produce the behavioral effects." "However, it has not been understood that the same behavioral changes can be accomplished by increasing the activity of the new neurons without increasing the rate at which they are born," Kessler said. "This obviously is a much more rapid effect."For the study, Northwestern scientists created a mouse in which only the very small population of newborn neurons had a receptor that allowed these cells to be silenced or activated by a drug that did not affect any other cells in the brain. Scientists showed if they silenced the activity of these cells, ketamine didn't work anymore. But if they used the drug to activate this population of cells, the results mirrored those of ketamine. This showed conclusively that it is the activity of these cells that is responsible for the effects of ketamine, Kessler said.—ANI

According to a new study by Northwestern University, Ketamine acts as a speedster of antidepressants, working within hours compared to common antidepressants that can take several weeks.

Ketamine acts as a speedster of antidepressants: Study

New York: Are you allergic to certain foods? You may be at 50 per cent lower risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, finds a study.US researchers at National Jewish Health and Vanderbilt University speculated the reason to be a different type of inflammation, caused by type 2 cytokines and common among food allergic individuals. Previous studies showed allergic type 2 inflammation can reduce airway levels of the SARS-CoV-2 receptor gene, ACE2. This led researchers to speculate that food allergic patients may have lower ACE2 receptor levels, reducing the ability of the virus to infect cells in these individuals. "Our findings that diseases characterised by different types of inflammation are associated with infection risk, suggest underlying inflammation is an important determinant of susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection," said Max A. Seibold, the lead National Jewish&nbsp;<a href="https://www.business-standard.com/topic/health" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(37, 145, 220);">Health</a>&nbsp;investigator.In contrast, obesity and high body mass index are risk factors for infection, whereas those with asthma are not at increased infection risk, revealed the study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.Besides being an established risk factor for poor Covid illness outcomes, the study found obesity and high BMI are also risk factors for infection. Study authors speculated that the systemic inflammation that often accompanies obesity may underlie the increased risk experienced by this group.The findings also provide strong evidence that people with asthma, a risk group for poor outcomes from other viral respiratory infections, are not at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.For the study, the team surveyed nearly 1,400 households for SARS-CoV-2 infections.The team also found that children aged 12 years or younger are just as likely to become infected with the virus as teenagers and adults.However, they found that 75 per cent of infected children were asymptomatic, whereas only 59 per cent of infected teenagers and 38 per cent of infected adults were asymptomatic.Although children were considerably more likely to be asymptomatic, they exhibited viral loads comparable to those of teenagers and adults."Given children are usually asymptomatic with infection, yet harbour high viral loads and require close caregiver contact, we speculate children may play an important role in household transmission events," Seibold explained.—IANS

Are you allergic to certain foods? You may be at 50 per cent lower risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, finds a study."Our findings that diseases characterised by different types of inflammation are associated with infection risk, suggest underlying inflammation is an important determinant of susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection," said Max A. Seibold, the lead National Jewish Health investigator.  In contrast, obesity and high body mass index are risk factors for infection, whereas those with asthma are not at increased infection risk, revealed the study published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology.  Besides being an established risk factor for poor Covid illness outcomes, the study found obesity and high BMI are also risk factors for infection. Study authors speculated that the systemic inflammation that often accompanies obesity may underlie the increased risk experienced by this group.  The findings also provide strong evidence that people with asthma, a risk group for poor outcomes from other viral respiratory infections, are not at increased risk for SARS-CoV-2 infection.  For the study, the team surveyed nearly 1,400 households for SARS-CoV-2 infections.  The team also found that children aged 12 years or younger are just as likely to become infected with the virus as teenagers and adults.  However, they found that 75 per cent of infected children were asymptomatic, whereas only 59 per cent of infected teenagers and 38 per cent of infected adults were asymptomatic.  Although children were considerably more likely to be asymptomatic, they exhibited viral loads comparable to those of teenagers and adults.  "Given children are usually asymptomatic with infection, yet harbour high viral loads and require close caregiver contact, we speculate children may play an important role in household transmission events," Seibold explained.

Food allergy may cut down the risk of Covid infection by 50%: Study

Are you allergic to certain foods? You may be at 50 per cent lower risk for infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19, finds a study.

