23-February-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

INDIA ACHIEVES MILESTONE IN KALA AZAR ELIMINATION: A PUBLIC HEALTH TRIUMPH

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

India has achieved a significant milestone in its fight against Kala Azar, the second deadliest parasitic disease globally after malaria.

The accomplishment involves reporting less than one case per 10,000 population across all blocks in 2023, marking a substantial victory in the battle against this debilitating disease.

Key Points

Data Highlights:

• Data from the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme reveals a decrease in reported Kala Azar cases and deaths in 2023.
• India reported 595 cases and four deaths, showcasing progress compared to previous years.

Historical Context and Targets:

• India had set multiple deadlines for Kala Azar elimination, starting from 2010 to 2020.
• The elimination target aims for no block in the country reporting more than one case per 10,000 people.

Verification Process and Future Steps:

• While India met targets, WHO experts’ verification and certification are crucial for official declaration.
• Sustained low case numbers for the next three years are vital for WHO certification.
• Experts will evaluate surveillance mechanisms and assess the sustainability of success.

Key Interventions and Challenges:

• Rigorous interventions, including indoor spraying and mobilization of ASHA network, contributed to success.
• Tracking Post Kala-azar dermal leishmaniasis (PKDL) cases remains a challenge due to potential disease resurgence.

Advancements in Diagnosis and Treatment:

• Advancements in diagnostic tools and treatment regimens have facilitated early diagnosis.
• Point-of-care diagnostic kits and shorter treatment durations have improved disease management.

About Kala Azar:

Visceral leishmaniasis, known as Kala Azar, is caused by a protozoan parasite of the Leishmania genus. Also known as Black Fever or Dumdum Fever. Leishmania donovani is the parasite causing the disease in India.

Transmission and Symptoms:

• Transmitted by sandflies, primarily Phlebotomus argentipes in India.
• Causes fever, weight loss, spleen, and liver enlargement.
• If untreated, it can be fatal in 95% of cases.

Recorded Cases in India (2023):

• 530 cases and four deaths reported.
• 286 cases of Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL).

Post Kala-azar Dermal Leishmaniasis (PKDL):

• Develops when the parasite infiltrates and thrives within skin cells, resulting in skin lesions.
• Treatment involves 12 weeks of oral miltefosine for PKDL.

Strategies for Elimination in India:

• Rigorous monitoring of indoor spraying to curb sandfly breeding.
• Using Gerrard soil for wall plastering to minimize sandfly breeding areas.
• Ensuring completion of PKDL treatment through the ASHA network.

Conclusion:

India’s achievement in reducing Kala Azar cases signifies a major triumph in public health. While advancements have been made, continued efforts, surveillance, and international certification are essential for sustained success and the ultimate goal of eliminating this parasitic disease entirely.

IISC SCIENTISTS DEVELOP SYNTHETIC ANTIBODY TO NEUTRALISE DEADLY SNAKE BITE TOXIN

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

Scientists at IISc, Bengaluru, have developed a synthetic human antibody to counteract potent neurotoxins found in Elapidae family snakes, such as cobras and black mambas.

The approach mimics strategies used for creating antibodies against HIV and COVID-19, representing a novel method for treating snakebites.

Targeting Elapid Venom Toxin:

• The synthetic antibody is designed to target a conserved region in the core of a major toxin (3FTx) present in elapid venom.
• This toxin is known for its potency and is found in the venoms of various deadly snakes.

Novel Selection Process:

• The team utilized yeast cell surfaces to create a large library of artificial antibodies, testing them to identify one highly effective antibody.

Promising Results in Animal Models:

• In animal models, when the synthetic antibody is combined with the toxic 3FTx, it significantly enhances survival rates compared to mice injected with the toxin alone.
• This breakthrough could pave the way for more effective treatments for snakebites, addressing a significant public health concern.

APEDA FORMULATES ROADMAP TO PUSH ORGANIC EXPORTS FROM UTTARAKHAND AND SIKKIM

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: PIB

The Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) is taking significant steps to propel India’s organic export sector forward. With a dedicated organic promotion division, APEDA is strategically focusing on states like Uttarakhand and Sikkim to enhance organic farming practices, streamline certification procedures, and identify key export products.

