The latest findings reveal that the New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase-1, or blaNDM-1, is no longer confined within urban settings. It has made its way to the High Arctic, specifically in Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago positioned between mainland Norway and the North Pole. Soil samples taken from this region confirm the presence of this Antibiotic-Resistant Gene (ARG), which is known for enabling multi-drug resistance (MDR) in microorganisms.
BlaNDM-1 was first detected in 2008, found in a Swedish patient of Indian origin who had travelled to India. The “superbug” was later discovered in the public water supply of New Delhi by British scientists, hence its name. Since this discovery, the resistant gene has been identified in over 100 countries, each hosting new variations. Researchers trace the spread of blaNDM-1 and other ARGs in Arctic soils to the faecal matter of birds, other wildlife, and human visitors to the area. This discovery highlights the swift and extensive reach of antibiotic resistance.
Understanding Multidrug-Resistant Organisms
Multidrug-resistant organisms are bacteria that have developed a resistance to certain antibiotics. As a result, these antibiotics are rendered ineffective as countermeasures against these bacteria. Antibiotics are a crucial part of medicine, used in battling infections caused by bacteria. Bacteria that can withstand treatment with more than one antibiotic bear the label of multidrug-resistant organisms.
Cultural Significance: A Glimpse at the Sangrai Dance
The Sangrai dance is traditionally performed by the Mog tribal community, marking the Sangrai festival in April of the Bengali calendar year. One of the 19 tribes in Tripura, the Mogs are descendants of the Arakanese who traveled to Tripura through Chittagong Hill Tracts. Their language is affiliated with the Tibeto-Chinese family, and it has connections with the Assam-Burmese language group.
India’s Ascend in Steel Production
According to recent reports from the World Steel Association (worldsteel), India now holds the title as the world’s second-largest steel producing country, edging past Japan. Over 51% of the world’s crude steel production is attributed to China, marking its position as the top producer.
The top 10 steel producing countries include:
| Rank | Country |
|---|---|
| 1 | China |
| 2 | India |
| 3 | Japan |
| 4 | United States |
| 5 | South Korea |
| 6 | Russia |
| 7 | Germany |
| 8 | Turkey |
| 9 | Brazil |
| 10 | Iran |
About the World Steel Association
The World Steel Association, or worldsteel, is a non-profit organisation headquartered in Brussels, Belgium, with a second office in Beijing, China, which was inaugurated in April 2006. Representing over 160 steel producers, national and regional steel industry associations, and steel research institutes, worldsteel’s member coverage extends to approximately 85% of the world’s steel production. It was established under the name of the International Iron and Steel Institute on 10 July 1967, later transforming into the World Steel Association on 6 October 2008. In 2017, the association commemorated its 50th anniversary.