ASTRAZENECA BANNED
ASTRAZENECA which was marketed as the Covisheld vaccine in India has been withdrawn by its producers. The Serum Institute which made Rs100 crore on the vaccines has also stopped production. Covisheld was administered to the majority of India’s population at the height of the pandemic. It is now being finally admitted that there were severe side effects due to the use of this vaccine.
The side effects included problems with pregnancy in the case of women. The global drug giant which grew AstraZeneca now admits that it caused thrombocytopenia (blood clotting) in rare cases. Covishield accounted for 80% of the Covid-19 vaccine administered in Goa. The reportedly widely introduced viral infection seems to be under control though there rare cases still turn up. We don’t know if anyone is going to be punished for this unbelievable goof-up, if it was a goof-up, indeed.
PROTEIN POWDERS
THE National Institute of Nutrition based in Hyderabad has issued a advisory against protein supplements. The NIN has observed that the benefits of nutritional supplement are not equal to the risks to health entailed. It points out that protein powders are made from eggs, dairy milk or plant sources. Protein supplements are not advised for regular consumption.
Proteins are rich in amino acids and taken in excess can cause many problems. Research findings indicate that protein supplements are associated with only a small increases in muscle growth and strength during prolonged resistance exercises. Protein intake level greater then 1.6kg of body weight do not contribute to muscle building.
We hope GMC geriatrics ward HOD Dr Edwin Gomes will take note of this. Dr Gomes has been promoting Protinace sachets manufactured by Mylin Bio Tech India Pvt Ltd which is reportedly a pre-digested protein mix ideal for protein-deficient run down patients. We are not sure about this though. Protinace which comes in sachets of 68g costing around Rs300 is not recognized by the Food & Drug Administration. It is not recognized by the Medical Council of India. Geriatrics patients are encouraged to drink two sachets of this Protinace daily.Interestingly, the good doctor himself admits to taking two sachets of this Protinace every day.
EARTHERN COOKWARE SAFEST
NUTRITIONAL experts now observe that kitchen vessels made of earth like clay pots are best and safest for cooking. Also, do not store acidic food like chutney, sambar and curries in aluminium, iron or copper vessels. Non-stick pans may be used provided cooking temperature is less than 170 degrees. When non-stick coating of non-stick pans wears out discard it and do not continue to use. Traditional stainless steel vessels are the safest to use in the kitchen. NIN recommends people use less refined oils and sugar to stay fit and fine.
IPL TICKETS
THE favorite venue for watching IPL cricket matches is the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmadabad. Since the stadium has the capacity to accommodate a lakh of people, it is easier to get tickets. However, a reasonable ticket can cost as much as Rs7,500 each. The return airfare from Goa to Ahmedabad is Rs8,000. So if Goans want to watch an IPL match they have to spend Rs15,000 per person.
There are many Goans who chose the Ahmadabad option as it is not possible to get tickets for matches in Mumbai or Chennai. The World Cup final between Australia and India was earlier played at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmadabad. India lost despite the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the stadium.
SC GRANTS KEJRIWAL INTERIM BAIL
THE Supreme Court on Friday granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister (CM) Arvind Kejriwal till June 1 in the liquor policy case. According to news received he will have surrender the next day, that is June 2, 2024.
MANGO SHOW ON MAY 17-18
A TWO-day State-level mango show is coming up at the Kala Academy grounds in capital city from May 17 to 18, 2024. It is being organized by the Directorate of Agriculture (government of Goa) with the object of identifying and maintaining date of the different local varieties cultivated in Goa.
The show will would facilitate an integrated approach to increasing areas under mango cultivation, facilitate quality production as also marketing with the objective of ensuring remunerative returns for mango farmers.
Mango lovers will get to see different varieties of mangoes, there will be mango fruit-related demonstrations, workshops and a seminar; also a competition of mango fruit of different Goan varieties, hybrid varieties, sucking type (ghontam), exotic varieties and other Indian varieties.
Farmers/individuals/non-government institutions owning mango trees in Goa may participate in the display and competitions. Participants can submit their entries and each entry should have minimum of three mangoes. There is no entry fee and cash prizes will be awarded for the best three entries in each category. Certificates will be given to all participants. Submit entries to your nearest Zonal Agricultural Office on May 16 before 5 pm or submit directly at the venue on May 17 before 10.30 am. There’s also a competition for fruit and mango value added products (pickles, jams, juices, leather, etc) which will be part of the show. For more details visitwww.agri.goa.gov.in
5th EDITION OF CREATIVE COMMUNITY
THE 5th edition of First Fridays, themed “Bringing Together the Creative Community in Goa” was successfully held at MO’s Café in capital city Panjim on May 9, 2024. The meet-up was organized in partnership with Start-up & IT Promotion Cell (SITPC), Department of Information Technology, Electronics and Communications (DITE&C), and ADI Goa. The meet served as a vibrant platform for creative individuals to connect, collaborate and exchange knowledge with the larger aim of fostering better connectivity and availability of expertise. The CCG brought together a diverse range of creative talent from across Goa and amongst those who came were architects, artists, craftsmen, designers, and professionals from various fields.
The gathering was to exchange ideas, network and explore potential collaborations. During the event Mr Roy unveiled the first version of the website, which featured sections such as Discover Our Community, First Friday, Design Policy, Resources and Support, Design Intervention, What’s Happening in Goa, and Community Board. Notably, the Directory of Members section received significant attention, which will allow designers to register and connect with other creative individuals in Goa through categorized and regional options. This feature, along with others, highlights the community’s commitment to promoting cooperation and inclusivity, welcoming both residents of Goa and digital nomads to participate in strengthening the creative ecosystem.
Darpana Athale introduced a questionnaire aimed at formulating a policy for the creative industry of Goa to new community members, while D S Prashant (CEO of the Startup & IT Promotion Cell) encouraged participants to envision Goa’s future and its focus areas for the next decade, particularly emphasizing the role of creative practitioners in shaping Goa’s identity as a design capital. Overall, the 5th edition of First Fridays further solidified Goa’s position as a hub for creativity and innovation.