Important News: International |
Ghana becomes first country to approve Oxford malaria vaccine for children
Why in news: Ghana has made history by becoming the first country to approve a highly effective malaria vaccine developed by scientists at the University of Oxford in the UK. The vaccine, called R21/Matrix-M, has exceeded the World Health Organization’s target of 75% efficacy, making it a significant milestone in the fight against malaria.
A.In Ghana, where malaria is endemic and perennial, an estimated 5.3 million cases and 12,500 deaths were recorded in 2021. The R21/Matrix-M vaccine, which has shown promising results in clinical trials, could be a game-changer in reducing the burden of malaria in Ghana and other sub-Saharan African countries.
B.However, the WHO has yet to recommend the R21 vaccine for widespread use, and until it does, there is a question mark over the amount of international funding available for it. The vaccine’s phase 3 trial is ongoing, but earlier trials have shown efficacy levels of 77%, a level that was maintained after a single booster dose given a year later
C.Malaria is a life-threatening mosquito borne blood disease caused by plasmodium parasites. It is predominantly found in the tropical and subtropical areas of Africa, South America as well as Asia.
D.The parasites spread through the bites of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes. Symptoms of malaria include fever and flu-like illness, including shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and tiredness.
(SOURCE – LIVEMINT)
Important News: National |
Central Sponsored Schemes
Why in news: Recently, the central government has tightened the fund flow rulebook on Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) even further and for the first time has also brought in a ‘penal interest’ clause for delays in fund transfers by states.
A.centrally sponsored scheme are funded partially by both the Central and State Governments. It is a channel which the central government uses to help the states run their plans financially.The amount of state participation varies from state to state.
B.The Centre has tightened the fund flow rulebook on Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) even further and for the first time has also brought in a 'penal interest' clause for delays in fund transfers by states.
B.The flagship schemes of the central government are called Core of Core schemes or umbrella schemes. Examples: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme (MGNREGA), National Social Assistance Programme etc. The funding pattern is usually 60:40. The central government takes up more share in these schemes and the states are expected to pitch in the remaining funds.
C.Optional schemes: Normally state governments plan the schemes and request the central government to fund some portion of the total outlay. The general funding pattern of the optional schemes is 50:50 (State: Center). However, the Central government may take up the task of funding more if the scheme is to be implemented in backward areas or difficult terrains.
D.States have been asked to ensure that their share of funds is transferred to the Single Nodal Agency (SNA) for the CSS scheme within 30 days of receiving central funding instead of 40 days, as allowed earlier. Any delay beyond 30 days would attract a ‘penal interest’ of 7% per annum. This ‘penal interest’ by a state that delays prescribed fund flow will be transferred to the Consolidated Fund of India.
(SOURCE –NEWS ON AIR)
Exercise ORION 2023
Why in news: a. An Indian Air Force (IAF) contingent will participate in Exercise Orion at Mont-de-Marsan, an Air Force base of the French Air and Space Force from 17 April to 05 May 2023, with the IAF Contingent comprising four Rafale, two C-17, two ll-78 aircraft and 165 air warriors.
- “Exercise ORION 2023” is the first exercise in what French Joint Forces Command hopes will be a triennial cycle of exercises aimed at reinforcing joint forces operational readiness.
- This would be the first overseas exercise for the IAF's Rafale aircraft.This is -
- Besides the IAF and the FASF, Air Forces from Germany, Greece, Italy, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Spain and United States of America would also be flying in this multilateral exercise.
- The Rafale aircraft are the latest fighters to have been inducted into the Indian Air Force and are considered to be the most potent in the entire Asian region.
- The 36 Rafales have been completely inducted and they have played a significant role in improving the country’s operational preparedness along both the borders with Pakistan and China.
(SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS
Bhu-Aadhaar
Why in news: It is a 14-digit identification number for every surveyed parcel of land in India, launched in 2021.This could help mitigate court cases involving land disputes & enhance efficiency in land markets.
- ULPIN (Unique Land Parcel Identification Number) is a part of the DILRMP program of the Government of India. It is a unique 14-digit identification number given to a plot of land.
- The ULPIN program will check the land fraud incidence, especially in areas where ambiguous or unclear land records are present or sometimes the land ownership is itself disputed.
C."Once the digitisation process of land records and registration is completed, it will help reduce the massive pendency of court cases involving land disputes.
