The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), operating under India’s Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, marked World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day on 30th May 2023. The event was part of a global effort to raise awareness and foster connections within the MS community. For the 2020-2023 period, the theme chosen was ‘connections’. With this as their guiding principle, the MS Connections campaign was launched with the goal of strengthening community ties, nurturing self-connections, and promoting access to quality care.
Multiple Sclerosis is a chronic autoimmune disease that impacts the central nervous system, which comprises the brain and spinal cord. The disease leads to inflammation and damage to the protective covering of nerve fibers. This interference disrupts the normal flow of electrical impulses, causing symptoms such as fatigue, coordination and balance problems, muscle weakness, and issues with vision and cognition.
The precise cause of MS remains unknown. Researchers speculate it arises due to a complex blend of genetic and environmental factors. MS is a lifelong illness with various degrees of severity and rates of progression. There is currently no cure for MS, but treatments can help manage symptoms and slow disease progression.
Unusual Green Hue in Venice’s Grand Canal
Recently, residents and officials were baffled when Venice’s renowned Grand Canal turned a vibrant green. Following tests on water samples, authorities established that the unexpected color shift was the result of fluorescein, a chemical typically used to identify leaks in underwater construction.
The president of the Veneto region stressed the importance of robust responses to preserve the city and its historic treasures. Although fluorescein possesses low toxicity levels, subsequent testing did not reveal any detrimental effects on the canal’s ecosystem. As the chemical dissolves, it is expected to take several more days for the canal to revert to its usual color.
Offering a visual feast of architectural and cultural landmarks, the Grand Canal is Venice’s primary waterway, attracting both tourists and locals. It stretches almost four kilometers, bisecting the city and is Venice’s most well-known canal.
UAE’s Departure from Maritime Coalition Amidst Gulf Tensions
In light of escalating tensions in Gulf waters, The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has opted to withdraw from the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF). This coalition, founded in 2001, is tasked with securing the crucial and volatile Gulf waters, a significant conduit for global oil trade. Despite suspending its participation, the UAE remains a partner nation within the now 38-country coalition.
Recent incidents such as Iran’s seizure of tankers and a drone attack on an Israeli vessel have heightened tensions in the region. Being a prominent oil exporter, the UAE continues to stress the importance of peaceful dialogue, robust diplomatic engagement, and responsible navigation in its seas.
World Milk Day Celebrations and the Summer Meet
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in cooperation with the Agriculture Production Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, is preparing to celebrate World Milk Day on June 1, 2023. The day will be marked by a Summer Meet for the animal husbandry and dairying sector, running from June 1st to 2nd at SKICC in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
This event aims to increase awareness about the nutritional benefits of milk and acknowledge the vital contribution of dairy farmers, processors, and consumers. The progress of ongoing schemes will be reviewed during the event, outcomes discussed, and necessary mid-course corrections identified.
Simultaneously, “”Feeding the Future: Five Days of Action for Feed and Fodder and Training of A-HELP for 2023-24″” campaign will be launched. This initiative will address essential aspects of feed and fodder management for livestock, providing training through the A-HELP program.
In 2001, the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations established World Milk Day to highlight the significance of milk as a global food and celebrate the dairy sector. India ranks as the world’s leading milk producer, contributing 23% of global milk production in 2021-22. The five states at the forefront of milk production in India are Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