Hyderabad: The Arabian Sea, to an extent, acts as a memory bank of the summer monsoon, with the seasonal cycle of the Upper Ocean and air-sea interaction playing a major role, a study by University of Hyderabad (UoH) surmises.
The findings from this study have significant implications for not only understanding the upper ocean's dynamics and thermodynamics in the Arabian Sea but also the summer monsoon and its predictability.
The study published in scientific reports, hypothesises that the signal of the Indian summer monsoon winds over the Arabian Sea Findlater Jet (FJ) is trapped in the Arabian Sea for almost till the next March.
The Indian Summer Monsoon (ISM), also known as the southwest monsoon, is a well-known ocean-atmospheric phenomenon characterised by organised south-westerly winds and enhanced rainfall from June to September. The cross equatorial south-westerly winds from the East African coast towards India develop by the end of May, intensify into a low-level jet during July, and collapse by the end of September. This low-level atmospheric jet in the Arabian Sea is known as Findlater Jet (FJ), an UoH release stated Friday.
The axis of the FJ is represented by the region of maximum wind speed at the height of 850 millibars (about 1.5 km) and extends from the Horn of Africa to the coast of Gujarat in India. The strength of the FJ is known to affect the ISM rainfall over the Indian subcontinent.
In general, strong FJs are associated with more active spells (more rainfall days) of ISM rainfall, while weak FJs are associated with breaks (fewer rainfall days). It is known that the FJ influences the upper ocean.
The cyclonic wind stress north of the axis of the FJ induces open-ocean upwelling, while the anticyclone wind stress south of the axis leads to open-ocean downwelling, through Ekman dynamics.
This results in the modulation of mixed layer depth and upper ocean heat content on either side of the axis of the FJ.
The present study shows that all these results in a deep thermocline in the central AS region during the ISM, which traps a high magnitude of heat.
In winter monsoon months, with the change in the wind direction, the wind stress curl is positive over large parts of the Arabian Sea.
Interestingly, it was found that the thermocline does not shoal and reduce the upper ocean heat content in the central AS, as expected. This is attributed to two reasons. Firstly, winds are weaker and spread over a larger area over the Arabian Sea, making the magnitude of the wind stress curl low.
Secondly, the wind stress in the eastern AS triggers what are known as westward propagating downwelling Rossby waves, which deepen the thermocline and prevent the trapped heat from coming up again.
During the following spring, the collapse of the Rossby waves leads to the shoaling and mixing of underlying waters with surface waters, thereby resurfacing of the trapped heat. The resurfacing of the trapped heat makes the AS sort of a memory bank of the FJ-induced signal generated during the previous summer. This memorised signal in the AS may also pre-condition the local sea surface temperature to influence the next monsoon in a certain way.
The study was led by Vikas Kushwaha, a PhD student at the Centre for Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences at the University of Hyderabad, in collaboration with his PhD supervisor Prof. Karumuri Ashok, Dr. Feba Francis, a Research Associate, and Prof. Prasanna Kumar, who was a former Chair Professor at the Centre. The researchers also acknowledge suggestions from Prof. Satish Shetye, another former Chair Professor of the Centre at the initial stages.&nbsp;
—IANS

The Arabian Sea, to an extent, acts as a memory bank of the summer monsoon, with the seasonal cycle of the Upper Ocean and air-sea interaction playing a major role, a study by University of Hyderabad (UoH) surmises.

 UoH study finds Arabian Sea acts as memory bank for Indian Summer Monsoon circulation

New Delhi (The Hawk): According to the most recent student advisory from the Indian Embassy in Beijing, students who entered the clinical medicine programme in China after November 2021 and did not successfully complete the requirements to practise medicine there will no longer be eligible to sit for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination administered by the National Medical Commission of India.
According to a press release from the Indian Embassy on Monday, "The Embassy has informed the Chinese authorities concerned and medical colleges with a request that they should make sure that all Indian students coming to China for clinical medicine programmes are educated, trained, and facilitated, so that they can fulfil the requirements of NMC."
Questions about eligibility
The Embassy said that inquiries from prospective Indian students as well as their parents about whether Indian students enrolled in clinical medicine programmes in China are eligible to take the qualifying exam are still coming in.
The pupils and their parents are urged to read the NMC's Gazette Notification from November 18, 2021, in this regard. Clause 4(b) of the law expressly states that foreign medical students must be "registered with the respective professional regulatory body or otherwise, competent to grant licence to practise medicine in their respective jurisdiction of the country in which the medical degree is awarded and at par with the licence to practise medicine given to citizen of that country," as well as "competent to grant licence to practise medicine in accordance with the provisions of this clause."
The Indian Embassy has also received inquiries regarding the possibility of Indian students working in Chinese hospitals in a role such as "assistant doctor" after completing their medical study there but before obtaining a medical practitioner licence there. This would enable them to support themselves and pay off their student loans.
Confirmation
The Embassy has formally contacted the appropriate Chinese authorities to inquire about the availability of such a choice. When the Embassy receives information from the Chinese side, it will post it to its social media accounts, it stated.
Before accepting such admission, prospective students and their parents are recommended to personally confirm all of the admissions requirements with the appropriate Chinese universities.
(Inputs from Agencies)

According to the most recent student advisory from the Indian Embassy in Beijing, students who entered the clinical medicine programme in China after November 2021 and did not successfully complete the requirements to practise medicine there will no longer be eligible to sit for the Foreign Medical Graduate Examination administered by the National Medical Commission of India.

