International Asperger’s Day 2025

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The United Nations observes International Asperger’s Day annually on 18 February.

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The day was first adopted in 2007 by the United Nations General Assembly to increase awareness of the significance of Asperger syndrome for individuals and the community.

Asperger's Syndrome (sometimes called high-functioning autism) is a form of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), is a developmental disorder.

• ASD is a condition related to brain development that impacts how a person perceives and socializes with others, causing problems in social interaction and communication.

Asperger’s syndrome was named after Hans Asperger, a doctor in Vienna In the 1940s, he took note of the pattern of social issues in some children under his care that now defines the disorder.

The prevalence of Autism in India has been steadily increasing. According to a 2021 study published in the Indian Journal of Pediatrics:

1. The estimated prevalence of Autism in India is around 1 in 68 children.

2. Boys are more commonly affected by Autism than girls, with a male-to-female ratio of approximately 3:1.

Australia Euthanizing False Killer Whales

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Australia euthanised a few dozen False killer whales stranded near Arthur River, Tasmania.

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• The chances of beached whales surviving are low, as their bodies are crushed by their own weight when outside water and attempts to return them to sea can be dangerous for the rescuers involved.
• Euthanasia is an act of painlessly putting to death, suffering from painful and incurable diseases or allowing them to die by withholding treatment or withdrawing artificial life-support measures.

False killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens)

• False killer whales are named for the shape of their skulls, which resemble those of killer whales and not because of their appearance.
• False killer whales are found in tropical and temperate waters between latitudes of 50° and 50° N.
• They often behave like big dolphins, bow-riding with vessels and sometimes leaping clear of the water.
• The species is designated as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Technology Adoption Fund (TAF)

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Recently, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) announced a ₹500-crore Technology Adoption Fund (TAF), to support space technology firms, especially startups and MSMEs.

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• TAF aims to accelerate the development of Indigenous space technology.
• TAF will offer financial support of up to 60 per cent of the project cost for startups and MSMEs, and 40 per cent for larger industries, with a maximum funding cap of Rs 25 Crores per project.
• The fund will also support the transition of early-stage space technologies developed by Indian companies into commercially viable products.
• TAF is also open to all eligible Non-Government Entities (NGEs)/companies that are ready to demonstrate the commercial potential of their innovations.

Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) 

• It is a single-window, independent, nodal agency founded in 2020 that functions as an autonomous agency in the Department of Space (DOS).
• The agency acts as an interface between ISRO and Non-Governmental Entities (NGEs) and assesses how to utilize India's space resources better and increase space-based activities.
• It enables private sector participation in space activities, boosts the space economy within the country and develops space force frontiers, for a resurgent AatmaNirbhar Bharat.
• Headquarters: - Ahmedabad (Gujrat)

Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for Pilots

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Recently, the Union Ministry for Civil Aviation launched the Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for Pilots.

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• India now becomes the second country after China to implement this advanced system, following approval from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
• Prior to the implementation, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) was issuing licenses to Pilots in the smart card format and had issued 62000 card licenses till date.

Electronic Personnel License (EPL) for Pilots

• It is a digital version of a personnel license that will replace traditional physical licenses for pilots.
• It is accessible via the eGCA Mobile Application.
• The main goals of EPL are to enhance the safety, security and efficiency of the civil aviation licensing system.

About DGCA:

• The Directorate General of Civil Aviation is the regulatory body in the field of Civil Aviation primarily dealing with safety issues. 
• It is responsible for the regulation of air transport services to/from/within India and for enforcement of civil air regulations, air safety and airworthiness standards. 
• It also co-ordinates all regulatory functions with the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
• Headquarters: - New Delhi.