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The FAO Food Price Index is a key indicator that tracks changes in international food prices. It’s calculated by averaging the prices of five major food commodity groups: cereals, vegetables, dairy, meat, and sugar. These groups are weighted according to their share in global trade, and the base year for the index is 2014-16.As per the latest update from the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), food commodity prices increased in July 2025 to their highest leve

MANAS

The MANAS Helpline is a significant initiative launched by the Government of India to combat the drug menace in the country. The Minister of State in the Ministry of Home Affairs recently shared the success of the MANAS Helpline in the Rajya Sabha, highlighting the growing participation of citizens in tackling the drug problem in India. About MANAS Helpline: Launch Date: 18th July 2024 Full Form: Madak-Padarth Nished Asoochna Kendra (MANAS) Objective: The MANAS

Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT)

Recently, the World Health Organization (WHO) certified Kenya as having eliminated Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT), also known as sleeping sickness. This marks a significant milestone in the global effort to combat this parasitic disease in sub-Saharan Africa. About Human African Trypanosomiasis (HAT): Transmission: HAT is a parasitic disease spread through the bite of an infected tsetse fly. Other Name: It is commonly known as sleeping sickness due to the neurologica

Heptapleurum assamicum

A new plant species, named Heptapleurum assamicum, has been discovered in the Dima Hasao and West Karbi Anglong districts of Assam, India. About Heptapleurum assamicum: Species Type: It is a newly identified plant species, a lush, evergreen shrub. Family: It belongs to the Araliaceae family, which is also home to the ornamental umbrella plant (H. arboricola). Distinctive Traits of Heptapleurum assamicum: Leaflets: The plant has narrow, lance-shaped leafl

chitons

The recent study about chitons has brought some fascinating news about these small marine creatures: their teeth are harder than stainless steel, zirconium oxide, and even human enamel. This amazing strength likely gives chitons an edge in scraping food from hard surfaces, especially in their rocky habitats. About Chitons: Scientific Classification: Chitons belong to the phylum Mollusca, which also includes sea snails, sea slugs, and bivalves. Habitat: They are marine inv

National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization

NOTTO has issued a 10-point advisory stating that women patients and relatives of deceased donors awaiting organ transplants will now receive priority as beneficiaries. NOTTO hopes to increase the overall equity in the system and enhance the fair distribution of organs.This move is aligned with India's ongoing efforts to ensure that organ donation and transplantation processes are inclusive, efficient, and conducted with fairness at every level About National Organ and Tissue Transpla

Mississippi River

A tragic incident occurred recently when a helicopter crashed into a barge in the Mississippi River near East Alton, Illinois, resulting in the deaths of two people. About the Mississippi River The Mississippi River holds several notable distinctions in North America: Longest River in the U.S.: Spanning more than 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers), it is the longest river in the United States and the second longest in North America. Source and Destination: It begins at Lak