Miscellaneous (Biology) Part-III

United Nations has designated 2024 as the International Year of Camelids, recognizing their pivotal role in the livelihoods of millions, especially among pastoralists in arid and mountainous regions.

The year is also focused on increasing awareness of camelids' untapped potential and advocating for more investment in the sector.

The year aims to encourage international collaboration and partnerships to promote the well-being of camelid-dependent communities and the broader global population.

Events were organized throughout the year to celebrate camelids and their importance, including a Global Celebration of the International Year of Camelids 2024, which brought together experts, researchers, and policymakers.

The ICAR-National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources celebrated the International Year of Camelids-2024 in Nubra, Ladakh, with double-humped camel keepers and other stakeholders.

Ethylene glycol is the primary compound found in antifreeze. It's a clear, colorless, sweet-tasting liquid with a viscous consistency. Its primary function in antifreeze is to lower the freezing point of water, preventing ice formation in engine cooling systems.

Tetraethyl lead (TEL), with the chemical formula (CH₃CH₂)₄Pb, is an organolead compound that has been used as an antiknock agent in gasoline. It works by increasing the octane rating of the fuel, which helps prevent engine knocking and improves engine performance. However, due to its toxicity and environmental concerns, TEL has been largely phased out in many countries.

Beta-carotene is a potent antioxidant, a type of carotenoid, meaning it protects the body from damage caused by free radicals. These free radicals can damage cells through a process called oxidation, and over time, this damage can lead to various chronic illnesses. Beta-carotene is a precursor to vitamin A and is found in many fruits and vegetables, particularly those with red, orange, and yellow pigments.

The first dinosaurium has been opened in Hyderabad. This dinosaurium has been opened in B.M. Birla science center in Hyderabad. This dinosaurium was opened in 2000 and displays a mounted skeleton of a 160-million-year-old dinosaur, Kotasaurus Yamanpalliensis, found in the Adilabad district of Telangana, India.

Dinosaurs: Dinosaurs literally mean "terrible lizards". They comprise an extinct group of reptiles generally of gigantic dimensions that had the earth under their sway for more than 130 million years. Originating about 200 million years ago from a reptile called Thecodont, this group multiplied with abundant diversification, invading in the process all broad ecological niches available on land and in inland waters, feeding on both plant and flesh

Some of the important objectives of WHO are:

Lead global efforts to expand universal health coverage.

Focus on the areas of disease prevention, control and elimination, and the promotion of health and well-being.

Provide leadership on global health issues, set standards for public health, and provide technical assistance and support to countries.

Collaborate with various partners, including other UN agencies, governments, civil society organizations, and the private sector.

The first Dental College of the country was founded in 1920 in Kolkata. Its name was R. Ahmed Dental College.

Rafiuddin Ahmed (24 December 1890-9 February 1965) was an Indian dentist, educator and later minister in the West Bengal cabinet, who founded the first dental college of India, Dr. R. Ahmed Dental College and Hospital, later named 'The Calcutta Dental College', where he remained its principal until 1950.

He established the Indian Dental Journal in 1925, and played a key role in founding the Bengal Dentist Act in 1939. In 1946, he established The Bengal Dental Association which was then renamed as the Indian Dental Association. The Government of India awarded him the Padma Bhushan in 1964.