Indian medical students studying in China are advised by the Indian Embassy

London: Covid-19 is associated with an increased risk of developing long-term gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, according to a global study conducted in 14 countries including India.
Irritable bowel syndrome tends to be chronic, characterised by a number of intestinal disorders affecting the colon, including altered bowel motility, bloating, and abdominal cramping.
The research, published in the journal Gut, showed that among people with new diagnoses of irritable bowel syndrome also emerged more frequently.
It was also found to be associated with the coexistence of allergies, breathing difficulties during hospitalisation for Covid-19, and chronic intake of proton pump inhibitors (gastroprotectant drugs that block acid production in the stomach).
"We know that the SARS-CoV-2 virus can also infect the gastrointestinal tract, and this confirms the possibility that Covid-19 can lead to the development of irritable bowel syndrome," explains Giovanni Marasco, a researcher at the Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences at the University of Bologna in Italy. The study involved 2,183 patients hospitalised in 36 facilities in 14 countries: Italy, Bangladesh, Cyprus, Egypt, Israel, India, Macedonia, Malaysia, Romania, Russian Federation, Serbia, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey.
Patients who had contracted Covid-19 were evaluated upon admission to the hospital and then followed up for the next 12 months, comparing their condition with that of patients not infected with the coronavirus.
The analysis showed that patients hospitalised for Covid more frequently reported the presence of gastrointestinal symptoms (59.3 per cent) than the control group (39.7 per cent).
In addition, the researchers found that at 6 months and 12 months after hospitalisation, higher levels of anxiety and depression were reported among those who had Covid-19.
Further, the researchers found traces of the coronavirus in the small intestine even six months after infection.
"This leads us to believe that the prolonged state of inflammation and activation of the immune system may lead to the development of the gastrointestinal symptoms that were observed," Marasco said.
While it is well known that viral infections can affect the gastrointestinal system and specifically promote the development of the condition, it was unclear whether coronavirus infection could also lead to these consequences.
In a another recent study, published in the journal Nature Communications, people with Covid-19 were found to be at an increased risk of developing gastrointestinal (GI) disorders such as liver problems, acute pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, acid reflux, and ulcers, within a year after infection compared with people who haven't been infected. "Given the vast spread of Covid-19 globally, we should therefore expect an increase in diagnoses related to gut-brain interaction disorders," explains Giovanni Barbara, professor at the varsity's Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences.&nbsp;
—IANS

Covid-19 is associated with an increased risk of developing long-term gastrointestinal disorders, including irritable bowel syndrome, according to a global study conducted in 14 countries including India.

Covid Linked To IBS: Study

The demand for international education is increasing rapidly in India. According to the data submitted to the parliament, more than 7 lakh students went abroad for their overseas education in 2022, a steep increase of 68% from the previous year. With the ease of border restrictions, lucrative post-study work rights, better employment, and career growth, many Indian students are opting to study abroad for a better future.

However, as more students from diverse backgrounds pursue their international education, it has become increasingly important to address the issue of culture shock. While students are busy preparing for various formalities such as admissions, finances, documentation, accommodation, and visa requirements, the experience of culture shock is often overlooked.

<h2>What is culture shock?</h2>
Culture shock can be described as the disorienting feeling that arises when an individual finds themselves in an unfamiliar culture or environment. This feeling is common among international students and can have a significant impact on their academic and personal experiences abroad. However, acknowledging and managing culture shock is crucial to adapting successfully to a new setting. In fact, culture shock can even help you adapt to a new environment. Therefore, it is important to be aware of this phenomenon and to prepare yourself for the potential challenges of studying abroad.

<h2>Factors Contributing to Culture Shock</h2>

<h3>Lifestyle Differences</h3>
Moving to a new country can mean a complete change in lifestyle, and this newfound independence can be overwhelming. Adjusting to a new routine and taking responsibility for everyday tasks like cooking, laundry, and grocery shopping can be daunting tasks.

<h3>Academic Differences</h3>
Each country has a different education system, which may include unique teaching methodologies, grading patterns, project work, deadlines, and scholarship opportunities. It takes time to understand and adapt to these differences.

<h3>Societal Rules</h3>
Every society has unspoken rules that govern daily interactions, and these can differ significantly from what you are used to. For instance, in Canada, it is common to say ‘thank you’ or ‘sorry’ frequently, while in Australia, strangers may call you 'mate'.

<h3>Homesickness</h3>
Missing home and the food you are used to is a natural part of studying abroad. However, finding local shops or restaurants that offer familiar cuisine, learning to cook, and staying connected with loved ones back home can help alleviate this feeling.

<h3>Language Barrier</h3>
Even if one is proficient in the language spoken in their study destination, interacting with locals and learning new slang can be a daunting experience. It takes time to get used to the nuances of daily language.

<h3>Weather Conditions</h3>
Adapting to new weather conditions can be challenging, particularly in extreme climates. However, it is important to remember that life goes on despite the weather, and you should adapt to it.

How is it recognised?
Cultural shock can be seen in the way of anxiety, depression, loneliness, homesickness, disturbed sleep patterns, isolation, decrease in productivity, poor time management and drastic personality changes among others. However, with time and proper efforts, one can successfully overcome it. Each student has their own unique way of coping with culture shock, and it is essential to give yourself time to adjust. Adapting to a new culture can be challenging, but there are many effective ways to overcome culture shock.

<h4>Here are some tips to overcome:</h4>

<h5>Acceptance</h5>
Recognise that feeling culturally shocked is normal for international students, and give yourself time to adjust to the new environment.

<h5>Stay connected</h5>
Stay in touch with family and friends who can offer support and motivation as you navigate the challenges of your new surroundings.

<h5>Attend cultural events</h5>
Participate in cultural and social events on and off campus to learn more about the culture and meet new people. Volunteering can also be a great way to gain valuable experience and build your network.

<h5>Find work</h5>
If possible, find part-time work to help you stay busy and earn some extra money. It can also be a valuable experience for future job applications.

