Author Archives: Arun Kumar N

About Arun Kumar N

Arun has been associated with India International Times since 2018 and he has been a key reporter in covering science and space related stories. He can be reached at arunKnn@indiainternationaltimes.com.

How Pelli Choopulu TV show contestants cheer Pradeep Manchiraju with gifts and words

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Suma-hosted “Pelli Choopulu” TV show on Maa TV kicked off on Sunday with well-known anchor Pradeep Machiraju receiving 14 participants who are in the show to become his real life partner.

The participants included Divya from Machalipattanam and currently working in Vijayawada. She told Pradeep that his unique style of talking is impressive. Next contestant Neha Ajmal is a software engineer working in Malaysia. She tasked him to find how to say “I love you” in Malayan language. Next one is Ramya Krishna from Vijayawada, who said she admired him for his sense of humour and respect for women.

 

Shreya, the fourth contestant is from Hyderabad, whose family is into Khadhi handlooms. Sahiti is the fifth contestant who came with a box of cards mentioning 101 reasons why she loves Pradeep Manchiraju. She is followed by Yashmi Kanakala, an MBA student who wished to return from the show changing her name to Yashmi Machiraju.

Rithu Shekhar, the next contestant, asked Pradeep to look into her eyes for five seconds, which he duly did. Then she declared her “love at first sight.” Being a student of journalism, she just concluded that he is very “impressive.”

It was the eighth contestant Deena, a Malayali girl from Dubai, who stole the show and triggered rancour among other contestants. She said she had fought with her parents and left her job with a logistics company to come to the show.

Monika from Kadapa presented him his childhood photo and said it was a unique nature that he should not give up. She made him PM or Pradeep Machiraju, but quickly added that it would be Pradeep and Monika, going forward.

Pradeep faced a shock of the entire show when not a contestant but her mother entered first and introduced herself as Latha and announced that her daughter Dayana is visiting him soon. She declared that she is handing her over to him. Dayana from Anantapur entered sooner than expected and presented him a lamp as the gift, since his name has deep in it. He then lighted the lamp duly.

 

Chandrakala, the 11th contestant is from Bangalore, who is working as academic councilor. Then came Divya, a non-Telugu but she had apparently learnt Telugu to speak to him. Hailing from Nagpur, she has been staying in Hyderabad for over seven years. She gifted him a painting of Krishna, done by herself.

Shabina, the next contestant expressed her admiration for him and gifted him a miniature of glassy Taj Mahal showcasing her love for him. Manushri is the last contestant, who gifted him goggles.

GST collection in Sept 2018 cross Rs.94k Cr

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The total gross GST revenue collected in the month of September, 2018 is Rs. 94,442 crore of which CGST is Rs. 15,318 crore, SGST is Rs. 21,061 crore, IGST is Rs. 50,070 crore (including Rs. 25,308 crore collected on imports) and Cess is Rs. 7,993 crore (including Rs. 769 crore collected on imports). The total number of GSTR 3B Returns filed for the month of August up to 30th September, 2018 is 67 lakh.

The total revenue earned by Central Government and the State Governments after settlement in the month of September, 2018 is Rs. 30,574 crore for CGST and Rs. 35,015 crore for the SGST.

The revenues collected in September, 2018 of Rs. 94,442 crore shows an upward trend as compared to August, 2018 collection of Rs. 93,690 crore. The chart shows trends in revenue during the current year.

 

 

LLP incorporation goes online in India

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Without making round to government offices, one can start business by incorporating a company through an on-line process as the Central Registry Centre (CRC) for on-line incorporation of the company had come into existence since january 2016. It allows now two on-line forms that were introduced for the purpose, are Simplified Proforma for Incorporating Company Electronically (SPICe) and Reserve Unique Name (RUN).

Today, as part of online process for company incorporation, PAN and TAN are issued on near real time basis by integrating online process with the department of Income Tax. Through process re-engineering, DIN is also allotted to the individuals at the time of their appointment as Director in the Company. Every week, 2,700 number of companies are incorporated through online company incorporation system.

Ministry of Corporate Affairs has thus contributed significantly towards ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in the country as today, a company can be incorporated in less than two days along with allotment of PAN, TAN, DIN and Unique Name through the online process. Our endeavors is that very soon, this entire process doesn’t take more than one day.

On Monday, October 1, 2018, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs launched another process re-engineering by making incorporation of Limited Liability Partnership (LLP) through a complete online system. From today onwards through a web service titled “RUN-LLP (Reserve Unique Name – Limited Liability Partnership)”. Name can also be allotted to LLP through an e-form titled “FiLiP (Form for incorporation of Limited Liability Partnership).

The Limited Liability Partnership Rules have been amended on 18th September 2018 which would come into effect from 02nd October 2018. The said amendment rules contain changes as detailed below:

(i) Introduction of a Web Service titled ‘RUN-LLP (Reserve Unique Name – Limited Liability Partnership)’ replacing the erstwhile Form 1 (Application for reservation or change of name).

(ii) Introduction of a new integrated Form christened FiLLiP (Form for incorporation of Limited Liability Partnership) replacing the erstwhile Form 2 (Incorporation document and subscriber’s statement) combining therein 3 services —

a) Name reservation.

b) Allotment of Designated Partner Identification Number (DPIN/DIN).

c) Incorporation of the LLP.

Putin to pay 2-day visit to India from Oct 4, focus on defence pacts likely

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Russian President Vladimir Putin will pay an official visit to New Delhi from October 4 to 5, 2018, for the 19th India-Russia Annual Bilateral Summit. During the visit, President Putin will hold official talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

He will also have a meeting with the President of India, and attend other official engagements. The last Annual Summit between Russia and India was held on June 1, 2017 during the visit of Prime Minister Modi to Russia.

Meanwhile, Indian Chief of the Army Staff Bipin Rawat is visiting Russia from 1 to 6 October 2018 leading a delegation that is scheduled to meet senior military officials of Russian Armed Forces and also visit key military formations and establishments.

Representational Photo – The Chief of Army Staff, General Bipin Rawat visiting the Army Aviation Pavilion, during the Aero India 2017, at Air Force Station, Yelahanka, in Bengaluru on February 14, 2017.(PIB)

General Rawat will be visiting Mikhailovskaya Artillery Academy, Headquarters of Western Military District at St Petersburg and General Staff Academy and Headquarters of a Motorised Rifle Division at Moscow.

The visit is yet another milestone in giving impetus to the strategic partnership between India and Russia and taking forward the military to military cooperation to the next level.

Vikram Misri appointed as Indian Ambassador to China

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Vikram Misri, India’s new ambassador to China

IFS diplomat Vikram Misri of 1989 batch, who is currently Ambassador of India to Myanmar has been appointed as the next Ambassador of lndia to the People’s Republic of China.

A statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Thursday, Sept. 28, 2018 that he will take up the assignment shortly, without giving further details.

