Coating developed by JNCASR may prevent transmission of infection
Context :
Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), an autonomous institution under the Department of Science and Technology, has developed a one-step curable anti-microbial coating which, when coated on different surfaces such as textile, plastic and so on could kill a range of virus types including COVID 19.
Microbial coating :
- The covalent microbial coating has been found to completely kill the influenza virus and resistant pathogenic bacteria and fungi, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and fluconazole-resistant C. Albicans spp.
- Until now, there is no covalent coating strategy has been developed to. kill all viruses, bacteria, and fungi.
- The coating can be fabricated on a variety of surfaces, and its ease and robustness eliminate the necessity of skilled personnel for the procurement of the coating.
- Coronavirus, like influenza, is also an enveloped virus. Hence, it is anticipated that the coating may inactivate SARS-CoV-2 upon contact and can help prevent contamination if coated on various surfaces.
- The molecules developed have an ability to chemically cross-link with different surfaces upon UV irradiation. Upon the formation of the coating, it showed to permeabilize the membranes of pathogens leading to their inactivation.
- The microbial coating on the surfaces were evaluated for their antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activity successfully.
Centre defines J&K domicile rules
Context :
The two constitutional provisions that were withdrawn — Article 370 and Article 35A — let the legislature decide the “permanent residents”, prohibiting a non-J&K resident from buying property there and ensuring job reservation for its residents.
Highlights :
- MHA issued the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Adaptation of State Laws) Order, 2020, through which it amended 109 laws and repealed 29 laws of the erstwhile State and inserted the “domicile” clause in the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services Decentralisation and Recruitment Act, 2010.
- The domicile status applies to “children of such residents of J&K who reside outside J&K in connection with their employment or business or other professional or vocational reasons but their parents should fulfil any of the conditions provided.
- All posts that are up to the rank of junior assistant and below are open only to domiciles, the entire non-gazetted services has been reserved.
Changes in PSA :
The MHA order has also made amendments to the PSA, 1978. It changes the criteria for appointing the PSA advisory board on the recommendation of a search committee headed by the Chief Secretary instead of the Chief Justice of the J&K High Court. It also bars sitting High Court judges to be made part of the board without the Chief justice’s consultation. The board has a crucial role to play in release of detenus. The order scraps a clause that dealt with the power to regulate place and conditions of detention.
Fundraising for Covid-19
Context :
The Government has hiked Ways and Means Advance (WMA) limit with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) by 60%.
- WMA limit is proposed to be revised to Rs 1.20 lakh crore and would be reviewed on a need basis (from Rs 75,000 crore last year).
- This is to compensate for the cash flow mismatch in Financial Year (FY) 21 expected from higher spending to combat the spread of COVID-19.
Key Points :
- The government has announced a Rs 1.7 lakh crore package (Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana) to provide income support, free food and other facilities to the poor to help them during the 21-day national lockdown.
- The fundraising resources are not only from the market, but also from institutions such as the RBI.
- The Budget 2020-21 has pegged the Centre’s net market borrowing, including government securities, treasury bills and post office life insurance fund at Rs 5.36 lakh crore.
- Out of gross borrowings of Rs 7.8 lakh crore in FY21, the Centre has proposed to borrow Rs 4.88 lakh crore, or 62.56%, in the first half of the fiscal, as against 62.25% done in the previous fiscal.
- In FY21, the Centre also plans to issue the Debt Exchange Traded Fund comprising government securities to widen the base of investors.
- This will enable retail investors, who otherwise find it difficult to buy government bonds directly, take an exposure in this risk free instrument.
World Autism Awareness Day
Context :
World Autism Awareness Day is observed on 2 April. The day aims to recognize and celebrate the rights of persons with autism. The day makes people understand, recognize, and accept people with autism. This year the day is commemorated by the Department of Community Development, Abu Dhabi, the UAE.
Theme :
The theme of the 2020 World Autism Awareness Day is “The transition of adulthood.”
History :
The United Nations held the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD) in 2006. It came into effect in 2008. It aimed to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal rights of all human rights and fundamental freedoms by all persons with disabilities. It assured the fundamental principles of universal human rights for all. In 2008, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) passed the resolution and designated 2 April as the day of World Autism Awareness Day.
Note :
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition and developmental disorder that leads to the impairment of communication and social interaction skills in an individual.