- BIOCON FIRM GETS EMA NOD TO MAKE BEVACIZUMAB FOR EUROPE
- Approval: Biocon Biologics Ltd. (BBL), a subsidiary of Biocon Ltd., received approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) to produce biosimilar Bevacizumab.
- Manufacturing: Production will occur at the Bengaluru facility.
- Medical Use: Bevacizumab is used for treating colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and ovarian cancer.
- Market Impact: This approval will significantly increase BBL’s capacity to meet patient needs across European markets.
- Important Concepts/Institutions: European Medicines Agency (EMA): A regulatory body responsible for the evaluation and supervision of medicinal products in the European Union.
- Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs): Laboratory-produced molecules engineered to serve as substitute antibodies that can restore, enhance, or mimic the immune system’s attack on cancer cells.
- Biosimilars: Biologic medical products that are almost identical copies of an original product that is manufactured by a different company
2. INDIA, PAKISTAN DELEGATIONS REACH J&K TO INSPECT POWER PROJECTS UNDER INDUS WATER TREATY
- Delegations from India and Pakistan inspected power projects in Jammu and Kashmir under the Indus Water Treaty (IWT).
- The inspections included the Pakal Dul and Lower Kalnai hydroelectric power projects in the Chenab valley.
- This visit marks the first Pakistani delegation visit to Jammu and Kashmir in over five years.
- The treaty, signed in 1960, sets out mechanisms for cooperation on the use of waters of cross-border rivers.
- Indus Water Treaty: A 1960 water-sharing agreement between India and Pakistan.
- Focus on: Understanding the significance of the Indus Water Treaty in India Pakistan relations.
- Geopolitics: Insight into transboundary water managementand conflict resolution mechanisms.
3. SRINAGAR WORLD CRAFT CITY TAG WILL PROMOTE GLOBAL LINKS
- Srinagar earned the World Craft City tagfrom the World Crafts Council, aimed at empowering artisans and safeguarding craft heritage.
- The recognition is expected to boost Kashmir’s traditional linkages with craft centers globally.
- World Crafts Council: An NGO working to empower artisans and safeguard craft heritage.
- This lays focus on — Culture and Heritage: Importance of preserving and promoting traditional crafts.
- International Relations: Cultural diplomacy and global recognition of India’s cultural heritage.
4. KERALA HOUSE PASSES RESOLUTION TO RENAME THE STATE KERALAM
- Article 3 of the Indian Constitution Article 3deals with the formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing states.
- It empowers the Parliament to: Form a new state by separation of territory from any state or by uniting two or more states or parts of states.
- Increase or diminish the area of any state.
- Alter the boundaries of any state.
- Alter the name of any state. However, such a bill can be introduced in Parliament only with the prior recommendation of the President. Additionally, the President must refer the bill to the legislature of the state concerned for expressing its views within a specified period. Specifics of the Kerala Resolution
- Initial Attempt: The initial resolution in 2023 aimed to amend the names across all languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution. However, it faced procedural issues and was sent back by the Centre.
- Current Resolution: The modified resolution focuses on amending only the First Schedule of the Constitution, which lists the names of states and union territories. Implications of the Name Change
- Cultural Significance: Aligning the official name with the local pronunciation (‘Keralam’) reflects cultural and linguistic identity.
- Administrative Changes: The name change would necessitate updates in official documents, signage, and legal references.
- Public Perception: It may enhance state pride and recognition of the local language.
5. INDIA, PHILIPPINES REDISCOVERING EACH OTHER BRAHMOS A GAME CHANGER: ENVOY
- The Philippines considers the BrahMos cruise missiles, supplied by India, a “game changer” for its defense capabilities.
- The relationship between India and the Philippineshas seen significant growth, with the BrahMos deal marking India’s first export of this missile system.
- The deal enhances defense cooperation and expands India’s footprint overseas.
- The cooperation includes a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on logistics and defense material procurement.
- BrahMos Missile: A joint venture between India and Russia.
- Focus on: International Relations: The strategic importance of defense exports and India’s growing role in global defense markets.
- Defense Technology: The impact of indigenous defense capabilities on international relations.
ONE LINER
- Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV) Test Success at Chitradurga Karnataka – ISRO
- 25% of the land’s vegetation will be lost by 2050 due to extreme heat – report by International Organization for Conservation of Nature.