Misri will take over the charge from Gautam Bambawale, who retires this year. Misri has previously served as Ambassador to Spain, Private Secretary to former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh and as Private Secretary to PM Narendra Modi from May 2014 to July 2014.

He had also served at various Indian Missions in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. Misri studied in Srinagar and is fluent in English, Kashmiri and French.

‘Pelli Choopulu’ Telugu TV show kicks off; Pradeep Manchiraju selects Dubai girl

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As the successful Bigg Boss Telugu 2 show has come to end, Maa TV has kicked off another equally vibrant show ‘Pelli choopulu’ bringing the concept of brides meeting the prospective and highly sought-after groom Pradeep Manchiraju.

Now 32, Pradeep is considered one of the most eligible bachelors in TV field who has been constantly haunted with the question “When are you getting married?”. Here is his show to satisfy his well-wishers.

The young TV host-turned-actor with the boy-next-door image Pradeep was born in Amalapuram, Andhra Pradesh and grew up in Hyderabad. He has completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering (EEE). He started his career as Radio Jockey at Radio Mirchi and has become a popular TV host on many shows.

Fondly known as Depu, he has appeared on 13 TV shows, including Dhee 10. He has also acted in movies like Julayi, Attarintiki Daredi and Ramayya Vasthavayya.

The opening episode saw 12 contestants entering the Pellichoopulu setting and meeting Pradeep. Finally, he has selected Deena from Dubai and he has attributed his decision to instant tears he saw in her at the first moment. However, other contestants clearly differed with his decision deriding his choice.

HAL parody website takes on defence minister’s remarks

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India’s state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore was caught in between its own minister and its proxy defender, a fake website, amidst the ongoing brouhaha over the capabilities of the Bangalore-HQ defence establishment.

When Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman publicly humiliated the defence organisation HAL for not having capabilities to manufacture 126 Rafale combat aircraft, all the defence establishments run by the ministry were stunned. Never did a defence minister bring them into the public glare for failure in the past.

Soon, an unofficial HAL twitter account began to stream in defence of HAL and interestingly, it summed up all that HAL can do as of today. Here’s the tweet:

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited ✈ ?Unofficial ?✈
@HAL_India
"Those who are saying that HAL is not capable of producing Rafale jets should know what we at HAL have produced
✈ MiG-21
✈ MiG-27
✈ Jaguar
✈ Hawk
✈ Sukhoi-30
✈ Dornier 228

V hv also produced
? Light combat helicopter
? Light utility helicopter
? Chetak
? Dhruv
? Rudra"

Posted on September 18 at 10:45 pm, the tweet has gone viral on social media though many viewers initially thought that it was HAL’s reply. Some Twitter users have retweeted it saying that HAL has ‘given a befitting reply to Nirmala Sitharaman’. Soon, the unofficial feature was highlighted by some netizens and hence the clarification that followed:

HAL
@HALHQBLR
It has come to our notice that Twitter handle @HAL_India impersonates our this official handle @HALHQBLR. A formal complaint has already been lodged with Twitter. All are requested to take a note of this. @DefProdnIndia @drajaykumar_ias @DefenceMinIndia @SpokespersonMoD

Ironic but it was already widely shared on Twitter and Facebook. The official page of the Mumbai Youth Congress shared it on Facebook while the page FekuExpress shared it with 530,000 followers. Another Drunk Journalist page shared it with 145,000 followers. In view of the claims and counter-claims, the unofficial website added "Parody" next to its name to ward off controversy.

While the fake websites are mushrooming, fake social media accounts have been there for long but this time with a purpose. Instead of silencing them, the government should give room to these state-run entities enough freedom to run their own affairs and not interfere or micro-manage them. When official mode fails, unofficial version takes place.

4th BIMSTEC Summit Declaration in Kathmandu vows for Bay of Bengal unity

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The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra and the Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri K.P. Sharma Oli witnessing the exchange of MoU between India and Nepal, in Kathmandu, Nepal on August 31, 2018.(PIB)

India’s PM, Bangladesh PM, the Chief Advisor of Bhutan, President of Myanmar, PM of Nepal, President Sri Lanka, and the Prime Minister of Thailand, met in Kathmandu on 30-31 August 2018 for the Fourth BIMSTEC Summit and reaffirmed their commitment to the principles and purposes of BIMSTEC as enshrined in the 1997 Bangkok Declaration.

Recalling the Third BIMSTEC Summit Declaration (Nay Pyi Taw, 4 March 2014) and the BIMSTEC Leaders’ Retreat Outcome Document (Goa, 16 October 2016), they sought to make the Bay of Bengal Region peaceful, prosperous and sustainable by building on our common strengths through our collective efforts;

Recognizing that eradication of poverty is the greatest regional challenge in realization of development objectives and expressing firm commitment to working together for the implementation of the Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development;Acknowledging that enhanced inter-linkages and inter-dependence within the economies and societies in the BIMSTEC Member States provide greater opportunity to advance regional cooperation;

Underlining the importance of multidimensional connectivity, which promotes synergy among connectivity frameworks in our region, as a key enabler to economic integration for shared prosperity;

Taking into consideration the importance of trade and investment as one of the major contributing factors for fostering economic and social development in the region.

Recognizing the special needs and circumstances of the least developed and land-locked developing countries in the region and underlining the necessity to provide meaningful support to their development process;

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra and the Prime Minister of Nepal, Shri K.P. Sharma Oli at the inauguration of the Pashupati Nath Dharamshala at Tilganga, in Kathmandu, Nepal on August 31, 2018.(PIB)

Recognizing that terrorism and transnational organized crimes continue to pose a great threat to international peace and security including in the BIMSTEC countries and stressing that combating terrorism and transnational organized crimes require sustained efforts and cooperation and comprehensive approach involving active participation and collaboration of the Member States;

Reaffirming strong commitment to making BIMSTEC a dynamic, effective and result-oriented regional organization for promoting a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Bengal Region through meaningful cooperation and deeper integration;

Taking Note of the participation and concurrence by the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government of Bhutan to the Summit decisions and its outcome documents on an ad referendum basis, as these are subject to endorsement by the next elected government;

The vowed to:

