Daily Current Affairs for State Exams 9 May 2023

 Title 42

Why in news: The United States is getting ready to lift COVID-19 restrictions that have prevented migrants caught at the U.S.-Mexico border from seeking asylum since 2020, a major policy shift with humanitarian and political implications.

A.The Covid restrictions, known as Title 42, were first introduced by Republicans in March 2020 at the start of the pandemic. Was implemented under then President Donald Trump.

B.At the time, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said the order was needed to prevent the spread of coronavirus in crowded detention settings.

C.Title 42 allowed border agents to swiftly expel many migrants to Mexico.

D.Since its inception, migrants have been expelled more than 2.7 million times under Title 42, although the total includes many repeat crossers and Mexico has generally accepted only a few nationalities.

 (SOURCE – LIVEMINT)

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

Why in news: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first-ever respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine developed by UK-based pharmaceutical company GSK for use in people 60 years and older.

A.Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common virus that can cause mild to severe respiratory illness, especially in young children and older adults.

B.Transmission RSV is spread through respiratory secretions, such as by coughing or sneezing, or by touching contaminated surfaces or objects.

C.Symptoms of RSV can cause symptoms such as coughing, wheezing, fever, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.

D.Venerable infants, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of severe RSV infection.

E.RSV can be diagnosed through a respiratory sample, such as from a nasal or throat swab, which is tested in a laboratory.

F.Treatment for RSV is mainly supportive, such as fluids, oxygen therapy, and fever reducers. Severe cases may require hospitalization.

 (SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS)

Pulitzer Prize

Why in news:  9 Winners of Pulitzer Prize 2023 for Book, Drama and Music

A.The Pulitzer Prize is given since 1917 to honor excellence in journalism and the arts. The annual awards are given in 23 categories in journalism, books, drama and music. The Pulitzer Prize 2023 was announced on May 9. Here we list the Pulitzer Prize 2023 winners for books, drama and music.

B.This year's Pulitzer Prize for Fiction has been shared by two authors Barbara Kingsolver and Hernan Diaz.Barbara Kingsolver won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for 'Damon Copperhead', a moder retelling of Charles Dickens' classic 'David Copperfield'. Meanwhile, Hernan Diaz won the 2023 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction for 'Trust'. 

C.Pulitzer Prize for General Non-Fiction 2023

'His Name is George Floyd: One Man's Life and the Struggle for Racial Justice', written by Robert Samuels and Toulus Olorunnipa, won the Pulitor Prize 2023 in the General Non-Fiction category.

D.Beverly Gage won the Pulitzer Prize 2023 in the biography category for the book 'G-Man: J. Edgar Hoover and the Making of the American Century'. And Hua Hsu won the Pulitzer Prize 2023 in the memoir or autobiography category for her memoir 'Stay True'. And Carl Phillips won the Pulitzer Prize 2023 for poetry for the book 'Then War: And Selected Poems, 2007-2020'.

E.Jefferson Covey won the Pulitzer Prize 2023 for history for the book 'Freedom Dominion: A Saga of White Resistance to Federal Power'. And Sanaz Tusi's play 'English' won the Pulitzer Prize 2023 for drama. Ryanon Giddens and Michael Abels won the Pulitzer Prize 2023 for music for their album 'Omar'. 

(SOURCE – ECONOMIC TIMES)

 Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START).

Why in news:  The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has announced a new introductory level online training programme called Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START).

A.The START program is aimed at postgraduate and final year undergraduate students of physics and technology.

B.The programme will cover various domains of space science including astronomy and astrophysics, heliophysics and sun-earth interactions, instrumentation and aeronomy. It will be distributed by Indian academicians and scientists from ISRO centres.

C.The programme is part of ISRO's efforts to enable Indian students to become professionals in space science and technology.

D.It aims to provide students with an introductory level training in space science and technology, giving them an overview of various aspects of the field, research opportunities and career options. The training will also emphasize the cross-disciplinary nature of space science.

E.The programme is expected to help build a human capacity that will lead to space science and research in the future.

F.The student community will receive:

1. Overview of various aspects of space science and technology,
2. Exposure to ongoing research in various Indian institutions,
3. Insight into how their personal qualifications will be in line with certain aspects of space science and technology,

Students will get a chance to appreciate the cross-disciplinary nature of the subject, and choose their career path accordingly.

 (SOURCE – NEWS ON AIR)

PM CARES Fund

Why in news:  The central government has recently informed the Delhi High Court that the PM CARES Fund has been set up as a public charitable trust and not a public authority under the RTI.

A.The Prime Minister's Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) was created on 28 March 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic in India. 

B.It was created for combat, prevention and relief efforts against situations like the coronavirus outbreak and similar pandemics in the future. It has been registered as a Public Charitable Trust.

C.To provide assistance and relief to all affected persons in the event of any calamity, calamity, public health emergency or any other emergency of any kind which may be natural or man-made.

D.Construction and upgradation of any pharmaceutical facilities, funding of research, construction or upgradation of any necessary infrastructure, health care assistance or any other type of support.

E.The Prime Minister is the ex-officio Chairman of the PM CARES Fund. The Defence Minister, the Home Minister and the Finance Minister, Government of India are ex-officio trustees of the Fund. The trust deed of the fund gives the chairman of the board of trustees i.e. the prime minister the power to nominate three trustees to the board of trustees.