D.The gdp loss to the country's economy is about 1.3% due to stalled projects over lawsuits related to land disputes.
E.A study says that 66% of all civil suits in India relate to land or property disputes, and the average pendency of a land acquisition dispute is 20 years.
- The Land parcel identification is based on the longitudinal and latitude coordinates of the land along with the detailed survey and geo-referenced cadastral maps. The ULPIN number is developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC).
(SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS)
Important News: States |
Visakhapatnam beaches are glowing due to a phenomenon called bioluminescence.
Why in news: Bioluminescent waves at Bheemili Beach in Visakhapatnam have become the talk of the town, drawing in crowds of curious locals and tourists alike. The spectacular natural phenomenon, never witnessed in the area before, has left visitors enchanted by the beauty of nature.
- Bioluminescence occurs when the movement of waves activates small marine organisms called phytoplankton, causing them to emit a bright blue light. Bioluminescence is emitted from the presence of diatoms, such as Noctiluca and Soresium.
B.It is likely to reappear depending on the nutrients present in the water. Since it is a natural phenomenon, exposure to it is not harmful.
C.While this is a rare and breathtaking sight, it is important to look at bioluminescence responsibly and protect the fragile ecosystem.
D.India is home to several beaches where bioluminescence can be observed, including the Lakshadweep Islands, Andaman and Nicobar’s Havelock Island and Radhanagar Beach, and the Konkan region of Maharashtra. In addition, the same phenomenon was observed at Chennai’s Marina Beach, where the waves glow with a blue-green light due to the phytoplankton.
(SOURCE – NEWS ON AIR)
Gond painting of Madhya Pradesh
Why in news: Gond paintings from Madhya Pradesh have got the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a recognition that protects and sanctifies the work of tribal artists.
A.A Geographical Indication (GI) is a name or sign given to products coming from a specific geographical location.
B.Patangarh village in Dindori district is home to several Gond artists, one in every household whose artwork is popular in the state and internationally recognised.
C.The famous Gond artist Bhajju Shyam has received Padma Shri award for it.
D.A geographical Indication (GI) tag is a sign used on products which have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. It is used for industrial products, foodstuff, agriculture products, spirit drinks, and handicrafts.
- GI Tag ensures that no one other than the registered authorised user is allowed to use the name of the popular product.
(SOURCE – ECONOMIC TIMES)
India's tallest Ambedkar statue
Why in news: The iconic structure of Ambedkar is claimed to be the tallest statue in the country ever built for the ‘architect of Indian Constitution’.
A.Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao (KCR) will install a 125-feet tall statue of Ambedkar on the banks of Hussainsagar in Hyderabad on the 132nd birth anniversary of 'Father of Indian Constitution' Dr B R Ambedkar.
B.This project, the flagship project of the ruling government, this giant statue of Ambedkar atop the country's Parliament House has now come alive. It will be inaugurated on the birth anniversary of 132.
C.Touted as India's tallest Ambedkar statue, the project was completed at a cost of Rs 147 crore.
- The Political parties/groups formed by Ambedkar:
- Depressed Classes Federation (DCF) in 1930
- Independent Labour Party (ILP) in 1936
- Scheduled Castes Federation (SCF) in 1942
- Key Literary works:
- Annihilation of Caste
- Rande, Gandhi and Jinnah
- Castes in India: Their Mechanism, Genesis and Development
- The Buddha and His Dhamma
- Waiting for a Visa
(SOURCE – THE HINDU)
Important News: Days |
World Chagas Disease Day
Why in news: Chagas disease, also known as "silent or silent disease", this disease progresses slowly and without treatment, Chagas disease can cause severe heart and digestive changes and can be fatal.
A.The theme for 2023 is 'Time to integrate Chagas disease into primary health care', so that universal care and surveillance start at the most decentralized level of the health system.
B.Every year on April 14, World Chagas Disease Day is observed to raise awareness about a life-threatening disease that can cause serious heart and digestive problems. ,
C.Trypanosoma is caused by the Cruzi parasite, which is spread to humans by the triatomine bug, commonly known as the kissing bug. The disease mainly affects individuals with poor sanitation conditions in rural areas, especially those who are poor. It is more common in regions such as Central America, Mexico, and South America.
D.World Chagas Disease Day was observed for the first time in 2020.
(SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA)
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