<h5>Be social</h5>
Make an effort to socialise and build connections with others. This can help you explore your new city and gain a better understanding of the challenges others are facing.

<h5>Pursue your hobbies</h5>
Continue to pursue your hobbies and interests, and consider joining hobby clubs on campus or even starting your own.

<h5>Seek help if needed</h5>
Do not be afraid to seek professional help if you are struggling to cope. Many universities have resources and trained professionals to support students facing difficulties.

Culture shock is a common experience for international students, and it can be overcome with patience and gradual acceptance. It is part of studying abroad and one needs to use this as an opportunity to learn and grow from it.
—<span style="color: rgb(53,53,53);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: medium;font-family: ui-sans-serif, system-ui, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji;">Vijay Garg / The Hawk

Better employment, and career growth, many Indian students are opting to study abroad for a better future

A guide for students studying abroad

Vijay Garg<span style="color: rgb(53,53,53);background-color: rgb(255,255,255);font-size: 14px;font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI", Roboto, "Helvetica Neue", Arial, "Noto Sans", sans-serif, "Apple Color Emoji", "Segoe UI Emoji", "Segoe UI Symbol", "Noto Color Emoji;">*&nbsp;
Mass Communication is the study of spreading information to a large audience through a number of communication channels.’ In this way Mass communication refers to the activity where we are communicating with large number of people or group of communities. We should have a particular aim, message or information and this message may be any social awareness or just any breaking news. On the other hand Journalism is all about reporting the facts of daily changes and activities around us.
Aspects of Journalism:
Journalism is mainly known as print journalism (news papers, magazines) and electronic media (news channels, radio news programs) but now its roles is expanding continuously. Social media applications, Digital media (websites of news channels and news papers) and many more aspects of journalism are getting popular and becoming good source of income. In the same sequence the scope of media aspirants is increasing day by day. The electronic devices mainly, mobile phones are equipped with many features helpful in this revolution. These scientific inventions proved themselves as the new weapons for media persons.
Big media house and changing strategies:
In India media has become esteemed profession. Electronic Media houses have TRP (Television Rating Point) fight and News papers are still contesting for country wise circulation. The competition for TRP or circulation is increasing in cities and states. To win the battle, the strategies have changed and the local news coverage has become more and more local media person are required in all the states. Some local news papers like, Dainik Bhaskar, Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala, now days have gotten more share in News paper market. Likewise, Hindustan and Navbharat times started local area pages inside their paper and got more readers. Indian Readership survey says local news creates curiosity among readers.
News channels touching new trends:
The on-air news programs are always looking for more views and more TRP (Television Rating Point). The production team is always looking for new content, fresh ideas and latest trends. Young but talented new generation of new media persons filled the gap and finding new roles in all the news channels. The old patterns are getting out dated and new trends are catching more eyes. Hence, fact checking programs, social media programs and new patterns of reporting, live anchoring has found time for TV screen. Even today different types of news programs are watched and liked by a large number of audience.
The growing sector – ‘Digital media’
All the major industries are facing stagnation problems in the market. But Media industry is continuously finding new ways of revenue generating. Some news roles are appreciated and getting better revenue. Digital media is one of the new media but getting very popular these days. In simple words Digital media is the website presenting news programs or news reports. Almost all the running news channels and news papers / magazine have created their websites to showcase their news/programs. They have also created a specialised team of Editors, creators, directors etc. for this new area. Journalism and Mass Communication students can easily get opportunity in the digital sector of many news channels!
Big Media names having big bite in the market capture:
Comparatively it’s easy for big media players to run any news website. News papers like Times of India, Hindustan Times, Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala, Hindsutan, Navbharat Times are running their news websites since long way back and are enjoying the benefits of it. News channels like Aaj Tak, Zee News, India TV, Times Now, NDTV, ABP News are also having major cut in this industry. The field of ‘Digital Media’ is endless and news media aspirants can create their own space. Almost daily new names are creating their market with some unique content. Started the news website as well as Youtube Channel. Later it was taken over by the Times Group but the brand has continued the same style of reporting.
The news website now needs more eyes on their content. At this point some journalists cheat on this ground and create fake content. Some political parties also create fake contents to defame their opponents. Even social media accounts are created to spread fake content with malefic intention only! A flood of wrong information on the internet has surfaced in the last 5 years. But, some media person recognised their duty as well as saw an opportunity and started fact checking sites. Sooner it became another opportunity sea and lots of facts checkers started their websites with the same target audience in the market.&nbsp;
Why choose Journalism and Mass Communication?
The field of Journalism and Mass Communication is blessed with unlimited opportunities. Its course is very close to the characteristics of personality development. Journalism and mass communication is commonly misunderstood as just the studies of Journalism and media industry but, that is just the one dimension of Mass Communication and in reality it is much more than that. To help you understand why choose the course of Journalism and Mass Communication, few helpful points are mentioned below:-
Social Media:
Social media has introduced drastic changes in the media world. Now anyone having a good camera mobile can create his own content and explore himself on the world of YouTube and similar platforms. Most of Journalism and Mass Communication students have created their profile on several platforms and getting attention from the world of social media. Although there are lots of you tubers in the industry but the students are trained and equipped with skills for better content writing, shooting, anchoring and video editing. Hence many videos go viral and even graduate students are creating their names in the industry. Due to this you can also create your name and earn good money just after completing a simple bachelor’s degree course in Journalism and Mass Communication!
&nbsp;New scope of career has been introduced and students are finding their scope in all the dimension of their career. If you are looking for a bright career with a powerful position, then look no further and take admission in the School of Media Film and Television Studies&nbsp;
*Vijay Garg Retired Principal Educational Columnist Malout Punjab

