R21/Matrix-M vaccine
R21/Matrix-M vaccine developed by the University of Oxford and the Serum Institute of India has been recommended for use by the WHO.
- 2nd malaria vaccine.
- Matrix-M component is a proprietary saponin-based adjuvant from Novavax, which is licensed to the Serum Institute for use in endemic countries.
FSSAI Prohibits Use of Newspapers for Food Packing
According to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, use of newspapers or similar materials for storing and wrapping food is strictly prohibited.
- The ink used in newspapers contains various bioactive materials with known negative health effects, which can contaminate food and lead to health issues when ingested.
- Additionally, printing inks may contain chemicals including lead and heavy metals that can leach into the food, posing serious health risks over time.
Green Ammonia
Recently, V.O. Chidambaranar Port inTamil Nadu imported Green Ammonia for the first time, as part of its ‘Go Green’ initiative.
- Green ammonia production is where the process of making ammonia is 100% renewable and carbon-free.
- It is produced by using hydrogen from water electrolysis and nitrogen separated from the air.
- These are then fed into the Haber process (Also known as Haber-Bosch), all powered by sustainable electricity.
- Green Ammonia will be used to produce green soda ash on a trial basis, moving away from conventional Grey Ammonia usage.
Pink Bollworm (PBW)
The infestation by PBW insect pest has been common in the cotton belt of northern Rajasthan, Haryana and South-western Punjab since 2021.
- Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) cotton which incorporates genes from a soil bacterium that code for proteins toxic to the American bollworm, has lost its efficacy against PBW.
- PBW native to – Asia (possibly the eastern Indian Ocean region)
- Impacts – Adults lay eggs on cotton bolls; once hatched, the larvae eat the seeds and damage the fibres of the cotton, reducing the yield and quality.