1-May-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

MAKE EPI AN ‘ESSENTIAL PROGRAMME ON IMMUNISATION’ 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

The Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) was launched by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 1974, with the aim to expand immunization benefits globally. India initiated its EPI in 1978, later renamed as the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) in 1985. 

• The UIP underwent the last nationwide independent field evaluation in collaboration with international experts two decades ago. 

Progress and Impact: 

• Over five decades, vaccines against 13 universally recommended diseases and 17 context-specific diseases have been developed. 
• The coverage of immunization, indicated by children receiving three doses of DPT, rose from 5% in the early 1970s to 84% globally in 2022. 
• Smallpox eradication and polio elimination are significant milestones, with many vaccine-preventable diseases nearly eradicated. 

Challenges: 

• Inequities persist in immunization coverage, based on geography, socio-economic status, and other factors. 
• A concerning trend of declining childhood immunization coverage was observed in 2021 globally, with millions of children either zero-dose or partially immunized. 

Transition to Adult Vaccination: 

• Historically, vaccines have been available for all age groups, with children prioritized due to limited supply and resources. 
• With improved coverage for children, focus now shifts towards vaccinating adults and the elderly against preventable diseases. 

India’s Immunization Journey: From EPI to Intensified Mission Indradhanush 2.0 

Evolution of Immunization Programs: 

• 1978: Expanded Programme of Immunization (EPI) launched. 
• 1985: EPI transitioned to the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) with broader goals. 

Objectives of UIP: 

• Increase immunization coverage rapidly. 
• Improve service quality. 
• Establish a reliable vaccine cold chain. 
• Monitor performance at district level. 
• Achieve vaccine production self-sufficiency. 

Mission Indradhanush: 

Mission Indradhanush launched in 2015 to Increase full immunization coverage to 90% and to Increase immunization coverage (1% annually, 2009-2013). 

• Fully immunize over 8.9 million un/partially vaccinated children under 2 years  
• Target pregnant women. 
• Focus on 7 VPDs: diphtheria, whooping cough, tetanus, polio, tuberculosis, measles, hepatitis B. 
• Selected districts receive additional vaccinations for Japanese Encephalitis and Haemophilus influenzae type B. 
• Focus on 201 high-burden districts. 

UIP 2.0: Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI 2.0): 

• Launched in December 2019, IMI 2.0 aimed to improve routine immunization coverage. 
• Focused on reaching “unreached” populations in identified districts and blocks. 

Strategies included: 

• Catch-up campaigns for missed vaccinations. 
• Strengthening cold chain infrastructure for vaccine storage. 
• Community mobilization and awareness campaigns. 

List of diseases included in indradhanush 

• Diphtheria 
• Pertussis (Whooping cough) 
• Tetanus 
• Polio 
• Measles 
• Severe form of Childhood Tuberculosis 
• Hepatitis B 
• Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) 
• Rotavirus diarrhea (in selected states) 
• Japanese Encephalitis (JE) (in selected states) 
• Rubella (introduced in 2016) 

Way Forward: 

• Continued focus on IMI-like strategies to achieve and sustain high immunization coverage. 
• Investment in digital tools like eVIN (Electronic Vaccine Intelligence Network) for real-time vaccine stock management. 
• Addressing vaccine hesitancy through community engagement and addressing misinformation. 
• Research and development to introduce new and improved vaccines against emerging diseases. 

UIP has been a success story in reducing child mortality, but continuous efforts are needed. 

Strengthening UIP 2.0 and addressing emerging challenges will ensure a healthier future for India’s children. 

Multiple choice question: 

1. With reference to recent developments regarding ‘Recombinant Vector Vaccines’, consider the following statements:

1. Genetic engineering is applied in the development of these vaccines. 

1. Bacteria and viruses are used as vectors. 

1. These vaccines are always administered orally. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. None of these 

ANSWER – A 

EXPLANATION 

Statement 1: – This statement is correct. Recombinant vector vaccines involve modifying a harmless virus or bacteria to carry genetic material from the target pathogen. This genetic engineering allows the immune system to recognize and develop immunity against the disease. 

Statement 2: – This statement is correct. In recombinant vector vaccines, a modified version of a virus or bacteria acts as a “vector” to deliver the antigen (foreign protein) that triggers an immune response. 

Statement 3: – This statement is incorrect. Recombinant vector vaccines can be administered through various routes, including injection (most common), intranasal spray, or even skin patch, depending on the specific vaccine. 

