Category: Trivia

Trivia

Manamadurai Pottery in Tamil Nadu receives GI status

Post author By balancedreport
Post date April 28, 2023

Manamadurai pottery has just been designated as a Geographical Indication (GI).

Manamadurai Pottery

The clay used in Manamadurai pottery is enriched by the Vaigai river. Making pots demands skill since the bottom must be exactly round.
This product is exceptionally sturdy because to the proper proportion of mud, clay, and heating. Soil and water are the primary raw materials used to create these pots.
The sand is collected from various locations in the district and cured for two days before being used to make ceramics. Sieving is used to separate the mud particles.
To improve the quality, the slurry is combined with the sand, and lead and graphite are added to the combination.
This mixture now has a high concentration of calcium lime, ash, red lead, sodium silicate, manganese, iron, and plasticizing. The container is also painted in various colours.

What makes these pots unique?

To produce these pots, a specific sort of clay is acquired from water sources like as Nedunkulam, Nathapurakki, Sundaranadappu, and Seikalathur.
The five natural elements of earth, water, fire, sun, and air are employed to create these pots.
Mud, which represents the soil, is the base material for pottery. Mud is combined with water, another natural ingredient.
Following that, the third element is baked in fire.
The fourth element is air, which percolates via the pores in the clay.
Finally, the space represented by the hollow surrounded by the pot or other connected product.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/manamadurai-pottery-gets-gi-tag/article66773064.ece#:~:text=A%20video%20on%20Manamadurai%20pottery,earned%20a%20Geographical%20Indication%20tag.&text=These%20pots%20have%20put%20this,Geographical%20Indication%20(GI)%20tag.

Social Issues Trivia

Tuberculosis (TB): Renewing India’s Commitment

Post author By balancedreport
Post date March 26, 2023

The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme in India has established a goal of eliminating TB by 2025. However, with India accounting for 28% of the global TB burden while spending only 2.1% of its total budget on healthcare, programme execution has slowed, particularly during COVID-19. To achieve the target, increased investments and cross-sector collaboration are needed. The 24th of March is designated as World Tuberculosis Day.

The Battle Against Tuberculosis in India

International Union Against Tuberculosis: India’s fight against tuberculosis started in 1929, when it became a member of the International Union Against Tuberculosis.
The Union government created a TB division under the Directorate General of Health Services with the Ministry of Health to supervise the plan after independence.
The National Tuberculosis Control Programme (NTP) was founded in Bengaluru in 1959, and the National Tuberculosis Institute (NTI) was established in 1962. The Revised National Tuberculosis Control Programme was established in 1963.
National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme: India is now leading the effort to eradicate tuberculosis by 2025, five years ahead of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Harega, TB Desh Jeetega: TB Harega Desh Jeetega is a campaign to promote awareness about tuberculosis and encourage people to get tested and treated.

Implementation Difficulties

Reduced financial allocation: India provides 28% of the global TB burden, but in 2022-23, it will spend only 2.1% of its total budget on healthcare, the lowest among the BRICS countries and similar to Bangladesh (2.5%) and Pakistan (3.4%).
Slow release of funds: According to the Ministry of Health’s Joint Monitoring Mission Report 2019, the slow release of funds has had a significant impact on the programme’s efficacy.
Low fund utilisation: A lack of resources for crucial TB control interventions such as early detection, diagnosis, and treatment has led from low fund utilisation.
COVID-19 slowed implementation: COVID-19 slowed implementation of the TB program, necessitating extra policy development, planning, and funding.

Opportunities for Collaboration in the Future

Different players must work together to support the government’s inter-sectoral, multi-centric programme approach to TB elimination and to strengthen grassroots community response.
Investing in key areas such as diagnostics and access, which have previously been barriers, is essential for reshaping the national TB strategy.
The theme of World Tuberculosis Day 2023, “Yes, we can end TB!” communicates a message of optimism that turning the tide against the TB epidemic is possible.

@the end

To effectively eradicate tuberculosis by 2025, India must prioritise sustainability through strategic investments, focusing on areas of greatest need, and properly funding TB initiatives. India can overcome its TB burden and meet its ambitious goal with collaborative efforts and dedication. We can make it happen if we work together.

Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/india-committed-to-end-tuberculosis-by-2025-pm-modi/article66656616.ece#:~:text=Latest%20News&text=PM%20Modi%20further%20added%2C%20%222030,against%20TB%20has%20global%20potential.

Trivia

Abel Prize in Mathematics

Post author By balancedreport
Post date March 24, 2023

The 2023 Abel Prize in Mathematics was given to Argentine-American Luis Caffarelli, a specialist in “partial differential equations,” which can explain phenomena varying from how water flows to population growth.

Abel Award

The King of Norway bestows the Abel Prize on one or more exceptional mathematicians each year.
It is named after the Norwegian mathematician Niels Henrik Abel (1802-1829) and is modeled closely after the Nobel Prizes.
It carries a monetary prize of 7.5 million Norwegian kroner (NOK). (increased from 6 million NOK in 2019).
When he discovered that Alfred Nobel’s plans for annual prizes did not include a prize in mathematics, Norwegian mathematician Sophus Lie suggested its establishment.
The Abel Committee, whose members are chosen by the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters, selects the laureates.

Has any Indian ever received this coveted award?

Srinivasa Varadhan, an Indian-American citizen, received the Abel Prize in 2007 for his significant addition to “probability theory, particularly for developing a unified theory of large deviation.”

Source: https://abelprize.no/