  1. Recall the principles enshrined in the 1997 Bangkok Declaration and reemphasize that cooperation within BIMSTEC will be based on respect for the principles of sovereign equality, territorial integrity, political independence, non-interference in internal affairs, peaceful co-existence and mutual benefit.
  2. Agree to intensify our efforts to realize the objectives and purposes of BIMSTEC as embodied in the 1997 Bangkok Declaration, and reiterate our pledge to work collectively towards making BIMSTEC a stronger, more effective and result-oriented organization for achieving a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable Bay of Bengal Region.
  3. Resolve to achieve, leveraging on BIMSTEC’s unique position as a bridge linking South and Southeast Asia, an enhanced level of economic and social development in the region, and remain fully committed to consolidate and deepen cooperation among Member States towards transforming our organization into an effective platform to promote peace, prosperity and sustainability.
  4. Deplore terrorist attacks in all parts of the world including in BIMSTEC countries and strongly condemn terrorism in all its forms and manifestations wherever and by whomsoever committed and stress that there can be no justification whatsoever for any act of terrorism. Affirm that the fight against terrorism should target not only terrorists, terror organizations and networks but also identify and hold accountable States and non-State entities that encourage, support or finance terrorism, provide sanctuaries to terrorists and terror groups and falsely extol their virtues. Reiterate our strong commitment to combat terrorism and call upon all countries to devise a comprehensive approach in this regard which should include preventing financing of terrorists and terrorist actions from territories under their control, blocking recruitment and cross-border movement of terrorists, countering radicalization, countering misuse of internet for purposes of terrorism and dismantling terrorist safe havens.
  5. Repose our faith unequivocally in the principles and purposes of the Charter of the United Nations and strive to strengthen the multilateral system by reforming its rules, institutions and instruments to make it relevant to contemporary global challenges and agree to work together to present a collective voice to safeguard our collective interests for a fair, just, rule-based, equitable and transparent world order.INSTITUTIONAL REFORM
  6. Decide to task the BIMSTEC Secretariat to prepare a preliminary draft of the charter for the organization, building on the 1997 Bangkok Declaration, defining a long-term vision and priorities for cooperation, clearly delineating roles and responsibilities of different layers of institutional structure and decision-making processes, for consideration by the BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee (BPWC) and other higher bodies with a view to adopting it by the Fifth Summit; and agree to task the BPWC to develop the Rules of Procedure (RoP) for the BIMSTEC Mechanisms.
  7. Decide to establish a BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee to deal with administrative and financial matters of the Secretariat and the BIMSTEC Centers and Entities, as well as to prepare schedule of meetings, prioritize and rationalize the organization’s activities.
  8. Direct the relevant Ministries/national agencies of our respective governments to explore the possibility of establishing a BIMSTEC Development Fund (BDF), at an appropriate time, with voluntary contributions from the Member States, which will be utilized for research and planning of BIMSTEC and financing of projects, programmes and other activities of BIMSTEC Centers and Entities as agreed upon by the Member States.
  9. Agree to enhance the institutional capacity of the BIMSTEC Secretariat, including through financial and human resources, in order to enable it to coordinate, monitor and facilitate implementation of BIMSTEC activities and programmes; and initiate project proposals as agreed by the Member States as well as fulfil any other responsibility entrusted to it in an effective and efficient manner and agree to raise the numbers of Directors to seven, one from each Member State, in a staggered manner.
  10. Acknowledge the importance of enhancing the visibility and stature of BIMSTEC in international fora by, inter alia, forging common positions, as appropriate, on issues of common interest and seeking group recognition in various multilateral organizations, institutions and processes.
  11. Emphasize the need to accelerate progress in the core areas of cooperation and to review, restructure and rationalize the existing areas of BIMSTEC cooperation and streamline the operational modalities for activities, implementation of programmes and projects under BIMSTEC for bringing out tangible results. Welcome Thailand’s concept paper on the Reprioritization of BIMSTEC Pillars of Cooperation proposing to streamline to five pillars which will be subjected to further discussion in the BIMSTEC Permanent Working Committee.
  12. Agree to take up on priority basis the legal documents and instruments that are pending for internal approval process for finalization and ratification.
  13. Commend the role of Lead Countries for the progress made in the respective sectors, as annexed to this declaration, and encourage them to accelerate their efforts to make further progress.
  14. Express our appreciation for former Secretary-General Mr. Sumith Nakandala’s valuable contribution in advancing the work of BIMSTEC during his tenure and welcome the appointment of Mr. M. Shahidul Islam of Bangladesh as the Secretary General of BIMSTEC.
  15. Convey deep appreciation to Nepal for the able stewardship of BIMSTEC from March 2014 and welcome Sri Lanka as the new Chair of BIMSTEC.
  16. Reiterate the commitment to timely holding of Summit and other meetings of the BIMSTEC mechanisms to intensify the process of regional cooperation.
  17. Agree to make our directives, commitments and statements of our positions on sectoral review expressed at the Annexure as part of this Declaration.
  18. Express our sincere appreciation to the Government of Nepal for the warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements made for the Summit.

LIC to acquire controlling stake of IDBI Bank as Cabinet gives nod

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The Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved in reducing Government of India shareholding in IDBI Bank Limited to below 50% by dilution. It has also approved acquisition of controlling stake by Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) as promoter in the bank through preferential allotment / open offer of equity, and relinquishment of management control by the Government in the bank.

Impact:

The acquisition has wide-ranging synergy benefits for customers, LIC and the bank.

Benefits to the two entities emanate from economies of scale, reduction in the costs of distribution and customer acquisition, greater efficiency and flexibility in operations, and greater opportunity for cross-selling of products and services.

These would help financially strengthen both LIC and the bank, as well as their subsidiaries which offer financial products such as housing finance and mutual funds.

Further, the bank would get an opportunity to tap 11 lakh LIC agents for doorstep banking services, positioning it to improve customer services and deepen financial inclusion.

The bank would also be positioned to benefit in terms of lower cost of funds through acquisition of low-cost deposits, and fee income from payment services.
LIC would get bancassurance (i.e. selling of insurance products by bank) through the bank’s network of 1,916 branches, besides access to bank’s cash management services.

Further, LIC would gain in terms of furthering the realisation of its vision of becoming a financial conglomerate.

Customers too would benefit through wider offerings of financial services under one roof, and LIC being better positioned to expand life insurance coverage.

Background:

In 2016, the Finance Minister, in his Budget Speech announced that the process of transformation of IDBI Bank has started and that Government will take it forward and also consider the option of reducing its stake below 50%. Taking note of this announcement, with the approval of its Board, LIC sought permission of the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) for acquiring controlling stake in IDBI Bank.

After receipt of IRDAI’s permission and carrying out diligence, LIC expressed its interest in acquiring 51% controlling stake to IDBI Bank. The bank in turn, after consideration of this offer by its Board, sought Government’s decision in the context of Government’s stake coming down below 51% as a result of the proposed acquisition.

15th India-ASEAN Economic Ministers Meeting held in Singapore

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India’s Commerce & Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu attended the 6th East Asia Summit- Economic Ministers’ Meeting (EAS-EMM) and 15th India-ASEAN Economic Ministers’ Meeting (AEM) in Singapore on Saturday, Sept.1. Singapore is currently holding the Chair of ASEAN.

The 6th East-Asia Economic Ministers’  Meeting was chaired by Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore, and was attended by Economic Ministers from  10  ASEAN countries  and their eight  dialogue partners,  Australia, China, India, Japan, Republic of Korea, New Zealand, the Russian Federation and the United States of America.

