Prelims Focus 29th June 2024

Sengol

In News: Opposition has recently demanded that Sengol be removed from Parliament.

• The Prime Minister ceremonially established the Sengol near the Speaker’s chair in India’s new Parliament building last May.
• A sengol — or chenkol — is a royal sceptre, signifying kingship, righteousness, justice, and authority. 
• Its origins lie in Tamil Nadu, and it served as a kingly brand. 
• Among the Madurai Nayakas, for instance, the sengol was located before the goddess Meenakshi inside the terrific temple on critical events, and then transferred to the throne room, representing the king’s position as a divine agent.
• As such, the sengol may be described, in its historical context, as a symbol of dharmic kingship.

Revised Currency Swap Arrangement for SAARC countries

In News: The Reserve Bank of India, has recently decided to put in place a revised framework on currency swap arrangement for SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries for the period 2024 to 2027. 

• The SAARC Currency Swap Facility got into operation in 2012 with a goal to offer a backstop line of funding for quick term foreign exchange liquidity necessities or balance of ratecrises of the SAARC countries.
• Under the Framework for 2024-27, a separate INR Swap Window has been added for switch support in Indian Rupee.
• The general corpus of the Rupee assist is ₹250 billion. 
• The RBI will maintain to offer change arrangements in US$ and Euro under a separate US Dollar/ Euro Swap Window with an overall corpus of US$ 2 billion.

ABHYAS

In News:  India has conducted successful tests of the ‘Abhyas’ high-speed expendable aerial target. The trials were conducted at the Integrated Test Range in Chandipur, Odisha and were developed by the DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment.

ABHYAS, developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is a high-speed expendable aerial target designed to provide a realistic threat scenario for the practice of weapon systems. The recent successful completion of its developmental trials marks a significant milestone for India’s defense capabilities.

• Key Features of ABHYAS
  • Autonomous flying with the help of an indigenously developed autopilot
  • Laptop-based ground control system for aircraft integration, pre-flight checks, and autonomous flight
  • Radar Cross Section, Visual and Infrared augmentation systems for weapon practice
  • Data recording during flight for post-flight analysis
  • Minimum logistics requirement and cost-effective compared to imported equivalents

Motor Neuron Diseases (MNDs)

In News:   Doctors discussed ways to improve the quality of life for patients with Motor Neuron Disease at a conference at Nimhans. They emphasized the importance of symptomatic and supportive treatments in managing the condition.

• Motor neuron diseases (MNDs) are a group of rare neurodegenerative disorders that selectively affect motor neurons, the cells that control voluntary muscles of the body. These diseases lead to progressive muscle weakness, wasting, and eventual paralysis.
• Different types of Motor Neuron Diseases include ALS, PLS, PMA, PBP, and SMA, each affecting different motor neurons in the body and causing muscle weakness and paralysis. 
• The causes of these diseases are not fully known but may involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. 
• Symptoms can vary and progress at different rates, affecting movements like walking, speaking, and breathing. 
• Diagnosis can be difficult, and while there is no cure, treatments aim to slow disease progression and improve quality of life. 
• Research continues to find better treatments for these debilitating diseases, with healthcare professionals and support organizations working to provide care and support for those affected.

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