29-January-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

ONE DEAD, 17 HURT AS STAGE COLLAPSES AT KALKAJI TEMPLE

SUBJECT: ART AND CULTURE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

One dead, 17 injured as the stage collapses during a jagran ceremony at Kalkaji Temple in south-east Delhi.

   

About Kalkaji Temple:

• Kalkaji Mandir is a place which is dedicated to Goddess Kali.
• Kalka Devi is also known as Kaal Chakra Swamini.
• Kalkaji Mandir is also known as ‘Manokamana Siddha Peetha’ and ‘Jayanti Peetha’. Manokamna Siddha means ‘desired wish fulfilment’, and Peetha means the ‘shrine’.
• The temple is Located in South Delhi, Kalkaji – the locality is named after the temple itself.
• Kalkaji Mandir is one of the prominent Hindu temples in Delhi.
• It is believed that Kalkaji Mandir is over 3000 years old.
• Pandavas along with Lord Krishna visited this temple to offer their prayers to Goddess Kali during the Mahabharata time.
• The temple underwent several modifications over the years.
• While Kalkaji Mandir is much older, it is believed that its oldest portion have been built around 1764 AD by the Marathas. Many additions were made in 1816 by the Peshkar of Akbar and Mirza Raja Kidar Nath.

ONLY 1% WOMEN SCREENED FOR CERVICAL CANCER IN INDIA

SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Only 1% of women in India are screened for cervical cancer, falling significantly below the WHO recommendation of 70%.

National Overview (2019-21):

• No Indian state crossed the 10% mark for any cancer screening.
• The national average for cervical, breast, and oral cancer screening stood at 1.2%, 0.6%, and 0.7%, respectively.
• Southern states and some Northeastern states, like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Mizoram, Manipur, and Maharashtra, showed higher initiative.
• In Tamil Nadu, 7% of women were screened for cervical cancer, and 3.8% for breast cancer, surpassing the national averages.
• West Bengal and Gujarat reported the lowest screening rates with 0.1% and 0.2%,

International Comparison (BRICS nations):

• India lags BRICS nations, with less than 5% coverage for cervical cancer screening.
• Russia led with 93%, Brazil with 58%, and South Africa with 52%.

Tamil Nadu as a Model:

• Even in Tamil Nadu, the state with the highest screening rates, most tests target older women.
• The Apollo Hospitals survey underscores that 25% of breast cancer cases occur in women under 40, urging wider screening efforts.
• Higher screening rates among women with lower education levels in Tamil Nadu.
• Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes had higher screening rates than other communities, revealing the impact of state-sponsored initiatives.

Conclusion and Way Forward:

• State intervention, especially in Southern states, has positively influenced screening rates.
• Increasing awareness remains crucial, but the data suggests that higher education alone doesn’t guarantee higher screening rates.
• Targeted efforts, especially among younger women and marginalized communities, are essential to bridge the significant gap in cervical cancer screening in India.

About Cervical Cancer:

• Cervical cancer starts in the cells of the cervix, the lower part of the uterus.
• Most cervical cancers result from various strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), primarily transmitted through sexual contact.
• Normally, the body’s immune system combats HPV, preventing it from causing harm.
• In a small percentage of individuals, HPV may persist for years, contributing to the transformation of cervical cells into cancer cells.

Types of HPV Vaccines:

1. Quadrivalent Vaccine (Gardasil):

• Protects against four HPV types: 16, 18, 6, and 11.
• Notably prevents HPV 16 and 18, major contributors to cervical cancer, and HPV 6 and 11, responsible for genital warts.

1. Bivalent Vaccine (Cervarix):

• Provides protection against HPV 16 and 18 only.

1. Non-valent Vaccine (Gardasil 9):

• Offers broader protection against nine HPV strains.
• Covers HPV 16, 18, 6, and 11, along with additional strains, enhancing prevention efficacy.

INSAT-3DS SATELLITE SENT TO LAUNCH PORT IN SRIHARIKOTA

SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

INSAT-3DS is a joint effort by ISRO and the India Meteorological Organisation (IMD).

It Aims to bolster climate services and expand Earth observation capabilities.

Climate Observatory Series:

• Part of a dedicated series alongside satellites like INSAT-3D.
• Focuses on improving climate-related data for enhanced services.

Launch Method: GSLV-F14 selected for the satellite launch.

GSLV-F14 Overview:

• Utilizes advanced rocket technology with liquid propellant across all stages.
• Increased capacity and lift-off weight capacity, offering enhanced performance.

About INSAT-3DR:

Advanced meteorological satellite equipped with imaging system and Atmospheric Sounder.

Noteworthy Improvements:

• Enhanced features include :
• Middle Infrared band imaging for night-time cloud and fog observation,
• two Thermal Infrared bands for accurate Sea Surface Temperature (SST) estimation and
• improved spatial resolution in Visible and Thermal Infrared bands.

Payloads:

• Multi-spectral imager for comprehensive observation.
• 19-channel sounder for atmospheric studies.
• Data relay transponder for enhancing weather forecasting capabilities.
• Search and rescue transponder for global distress signal reception and relay.

