World Organ Donation Day is a global observance held annually on the 13th of August, designed to increase public awareness about the importance of organ donation. Similarly, India observed its National Organ Donation Day on November 27 each year. However, starting in 2023, the date has been changed to August 3rd, in remembrance of the first successful deceased heart transplant in the country, which took place on August 3rd, 1994.
Organ donation entails the surgical removal of an organ from a living or deceased donor, with the latter requiring the consent of the next of kin. Organs available for donation range widely, including the liver, kidney, pancreas, lung, heart, intestine, cornea, bone, tissues among others. In India, this critical medical procedure is governed by the Transplantation of Human Organs Act 1994.
Golden Globe Race: Celebrating Naval Achievement
Former Indian Navy Commander Abhilash Tomy has recently achieved a new record in the Golden Globe Race (GGR) 2022, becoming the first Indian to complete a solo circumnavigation on a sailboat. The GGR, initially held in 1968-69, is a non-stop, unassisted solo yacht race around the globe, tracing a specific route which includes rounding the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, Cape Leeuwin in Australia, and Cape Horn in Chile. Tomy, now part of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is contributing to the Gaganyaan space mission as an advisor on astronaut recovery post splashdown at sea.
A Comic Book by NCERT & UNESCO: Empowering Children through Education
The Ministry of Education, in partnership with NCERT and UNESCO, recently unveiled a new comic book titled “Let’s Move Forward”. The comic book is an innovative part of the School Health and Wellness Programme (SHWP), a campaign launched in 2018 under the umbrella of Ayushman Bharat. The SHWP focuses on promoting health education, disease prevention, and improving access to health services. The comic book, accessible in various Indian languages, covers 11 thematic areas related to the objectives of the program, including emotional well-being, interpersonal relationships, gender equality, nutrition, health, and internet safety.
Superfoods: Nutrient-Packed Powerhouses
Superfoods are nutrient-dense foods that boast high levels of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants beneficial for maintaining good health. Although the term ‘superfood’ does not have a standard scientific definition, certain food items like blueberries, salmon, kale, acai, and millets are known for their exceptionally high nutritional profiles compared to other less nutrient-dense options. However, experts caution that the term ‘superfood’ is often used as a marketing tool and its usage does not have a firm basis in academic research.