COST OF MEALS ROSE BY 71% IN FIVE YEARS, SALARIES BY JUST 37% 

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

The cost of a home-cooked vegetarian thali has risen significantly in the past five years, outpacing wage growth for both salaried workers and casual laborers. 

Rising Food Costs: 

• Home-cooked vegetarian thali price increased 71% in Maharashtra over the past five years. 
• Cost of two daily thalis rose from ₹1386 to ₹2377 per month in the same period. 

Uneven Wage Growth: 

• Average monthly salary increased by 37%, lagging behind food cost inflation. 
• Casual labourers wages kept pace (67% increase) but already spent a high share on food. 
• Salaried households may cut back on non-essentials due to rising food costs. 
• Daily wage earners face continued pressure on limited budgets. 

what is inflation and food inflation 

Inflation refers to the general increase in the prices of goods and services in a country over a specific period, typically a year. 

• It essentially means that your money buys you less over time. 

Food inflation is a specific type of inflation that focuses on the rising prices of food items. 

• It’s a subset of overall inflation that can have a significant impact on people’s lives, especially those with limited budgets, as food is a primary expense. 

approaches to decrease food inflation: 

Supply-side measures: 

• Increase agricultural productivity through investments in research, irrigation, and infrastructure. 
• Address disruptions in the food supply chain by improving storage and transportation facilities. 
• Consider temporary relaxation of import duties on essential food items if domestic production falls short. 

Demand-side measures: 

• Implement targeted subsidies or food stamps for low-income families to ease the burden. 
• Manage grain reserves strategically to release them into the market and stabilize prices during shortages. 
• Crack down on hoarding and speculation by food traders to prevent artificial price hikes. 

labour wages are primarily influenced by two key indices: 

• Wage Rate Index (WRI): This index, published by the Labour Bureau, Ministry of Labour and Employment, reflects the movement of relative changes in wage rates over time. 
• Consumer Price Index (CPI): This index, measured by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation, reflects changes in the prices of a basket of goods and services commonly consumed by a specific population group (e.g., rural labourers, industrial workers).   

Need for revising labour wages 

• Impact on Basic Needs:A significant portion of household income goes towards food, leaving less for other essential needs like housing, healthcare, and education. 
• A significant portion of household income goes towards food, leaving less for other essential needs like housing, healthcare, and education. 
• Unchecked food inflation discourages spending in other sectors, hindering economic growth. 
• Consumers with less disposable income due to rising food costs have less to spend on other goods and services. 

Multiple choice question: 

1. Consider the following statements regarding inflation:

1. Inflation refers to the rate at which the general level of prices for goods and services is rising. 

1. Demand-pull inflation occurs when aggregate demand exceeds aggregate supply. 

1. Cost-push inflation is caused by a decrease in production costs, leading to an increase in supply. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

(a) 1 only 

(b) 1 and 2 only 

(c) 2 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2, and 3″ 

ANSWER – B 

EXPLANATION 

Statement 1 is correct. Inflation indeed refers to the general rise in prices of goods and services over time. 

Statement 2 is also correct Demand-pull inflation arises when there’s a surplus in demand for goods and services compared to the available supply, causing prices to rise. 

Statement 3 is incorrect. Cost-push inflation occurs when production costs increase, leading to a decrease in aggregate supply and consequently driving prices up, rather than increasing supply as mentioned. 

ASTRAZENECA SUBMISSION OVER COVID VACCINE NOTHING NEW, SAY DOCTORS 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

Recent developments regarding AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, have brought attention to the potential side effect of Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS), a rare but serious condition involving blood clotting. 

• Doctors in India emphasize that this information is not new and has been acknowledged since the vaccine’s introduction. 

Key observations 

• AstraZeneca admitted in UK court documents that its vaccine may cause TTS in very rare cases, with potential life-threatening consequences. 
• Doctors in India assert that they were already aware of this risk, as it has been included in the vaccine’s product information and warnings since its introduction. 
• The majority of TTS cases occurred within the first 21 days following vaccination, with some cases resulting in fatal outcomes. 
• Experts emphasize that TTS is an exceptionally rare side effect, and individuals vaccinated in 2024 are not at risk of developing it. 
• The acknowledgment of clotting risks associated with the vaccine is not new, as similar admissions have been made previously by AstraZeneca. 

Thrombosis with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (TTS) 

TTS is a rare blood clotting condition with low platelet count.Associated with specific COVID-19 vaccines (adenovirus vector type). 

Symptoms: 

• Occur 4-42 days after vaccination. 
• May include headaches, vision changes, chest pain, leg pain/swelling. 