Significance:

• This collaborative venture showcases India’s commitment to technological advancements in climate monitoring and meteorological services.
• The integration of GSLV-F14 and INSAT-3DR highlights the nation’s strides in sophisticated rocket technology and satellite development.

ECOWAS: NIGER, MALI AND BURKINA FASO QUIT WEST AFRICAN BLOC BBC

SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: BCC

Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger military regimes jointly announce their immediate withdrawal from ECOWAS.

Highlights:

• The leaders of the three Sahel nations issued a statement saying it was a “sovereign decision” to leave the Economic Community of West African States “.
• All three nations faced suspension and heavy sanctions from ECOWAS.
• Burkina Faso experienced a coup in 2022, Mali in 2020, and Niger in July 2021.
• The military regimes have strengthened their stance, forming an “Alliance of Sahel States.”
• French military withdrawal from the Sahel region raises concerns about conflicts spreading to Gulf of Guinea states like Ghana, Togo, Benin, and Ivory Coast.

About ECOWAS:

• The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) is a regional intergovernmental organization founded in 1975 through the Lagos Treaty.
• It aims to promote economic integration and development among West African nations.
• Headquartered in Abuja, Nigeria.
• ECOWAS comprises 15 member states: Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Cote d’Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal, and Togo.

CAA IMPLEMENTATION ACROSS THE COUNTRY IN 7 DAYS

SUBJECT: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act, or CAA, passed by Parliament in 2019, has been awaiting implementation. Union Minister Shantanu Thakur asserts that the CAA will be implemented across India within the next seven days.

Background of CAA:

• The Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019 Seeks to make modifications to the Citizenship Act of 1955.
• The Citizenship Act of 1955 provides diverse methods through which an individual can attain citizenship.
• It encompasses acquiring citizenship through birth, descent, registration, naturalization, and the inclusion of foreign territory into India.

Objective of CAA:

• Aims to grant Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities (Hindu, Sikh, Jain, Buddhist, Parsi, and Christian) from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
• Those arriving in India before December 31, 2014, due to religious persecution, are eligible for citizenship.

Exceptions:

• Tribal areas of Tripura, Mizoram, Assam, and Meghalaya under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution are excluded.
• Areas falling under the Inner Limit notified under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873, are also exempt.

Issues Surrounding the Law:

• Violation of constitutional principles, as it distinguishes illegal immigrants based on religion.
• Perceived as a demographic threat to indigenous communities.
• Potential violation of Article 14 (right to equality) by granting citizenship based on religion.
• Criticism for attempting to naturalize the citizenship of illegal immigrants.
• Concerns over the cancellation of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) registration for various violations, including minor offenses, posing potential challenges.

FUTALA LAKE

SUBJECT: GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

The Supreme Court directed the Maharashtra government and its metro rail corporation to halt construction at Futala Lake in Nagpur.

          

• Futala Lake, also called Telankhedi Lake, is situated in the western part of Nagpur, Maharashtra.
• Estimated to be over 200 years old, the lake covers an area of 60 acres.
• Constructed by the Bhonsle kings of Nagpur.
• It is renowned for its vibrant colourful fountains.
• The lake is bordered by forest on three sides and features a landscaped beach on the fourth.

CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE (COPD)

SUBJECT: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY– SOURCE: ECONOMIC TIMES

Health experts identify various causes of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) beyond smoking, including environmental toxins, genetic factors, and occupational hazards.

 

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):

COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by obstructed airflow from the lungs.

There are two primary forms of COPD:

• Chronic bronchitis, involving a persistent cough with mucus, and
• Emphysema, causing lung damage over time.

Most COPD cases involve a combination of both conditions.

Causes:

• Causes of COPD include prolonged exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, primarily from cigarette smoke.
• In high-income countries, tobacco smoking contributes to over 70% of COPD cases, while in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), it accounts for 30–40%, with household air pollution as a significant risk factor.

Symptoms:

• Common symptoms of COPD include difficulty breathing, chronic cough with phlegm, and fatigue, often exacerbated by flare-ups requiring additional medication.
• COPD patients face increased risks of heart disease, lung cancer, and other conditions.

Treatment:

• While COPD is incurable, lifestyle changes like smoking cessation, avoidance of air pollution, and vaccination can improve symptoms.
• Treatment options include medication, oxygen therapy, and pulmonary rehabilitation to manage symptoms and enhance quality of life.

TASAR SILK

SUBJECT: ENVIRONMENT– SOURCE: PIB

Jharkhand’s Republic Day tableau highlighted the expertise of tribal women in crafting Tasar silk.

About Tasar silk:

• Tasar silk is a wild silk variety produced by silkworms that feed on plants like Asan and Arjun.
• Also known as tusaar, tusser, tushar, tusa, tassore, and tasar, it holds cultural significance across India.
• Globally, China, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh are major producers, with India ranking second and producing exclusive Indian tussar, mainly tended to by tribals.
• Jharkhand, along with Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, plays a pivotal role in Indian tussar silk production.