Mass Communication is the study of spreading information to a large audience through a number of communication channels.’ In this way Mass communication refers to the activity

The Future In Journalism 

The harmful effects of the fashion that has started of handing over mobiles like rattles to children to amuse them are now coming to the fore. An international study has only confirmed these apprehensions. It has been said in the report that many types of mental disorders are emerging when children are given smartphones at an early age. The findings of this global survey were made public on last Monday. mobile phones in survey findings And the side effects of using Tab are mentioned. The sad thing is also that excessive use of mobile phones at a young age has seen an influx of fatal thoughts like suicide in such children as adults.&nbsp;
A tendency to deviate from their reality and aggressive behavior towards others has been seen in them. This survey was done by a non-profit organization of America on about 28 thousand adults of the world. Four thousand youths from India were also included in the survey conducted in about forty countries. involving mental health Effects were analyzed. Regarding the facts based on the findings of the survey, scientists say that giving mobile phones to children at a young age is likely to increase their adverse effects on mental health as adults.&nbsp;
The survey revealed that 74 per cent of adult females who started using a smartphone at the age of six faced serious mental health challenges, including depression. In the same sequence, among adults who started using smart phones after ten years,These side effects were seen in 61 percent of girls and 52 percent of girls who started using before the age of fifteen. On the other hand, the percentage of girls who used smartphones at the age of 18 faced such a challenge was 46 percent. More or less similar among youths, 42 percent of those who started using smartphones at the age of six experienced mental side effects. At the same time, the percentage of those who started using smartphones from the age of 18 was 36 percent. In this way, the relation of mobile use at an early age is directly related to mental health.A was found to be an increasing problem. That is, the use of phones at a young age has increased mental problems.&nbsp;
Suicidal thoughts, aggression towards others, detachment from the reality of life and self-centredness apart from society have been seen in such people. And according to data released last year, the percentage of smartphone use among ten to fourteen year olds in Indian households was 83 percent, which was seven percentage points higher than the global average of usage. Well this study It is yet to be explained why early use of phones is causing mental problems and behavioral aggression in young children and what are the possible solutions. Statistics are telling that children stay online for five to eight hours daily. No doubt children previously used this time to spend with family and friends. Obviously the process of socialization in children has been disrupted. Due to which there is a decline in their ability to adjust to social challenges and They start giving up on small challenges. Due to which there is aggression in their behavior and their mental health is disrupted. Due to this thoughts like suicide start affecting them. Undoubtedly, this is a serious challenge. Government and society should think seriously in this direction. Children need to be encouraged to participate in sports. Yoga and meditation can work as medicine in this problem. Which will help in making them mentally strong.

The harmful effects of the fashion that has started of handing over mobiles like rattles to children to amuse

Mental disorders are increasing in children due to mobile

Vijay Garg 
A zoologist is an expert in the systematic and scientific study of the structure and functions, form and distribution of animal life. These professionals basically concentrate on the study of animal’s structure, behaviour, origin, life processes, conditions and diseases.
Zoologist as a career has attained greater importance in the past few years, owing to the awareness among the human being about the need and importance of the animal kingdom in the life of humans. Thus career as a zoologist is a great choice for those aspirants who have a genuine interest in all kind of wildlife as well as domestic animals.
One should be able to work effectively, independently or as part of a team. Good communication, self-discipline, patience, and good physical stamina are some other qualities, one should have to be on the path of becoming a zoologist. They should also be able to think quickly in an emergency or dangerous situations. No doubt some basic qualities and proper qualification can produce an excellent zoologist from an aspirant.
Zoologist Eligibility
The minimum educational qualification for becoming eligible to become a Zoologist course is the 12th class with Physics, Chemistry and Biology.
Zoologist Required Skills
Zoologists possess an interest in animals and the environment; an aptitude for science, particularly biology and chemistry; the ability to carry out detailed work accurately and methodically.
They also have the ability to plan research, analyse and interpret data, and write reports; practical skills and problem-solving skills.
They must have patience, perseverance and the ability to concentrate for long periods; the ability to work as part of a multi-disciplinary team; strong communication.
They should also be able to develop and test new drugs; improving agricultural crops and livestock; disease and pest control; conserving endangered habitats and species; animal welfare and education.
How to become a Zoologist?
The aspiring candidates have to follow the following steps to become a Zoologist.
Step 1
Interested candidate with at least 60% marks (in some universities of repute) in 10+2 with science as the stream has to apply for the admission in undergraduate courses in Zoology offered by nearly all the science university throughout the country. Selection to the graduate courses like B.Sc. with Specialization in Zoology is based on merit i.e. the marks secured in the final exams of 10+2 and through entrance tests in some of the reputed universities.
Step 2
After completion of the graduation admission to the Postgraduate, M.Sc. (Zoology) courses are based on the performance of the candidates in the graduation.
Step 3
Equipped with a Masters degree, the aspiring candidates can look for some jobs in the various concerned departments of the state and Centre Governments.
Zoologist Job Description
Zoologists study how the animals live and thrive in their natural, artificial and laboratory surroundings.
They study the way animals interact with each other, how they react to change in their habitat, and how they can adapt to new surroundings and survive.
Zoologists are also responsible to gather and investigate biological information to determine the effect on the environment, caused by the current and future use of land and water resources.
Zoologists usually work in zoos as directors, curators or zookeepers. Directors are responsible for fundraising and public relations; curators oversee the functioning of the zoo and the acquisition of animals, and zookeepers are responsible for the daily hands-on care of the animals. Increasingly, some zoologists are working in areas of conservation, breeding and the protection and preservation of species. Mammalogists study Mammals, Ornithologists study Birds, Ichthyologists study Fish, and Herpetologists study Reptiles.
Zoologist Salary
Zoologist salary depends largely upon their academic qualification, institute or university from which the degree is attained and the level of work experience they have achieved. To start with, the fresh Graduates from some of the prestigious universities can get anything between Rs.4,50,000 to Rs.5,00,000 as an annual salary.
—The Hawk Features