APEDA’s Strategic Focus: Uttarakhand and Sikkim

Uttarakhand Initiative:

• Objective: Enhance the organic sector through improved farming practices and streamlined certification procedures.
• Approach: Identify key export products to establish Uttarakhand as a thriving organic hub.

Sikkim Roadmap:

• Current Status: Sikkim is India’s first fully organic state.
• Objective: Formulate a roadmap to diversify exports and strengthen sustainable practices in Sikkim.

National Expansion Vision:

• Goal: Replicate successful strategies in more states to create a network of thriving organic export hubs across India.
• Strategic Approach: Develop state-specific initiatives for organic promotion.

National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) Overhaul

Objective:

• Enhance the accessibility of organic products in international markets.
• Align with global regulations and standards for organic products.

Key Updates:

• Modernizing IT infrastructure for resilient oversight.
• Focusing on geo-tagging of farms and geo-location of inspection visits.

Organic Exports from India

Potential:

• Growing Global Demand: Rising awareness of health and sustainability fuels increased demand for organic products worldwide.
• Diverse Range of Products: India offers a vast variety of organic crops, spices, and processed food, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
• Competitive Advantage: Favourable climate and fertile land offer cost-effective organic production compared to other regions.

Challenges:

• Limited Certified Area: A small portion of agricultural land is certified organic, restricting production capacity.
• Fragmented Supply Chain: Smallholding farmers face challenges in aggregation, processing, and logistics.
• Lack of Infrastructure: Inadequate cold storage and transportation facilities lead to product spoilage and value loss.

Way Forward

• Expand Certified Area: Government initiatives and farmer training programs can encourage organic farming practices.
• Strengthen Supply Chain: Invest in infrastructure for aggregation, processing, and cold chain management.
• Promote Brand Building: Create a strong “Made in India Organic” brand identity to build trust and command premium pricing.
• Focus on Research and Development: Develop high-yielding organic varieties and improve pest management techniques.

Conclusion:

By addressing challenges and leveraging its potential, India can emerge as a leading player in the global organic export market. APEDA’s initiatives and the NPOP overhaul mark crucial steps towards achieving this goal, contributing to India’s position as a key contributor to the growing global demand for organic products.

GOVERNMENT MEETS ACADEMIA AND INDUSTRY TO STEER R&D PROJECTS UNDER NATIONAL GREEN HYDROGEN MISSION

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: PIB

The Union Power and New & Renewable Energy Minister recently chaired a meeting in New Delhi to discuss the Green Hydrogen Research and Development (R&D) Scheme.

Key Points from the Meeting

• Research Focus: Emphasis on identifying primary research areas and supporting research institutions. Goal to bring research technologies to fruition for practical applications.
• Collaborative Efforts: Stress on collaboration among institutions with diverse expertise for effective research outcomes.
• Enhancing Efficiency: Highlighted the need to increase the efficiency of electrolyzers to reduce the cost of green hydrogen.
• Cost-effective Alternatives: Encouragement for exploring cost-effective alternatives for production and transportation of green hydrogen.
• Sea-water Electrolysis: Recognized as a promising area to lower production costs and enhance scalability.
• Formation of Consortiums: Suggestion to form consortiums for research across the green hydrogen value chain.
• R&D Projects under National Green Hydrogen Mission: NIncludes Mission Mode, Grand Challenge, Blue Sky projects, and support for Centers of Excellence.

Green Hydrogen Mission Overview

Launch and Outlay:

• Launched in 2023 with a mission outlay of ₹19,744 crore for FY 2023-24 to FY 2029-30.

Key Objectives:

• Achieve 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) per annum green hydrogen production capacity by 2030.
• Reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and create export opportunities.
• Develop indigenous manufacturing capabilities and decarbonize key sectors.

Mission Components:

• Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme.
• Pilot projects, R&D activities, skill development, and capacity building.

Benefits:

• Contributes to India’s climate change goals by reducing carbon emissions.
• Enhances energy security and fosters economic growth and technological advancement.

