Rapid Fire Current Affairs | 31 Mar 2023

India Exempts Import Duty on Rare Disease Drugs and Food

The Indian government has announced an exemption on basic customs duty for all drugs and food used for special medical purposes that are imported for personal use to treat rare diseases.

The exemption will become effective from April 1, 2023. Pembrolizumab (Keytruda), a medication used to treat various cancers, has also been exempted from basic customs duty. Previously, drugs and medicines that were used to treat Spinal Muscular Atrophy or Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy were provided with exemptions.

The individual importer must provide a certificate from the Central or State Director Health Services or District Medical Officer/Civil Surgeon of the district to avail of the exemption. The treatment for rare diseases can be very expensive, and this exemption will result in substantial cost savings for patients.

Read More: Custom Duty, Rare Diseases.

ISRO Releases Global Earth Mosaic Captured by EOS-06 satellite

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has recently released a Global False Colour Composite (FCC) mosaic of images captured by the Ocean Colour Monitor (OCM) payload on board the EOS-06 satellite.

The OCM senses the Earth in 13 distinct wavelengths to provide information about global vegetation cover on land and ocean biota for global oceans.

Launched by ISRO in November 2021, the EOS-06 satellite is the third generation in the Oceansat series and is equipped with four payloads to observe ocean colour data, sea surface temperature, and wind vector data for climatic and meteorological applications, among other things.

Read More: EOS-06 Satellite, Oceansat

Shyamji Krishna Varma

On March 30, 2023 the death anniversary of Shri Shyamji Krishna Varma was commemorated.

Shyamji Krishna Varma was a prominent Indian revolutionary who played a significant role in the country’s freedom struggle against British colonial rule. He was known for his strong nationalist ideals and courage, which inspired many other leaders of the time.

He also established the Indian Home Rule Society in London, which provided a platform for Indian students to voice their opposition to British rule. His contributions to the Indian independence movement are widely recognized and celebrated in India.

Read More: India’s Freedom Struggle

Tiwa Tribes Celebrates Yangli Festival in Assam

Tiwa tribesmen in Assam celebrate the Yangli festival once every three years to mark the beginning of the sowing season.

The Yangli festival, which is related to agriculture, is a significant event for the Tiwas as farming is the main source of income for their community.

During the festival, the Tiwas perform dances and offer prayers for a successful harvest, seeking protection for their crops from pests and natural calamities.

Read More: Tiwa tribe.