The Ministers welcomed the higher global economic growth forecast for  2018  and took note of the increasing   importance of trade and investment relations among the EAS economies.  Acknowledging  the potential for disruptions in the macro-economy that could affect overall market sentiments and global growth, the EAS-EMM forum  expressed the hope that  the economic linkages among the EAS members will enable them to address these challenges.

The Ministers agreed to the importance of keeping markets open and fair as well as improving transparency and predictability of the business environment. The meeting recognized the importance of ongoing work to maximize the opportunities of, and address the challenges presented by, the digital economy and the rise of regional and global value chains, as part of their efforts to promote economic growth and integration in the region.

The 6th EAS–EMM was followed by the 15th ASEAN Economic Ministers – India Consultation. It was  co-chaired by Chan Chun Sing, Minister for Trade and Industry, Singapore, and Suresh Prabhu, Minister of Commerce and Industry, India.

The Joint Secretary, Department of Commerce, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Shri Rajneesh and the Deputy Chief Negotiator of Singapore, Mr. Francis Chong signed the Second Protocol amendment in the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CECA) between India and Singapore, in New Delhi on August 24, 2018.(PIB)

The meeting attended by Economic Ministers from 10 ASEAN countries took stock of the current level of trade and economic engagement between India and ASEAN and reaffirmed the  commitment to further strengthen ASEAN-India economic relations. ASEAN has emerged as the second largest trade partner of India in 2017-18 with bilateral trade valued at USD 81.33 billion, comprising 10.58% of India’s total trade with the world.

ASEAN Ministers also appreciated the outcomes of the ASEAN-India Business and Investment Meet and Expo held on 22–23 January 2018 in New Delhi, that was organised  soon after the 31st ASEAN-India Commemorative Summit and its role in  providing  a platform for both government and industry leaders to exchange views and provide ideas and solutions towards sustaining the momentum of trade and investment in the region.

It was also announced in the Singapore meeting that the next ASEAN-India Business Summit will be held  in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in November 2018 with the theme “Towards Building Strategic Partnership between ASEAN and India in the Era of the 4th IR and Digital Economy”  which  will be followed by the 4thIndia-ASEAN Dialogue Partner Expo and Summit scheduled for 21-23 February 2019, in New Delhi.

The ASEAN-India Business Council (AIBC) presented their recommendations  to the forum  to sustain the momentum of trade and investment in the region. Issues related to promoting connectivity, collaboration on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) development, blue economy, healthcare, and tourism as well as women and youth economic empowerment were discussed.  The Ministers emphasized on the importance of promoting private sector activities and strengthening business-to-business relations, including through the AIBC, to further broaden and deepen ASEAN-India economic linkages.

(PIB)

Polluted air may pose great threat to your kidneys, says study

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There is good evidence that polluted air increases the risk of respiratory problems such as asthma — as well as organ inflammation, worsening of diabetes and other life-threatening conditions. But new research suggests air pollution can also fuel something else: chronic kidney disease, or CKD, which occurs when a person’s kidneys become damaged or cannot filter blood properly.

Recently published in PLOS ONE, a University of Michigan study highlights the lesser-known connection.

“Similar to smoking, air pollution contains harmful toxins that can directly affect the kidneys,” says Jennifer Bragg-Gresham, M.S., Ph.D., a Michigan Medicine epidemiologist and the study’s lead author.

“Kidneys have a large volume of blood flowing through them, and if anything harms the circulatory system, the kidneys will be the first to sense those effects.”

People with diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure or heart disease are at increased risk of developing CKD. Which is why high-risk patients who live in heavily populated or polluted areas should recognize the danger and take precautions, Bragg-Gresham says.

Why air pollution is dangerous?

Air pollution contains fine particulate matter, or PM2.5, which is a cocktail of microscopic particles.

Because these particles are virtually weightless, they can stay in the air longer, causing humans to unavoidably inhale them on a regular basis without knowing it. PM2.5 can lead to serious health effects when inhaled often.

By reviewing Medicare claims data and air-quality data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the study’s authors found a positive association between CKD rates and PM2.5 concentration.

Says study co-author Rajiv Saran, M.D., a Michigan Medicine nephrologist and director of the United States Renal Data System Coordinating Center at U-M: “If you look at areas that are heavily polluted versus areas that are less polluted, you will find more chronic kidney disease.”

According to figures cited in the new research, chronic kidney disease afflicts more than 27 million Americans. People with CKD have an eightfold increased risk of cardiovascular mortality.

Unfortunately, PM2.5 is almost impossible to avoid.

We encounter air pollution from many simple everyday activities, such as cooking and driving. Other contributors are smoking, burning wood, packaged spray products, household appliances and, perhaps the most obvious, industry and vehicle emissions.

Air pollution also contains heavy metals such as lead, mercury and cadmium — all of which are known to negatively affect the kidneys.

Problems and preventive measures

The U-M research examined several prior studies on the issue, including an effort conducted in select coal-mining areas of Appalachia that found a 19 percent higher risk of CKD among men and a 13 percent higher risk in women compared with those who lived in counties with no mining.

The good news: PM2.5 levels are much lower in the U.S. than in other industrialized countries such as China and India.

“What this means for the countries with higher PM2.5 is significantly higher odds of CKD,” says Bragg-Gresham, also an assistant research scientist at U-M. “Our research was only able to examine a small range of PM2.5 values present in America but was able to find a significant association.”

However, it’s still important to take precautions when exposed to air pollution, especially for people who have existing health conditions or who live in densely populated or polluted cities.

“In heavily polluted areas, consider wearing masks that cover your nose and mouth, limit hours outside and limit long hours commuting to work in high traffic as well,” Saran says, adding that the risk should be taken seriously.

“Many people don’t see the seriousness of air pollution because it isn’t something visible, but that doesn’t mean it’s any less important for your health.”

Fish oil won’t help diabetics fight heart attack or strokes: Study

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Fish oil supplements do not prevent heart attacks or strokes in patients with diabetes, according to late breaking results from the ASCEND trial presented on Friday in a Hot Line Session at ESC Congress 2018.

In observational studies, higher consumption of fish is associated with lower risks of coronary artery disease and stroke. However, previous randomised trials have not been able to show that taking fish oil supplements containing omega-3 fatty acids reduce the risk of having cardiovascular events.

The ASCEND trial (A Study of Cardiovascular Events iN Diabetes)2 examined whether fish oil supplements reduce the risk of a cardiovascular event in patients with diabetes. Between 2005 and 2011, 15,480 patients with diabetes but no history of cardiovascular disease were randomly assigned to fish oil supplementation (1 g daily) or matching placebo.

The primary efficacy outcome was first serious vascular event, which included non-fatal heart attacks, non-fatal strokes or transient ischaemic attacks (sometimes called “mini-strokes”), or deaths from a cardiovascular cause (but excluding any intracranial haemorrhage; i.e. bleeding in the head or brain3).