Conclusion:

The Green Hydrogen Mission, coupled with the R&D Scheme, signifies India’s commitment to a sustainable energy future.

By leveraging research and technological advancements, India aims to emerge as a global leader in green hydrogen production, usage, and export, paving the way for a cleaner and greener energy landscape.

SOLAR MAXIMUM

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

The European Space Agency’s visualization highlights increased activity on the sun’s surface as it approaches the solar maximum in the current cycle.

Solar Maximum:

• The sun, a massive ball of hot, electrically charged gas, undergoes a natural solar cycle roughly every 11 years.
• The solar cycle involves the winding and flipping of the sun’s magnetic field, reaching a dense point marking the Solar Maximum, occurring midway through the cycle.
• Solar Maximum is characterized by an increased number of sunspots on the sun’s surface.

Solar Activity Signs:

• As the sun approaches the solar maximum, visible signs include vibrant explosions, dark sunspots, loops of plasma, and swirls of super-hot gas.

Impacts of Solar Maximum:

• Increased solar activity during this phase can lead to extreme space weather events like solar flares and eruptions.
• These events have potential consequences such as disruptions to radio communications, the power grid, and health risks for astronauts.

Understanding Sunspots:

• Sunspots are dark, planet-size regions with strong magnetic fields on the sun’s surface.
• They form when magnetic field concentrations rise from deep within the sun.
• Sunspots consist of a central darker area (umbra) and a surrounding region (penumbra).
• The frequency and intensity of sunspots indicate the level of solar activity during the 11-year solar cycle, driven by the sun’s magnetic field.

INTACH’S UNESCO RECOGNITION EFFORTS FOR PARUVETA FESTIVAL

TOPIC: (GS1) ART AND CULTURE– SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) is actively working towards securing UNESCO recognition for the annual ‘Paruveta’ festival.

About Paruveta Festival:

• Celebrated at the Sri Narasimha Swamy temple in Ahobilam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Also known as the ‘mock hunting festival.’
• Embraced by people across castes, fostering communal harmony.
• Devotees from diverse religious backgrounds, including Muslims, participate in prayers to Lord Narasimha.

             

Origin and Folklore:

• Traces back to Lord Vishnu’s incarnation as Narasimha, marrying Chenchulakshmi, born as a tribal girl.
• Kurnool District Gazetteers of 1881 reflect Chenchu tribes’ reverence for Ahobila Narasimha.

Unique Features of Paruveta Festival:

• Conducted for a ‘mandala’ (forty days), different from common observances on Vijayadasami or Sankranti.
• The deity journeys to 32 Chenchu tribal villages, starting with a ritual where tribals aim arrows at the palanquin to express reverence and protection.
• Chenchus undertake ‘Narasimha Deeksha,’ wearing yellow robes and ‘Tulasi Mala,’ practicing celibacy during the 40-day period.
• Significantly, temple staff reside in tribal hamlets, reflecting a casteless society’s historical presence without untouchability.

Key Facts about Chenchu Tribes:

• Inhabit the hills of southern India, primarily in Andhra Pradesh, with communities in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Orissa.
• Their Dravidian language, Chenchu, is complemented by Telugu.
• Traditionally wandering, they’ve transitioned to farming or forest labor due to societal changes.
• Live in distinctive hive-shaped houses, displaying a societal structure of clans and local groups.
• Exogamous and patrilineal, adopting Hindu deities due to interaction with neighboring Telugu tribes.

UNESCO Recognition Significance:

• Recognition of Paruveta Festival would underscore its cultural importance and contribute to preserving the rich heritage of communal celebrations.

NTPC’S ESG SCORE ADVANCES IN CDP WATER SECURITY RATING:

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

NTPC achieves a notable elevation of two levels in the CDP Water Security Rating, affirming its commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles.

The ascent in ratings is attributed to NTPC’s dedicated initiatives in advancing water reuse and recycling practices.

About CDP:

• CDP, established in 2000, is a non-profit charity orchestrating a global disclosure system.
• It facilitates companies, investors, cities, states, and regions in managing their environmental impacts.
• Pioneering environmental disclosure, CDP employs investor influence to enhance corporate transparency on environmental aspects.