NASA select site Nightingale for observation:
NASA has finally selected a sample collection site on asteroid Bennu after the arrival of OSIRIS-REx spacecraft in December 2018. The OSIRIS-Rex mission team has selected the site designated Nightingale, which is located in a crater high in Bennu`s northern hemisphere. The team has also selected site Osprey of Bennu as a backup sample collection site.
Site-selection:
OSIRIS-REx spacecraft mapped the entire asteroid in order to identify the safest and most accessible spots for the spacecraft to collect a sample so far. The team evaluated close-range data from four candidate sites in order to identify the best option for the sample collection. After the complete study and analysis of the four candidate sites, the team selected a site that has the greatest amount of fine-grained material and how easily the spacecraft can access that material and keep the spacecraft safe.
Site Nightingale:
Site Nightingale is located in a northern crater 460 feet wide of the asteroid. As per the observation, Nightingale`s regolith or rocky surface material is dark, and images show that the crater is relatively smooth.
As the site is located so far north, the temperatures in the region are lower than elsewhere on the asteroid and the surface material is well-preserved.
OSIRIS-REx sample collection has been scheduled for the latter half of 2020. The spacecraft is expected to return the asteroid samples to Earth on 24 September 2023.
Afghanistan recognizes Indian Pharmacopoeia:
The National Department of Regulation of Medicines and Health Products of the Ministry of Public Health of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan organized the Indian Pharmacopoeia (IP). Afghanistan became the first country to recognize IP pursuant to the efforts of the Department of Commerce, and the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. It will also be used based on the requirement as reputable pharmacopoeia in the laboratory of medicines and health products quality.
Indian Pharmacopoeia:
♦ IP is an officially recognized book of standards as per the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and Rules 1945 thereunder
♦ It specifies the standards of drugs manufactured and marketed in India in terms of their purity, identity, and strength
♦ It ensures the quality of medicinal products, the legal and scientific standards that are provided by the Indian Pharmacopoeia Commission (IPC)
♦ The Second Schedule of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act designates IP as the official book of standards for drugs imported and/or manufactured for sale, stock or exhibition for sale or distribution in India.