During an average of 7.4 years of follow-up, a first serious vascular event occurred in 689 (8.9%) participants allocated fish oil supplements and 712 (9.2%) participants allocated placebo. There was no significant difference between the two groups: rate ratio of 0.97 (95% confidence interval 0.87-1.08, p=0.55).

Dr Louise Bowman, principal investigator, Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, UK, said: “Our large, long-term randomised trial shows that fish oil supplements do not reduce the risk of cardiovascular events in patients with diabetes. This is a disappointing finding, but it is in line with previous randomised trials in other types of patient at increased risk of cardiovascular events which also showed no benefit of fish oil supplements. There is no justification for recommending fish oil supplements to protect against cardiovascular events.”

The findings were published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

Never mix energy drinks with alcohol, warns study

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A key ingredient of energy drinks could be exacerbating some of the negative effects of binge drinking, said a new study sending a warning to many people who mix energy drinks with alcohol to counteract the sedative nature of alcohol, tricking users into feeling more awake and less drunk than they really are.

Researchers from the University of Portsmouth and the Federal University of Santa Maria in Brazil tested the effects of taurine, a key ingredient of many energy drinks, and alcohol on social and fear responses in zebrafish, and found that taurine seemed to increase the fear-reducing properties of alcohol, but also affected social communication.

Co-author of the study Dr Matt Parker, Senior Lecturer in Behavioural Pharmacology and Molecular Neuroscience at the University of Portsmouth, said: “The effects of mixing alcohol and energy drinks is yet to be established. This study is the first to show that the two together may be exacerbating some of the negative effects of binge drinking; that is reduction of fear and problems in social communication while intoxicated, which collectively increase the risk of fighting, violence and participation in risky behaviours.”

In the study, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, the researchers tested how taurine and alcohol (at volumes reflecting levels that would induce moderate human intoxication) affected the behaviour of 192 zebrafish. The fish were divided into shoals (with four fish per shoal) and were exposed to either just water, taurine and alcohol separately or taurine and alcohol for one hour. Their shoaling behaviours were then analysed at different time intervals at 0-5 minutes, 30-35 minutes and 55-60 minutes. The fish were also tested for their fear-like responses to a predator by dividing the tank into four areas, with the furthest area used to mimic a predator fish.

The fish that were exposed to both alcohol and taurine had fewer interactions with other fish in the shoal compared to those exposed to water alone or just alcohol. These fish also showed more ‘risky’ behaviour, spending more time in the predator zone than other groups.

Dr Parker said: “We found that the addition of taurine, an ingredient in many ‘energy’ drinks, appears to exacerbate risky choices in zebrafish, as well as reducing their social cohesion. Taken together, these data appear to suggest that mixing alcohol and taurine might be a factor in increasing some of the negative effects of alcohol. People should be aware that drinking energy drinks in combination with alcohol may impair their judgement, and should do so with caution.”

Schools, offices closed tomorrow on Vajpayee’s demise

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More than 12 states and the central government have announced a holiday tomorrow, Friday, August 17, 2018 following the death of former Prime Minister of India, Atal Behari Vajpayee. The states include Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, UP, MP, Bihar, Assam, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, among others.

Vajpayee breathed his last on Thursday at 5:05 pm, said an official statement and the government has announced a 7-day mourning whereby the national flags will be lowered half mast.

Delhi Government was among the many states to announce a holiday the next day, Friday, August 17 for all schools, colleges and government offices. Haryana, Punjab, UP, MP, Bihar, Assam, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand followed the same while Maharashtra, Gujarat, Rajasthan and other states are yet to announce the holiday officially.

Goa has later joined others and announced state holiday in Goa on Friday. Andhra Pradesh is yet to announce a holiday. Deputy Chief Minister of Delhi, Manish Sisodia, was the first to tweet a statewide holiday. However, all IT and private companies will work as usual.

Atal Behari Vajpayee was remembered for his famous speech at UN in Hindi for the first time in 1978 as foreign minister and then his bold move to hold the Pokhran Tests. His poems in Hindi are famous and he is seen a literary figure in the field.

Thrice Prime Minister of India in span of 10 years. Vajpayee was a respected leader among all the parties cutting acrosss the ideological divide.

PM Narendra Modi’s Independence Day Speech 2018 – Highlights

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India’s Prime Minster Narendra Modi today, August 15, 2018, addressed the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on the 72nd Independence Day. Following are the highlights from his speech:

