World Summit of Information Society (WSIS) 2022
Paper 2 International Relations
Why in News?
The World Summit of Information Society (WSIS) 2022, is being held in Geneva from May 30 to June 3, 2022.
Key Points
• The World Summit on the Information Society Forum 2022 represents the world’s largest annual gathering of the ICT for development community. The WSIS Forum 2022 started from 15 March onwards in a virtual format with the final week being held physically with enhanced remote participation from 30 May to 3 June 2022 at the ITU Headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
• Indian Minister of State for Communications, Shri Devusinh Chauhan, attended the opening ceremony of World Summit of Information Society (WSIS) 2022.
• It’s beginning of 4 days event where India will showcase its telecom prowess during multilateral & bilateral engagements.
• Theme for this year is ICTs for Well-Being, Inclusion and Resilience: WSIS Cooperation for Accelerating Progress on the SDGs.
• The WSIS Forum, co-organized by ITU, UNESCO, UNDP and UNCTAD, in close collaboration with all WSIS Action Line Facilitators/Co-Facilitators, has proven to be an efficient mechanism for coordination of multi-stakeholder implementation activities, information exchange, creation of knowledge, sharing of best practices and continues to provide assistance in developing multi-stakeholder and public/private partnerships to advance development goals.
• This Forum will provide structured opportunities to network, learn and participate in multi-stakeholder discussions and consultations on WSIS implementation. The Agenda and Programme of the Forum will be built on the basis of the submissions received during the Open Consultation Process.
• Furthermore, the 2022 WSIS Forum will provide an opportunity to serve as a platform to track the achievements of WSIS Action Lines in collaboration with the UN Agencies involved and provide information and analyses of the implementation of WSIS Action Lines since 2005.
What is WSIS?
• The World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) was a two-phase United Nations-sponsored summit on information, communication and, in broad terms, the information society that took place in 2003 in Geneva and in 2005 in Tunis.
• WSIS Forums have taken place periodically since then. One of the Summit’s chief aims is to bridge the global digital divide separating rich countries from poor countries by increasing internet accessibility in the developing world. The conferences established 17 May as World Information Society Day.
• In the last decades of the 20th century, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has changed modern society in many ways. This is often referred to as the digital revolution, and along with it have come new opportunities and threats.
• Many world leaders hope to use ICT to solve societal problems; yet, at the same time, there are concerns about the digital digital divide, both international level and domestic levels. This trend could lead to shaping new classes of those who have access to ICT and those who do not.
• Recognizing that these challenges and opportunities require global discussion on the highest level, the government of Tunisia made a proposal at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Plenipotentiary Conference in Minneapolis in 1998 to hold a World Summit on the Information Society. This resolution was then put forward it to the United Nations.
• In 2001, the ITU Council decided to hold the Summit in two phases, the first from 10 to 12 December 2003, in Geneva, and the second from 16 to 18 November 2005 in Tunis.
• On 21 December 2001, the United Nations General Assembly by approving Resolution 56/183 endorsed the holding of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) to discuss on information society opportunities and challenges. According to this resolution, the General Assembly related the Summit to the United Nations Millennium Declaration to implement ICT to facilitate achieving Millennium Development Goals.
Source – PIB
Astra MK-I: Beyond Visual Range Air-to-Air Missile System
Paper 3 : Security, Internal Security
Why in News?
Why in News?Recently, the Ministry of Defence signed a contract of 2,900 with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the purchase of Astra MK-I Beyond Visual Range Air to Air Missile System and related equipment for the Indian Air Force and the Indian Navy.
Key Points
• The Ministry of Defence on May 31, 2022 signed a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the supply of Astra MK-I Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air to Air Missile (AAM) and related equipment at a cost of Rs 2,971 crore under the Purchase (Indian-IDDM) category for the Indian Air Force and indian navy.
• Astra MK-IBVR AAM has been indigenously designed and developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), based on the staff requirements issued by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the Beyond Visual Range as well as Close Combat Engagement while reducing dependence on foreign sources.
• It is worth mentioning that until now, the technology to make this type of missile indigenously was not available.
