07-10-22 Daily-Himachal Pradesh-HPPSC Current Affairs

Himachal lacks a fully equipped drug-testing laboratory even as it houses Asias biggest pharmaceutical hub in the Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) industrial belt.

The pace at which a new lab is being set up since 2017 speaks volumes about the concerns to promote quality drug manufacturing.

The Composite Testing Lab (CTL) at Kandaghat is the lone drug-testing lab in the state which caters to 690 pharmaceutical units and 5,500 sale premises.

The absence of facilities for testing injections, Microbiology-related tests as well as those using sophisticated equipment is a major handicap for the Drug Control Administration (DCA) in maintaining effective quality control. These tests are outsourced to other states. The lab which was set up in 1992 has failed to get any appreciable enhancement in equipment and staff, adversely hitting the working of the officials of the DCA.

The project was sanctioned under the Assistance to the States for Development of Export and Allied Activities Scheme of the Central Government and funds worth Rs 8.9 crore were supposed to be received. The scheme was, however, discontinued in 2014 and only Rs 3.25 crore were made available for this lab.

Most national and international policies consider womens Health as an essential factor for the health of the family, children and the Society. Dr Tanmaini Das has shared some of her thoughts on womens mental health. Women juggle between multiple roles that have different expectations.

In the process, women get burdened and lose sight of own individuality. It causes many to develop symptoms of common mental disorders (CMDs). CMDs are a group of conditions that include anxiety, depression and suicidal ideation.

Besides CMDs, womens mental health is affected by premenstrual syndrome, post-menopausal syndrome (18%-5%), perinatal (22%) and post-natal disorders. The high prevalence of mental disorders among women is due to a lack of awareness about mental health disorders, the stigma associated with them and the fear of judgment by society.

Hence, it is important to recognize the symptoms of CMDs. Some of the symptoms are sadness, inability to think clearly and concentrate, extreme fear, loneliness, low energy levels, difficulty to solve daily problems, anger issue and extreme mood swings. Some measures to maintain mental well-being are exercise daily, practice of mindfulness, positive self-talk, indulgence in activities that enhance individuality and doctor consultation.

It is reported that one in five people may develop CMD during their lifetime. The Probability of CMDs is higher in the females than males. In a recent systematic review, the prevalence of common mental disorders among women was estimated between 6% to 69%. As of October 2021, women had the highest share of mental health disorders in India, amounting to 39% and 30% for Stress and anxiety disorder, respectively.

Union finance ministerNirmala Sitharamanon Thursday said innovation is going to be key factor in making India a developed nation by 2047, as she highlighted the immense potential ofdigitalisationin achieving this.

She also said that if the same momentum that was seen through Covid-19 and immediately after that continues, and if all countrymen put their efforts together, building India as a developedeconomyby 2047 should not be difficult.

Also highlighting the emphasis that is being laid on further digitalisation, whether into medical Services, Education and Software as a service (SaaS).

Union civil aviation minister Jyotiraditya MScindiaon Tuesday made yet another appeal toAssamand seven other states and UTs to bring downVATon aviation turbine fuel to the range of 1%-4%, so that barriers to Growth are removed.
He said currently 28 states and Union Territories have VAT on jet fuel in the range of 1-4%. New growth to come from Tier 2 and 3 cities, he said, underlining the need to bring down entry barriers in the context of high VAT on jet fuel in some states.

Almost a year ago, Scindia had appealed to states and UTs having VAT on ATF above 4% to bring it down, but eight states Assam, Goa, Delhi, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Bihar and Nadustill have a high VAT on jet fuel.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill protecting gay marriage rights, after The Supreme Court‘s decision to overturn Roe v. Wade imperiled similar precedents that protected rights to same-sex relations and contraception.

The bill, which passed the Democratic-controlled chamber by a vote of 267-157 with support from 47 Republicans, establishes federal protections for gay marriage and prohibits anyone from denying the validity of a marriage based on the race or sex of the couple.

Under the House bill, states could still restrict gay marriage if the Supreme Court overturns its prior ruling. But such states would be required to recognize marriages that occurred in states where they remain legal.