  • Today, the country is full of self-confidence. The country is scaling new heights by working extremely hard with a resolve to scale new heights.
  • We have been celebrating this festival of independence, at a time when our daughters from states of Uttarakhand, Himachal, Manipur, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh have come back after circumnavigating the seven seas. They have come back amongst us by (unfurling tricolour in seven seas) turning the seven seas into the colour of our Tricolor.
  • Our young tribal children, those who live in our forests in the far-flung areas, they have enhanced the glory of the tri-colour by unfurling it on the Mount Everest.
  • Whether it is a Dalit or be it someone who has been persecuted or exploited or be it a deprived person or women, our Parliament has made the social justice even morestronger with all the sensitivity and alertness to protect their interests.
  • The demand to give constitutional status to the OBC commission had been raised for years. This time our Parliament has made an effort to protect the interests of backward classes, interests of the extremely backward classes by according the constitutional status to the OBC commission.
  • I want to reassure the people who have lost their loved ones and are facing a lot of distress due to floods that the country is with them and is making complete efforts for helping them out. My heartfelt condolences are with those who have lost their loved ones.
  • The next year will mark 100 years of the Jalliwanwallahbagh massacre. The masses had sacrificed their lives for the country’s freedom; and the exploitation had crossed all limits. The Jalliwanwallahbagh incident inspires us of the sacrifices made by those brave hearts. I salute all those brave hearts from the bottom of my heart.
  • India has become the sixth largest economy of the world.
  • Today I salute those brave freedom fighters from the core of my heart on behalf of my countrymen. Our soldiers, the para-military forces and the Police are laying down their lives and are in service of the people of the country day in and day out for maintaining the splendour and dignity of the National flag, the tricolour.
  • After independence, an highly inclusive constitution was drafted under the leadership of Baba SahebAmbedkar. It came with the resolve of making a new India.
  • India should be self-reliant, strong, always on the path of sustainable development.  There should not only be a credence for India, but we also want that India should be effective in the world, we make India like that.
  • When dreams, hard work and aspirations of 125 crores people come together, what can’t be achieved?
  • 125 crores Indian did not just stop at forming the government in 2014, instead, they continuously strived to make the country better. This is the strength of India.
  • If you take into consideration the work that has been done in the last four years, you will be surprised to see the speed at which the country is moving and the pace at which the progress is being made.
  • Had we worked at the speed of 2013 , it would have taken centuries in making India 100% open defecation free or electrifying every part or even providing the LPG gas connection to every woman in rural and urban areas. Had we worked with the speed of 2013, an entire generation would have taken to connect the country with optical fibre. We will go by such speed to achieve all these goals.
  • The country is experiencing change in the last four years. The country is progressing with new zeal, enthusiasm and courage.  Today the country is constructing twice the highways and four times more houses in the villages.
  • The country is producing record foodgrains and manufacturing record number of mobile phones. The sale of tractors has reached a new high.
  • After independence the country is buying largest numbers of airplanes.
  • The new IIMs, IITs and AIIMS are being established in the country.
  • The mission of Skill Development is being encouraged by establishing new centres in small places.
  • Start-up programmes have mushroomed in Tier II and Tier III cities.
  • Efforts are in progress to compile a ‘common sign’ dictionary for disable persons.
  • Modernisation and technology has entered into the field of agriculture.  Our farmers are using micro irrigation, drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation methods.
  • On the one hand, our soldiers help those who are at the brink of catastrophe with sympathy and empathy and on the other hand they are capable of attacking the enemies with surgical strikes.
  • We should always progress with new objectives.  When our goals are not clear, progress is not possible.  We will not be in a position to solve the various problems for years together.
  • We have decided with great courage to give attractive prices for the products of farmers.  The minimum support price for many crops has been increased to more than 1.5 times the input costs.
  • With the help of small traders, their openness and their aptitude to accept new things, the country has successfully implemented the GST.  It has brought a new confidence among the traders.
  • Benami Property Law has been implemented with great courage and intention for the good of the country.
  • There was a time when the world used to call India’s economy risky. However, today, the same people and institutions have been saying with a lot of confidence that our reform momentum has been strengthening our fundamentals.
  • There was a time when the world used to talk of Red Tape’.  However, today the issue of ‘Red Carpet’ is being discussed. We have reached 100th position in the ‘ease of doing business’ ranking. Today, the entire world is looking at our achievement with pride.
  • There was a time when for the world India meant – ‘policy paralysis’ and ‘delayed reforms’. However, today India is being discussed for – ‘reform, perform and transform’.
  • There was a time when the world counted India among the ‘fragile five’. However, today the world has been saying that India has become the destination for multi-trillion dollar investment.
  • It is being said about India’s economy that the ‘sleeping elephant’ has woken up and has started racing. The world economists and institutions have observed that for the next three decades India would contribute momentum to the global economic strength.
  • India’s stature has increased at the international forums, India has voiced its opinions strongly on such forums.
  • Earlier India was awaiting membership of various international organisations.  Now innumerable institutions have come forward to give membership to India.  India has become a hope for all the other countries as far as global warming is concerned.  International solar alliance is being welcomed throughout the world.
  • Today we see a magnificent impression of North East in the field of sports.
  • The last village in the North East has been electrified.
  • We are getting progressive news about highways, railways, airways, waterways and information ways (I-ways) from North East.
  • Our youths from the North East are establishing BPO in their areas.
  • The North East region has turned to be a hub of organic farming.  Sports university is being set up in North East.
  • There was a time when North East felt distant from Delhi but within last four years we have succeeded to get Delhi to the threshold of North East.
  •  In our country 65% of our population consists of 35 year old people.  Our youth has brought a paradigm shift in the nature of job.  Whether it is startup, BPO or e-commerce or the field of mobility, our youth has entered into new fields.  Now a days our youth is committed to take this country to new heights.
  • 13 crore people have availed MUDRA LOAN which is a great achievement.  Of this 4 crore are youth who have availed loan for the very first time and are self-employed and progressing independently. This in itself is an example of changing atmosphere.Our youth are managing common service centres in three lakh villages and they are linking every village and citizen with the world in seconds by utilizing information technology.
  • With the spirit of innovation our scientists, we are going to launch ‘NAVIC’ which will be very useful for the fishermen and others.
  • India has resolved to send manned spacecraft to the space by 2022.  India will be the fourth country to do this.
  • Now we are focussed on bringing modernisation and advancement in the field of agriculture.   We have dreamt of doubling farmer’s income by 75th year of Independence.
  • We want to expand the horizons of agriculture with the help of modernization.  We want to adopt value addition right from ‘seeds – to –market’.  For the first time we are progressing in the path of Agriculture Export Policy so as to enable our farmers to emerge powerful in the world market.
  • Now new avenues of organic farming, blue revolution, sweet revolution, solar farming have emerged on which we plan to move ahead.
  • In fisheries, India has emerged second largest country of the world.
  • The export of honey has doubled.
  • It is a matter of pleasure for the sugarcane farmers that the production of ethanol has tripled.
  • In rural economy, the other sectors are also important.  We want to increase the resources of rural area, with the creation of women self-help groups, mobilizing billions of rupees.  We want to enhance the efficiency of villages and we are making efforts in this direction.
  •  Now the sale of Khadi has doubled.
  • Our farmers are now focussing on solar farming.  Due to this he can contribute to agriculture and at the same time earn money by sale of solar energy.
  • Along with economic progress and development, we also want to focus on dignity of human life which is supreme.  Hence we are also planning to continue with those schemes which enable a common man to lead his life with pride, respect and dignity.
  • According to WHO report 3 lakh children have been saved because of Swachchta Campaign.
  • Taking inspiration from Gandhiji who had organized satayagrahis, we have succeed to mobilize ‘Swatchagrahis’.  On the occasion of 150th birth anniversary crores of “Swatchagrahis’ plan to pay tribute in deed and action to respected Bapuji in the form of Swatch Bharat.
  • In order to provide free health services to the poorest people, Government of India has launched Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojanaAbhiyan.  Now under this scheme any person can get relief from diseases by going to the good hospitals.
  • Under the scheme Ayushman Bharat 10 crore families are able to get health insurance benefits, it means nearly 50 crore citizens will be covered. Each family will get 5 lakh rupees health coverage annually.
  • We give utmost importance to technology and transparency.  Technology intervention will remove the hurdles for the common man in accessing various facilities. With this objective technology tools have been developed.
  • Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaAbhiyan will be launched on 25th September, 2018 as a result from now on, common man need not suffer from problems of dreaded diseases.
  • New avenues are emerging for middle class families and youth in the field of health.  New hospitals will be constructed in 2 tier and 3 tier cities.  Medical staff will be established in huge numbers.  Employment opportunities will be more in the years to come.
  • During the period of four years we tried to empower the poor.  One international organisation has reported that during the last two years, 5 crore poor people have crossed the poverty line.  There are several schemes for empowerment of poor.  But the middlemen are taking away the benefits and poorer people are unable to get the benefits.
  • Government is making efforts to close all the leakages.  We are on the path of removal of corruption and black-money.  Due to all these efforts we were able to mobilize 90000 crore money to the Government Exchequer.
  • The honest pay taxes.  With their contribution schemes are implemented.  The credit goes to taxpayer and not to the Government.
  • Upto 2013, for the past 70 years the direct tax payers were only 4 crore people.  Now the numbers has doubled and grown to 7.25 crores.
  • For the period of 70 years, indirect tax officials were able to mobilize 70 lakhs of revenue.  Whereas by implementation of GST, within a year we were able to mobilize 16 lakhs of revenue.
  • We can not tolerate black money and corruption.  Let there be many obstacles.  But I can’t leave them.  Now power brokers are not visible in the streets of Delhi.
  • In order to maintain transparency we have launched online process.  We have utilized Information Technology to the maximum level.
  • Through Short Service Commission, we will appoint women officers in the Armed Forces of India.  Transparency will be maintained in this process.  Women officials will be treated at par with male counterparts.
  • Rape is painful.  But the agony experienced by the victim is more painful.  This should be realized by the people of this country. Everybody should feel the trauma.
  • We have to liberate this country, and society from the clutches of this demonic attitude.  Law is doing it’s own business.  We have to make efforts to attack this attitude.  We have to attack this type of thinking.  We should remove these types of perversion.
  • Triple Talak has endangered the lives of Muslim women.  Those who did not get Talak (divorce) are also sailing in the same boat.   We made an effort to alleviate the grief of Muslim women by bringing an act in the Monsoon Session of Parliament.  But even today there are some people who do not want to pass the Bill.
  • Due to the efforts of security forces and endeavours made by State Governments, and also due to the implementation of Central and State Government developmental schemes and the people’s participation, Tripura and Meghalaya have been liberated from the Armed Forces Special Power Act.
  • The way shown to us by Atal Bihari Vajpayee in the matters of Jammu and Kashmir is the best way.  We would like to go in the same path.  We do not want the path of bullets and abuses.  We have to embrace the patriotic people of Kashmir, and proceed further.
  • In the months to come, rural people of Jammu and Kashmir will be able to enjoy their rights.  They will be able to take care of themselves.  Government of India gives enough money to Gram Panchayaths which will be useful for development.  We have to arrange for the elections to panchayats and local institutions.  We are progressing in this direction.
  • Every Indian dreams to have his own house, therefore we bring in “Housing for All.”. He wants to get his house electrified, therefore there is Electrification for all Villages. Every Indian wants to get rid of smoke in the kitchen. To achieve this there is cooking gas for all. Every Indian requires safe drinking water. Therefore our aim is to get water for all. Every Indian requires a toilet, hence our objective is to ensure sanitation for all. Every Indian requires skill development. Hence we have brought in skill development for all. Every Indian needs quality health service. So, our endeavour is health for all. Every Indian requires security for which he needs a health insurance coverage. To meet this need, we bring insurance for all. Every Indian requires internet facility. Therefore we are making efforts to get connectivity for all. We want to lead our country towards the path of development by following the mantra of connectivity.
  • We don’t want the path of confrontation. We do not want roadblocks. We don’t want to bow our head before anybody. The nation will never stop, never bow before anything,never get tired. We have to scale new heights. It is our aim to achieve enormous progress in the years to come.

