Here are  Back2Basics collections from today’s news items

B2B #1: From news- Fish samples in Chennai test positive for formalin

Formalin

1. Formalin is 30-45% aqueous solution of Formaldehyde with water.
2. Formaldehyde is a simple chemical compound made of hydrogen, oxygen and carbon.
3. All life forms – bacteria, plants, fish, animals and humans – naturally produce formaldehyde as part of cell metabolism.
4. Formaldehyde is perhaps best known for its preservative and anti-bacterial properties, but formaldehyde-based chemistry is used to make a wide range of value-added products.
5. Formalin causes irritation in the eyes, throat, skin and stomach. In the long run, continued exposure causes harm to the kidneys, liver and can even cause cancers.
6. In the fishing industry, formalin or formaldehyde is sprayed on the fish or injected into the fish or the fish is dipped into the solution. This helps keep the fish fresh for a longer time.

B2B #2: From news- National Testing Agency to conduct NET, NEET, JEE (Mains) exams

National Testing Agency

1. It is a agency which will conduct examinations for higher and secondary education
2. Its main purpose is to bring reforms in the education system
3. Establishment of NTA will free CBSE, AICTE and other agencies from conducting various exams and enable them to focus on their core areas and work on improving the quality of education
4. Initially, the CBSE staff will be deployed in this department and but later on the specialised people will be hired in the NTA

Here’s a Factoid to brush up your concepts

Name of the scheme : Mission Madhumeha

Objectives : Effective management of Diabetes through Ayurveda.

Salient Features : 1. It was Launched on National Ayurvedic Day .

2.The Mission will be implemented throughout the country through a specially designed National Treatment Protocol.

3.The guidelines in the protocol will be sent to various state governments, which will further circulate them across various medical institutions.

4.The Madhumeha Assessment Tool (MAT) based on Ayurvedic philosophy has also been developed for the self-assessment of the people with regards to possibilities of diabetes.

5. The government is set to launch a mobile app which will suggest Ayurvedic medicines for diabetic patients.

6.The app will be meant for use by both practitioners of Ayurveda as well patients.

7.It will help in identifying the type of diabetes a patient is suffering from as well as recommend which Ayurvedic medicines can be administered to a patient.

8.The app is based on a set of guidelines issued by AYUSH.

Nodal Ministry : Ministry of AYUSH