Importance of Awareness: 

• Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for TTS management. 
• Benefits of vaccination outweigh the very low risk of TTS. 

Informed Vaccine Decision-Making: Importance and Strategies 

Importance: 

• Vaccines are one of the most effective tools in preventing infectious diseases. 
• Informed decisions regarding vaccination ensure optimal individual and community health. 
• Understanding benefits and risks empowers individuals to make responsible choices. 

Strategies for Achieving Informed Decision-Making: 

• Seek reliable sources: Consult credible websites (WHO, CDC), doctor recommendations, and scientific publications. 
• Evaluate risks and benefits: Weigh the potential risks of the vaccine against the disease it protects against. 
• Consider individual factors: Discuss underlying health conditions and allergies with a healthcare professional. 
• Address vaccine hesitancy: Clarify misconceptions and address concerns through open communication with doctors. 

Multiple choice question: 

1. Consider the following statements regarding COVID-19 vaccines: 

1. Covishield, a vaccine developed by the Serum Institute of India, was produced utilizing an mRNA platform. 

1. The Sputnik V vaccine is produced utilizing a vector-based platform. 

1. COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

ANSWER – B 

EXPLANATION 

The COVID-19 vaccine Covishield was developed by the Serum Institute of India using an mRNA platform. This is incorrect. Covishield is a viral vector vaccine, not an mRNA vaccine. 

Sputnik V vaccine is manufactured using a vector-based platform. – This is correct. Sputnik V uses a viral vector to deliver genetic material that sparks an immune response. 

COVAXIN is an inactivated pathogen-based vaccine. – This is correct. COVAXIN uses an inactivated version of the coronavirus to stimulate the immune system. 

CORE SECTORS SLID 5.2% IN MARCH 

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

India’s Core Infrastructure Growth in March 2024 slowed to 5.2% compared to 7.1% in February. 

• Cement and electricity production increased, while fertilizers and refinery products declined. 
• This marked the first year with annual growth in all eight core sectors. 

Full Year 2023-24: 

• Core sector growth reached a three-year low of 7.5%. 
• Steel and coal witnessed double-digit growth, and crude oil output rose for the first time in 11 years. 
• The Index of Core Industries (ICI) hit a 7.5-year high in March. 

What is the Core Sector? 

The core sector consists of eight essential industries in India: coal, crude oil, natural gas, refinery products, fertilizers, steel, cement, and electricity. 

Why is it Important? 

• The core sector’s growth rate reflects the overall health of the Indian economy. Strong core sector performance indicates a positive economic outlook. 

Core Sector’s Impact: 

• It acts as a barometer for the economy, predicting future trends. 
• Core industries, like steel and electricity, are crucial for other sectors like construction and manufacturing. 
• Changes in core sector growth have a ripple effect, impacting the entire economy. 

Index of Industrial Production (IIP) 

What is the IIP? 

• A key indicator of economic health, measuring trends in industrial production over time. 
• Provides a short-term view of industrial growth until detailed surveys are available. 
• Shows the relative change in physical production compared to the previous year. 

Who Calculates It? 

• The Central Statistical Organisation (CSO) calculates and publishes the IIP monthly. 

How is it Calculated? 

• The IIP is a weighted average of production changes for various industrial items. 
• Production is measured in physical units (quantity), not value (price). 
• For certain items like machinery, price changes are considered using a separate index. 
• The base year (currently 2011-12) is assigned a value of 100. 
• An IIP value of 116 indicates 16% growth compared to the base year. 

Conclusion: 

India’s core infrastructure growth moderated in March but achieved positive annual growth in all sectors for the first time in at least 12 years. Steel, coal, and crude oil showed strong performances, while some sectors like fertilizers need improvement. 

THE GREAT RIFT VALLEY 

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: DOWN TOO EARTH 

At least 42 individuals lost their lives in Kenya’s Rift Valley due to a dam bursting its banks, aggravated by heavy rains and flooding. 

About Great Rift Valley  

• The Great Rift Valley is one of the largest rifts on Earth’s surface, spanning approximately 4,000 miles from Jordan to central Mozambique along East Africa. 
• It traverses multiple countries, including Eritrea, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Malawi, Zambia, and Mozambique. 
• The Great Rift Valley is part of the East African Rift System (EARS), a larger geological feature. 
• It formed around 40 million years ago when tectonic plates shifted, giving rise to the East African Rift. 
• The valley averages 30 to 40 miles in width but widens to nearly 300 miles in the Danakil Desert. 
• Its steep walls rise approximately 3,000 feet above the valley floor, reaching heights of up to 9,000 feet in some areas. 
• The region is geologically active, featuring volcanoes, hot springs, geysers, and frequent earthquakes. 
• Along the Rift Valley’s length lie approximately thirty lakes, including the Great Lakes of Africa such as Lake Tanganyika and Lake Victoria. 
• Rift valleys form when Earth’s tectonic plates move apart, creating lowland regions, unlike river valleys and glacial valleys, which result from erosion processes. 