 

Bala Venkatesh Varma appointed next ambassador to Russia

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D. Bala Venkatesh Varma, currently Indian ambassador to Spain has been appointed the next Ambassador of India to the Russian Federation. Mr Varma from the 1988 batch of IFS is expected to move to Moscow soon.

“He is expected to take up his assignment shortly,” said a press release of the External affairs Ministry. Mr. Varma earlier served in several capacities, including the assignments at the United Nations. He became Indian ambassador to Spain on January 19, 2017.

Active in academic and business meetings around Madrid, Mr. Varma held several meetings and interactions with the Spanish commercial and business officials throughout his stint in Madrid.

Among the areas he showed interest include sectors of potential collaboration such as infrastructure, renewable energy, tourism, digital banking, Smart cities, railways, food processing, machinery, water management, information technologies or the pharmaceutical sector, among others, and to strengthen the overall trade and business relations between India and Spain.

Other appointments:

In a reshuffle of ambassadors announced a day before the Independence Day, Mr Partha Satpathy from the 1990 batch who a Joint Secretary at the headquarters in Delhi has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to Ukraine.

Mr Rahul Chhabra (IFS:1987), presently Ambassador of India to Budapest has been appointed as the next High Commissioner of India to the Republic of Kenya, said a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs, India. He is expected to take the charge soon, said the statement.

India PM Narendra Modi unfurls Tricolour at Red Fort; Google joins with Doodle

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Today, Wednesday, 15 August 2018, India celebrates her 72nd Independence Day. As Prime Minister Narendra Modi unfurled the Tricolour at the Red Fort, Google and Youtube joined the celebration with livestreaming with many media outlets offering live updates.

Doordarshan, India’s National Broadcaster, started LIVE STREAM of the 72nd Independence Day Celebrations from the ramparts of the historic Red Fort – on its official channel on YouTube. www.youtube/DoordarshanNational from 6:25 am onward.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi paying floral tributes at the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, at Rajghat, on the occasion of 72nd Independence Day, in Delhi on August 15, 2018.(PIB)

The day began with Prime Minister Modi visiting the Rajghat, the memorial of Mahatma Gandhi where he offered floral tribute to the Father of the Nation. From there the PM convoy moved to the Red Fort after army salutations and other customary events.

In his fifth speech from the Red Fort, PM Modi pondered the achievements of the NDA government saying the development has fast-tracked in the last four years. “India is moving with a new zeal and therefore today India is constructing twice the highways and producing record crops and manufacturing record number of mobile phones”, Modi said.

On social issues, he vowed again to make India open-defecation-free, electrification, implementation of Goods and Service Tax and LPG connection in rural and urban areas.

He is likely to announce his health policy–National Health Protection Scheme or Aayushman Bharat, officially today.

Here are some visuals from the Red Fort:

 

KCET 2018 extends 3rd round counselling dates; Awaiting Comedk to finish?

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KCET 2018 3rd round counselling results will be announced on Friday August 10 when Comedk finishes its allotments.

The ongoing battle for engineering course aspirants is on high tide with Karnataka CET 2018 counselling rounds extending the last date for option entry while Comedk, collecting more than double the fee is fast filling the quota.

Ironic but the Karnataka government-backed engineering entrance test bodies have been paying little sympathy to the woes of students and parents who are hapless with the delaying tactics of the KCET and falling prey to Comedk diktats to pay fee much before, thus locking the students from changing their mind later.

As of Wednesday, KCET was supposed to have published the third round or the so-called Second extended round of counselling results but the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has again extended the date beyond August 10, thus effectively pushing the students to opt for high-payment engineering seats, while more than 27,000 seats are still available under its quota.

Parents have repeatedly complained about the tactical move by these two examination authorities which helps private engineering colleges to collect higher fee and keep the government-quota seats under wraps till then. Moreover, the fee has been increased by more than what the panel has recommended and all the colleges have been given a free hand to collect anywhere between Rs.40,000 to Rs.48,000 as maintenance fee by every college, defeating the purpose of government supervision.

Despite repeated assurance by the AICTE and the Ministry of HRD at the centre, the allotment of state-wise engineering seats have not been brought under the purview of the JEE Mains this year and it remains to be seen whether the government is serious to unify the engineering entrance tests in the country on the lines of NEET under one roof during the election year in 2019.

