[Newsbits] 1-8.05.2024: Goldene, Covishield Controversy & More

The Covishield controversy centers around AstraZeneca’s recent admission in a UK court that its COVID-19 vaccine, developed with the University of Oxford and sold in India as Covishield, can cause Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) in rare instances. This admission surfaced during a class-action lawsuit, where claimants are seeking damages for severe injuries and fatalities allegedly caused by the vaccine. Despite the rare risk of TTS, which manifests as blood clots accompanied by a low platelet count, health professionals emphasize the vaccine’s crucial role in preventing severe COVID-19, which itself can lead to similar health complications. The situation highlights the ongoing balance between vaccine efficacy and the management of potential side effects.

This mindmap presents an extensive overview of Article 39(b) of the Indian Constitution, focusing on its implications for the distribution of community material resources and its current judicial interpretation. The main issue revolves around whether “material resources of the community” includes private resources, prompting a need for clarification by a nine-judge bench of the Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. This article is a Directive Principle aimed at promoting social and economic justice by ensuring that material resources are distributed for the common good, balancing individual property rights and societal welfare. The ongoing Supreme Court review seeks to offer a nuanced interpretation that aligns with modern economic policies and India’s development goals.

The Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH), now recognized as the world’s deepest blue hole, is located in Chetumal Bay off the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. Measuring at least 1,380 feet deep, TJBH surpasses the depth of the previous record holder, the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole. Formed from soluble bedrock like limestone, blue holes are water-filled vertical caverns which might provide access to extensive underwater cave systems. Recent explorations using advanced profiling tools suggest that TJBH could be even deeper than currently verified and might connect to hidden underwater tunnels. This discovery has significant implications for understanding marine biodiversity and geological formations.

The Indian Navy recently launched the LSAM 20, the sixth barge in the ACTCM series, designed to transport ammunition and support naval operations. Built by Suryadipta Projects in Thane, this launch is a part of the ongoing 11-barge project aimed at enhancing India’s maritime capabilities and operational readiness. The barges are constructed under strict naval regulations, reflecting the commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative and reducing dependency on foreign imports in defense.

The Blood Minerals Controversy around Apple involves accusations from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) against Apple for allegedly using minerals sourced from conflict-ridden areas of eastern DRC in its products. The DRC claims that these minerals are illegally transported to Rwanda, where their origins are obscured before entering the global supply chain. Apple denies the allegations, citing their due diligence reports. This controversy highlights the ongoing issue of conflict minerals, which has broader implications for global technology companies and their supply chains, underlining the importance of ethical sourcing and corporate responsibility in conflict zones.

The first recorded instance of a walrus dying from bird flu in the Arctic occurred on Hopen Island, part of the Svalbard archipelago, which was confirmed by a German laboratory. Six walruses were found dead, with the specific strain of bird flu still unclear. The incident was reported by Christian Lydersen, a marine biologist from the Norwegian Polar Institute. Bird flu generally spreads through avian hosts and has already affected various mammals including sea lions and fur seals. Given the natural behavior of walruses and other predators like polar bears, there is a significant risk of the virus spreading further, prompting calls for increased surveillance to protect marine mammal populations in the Arctic.