GLOBAL LEADERS GROUP (GLG) ON ANTIMICROBIAL RESISTANCE 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

The European Society for Clinical Microbiology and Infectious Diseases and the Global Leaders Group (GLG) on Antimicrobial Resistance held a significant event in Barcelona, Spain, titled ‘Forging partnerships between science and policy’. 

• The Global Leaders Group on Antimicrobial Resistance (GLG) consists of leaders and experts from diverse sectors working together to expedite political measures addressing antimicrobial resistance (AMR).  
• Its principal function is to offer impartial global advisory and advocacy services, striving to maintain the urgency, public backing, political drive, and awareness of the AMR challenge within the global health and development agenda. 
• Established in November 2020 following a recommendation by the Interagency Coordination Group (IACG) on Antimicrobial Resistance, the GLG held its inaugural meeting in January 2021. 
• The Group is supported by the Quadripartite Joint Secretariat (QJS) on Antimicrobial Resistance, a collaborative effort involving the FAO, UNEP, and OIE. 

Antimicrobial resistance: 

• Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) refers to bacteria and other microbes’ ability to resist drugs designed to inhibit or kill them, often termed ‘superbugs’, leading to difficult-to-treat drug-resistant infections. 
• AMR is mainly caused by the overuse of antimicrobial drugs in humans, animals, and plants, resulting in a worrisome increase in drug resistance and making infections more challenging to manage. 

SALMONELLA 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA 

The United States has reportedly rejected nearly one-third of shipments from Mahashian Di Hatti Pvt Ltd (MDH) since October 2023 due to salmonella contamination concerns. 

About Salmonella: 

• Salmonella is a group of bacteria that can cause gastrointestinal illness and fever known as salmonellosis. 
• These bacteria naturally reside in the intestines of animals and can be present in their feces. 
• Salmonella can spread to humans through contact with infected animals or contaminated items in their environment. 
• The bacteria are resilient and can survive for several weeks in dry environments and months in water. 
• Symptoms of salmonellosis include diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps. 
• Certain groups, such as children under 5 years old, adults over 65 years old, and individuals with weakened immune systems, are at higher risk of experiencing severe illness requiring medical treatment or hospitalization. 
• The rejection of MDH shipments underscores the importance of food safety measures to prevent the spread of salmonella contamination. 
• It also highlights the need for robust quality control procedures within food manufacturing facilities to ensure that products meet safety standards before being exported. 

• The situation serves as a reminder of the potential health risks associated with consuming contaminated food products and the importance of vigilance in monitoring food safety protocols. 

TAAM JA’ BLUE HOLE 

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA 

Scientists have not yet reached the bottom of Mexico’s Taam Ja’ Blue Hole, located in Chetumal Bay, which may be connected to a network of underwater caves and tunnels. 

Blue holes 

• Blue holes are water-filled vertical caverns or sinkholes found in coastal areas with soluble bedrock like limestone, marble, or gypsum. 
• They form as surface water seeps through the rock, dissolving minerals and widening cracks until the rock collapses. 
• Well-known examples include Dean’s Blue Hole in the Bahamas, the Dahab Blue Hole in Egypt, and the Great Blue Hole in Belize. 
• Taam Ja’ Blue Hole holds the title of the deepest known underwater sinkhole globally, situated off the southeast coast of the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico. 
• It extends at least 1,380 feet below sea level, surpassing the previous record holder, the Sansha Yongle Blue Hole in the South China Sea, by 390 feet. 
• Covering an area of 13,660 square meters, Taam Ja’ translates to “deep water” in Mayan, reflecting its immense depth. 
• The blue hole features a nearly circular surface with steep sides, forming a large conic structure covered by biofilms, sediments, limestone, and gypsum ledges. 
• The Yucatan Peninsula is a northeastern extension of Central America, bordered by the Gulf of Mexico to the west and north and the Caribbean Sea to the east. 
• Composed mainly of coralline and porous limestone rocks, it includes parts of Mexico, Belize, and Guatemala, boasting a unique geological landscape rich in sinkholes and underground rivers.