CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• Only four out of the twelve designated Centres of Excellence (CoEs) for rare diseases have effectively utilized the government funds allocated to them under the National Policy for Rare Diseases (NPRD) over the past three years, according to statements from patient advocacy groups.
• The NPRD, launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India in March 2021, aims to manage patients suffering from rare diseases through measures focused on prevention, early detection, and treatment. Under this policy, designated CoEs are entrusted with providing free treatment to patients with rare diseases. Key provisions include:
• Categorization of rare diseases into three groups based on treatment needs.
• One-time grants of up to Rs 5 crore each for CoEs to develop infrastructure for screening, testing, and treatment.
• Financial support of up to Rs 50 lakhs for patients seeking treatment at any designated CoE, outside the Rashtriya Arogaya Nidhi (RAN) scheme.
• Establishment of Nidan Kendras for genetic testing and counseling.
• Emphasis on promoting research and development for rare disease diagnosis and treatment.
• Patients are encouraged to approach their nearest CoE for assessment and immediate initiation of treatment upon registration. The policy also supports local development and manufacture of drugs for rare diseases to ensure affordable access for patients.

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• The Russian President recently extended greetings to Indian Navy personnel aboard the Indian Naval Ship (INS) Tabar during its participation in Russia’s Navy Day celebrations.
• INS Tabar, a stealth frigate constructed in Russia, is the third vessel of the Talwar-class frigates commissioned by the Indian Navy on 19 April 2004 in Kaliningrad, Russia. The ship operates independently on maritime missions or as part of larger naval task forces, capable of handling air, surface, and sub-surface operations.
• Key Features of INS Tabar:
  • Displacement: 4,035 tons when fully loaded.
  • Speed: Capable of 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph).
  • Range: Up to 4,850 nautical miles (8,980 km; 5,580 mi) at 14 knots (26 km/h; 16 mph); reduces to 1,600 nautical miles (3,000 km; 1,800 mi) at 30 knots (56 km/h; 35 mph).
  • Armament: Includes supersonic BrahMos anti-ship cruise missiles, making it the first in its class to be equipped with such advanced weaponry. It also features Barak-1 missiles and a variety of sensors for enhanced operational capabilities.
• INS Tabar is stationed with the Indian Navy’s Western Fleet based in Mumbai under the Western Naval Command, symbolizing the strong defense cooperation between India and Russia.

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• Recently, UNESCO added China's Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf (Phase II) to its prestigious World Heritage List.
• About Bohai Gulf:
  • The Bohai Gulf, also known as Bo Hai, is the innermost gulf of the Yellow Sea, situated along the northeastern and northern coasts of China. Covering approximately 78,000 square kilometers, its strategic location near Beijing, China's capital, has made it one of the world's busiest seaways.
• Key Points:
  • The gulf is bordered by the Liaodong Peninsula to the northeast and the Shandong Peninsula to the south.
  • Major cities like Dalian and Tianjin are situated along its shores, which encompass renowned bays such as Liaodong Bay, Bohai Bay, and Laizhou Bay.
  • The Yellow River, China's second-longest river, flows into the Bohai Gulf, enriching its ecosystem.
  • The region is significant for its onshore and offshore petroleum deposits, with several oil refineries and other industries operating in the area.
• The inclusion of China's Migratory Bird Sanctuaries along the Yellow Sea-Bohai Gulf (Phase II) on the UNESCO World Heritage List underscores its importance as a critical habitat for migratory birds and highlights its natural and ecological significance on a global scale.

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• The National Education Policy (NEP 2020), introduced four years ago, presents a unique opportunity to harness a series of interconnected social and demographic trends that could significantly bolster the NIPUN Bharat Mission.
• About NIPUN Bharat Mission:
  • Launched by the Ministry of Education, the National Initiative for Proficiency in Reading with Understanding and Numeracy (NIPUN Bharat) targets children aged 3 to 9 years, encompassing preschool to Grade 3.
• Key Points:
  • The mission is structured with a five-tier implementation framework at the National, State, District, Block, and School levels across all States and Union Territories.
  • It operates under the centrally sponsored scheme of Samagra Shiksha, focusing on achieving universal foundational literacy and numeracy skills by 2026-27.
  • Objectives include enhancing access to and retention in early schooling years, capacity building for teachers, development of high-quality learning materials for both students and educators, and systematic monitoring of each child's progress in achieving learning outcomes.
• NIPUN Bharat aims to fortify the foundational learning abilities of children, crucially aligning with the broader goals and aspirations set forth by the NEP 2020. By leveraging evolving social and demographic dynamics, this initiative strives to propel educational outcomes and ensure comprehensive development across all levels of the schooling system.