As of now, the mushrooming engineering colleges are collecting huge fees filling the seats under COMEDK, while hapless and anxious parents are shelling out Rs.183,600 as Comedk fee per year while the government seats at Rs.56,930 remain unallotted owing to delay tactics of the Karnataka Examination Authority.

More than this fixed fee, students have been asked to pay an additional Rs.48,000 for maintenance by each college. Not all colleges have sufficient hostel facilities and have tied up with Paying Guest houses outside for even girl students. Despite insufficient infrastructure, the colleges have been given a free hand to collect higher fee and even allowed to lower their teacher-student ratio drastically from this year.

Justified or not, the modus operandi is increasingly getting notorious and deceptive, while the government bodies have become silent spectators to the ongoing high-fee education mafia in Karnataka, which was once famous as the donation state of the country. It’s again getting back into its infamous fold.

Saliva diagnostics? Saliva to replace blood test as a real diagnostic tool?

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Amid new diagnostic methods and treatment options, early detection is an emerging paradigm which seeks to decrease patient morbidity and mortality. And here comes saliva diagnostics with huge potential, possibly replacing the painful pricking on fingers or on wrists.

Saliva diagnostics is emerging as the latest and easiest way to detect disease at a phase where it is easily treatable. It is likely to provide new opportunities to use saliva liquid biopsy for early assessment of lung cancer because of the clinical performance of cancer detection, non-invasive collection process and the ease of collecting, transporting and storing saliva, said researchers.

At the 96th General Session of the International Association for Dental Research (IADR), held in conjunction with the IADR Pan European Regional (PER) Congress, David Wong, University of California, Los Angeles, USA presented his research “Saliva Diagnostics and Salivaomics” as part of the symposium “Will Saliva Translate to a Real Diagnostic Tool?” on Saturday, July 28, 2018 in London.

Research conducted on using saliva to measure stress hormones, enzyme levels, developmental disease biomarkers and even cancer mutations has revealed positive outcome, said researchers. “There are a variety of scenarios with which saliva can be used,” said Wong. “One of the most exciting emerging frontiers of saliva is liquid biopsy, which is a non-invasive means to assess the presence and characteristics of cancer in a patient with an indeterminate pulmonary nodule detected by low dose computerized tomography (LDCT).”

Saliva liquid biopsy delivers the best performance in the detection of circulating tumor DNA of lung cancer. This research was presented as part of the symposium. If validated biomarkers were combined with high-quality detection tools.

saliva would open up a new frontier in high-quality healthcare allowing physicians, dentists and patients to work and together for real-time health monitoring and high-impact personalized preventative medicine, said the study.

Mystery of the 2000-year-old Basel papyrus mirror writing deciphered

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At the papyrus workshop: the conservation of papyrus requires above all craftsmanship, expertise and time. A specialized papyrus conservator was brought to Basel to make this 2,000-year-old document legible again. CREDIT: University of Basel

Since the 16th century, Basel has been home to a mysterious papyrus. With mirror writing on both sides, it has puzzled generations of researchers. A research team from the University of Basel has now discovered that it is an unknown medical document from late antiquity. The text was likely written by the famous Roman physician Galen.

The Basel papyrus collection comprises 65 papers in five languages, which were purchased by the university in 1900 for the purpose of teaching classical studies – with the exception of two papyri. These arrived in Basel back in the 16th century, and likely formed part of Basilius Amerbach’s art collection.

One of these Amerbach papyri was regarded until now as unique in the world of papyrology. With mirror writing on both sides, it has puzzled generations of researchers. It was only through ultraviolet and infrared images produced by the Basel Digital Humanities Lab that it was possible to determine that this 2,000-year-old document was not a single papyrus at all, but rather several layers of papyrus glued together. A specialist papyrus restorer was brought to Basel to separate the sheets, enabling the Greek document to be decoded for the first time.

A literary papyrus

“This is a sensational discovery,” says Sabine Huebner, Professor of Ancient History at the University of Basel. “The majority of papyri are documents such as letters, contracts and receipts. This is a literary text, however, and they are vastly more valuable.”

What’s more, it contains a previously unknown text from antiquity. “We can now say that it’s a medical text from late antiquity that describes the phenomenon of ‘hysterical apnea’,” says Huebner. “We therefore assume that it is either a text from the Roman physician Galen, or an unknown commentary on his work.” After Hippocrates, Galen is regarded as the most important physician of antiquity.

The decisive evidence came from Italy – an expert saw parallels to the famous Ravenna papyri from the chancery of the Archdiocese of Ravenna. These include many antique manuscripts from Galen, which were later used as palimpsests and written over.

The Basel papyrus could be a similar case of medieval recycling, as it consists of multiple sheets glued together and was probably used as a book binding. The other Basel Amerbach papyrus in Latin script is also thought to have come from the Archdiocese of Ravenna. At the end of the 15th century, it was then stolen from the archive and traded by art collectors as a curiosity.

Utilizing digital opportunities in research

Huebner made the discovery in the course of an editing project funded by the Swiss National Science Foundation. For three years, she has been working with an interdisciplinary team in collaboration with the University of Basel’s Digital Humanities Lab to examine the papyrus collection, which in the meantime has been digitalized, transcribed, annotated and translated.

The project team has already presented the history of the papyrus collection through an exhibition in the University Library last year. They plan to publish all their findings at the start of 2019.

With the end of the editing project, the research on the Basel papyri will enter into a new phase. Huebner hopes to provide additional impetus to papyrus research, particularly through sharing the digitalized collection with international databases. As papyri frequently only survive in fragments or pieces, exchanges with other papyrus collections are essential. ”

The papyri are all part of a larger context. People mentioned in a Basel papyrus text may appear again in other papyri, housed for example in Strasbourg, London, Berlin or other locations. It is digital opportunities that enable us to put these mosaic pieces together again to form a larger picture.”

At the papyrus workshop: the conservation of papyrus requires above all craftsmanship, expertise and time. A specialized papyrus conservator was brought to Basel to make this 2,000-year-old document legible again.CREDIT:University of Basel

The Basel Papyrus Collection

In 1900, the University of Basel was one of the first German-speaking universities and the first in German-speaking Switzerland to procure a papyrus collection. At that time, papyrology was booming – people hoped to discover more about the development of early Christendom and to rediscover works of ancient authors believed to be lost. The Voluntary Museum Association of Basel provided CHF 500 to purchase the papyri, an amount equivalent to around CHF 5,000 today.

The current value of such a papyrus collection, however, would be in the hundreds of thousands. The Basel collection contains 65 documents in five languages from the Ptolemaic and Roman periods and late antiquity. Most of the collection is made up of documentary papyri, which are primarily of social, cultural and religious historical interest as they record the daily life of ordinary people 2,000 years ago. Most of the Basel papyri have not been published and remained largely ignored by research until now.