A zoologist is an expert in the systematic and scientific study of the structure and functions, form and distribution of animal life. 

How To Become A Zoologist

New Delhi: Aditya-L1 spacecraft which was lifted successfully to study the Sun made its first earth-bound manoeuvre on Sunday. ISRO in its latest update said the satellite is “healthy and operating nominally” and the next manoeuvre is scheduled for Tuesday 0300 hrs IST.
Shifting the focus to its next space odyssey after successfully placing a lander on the moon's uncharted South Pole region, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched from Sriharikota on Saturday the country's maiden solar mission -- Aditya-L1. It carried seven different payloads to have a detailed study of the sun, four of which will observe the light from the sun and the other three will measure in-situ parameters of the plasma and magnetic fields. Aditya-L1 will be placed in a halo orbit around Lagrangian Point 1 (or L1), which is 1.5 million km away from the Earth in the direction of the sun. It is expected to cover the distance in four months' time. Aditya-L1 will stay approximately 1.5 million km away from Earth, directed towards the Sun, which is about 1 per cent of the Earth-Sun distance. The Sun is a giant sphere of gas and Aditya-L1 would study the outer atmosphere of the Sun. ISRO said Aditya-L1 will neither land on the sun nor approach the sun any closer. This strategic location will enable Aditya-L1 to continuously observe the sun without being hindered by eclipses or occultation, allowing scientists to study solar activities and their impact on space weather in real-time. Also, the spacecraft's data will help identify the sequence of processes that lead to solar eruptive events and contribute to a deeper understanding of space weather drivers. Major objectives of India’s solar mission include the study of the physics of solar corona and its heating mechanism, the solar wind acceleration, coupling and dynamics of the solar atmosphere, solar wind distribution and temperature anisotropy, and origin of Coronal Mass Ejections (CME) and flares and near-earth space weather. On August 23, India took a giant leap as the Chandrayaan-3 lander module successfully landed on the moon’s South Pole, making it the first country to have achieved the historic feat and bringing to an end the disappointment over the crash landing of the Chandrayaan-2, four years ago. Overall, India became the fourth country – after the US, China, and Russia – to have successfully landed on the moon’s surface. After having landed, the Vikram lander and the Pragyan rover performed different set tasks on the lunar surface, including finding the presence of sulphur and recording relative temperature. Upon landing, the lander and the rover were to operate for one lunar day. One day on the Moon is equal to 14 days on Earth. On Saturday, ISRO said the Pragyan rover completed its assignments and is now safely parked and set into “sleep” mode. “Currently, the battery is fully charged. The solar panel is oriented to receive the light at the next sunrise expected on September 22, 2023. The receiver is kept on. Hoping for a successful awakening for another set of assignments! Else, it will forever stay there as India's lunar ambassador,” ISRO said.
—ANI

Aditya-L1 spacecraft which was lifted successfully to study the Sun made its first earth-bound manoeuvre on Sunday. ISRO in its latest update said the satellite is “healthy and operating nominally” and the next manoeuvre is scheduled for Tuesday 0300 hrs IST.

Aditya-L1 sun mission: First earth-bound manoeuvre successful, satellite healthy

Aditya-L1 spacecraft which was lifted successfully to study the Sun made its first earth-bound manoeuvre on Sunday.
ISRO in its latest update said the satellite is “healthy and operating nominally” and the next manoeuvre is scheduled for Tuesday 0300 hrs IST.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear the writ petition filed by the president and three editors of the Editors Guild of India (EGI) challenging the FIR lodged by Manipur Police for releasing an alleged "biased and factually inaccurate" report on Manipur ethnic conflict.
The FIR was registered against the president of the EGI, and three editors -- Seema Guha, Bharat Bhushan and Sanjay Kapoor.
The four had visited Manipur last month to study the media reportage of the ethnic violence and the circumstantial aspects.&nbsp;
—IANS

The Supreme Court on Wednesday agreed to hear the writ petition filed by the president and three editors of the Editors Guild of India