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• Scientists have recently identified Amaterasu, one of the most potent cosmic rays ever observed, marking a significant milestone in astrophysics.
• About Amaterasu:
  • Named after the Japanese sun goddess, Amaterasu stands out as one of the highest-energy cosmic rays on record.
  • It boasts an extraordinary energy level exceeding 240 exa-electron volts (EeV), surpassing even particles produced in the Large Hadron Collider by millions of times. To illustrate, this energy level is akin to that of a golf ball moving at 95 mph.
  • Amaterasu ranks as the second-highest energy cosmic ray detected, trailing only the Oh-My-God particle, which registered at 320 EeV in 1991.
  • Originating from the Local Void, a sparsely populated region adjacent to the Milky Way galaxy, Amaterasu's detection offers insights into cosmic phenomena occurring in vast interstellar spaces.
• What are Cosmic Rays?
  • Cosmic rays are energetic particles hurled across the universe from violent celestial events, stripped of their subatomic structures.
  • They include charged particles like protons, electrons, or entire atomic nuclei, traveling at near-light speeds through space.
  • Upon reaching Earth, cosmic rays collide with the atmosphere, initiating cascades of secondary particles as they interact with nitrogen and oxygen nuclei.
  • These secondary particles scatter across the atmosphere, creating a cascade effect that ultimately reaches Earth's surface in a continuous shower of particles.
• The discovery of Amaterasu underscores our ongoing exploration of cosmic phenomena and enhances our understanding of the universe's most energetic particles, shedding light on their origins and behavior in deep space.

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• A recent observational study suggests that anti-rheumatic medications commonly used to manage rheumatoid arthritis (RA) may have a beneficial impact in reducing the development of autoimmune thyroid disease.
• About Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA):
  • RA is an autoimmune disorder characterized by inflammation that mistakenly targets healthy tissues, particularly affecting joints such as those in the hands, wrists, and knees. This inflammation leads to chronic pain, joint damage, and potential deformities. RA can also affect other organs like the lungs, heart, and eyes.
• Key Points:
  • The cause of RA involves an immune system malfunction where it attacks its own tissues, although specific triggers remain unclear.
  • Effective management of RA typically involves disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs), which are aimed at controlling inflammation, preventing joint damage, and managing symptoms.
• Treatment:
  • DMARDs are central to RA treatment, helping to slow disease progression and maintain joint function. These medications include methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, and biologic agents like TNF inhibitors.
  • In addition to medications, self-management strategies such as physical therapy, exercise, and lifestyle adjustments play crucial roles in managing RA symptoms and improving overall quality of life.
• The findings of the observational study highlight the potential dual benefits of anti-rheumatic therapies, not only in managing RA symptoms but also in potentially mitigating the risk of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Further research is warranted to validate these observations and explore the underlying mechanisms contributing to these therapeutic effects.

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• Recently, northern China has experienced an outbreak of human cases of avian influenza virus (H9N2) alongside clusters of respiratory illness among children.
• About Avian Influenza Virus (H9N2):
  • H9N2 is a subtype of influenza A virus known to infect both humans and birds, contributing to both human influenza and avian flu outbreaks.
  • It is prevalent worldwide in wild birds and is endemic in poultry populations across many regions.
  • Poultry serves as a significant reservoir for the evolution and spread of novel H9N2 avian influenza viruses capable of infecting humans.
• Symptoms:
  • Infections can range from mild flu-like symptoms or eye inflammation to severe acute respiratory disease or even fatal outcomes.
  • The severity of illness varies depending on the specific strain of the virus and the health status of the individual infected.
• Prevention Measures:
  • Personal and hand hygiene are critical preventive measures. Regularly washing hands with soap, especially before and after contact with animals, helps reduce the risk of viral transmission.
  • Implementing strict biosecurity measures in poultry farms and markets is essential to limit the spread of H9N2 among birds and reduce the likelihood of human exposure.
• The recent outbreak highlights the ongoing challenges posed by influenza viruses like H9N2 and underscores the importance of vigilant surveillance, rapid response measures, and public health awareness to mitigate its impact on both human and animal populations.