23 Dec 2021: PIB Summary & Analysis

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Transient High Energy Pulses
2. Fifth Siddha Day
3. Conformity Assessment Scheme

1. Transient High Energy Pulses

Topic: GS 3; Science and Technology – Development and their applications and effects in everyday life.

Prelims: Important Facts

Mains: Significance of the study

Context: Scientists from the Andalusian Institute of Astrophysics in association with Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences, Department of Science and Technology have found a clue to understand violent short duration flares from a compact star called Magnetar. This star is located 13 million light-years away.

About the Study:

• The massive supergiant stars with a total mass of 10 and 25 solar masses collapse and have a tendency to form neutron stars.
• There are small groups of stars that consist of the most intense magnetic field known as magnetars.
• These objects experience violent eruptions which are less known by the scientists.
• The observation determined multiple pulses with the first pulse appearing only for a few microseconds.
• The detection of giant flares from magnetars are extremely rare.

Significance:

• The eruptions have offered an understanding of magnetic stresses that are exerted on neutron stars.
• Scientists were curious by the short duration bursts and continuously monitored the magnetars in nearby galaxies. This will assist in the better understanding of radio blast and other astronomical phenomena.

2. Fifth Siddha Day

Topic: GS 2; Issues Related to Health

Prelims: Siddha system of medicine

Mains: Role of Siddha system of medicine in preventing diseases

Context: The Ministry of Ayush celebrated the fifth Siddha Day on the eve of the birth anniversary of Agathiyar which falls during the Ayilyam star of Margazhi month. The event was organized in collaboration with the Central Council for Research in Siddha and the Directorate of Indian Medicine & Homeopathy.

Objective:

• The 23rd day of December 2021 has been observed as the fifth Siddha day by the Ministry of Ayush with an aim of preventing several communicable diseases and reviving the ancient art of medicine. This year the theme was based on “Strength of Siddha Medicine for Communicable Diseases”.

About Agathiyar:

• Agathiyar (Agastya) is the leader of all Siddhas and he is also known as Kurumuni.
• He played a pivotal role in spreading the Vedic religion in southern India.
• Agastya is one of the seven great sages (Saptarishis).
• He has left a prominent mark through his immense contributions in the field of Siddha medicine.
• Therayar and Tholkappiar were his disciples and students.

Siddha System of Medicine

• Siddha system of medicine is one of the most ancient codified traditions of healthcare.
• The word Siddha means established truth, and individuals associated with the Siddha school of thought were called Siddhars.
• The documents of this traditional medicine, yoga and astrology were found in Tamil scripts.
• It involves the novel therapeutic interventions and treatment based on the fundamental principle of Panchabootham which refers to prithvi (earth), jal (water), tejas (fire), vayu (wind) and akasha (space).
• According to the Siddha system of medicine, an individual is considered as a part of the Universe whose body consists of 5 primordial elements: earth, fire, water, air and space.
• The Siddha system of medicine is a part of Ayush (Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha and Homeopathy) systems that caters to a considerable proportion of the population through public and private healthcare facilities.
• It was founded by the Siddhars who have achieved the ashta siddhis or the eight supernatural powers.
• It derives its origin from the Dravidians of peninsular India.
• Siddha employs eight methods of examination called Envakai Thervukal which are intended for diagnosis, aetiology, treatment and prognosis.

3. Conformity Assessment Scheme

Topic: GS 3; Economy – Issues of Food Security

Prelims: Important Facts related to the scheme

Mains: Government initiatives to increase the quality of dairy products

Context: The Prime Minister launched a portal and logo to determine the quality of milk products that show conformity with the compliance norms.

Important Facts:

• The portal and logo for dairy products have been developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with the help of the National Dairy Development Board.
• The NDDB and BIS have been engaged in the certification of processes and products related to the dairy industry.
• The NDDB awards the ‘Quality Mark’ to the dairy plants of cooperatives that obey the standard procedures ensuring the safe consumption of the products. This establishes a dairy value chain that enhances consumer confidence.
• BIS offers a product certification scheme for manufacturers of dairy products allowing the license holders to use the ISI mark on their products.

Read previous PIB here.

December 23rd, 2021, PIB:- Download PDF Here