Daily Current Affairs 20 June 2024, WBPSC Exam Current Affairs

Daily Current Affairs for WBPSC Exam

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Science & Technology

Can AI Detect Parkinson’s Disease

• This innovative test leverages artificial intelligence (AI) to identify specific markers in the blood, representing a significant advance in early disease detection and treatment.

• Currently, diagnosing Parkinson’s disease involves a combination of neurological assessments, patient medical history, and clinical evaluations. Imaging tests, such as the DaTscan, are also employed to assist in diagnosis.
• Despite these methods, there remains a significant need for biological markers that can predict the disease, facilitating faster and more accurate diagnosis.

• The research focused on individuals with Rapid Eye Movement Sleep Behavior Disorder (iRBD), a condition where individuals act out their dreams.
• Approximately 75% to 80% of those with iRBD will develop synucleinopathies, such as Parkinson’s, which are diseases characterized by an accumulation of alpha-synuclein protein in the brain. Utilizing a machine-learning tool, the test identified 79% of iRBD patients with biomarker profiles indicative of Parkinson’s.
• The AI analyzed eight blood-based markers and accurately predicted that 16 individuals would develop Parkinson’s disease seven years before clinical diagnosis. Follow-up studies confirmed the test's validity.

Ancient Pearl City Tu’am Discovered in UAE

• Recent excavations by the Italian Archaeological Mission in Umm al-Quwain uncovered ancient homes, reinforcing the identification of Siniyah Island as the true site of Tu’am.

• Evidence indicates that Tu’am was a significant city as early as the fourth century, reaching its peak in the sixth century.
• The city was a major center for the pearl trade, which bolstered its economy and regional fame.
• Historical records often describe Tu’am as a coastal city renowned for pearl fishing. However, the city eventually declined due to regional unrest and the devastating bubonic plague.

• The discovery of densely packed ancient homes on Siniyah Island confirms the existence and accurate location of Tu’am.
• These findings align with descriptions found in early Islamic geography texts, establishing the site as the largest town of its era found on the Gulf coast of the Emirates.
• Additionally, the site reveals a Christian monastery dating from the late sixth to early seventh centuries and a historically significant pearling town, indicating a large and diverse community.

International Relation

India-Italy Friendship

• The IMI was officially launched at the India Forum 2024, with the objective of fostering and promoting the growing relationship between India and Italy.
• Spearheaded by Senator Giulio Terzi di Sant’Agata, the initiative aims to focus on strategic economic and geopolitical partnerships, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC).

• The IMEC was first discussed during the G20 meeting in New Delhi in September 2023. This ambitious economic project aims to connect India, the Middle East, and Europe.
• Senator Terzi highlighted IMEC’s transformative potential, emphasizing that it extends beyond mere infrastructure development.

Defence

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited Secures Contract for Combat Helicopters

• This contract represents the largest single helicopter order ever placed with an Indian company, designated for the procurement of Light Combat Helicopters (LCH), known as "Prachand."

• The Prachand helicopters have been designed to perform optimally in Indian terrains. During test flights in Ladakh, these helicopters demonstrated exceptional performance at high altitudes.
• They are equipped with advanced weaponry suitable for a variety of missions, including:

• Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)
• Destruction of Enemy Air Defense (DEAD)
• Counter Insurgency (CI)

• Additionally, the LCHs are capable of engaging slow-moving aircraft and Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPAs), ensuring operational effectiveness in diverse weather conditions and terrains.