SC agrees to hear plea filed by 4 Editors Guild of India members against Manipur Police FIR

Washington: According to a new study, women who live further away from a medical facility and those who identify as multiracial are more likely to use telemedicine to obtain abortion-pills"&gt;abortion pills rather than visiting a clinic. The findings were published in JAMA Network Open. “One of the main takeaways,” said lead author Anna Fiastro, a family medicine research scientist at UW Medicine, “is that the further patients are from a brick-and-mortar clinic, the more likely they are to use telehealth to access medication abortion.” Fiastro is part of the division of family planning in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. According to Fiastro, the telemedicine option may also assist patients in reducing time away from family and work, as well as travel expenditures. The medical records of individuals who visited the Cedar River Clinic system in Tacoma and Seattle between April 2020 and January 2022 were examined by the researchers. This clinic network was one of the first in the United States to provide telemedicine abortion services. The study's 1,241 patients (average age 30 years) received an in-clinic appointment, whereas 383 planned a telehealth visit and received their drugs either by mail or in person at a clinic location. Women who were classified as multiracial or "other" race were 4.5 times more likely than white women to use the clinic's telemedicine services. The researchers discovered that black women were more likely to seek care in a clinic. Women who were younger, non-English speakers, and had at least one health concern were also more likely to be seen in person at a clinic. The study found three groups of patients who were more likely to acquire abortion-pills"&gt;abortion pills at a clinic: those in their early to mid-20s, those who had language problems (defining their primary language as a language other than English), and those who self-identified as Black or African American. Only 46 of the 232 study participants who self-identified as Black had telehealth appointments, while more than 80 per cent received in-clinic visits. Given prior abuses and racial injustices reported across healthcare, Black women's usage of telehealth for abortion treatment may correlate with established scepticism of the medical system, according to Fiastro. There is also an increasing number of Sub-Saharan African immigrants in Seattle who identify as Black. According to the paper's principal author, Dr Emily Godfrey, professor of family medicine and obstetrics and gynaecology, this population may see in-clinic services as more private, especially if abortion is severely stigmatised in their community.  Younger patients' reluctance to use telehealth may reflect that the community is "wary of telehealth's legitimacy and whether getting care this way really works," Godfrey stated. In order to increase the use of telehealth among patients who do not speak English as their first language, the researchers concluded that more has to be done to ensure access to technology and interpreters. According to Godfrey and Fiastro, research like this one is critical in communicating the value of telemedicine access to abortion-pills"&gt;abortion pills, especially when seeking to serve patients in rural and underserved settings. “Washington’s model could be a template for providing abortion-medicines"&gt;abortion medicines equitably in other states,” said Fiastro. —ANI

According to a new study, women who live further away from a medical facility and those who identify as multiracial are more likely 

Distance From Clinic Affects Abortion Pill Access: Study

Milan (Italy): According to recent research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Milan, Italy, the colour of phlegm from people suffering from the lung condition bronchiectasis may indicate the degree of inflammation in their lungs and predict their future results. The study of nearly 20,000 patients from 31 countries is the first time that the colour of phlegm (also known as sputum) has been shown to provide clinically relevant information that reflects prognoses and, therefore, can aid decisions about treatment. Bronchiectasis is a long-term condition for which there is no cure. One or more of the tiny branching airways, known as bronchi, widen and this leads to a build-up of excess mucus that can make lungs more vulnerable to infection. Over time, this can lead to gradually worsening damage to the lungs. Causes can include having a lung infection such as pneumonia or whooping cough, cystic fibrosis, underlying problems with the body’s immune system that make the bronchi more vulnerable to infection, or aspergillosis – an allergy to a certain type of fungi that causes the bronchi to become inflamed if fungi spores are inhaled. Bronchiectasis is one of the three most common chronic inflammatory airway diseases (along with asthma and COPD); it is prevalent in between 67 to 566 per 100,000 inhabitants in Europe, North America, the UK and the USA, and it can affect people of any age, although symptoms do not normally develop until middle age. Dr Megan Crichton, a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Dundee, UK, who presented the research, said: “One of the main characteristics of bronchiectasis is a productive cough, with almost three quarters of bronchiectasis patients producing sputum daily. When patients develop chest infections, their sputum colour darkens, and this colour change is due to a protein called myeloperoxidase or MPO, which is released from the inflamed cells; hence sputum colour can be used as a biomarker for inflammation. “We know that the level of lung inflammation is important for long term health in bronchiectasis, so we wanted to know whether the sputum colour, when assessed when the patient is healthy with no chest infection, had any relationship to long-term outcomes such as lung function and frequency and severity of exacerbations.” Dr Critchton and her colleagues recorded the sputum colour in 13,484 out of 19,324 patients who regularly coughed up sputum and who were enrolled in the pan-European bronchiectasis registry, EMBARC. They followed the patients for up to five years to look at the number of exacerbations they had, their severity and how many people died. Sputum is classified into four levels: mucoid, which looks clear, frothy and grey-coloured; mucopurulent, which begins to show a creamy yellow colour; purulent, where the colour darkens into a dirtier yellow or green and the texture thickens; and severe purulent, which is the most severe and is a darker green turning into brown, sometimes including streaks of blood [see colour chart at note 3]. Forty percent of the sputum-producing patients (5541) had mucoid sputum, 40% (5380) had mucopurulent, 18% (2486) had purulent, and 1% (177) had severe purulent sputum. Dr Crichton said: “We found an increased risk of exacerbations, hospitalisations and death with more purulent sputum. For each 1-point increase in sputum purulence, there was a 12% increased risk of death.” She continued: “As this is a large study conducted across multiple countries and with five years of follow-up data, it provides the evidence that sputum colour reflects prognosis. Sputum samples can be easily collected from most patients, and the colour has shown to be a useful indicator, thereby making sputum a readily available and easy-to-interpret clinical biomarker for disease progression. We believe that implementation of this biomarker into clinical practice will improve treatment and monitoring of bronchiectasis patients. “Sputum sampling is non-invasive for patients, and they are actively encouraged to cough up sputum whenever possible to improve their lung function. Knowing that by looking at their sputum colour as a means of self-monitoring and self-management can empower patients and gives them some control over their condition, which we know is important for improving patient quality of life.” The researchers are investigating introducing the sputum colour chart into clinical practice and the best way of helping patients to use it to monitor their own disease severity. They will be reporting these further findings in order make patients, clinicians and researchers aware of them. Professor Carlos Robalo Cordeiro is President of the European Respiratory Society, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Coimbra and Head of the Pneumology Department at Coimbra University Hospital, Portugal, and was not involved with the research. He said: “The findings from this study offer doctors and patients an easy, non-invasive way of monitoring their symptoms. If this is rolled out into clinical practice, it could make a real difference to managing this disease, and allow clinicians to intervene at an earlier stage if it becomes clear from the change in sputum colour that patients’ symptoms are worsening.” —ANI

