Today in History (October 9th, 1874)
The World celebrates Post Day on October 9 to mark the anniversary of establishment of Universal Postal Union. It was established in 1874 in the Swiss Capital, Bern. This year marks the 150th anniversary of Universal Postal Union (UPU). The theme for World Post Day is ‘150 years of enabling communication and empowering peoples across nations’.
Let’s Revise
A) Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) was in news, belong to which country?
- India
- Pakistan
- Iran
- Bangladesh
Answer: 2)
Rationale: The Pakistan government recently banned the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM), a group which fights for the rights of ethnic Pashtuns, citing it as a threat to national security.
B) Durand line is located between two countries one is Afghanistan and other is _____
- India
- Pakistan
- Iran
- Iraq
Answer: 2)
Rationale: The Durand Line is the 2,640-kilometer (1,640-mile) border between Afghanistan and Pakistan.
C) What is the primary cause of progeria?
- Environmental factors
- A tiny genetic mutation
- Viral infections
- Nutritional deficiencies
Answer: 2)
Explanation: Progeria, or Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome, is caused by a specific genetic mutation that leads to the rapid aging seen in affected individuals.
D) At what age do children with progeria typically start showing signs of premature aging?
- At birth
- 1 to 2 years
- 5 years
- 10 years
Answer: 2)
Explanation: Newborns with progeria appear healthy at birth but usually begin to show signs of premature aging within their first one to two years of life.
E) Which of the following is NOT a physical characteristic associated with progeria?
- Prominent eyes
- Increased body fat
- Hair loss
- Aged, wrinkled skin
Answer: 2)
Explanation: Children with progeria experience a loss of fat under the skin, which is one of the distinct physical characteristics of the disease, rather than an increase in body fat.
F) What is the average life expectancy for a child with progeria?
- 10 years
- 15 years
- 20 years
- 25 years
Answer: 2)
Explanation: The average life expectancy for children with progeria is about 15 years, although some may live longer or shorter lives.
G) What drug has shown promise in slowing the progression of progeria?
- Aspirin
- Lonafarnib
- Ibuprofen
- Penicillin
Answer: 2)
Explanation: Lonafarnib is a drug that has been shown to slow down the progression of progeria, though there is currently no cure for the disease.
Summary of Today’s News
National Sports Policy 2024
The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has shared a draft of the new National Sports Policy (NSP) for public input.
Key Features of the Policy
1.Physical Literacy Initiatives: Programs to teach the importance of physical activity.
2.Talent Identification: A system to spot and nurture young sports talent.
3.Education Integration: Making sports a key subject in schools, aligning with the National Education Policy 2020.
4.National Sports Education Board: A new board to promote sports as a career option.
5.Private Sector Involvement: Encouraging businesses to participate in sports development
Why a New Policy is Needed?
Outdated Old Policy: The last NSP was from 2001, and a new one is necessary to address current challenges.
Lack of Infrastructure: Many areas, especially rural ones, have few sports facilities and coaches.
Talent Issues: India lacks a proper system to find and develop young athletes, unlike countries with stronger sports systems.
Political Interference: Politics can influence sports organizations, leading to unfair practices.
Training Costs: Many talented athletes from low-income families struggle to afford training and equipment.
Current Initiatives to Promote Sports
Khelo India Scheme: Started in 2018 to build a strong grassroots sports ecosystem with financial support for talent development.
National Sports Talent Search Scheme: A program aimed at identifying talent in kids aged 8–12.
Sports Infrastructure: India has about 100 international-standard sports facilities, with ongoing efforts to improve them.
Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS): Launched in 2014 to support potential Olympic medal winners with training and financial help.
Looking Ahead
Cultivating Sports Culture: Encouraging sports in schools and communities, beyond just academics.
Diverse Sports Coverage: Promoting sports other than cricket to create a balanced sports culture.
Infrastructure Maintenance: Ensuring existing sports facilities are well-maintained and upgraded.
Gender Equality: Supporting female athletes and breaking down societal barriers to improve overall sports performance.
This new policy aims to make sports more accessible and improve India’s performance on the global stage.
Mindfulness India Summit: Cultivating Empathy in the Workplace”
• The third annual Mindfulness India Summit is set to take place in Mumbai on October 17 and 18. This event aims to provide leaders and professionals with strategies to foster healthier and more empathetic work environments.
• Organized by the Mindful Science Centre and led by global mindfulness expert Manish Behl, the summit will delve into mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and neuroscience. With support from the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and media partnership from The Hindu, the summit will feature over 30 international experts.
• Keynote speakers include notable figures such as Sara Lazar and Chris Germer from Harvard Medical School, Emma Seppälä from Yale University, and U.K. politician Chris Ruane, all contributing valuable insights on creating mindful workplaces.