F.The Fund consists entirely of voluntary contributions from individuals/organizations and does not receive any budgetary support. Contributions to the fund can be from any individual or any organization including companies, other charitable institutions, associations, etc.

G.Donations to the PM CARES Fund will qualify for 80G benefits for 100% exemption under the Income Tax Act. Donations to the PM CARES Fund will also be counted as corporate social responsibility (CSR) expenditure under the Companies Act, 2013.

H.It is also exempted under the FCRA. It enables the PM CARES Fund to accept donations and contributions from individuals and organisations based abroad.

(SOURCE –NEWS ON AIR)

IFFCO Integrating drone, Nano and AI technologies for smart farming.

Why in news:  Indian Farmers Fertilizer Cooperative (IFFCO) is planning to promote the use of nano fertilizers like Nano Urea and Nano DAP using drones and Artificial Intelligence technologies at all India level in technical collaboration with agricultural universities and technical institutes.

A.DroneAI is an integrated program that promotes foliar application of nano fertilizers and other agrochemicals by combining drone, nano, artificial intelligence and mobile technologies.

B.Farmers can use these advanced technologies through their mobile app which will make spraying efficient, cost-effective and safe. While spraying, Artificial Intelligence (AI) based software can detect crop growth and health and guide farmers towards smart farming.

C.The main focus of this program is to build a successful drone spraying system, to connect rural youth/youth The system has to operate in coordination with farmers and train them in advanced technologies which ultimately results in rural entrepreneurship.

D.All mandatory protocols related to drones, their transport vehicles and safe flying are embedded in this process and have been coordinated by farmer friendly mobile apps. So this high-end, integrated drone technology can be promoted in agriculture that will help farmers practice high-tech smart farming.

E.The test module of DRONAI was launched by IFFCO in technical collaboration with TNAU on May 2 at Agricultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Coimbatore, India.

F.Around 450 farmers from various districts participated in the event to understand more about drones, nano and artificial intelligence technologies in agriculture. The event was jointly organised by Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) and IFFCO.

(SOURCE – NEWS ON AIR)

 India gets it first IAF Heritage Centre in Chandigarh; Preserving and showcasing IAF’s rich heritage.

Why in news:  The Heritage Centre of the Indian Air Force was inaugurated by the Defence Minister in Chandigarh. The centre will serve as a source of inspiration for future generations.

A.Considered to be an embodiment of the rich history and heritage of the IAF, the centre has a collection of artefacts, murals and 3D dioramas, reflecting the evolution of the force since its inception. It showcases the heroic deeds of the Indian Air Force and the country's technological advancements in aircraft/equipment.

B.One of the main features of the centre is the array of simulators that allow visitors to replicate the thrill of flying iconic aircraft in the IAF inventory and give them a chance to get a taste of being a pilot. The centre, which is now open to the public, also has enclosures dedicated to combat operations, in which the IAF participated. These provide a unique opportunity to the visitors to learn about the important role played by the IAF in protecting the nation.

C.The combined skills, integration and commitment displayed by the three services during the war was unprecedented and exceptional. This war was not fought for any land or power, but for humanity and democracy. 

D.This is proof that India believes that injustice 

anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere and it is our duty to stand up against any kind of injustice. Winning the war on the strength of its strategies and not imposing any kind of political control there is a symbol of India's strength as well as its values and cultural generosity.

E.The centre will serve as a source of inspiration for future generations. "The IAF has a rich heritage and it is our responsibility to preserve and showcase it. 

F.The centre will become an important tool to preserve the history of the IAF and inspire the youth to imbibe the values of the armed forces.

(SOURCE –The Hindu)

 Thalassemia 

Why in news: World Thalassaemia Day is observed every year on May 8.

A.It is the name of a group of hereditary conditions that affect a substance in the blood called hemoglobin.

B.People with thalassemia produce either NO or very little hemoglobin, which is used by red blood cells to carry oxygen around the body. Thalassemia can cause anemia, which can make you tired.

C.It mainly affects people of Mediterranean, South Asian, Southeast Asian and Middle Eastern origin. It is caused by faulty genes that affect the production of hemoglobin. A child can only be born with thalassemia if they inherit these faulty genes from both parents. It is also possible to be a "carrier" of thalassemia, also known as the thalassemia trait.

D.Symptoms: The main health conditions associated with thalassemia are,

Anemia - pale skin due to severe fatigue, weakness, shortness of breath, palpitations or irregular heartbeat (palpitations) and hemoglobin deficiency.

E.Too much iron in the body – This is caused by regular blood transfusions used to treat anemia and can cause problems with heart, liver, and hormone levels when untreated.

F.Medical treatment:

Blood transfusion - regular blood transfusion treating and preventing anemia; In severe cases, they are needed about once a month.

G.Chelation therapy - treatment with medication to remove excess iron from the body that forms as a result of having a regular blood transfusion

The only possible treatment for thalassemia is a stem cell or bone marrow transplant, but it is not done very often due to the risks involved.

 (SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA)

दैनिक करंट अफेयर्स 9 मई 2023, अंग्रेजी में पीडीएफ़ डाउनलोड करें।

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