According to recent research presented at the European Respiratory Society International Congress in Milan, Italy

Color Of Phlegm May Predict Outcomes For Patients With Lung Disease, Bronchiectasis: Research

Washington: Many cities in the United States and Canada burnt their rubbish and waste in municipal incinerators during much of the last century. The majority of these facilities were decommissioned by the early 1970s due to worries about the pollution they added to the air, but a new Duke University study reveals that their contamination may still be present in urban soils. “We found that city parks and playgrounds built on the site of a former waste incinerator can still have greatly elevated levels of lead in their surface soils many decades after the incinerator was closed,” said Daniel D. Richter, professor of soils at Duke’s Nicholas School of the Environment, who co-led the research. Exposure to lead in soil has been linked to potential long-term health problems, particularly in Lead exposure in soil has been related to long-term health concerns, particularly in children. These include probable brain and nervous system injury, decreased growth and development, and learning and behavioural issues. Richter and his students collected and analysed surface soil samples from three city parks in Durham, North Carolina, that are located on old incinerator sites that were closed in the early 1940s. Lead levels in samples collected from a two-acre stretch of East Durham Park exceeded 2000 parts per million, more than five times the current US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) threshold for safe soils in children's play areas. Samples collected from Walltown Park mostly contained low lead levels, “but about 10 per cent were concerning and a few were very high,” Richter noted. Samples collected from East End Park all contained levels of soil lead below the current EPA threshold for children’s safety “and presented no cause for concern,” he said. The sharp differences in lead levels between the three parks underscore the need for increased monitoring, he stressed. “Determining where contamination risks persist, and why contamination is decreasing at different rates in different locations, is essential for identifying hotspots and mitigating risks,” Richter said. “Many cities should mobilize resources to do widespread sampling and monitoring, and create soil maps and, more specifically, soil lead maps.” “That’s where we really need to go,” Richter said. “Not just in Durham but in hundreds of other cities where parks, as well as churches, schools and homes, may have been built on former waste incinerator and ash disposal sites.” The Duke team discovered that between the 1930s and 1950s, approximately half of all communities surveyed in the United States and Canada burned solid garbage. “These incinerators burned all kinds of garbage and trash, including paint, piping, food cans and other products that contained lead back then,” Richter said. The leftover ash, in which lead and other contaminants were concentrated, was sometimes covered with a too-thin layer of topsoil or even spread around parks, new construction sites or other urban spaces as a soil amendment. “Historical surveys indicate a lack of appreciation for the health and environmental hazards of city-waste incinerator ash. Back then, they didn’t know what we do now,” he said. New technology might make sampling and monitoring more viable at the thousands of potentially contaminated locations across the country, he suggested. His lab can now perform a preliminary assay on a soil sample for various metals, including lead, in under 20 seconds using a portable X-ray fluorescence device. Using historical records about garbage incineration and ash disposal could potentially help to locate hotspots faster. Richter and his students provide histories gleaned from archived public works records, old street maps, and newspaper clippings in six sample cities: Los Angeles, New York City, Baltimore, Spokane, Wash., Jacksonville, Fla., and Charleston, S.C. “This is something you could do for many cities to guide monitoring efforts,” Richter said. “There’s been a lot of interest in mitigating lead exposure in cities, but most until now has been focused on reducing risks within the home. Our study reminds us that risks exist in the outdoor environment, too,” he said. —ANI

Many cities in the United States and Canada burnt their rubbish and waste in municipal incinerators during much of the last century

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