• The air-to-air missile with BVR capability provides its fighters with a large stand-of-range that can neutralize enemy aircraft without exposing themselves to enemy air defense measures. This leads to superiority in the airspace and it remains. This missile is technically and economically superior to many such imported missile systems.
• The Astra MK-I missile and all its associated systems for launch, ground preparedness and testing have been developed by DRDO in coordination with iaf.
• It may be mentioned that the missile, for which successful tests have already been conducted by the IAF, is fully integrated into the SuKhoi 30 Mk-I fighter aircraft and will be connected with other fighter jets in a phased manner, including the Light Combat Aircraft (Tejas). Apart from this, the Indian Navy will add this missile to the MiG-29Kfighter aircraft.
Importance of contract
• The transfer of technology from DRDO to BDL for the production of Astra MK-I missile and all associated systems has been completed and production in BDL is in progress. The project will act as catalyst for the development of infrastructure and testing facilities in BDL.
• It will also create opportunities for many MSMEs in aerospace technology for a period of at least 25 years. The project essentially embodies the spirit of ‘Self-Reliant India’ and will help realise the country’s journey towards self-reliance in the air-to-air missile sector.
Source – PIB
NTPC’s Biodiversity Policy
Paper 3 : Environment, Pollution
Why in News?
Recently, the National Thermal Power Corporation-NTPC released the Biodiversity Policy for the Conservation and Salvation of Biodiversity.
Key Points
• India’s largest integrated energy producer National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC Ltd) has released the revamped Biodiversity Policy-2022 to establish a comprehensive approach and guiding principles for the conservation, salvation and enhancement of biodiversity.
• It is worth mentioning that this biodiversity policy is an integral part of ntpc’s environmental policy. Its objectives are consistent with environmental and sustainability policies. In addition, this policy has also been designed to help all the professionals of the NTPC Group contribute to the achievement of the targets set in this sector.
• Significantly, NTPC has always been cautious about avoiding activities in areas with high biodiversity and selecting project sites. The company is currently making efforts to avoid loss of biodiversity on all existing platforms.
• The flagship energy producer NTPC aims to mainstream the concept of biodiversity in its value chain and adopt a precautionary approach for sustainable management of biodiversity across all decision-making processes to ensure the earth’s diversity in and around NTPC’s business units. The policy also aims to adopt a systematic idea of local threats to biodiversity, apart from the company’s business activities.
• Ntpc was the first public sector undertaking to issue a biodiversity policy in 2018. In the same year NTPC became a member of the India Trade and Biodiversity Initiative (IBBI).
• NTPC, as part of its capacity building, is raising awareness about biodiversity among local communities, staff and its partners about biodiversity through project-specific and national-level training in collaboration with experts.
• NTPC is also collaborating with local communities, organizations, regulatory agencies and research institutes of national/international repute in the field of biodiversity.
• Further, NTPC will comply with legal compliance with respect to biodiversity by following rules and regulations relating to environment, forest, wildlife, coastal zone and green zone during planning and execution of its projects.
• In a major initiative taken by NTPC, the company has signed a five-year agreement with the Andhra Pradesh Forest Department for the conservation of Olive Ridley turtles in the coastline of Andhra Pradesh. The number of hatchings in sea water has increased by about 2.25 times since NTPC’s intervention with a financial contribution of Rs 4.6 crore and increased participation of the community.
About National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC)
• NTPC Limited is a Central Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) under the Ministry of Power.
• It is the largest power company in India which is a statutory corporation incorporated under the Companies Act 1956.
• It was established in the year 1975 to accelerate india’s power development.
• The main function of NTPC is the technology, construction and operation of thermal power plants. It also provides technical advice to power generating companies in India and abroad.
• Thus, it aims to provide reliable power and related solutions in an affordable, efficient and environment-friendly manner driven by innovation.
• In May 2010, it was declared a Maharatna company.
• The headquarters of the company is located in New Delhi.
Source – PIB
Telangana Formation Day
Paper 2 Governance
Why in News?
Ministry of Culture is going to organise Telangana Formation Day celebrations in New Delhi on 2nd June.
Key Points
• The Ministry of Culture is organising Telangana Formation Day celebrations at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi on 2nd June 2022.
• Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah will be the Chief Guest at the program. Union Minister for Culture, Tourism and DoNER Shri G. Kishan Reddy and Minister of State for External Affairs and Culture Smt. Meenakashi Lekhi will also attend the event.
• This event marks the first time that the Government of India will be celebrating ‘Telangana Day’ or ‘Telangana Formation Day’ to ensure that it is commemorated in a befitting manner.
• The program aims to highlight the roots of the land of culture, heritage, architectural magnificence and unsung heroes of India’s youngest state, that is celebrating its eight anniversary this year.
• As a part of the program, popular singers from Telangana such as Smt Mangali and Vedala Hemachandra will be performing. The event will also witness performances from the school children of Haryana which is a paired state under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat. Folk dancers from Telangana and performances by Kathak Kendra Delhi, will also showcase the rich cultural heritage of the state.
• It is noteworthy that the state of Telangana was officially formed on 2nd June 2014 and the day is celebrated as ‘Telangana Day’ or ‘Telangana Formation Day’. As this year marks the 75th year of Independence, the Government of India is celebrating and commemorating India’s glorious history, its people, culture and achievements.
• The celebrations of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav commenced on 12th March 2021 and started a 75-week countdown to our 75th anniversary of independence. The commemorations will end post a year on 15th August 2023.
About Telangana
• Telangana is a state in India situated on the south-central stretch of the Indian peninsula on the high Deccan Plateau.
• On 2 June 2014, the area was separated from the northwestern part of Andhra Pradesh as the newly formed Telangana state with Hyderabad as its capital.
• Its other major cities include Warangal, Nizamabad, Khammam, Karimnagar and Ramagundam.
• Telangana is bordered by the states of Maharashtra to the north, Chhattisgarh to the northeast, Karnataka to the west, and Andhra Pradesh to the east and south.
• The terrain of Telangana region consists mostly is part of Deccan Plateau and dense forests.
Source – Indian Express
Gallantry Awards
Paper 3 : Security, Internal Security
Why in News?
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind presented the Gallantry Awards and Distinguished Service Decorations in the second phase of the Defence Investiture Ceremony-2022 held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on May 31, 2022.
Key Points
• President Shri Ram Nath Kovind, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, conferred one Kirti Chakra (Posthumous) and 14 Shaurya Chakras, including eight posthumous, to the personnel of the Armed Forces, Central Armed Police Forces and State/Union Territory Police during Defence Investiture Ceremony (Phase-2) at Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi on May 31, 2022.
• It is noteworthy that the Gallantry awards were given to the personnel for displaying conspicuous gallantry, indomitable courage and extreme devotion to duty.
• The President also conferred 13 Param Vishisht Seva Medals and 29 Ati Vishisht Seva Medals for distinguished service of exceptional order.
• President of India confers Kirti Chakra (posthumously) on Police Constable Altaf Hussain Bhat of Jammu and Kashmir Police.
• SPO Shahbaz Ahmed was awarded the ‘Shaurya Chakra’ (posthumously) by President Ram Nath Kovind. The award was received by his father Abdul Aziz.
• Group Captain Varun Singh was awarded the Shaurya Chakra (posthumously) for rescuing his LCA Tejas fighter aircraft during a flight in 2020. The award was received by his wife Gitanjali Singh and mother Uma Singh. Group Captain Varun Singh had lost his life during a chopper crash on December 8, 2021, in which CDS General Bipin Rawat and 13 others lost their lives.
• The President posthumously conferred the Shaurya Chakra on Constable Kuldeep Kumar Uravan of 118 CRPF for his valour. His wife Bandana Urwan received the award from the President.
• CRPF constable Vikas Kumar was also awarded the Shaurya Chakra (posthumously). The President presented the awards to his wife Nandini Devi and mother Kalesia.
• Constable Ajit Singh of CRPF was also awarded the Shaurya Chakra posthumously. His wife Anita Devi received the award.
• Odisha Police commandos Debasis Sithe and Sudhir Kumar Tudu were awarded the Shaurya Chakra (posthumously). Dabasis parents Chayi and Sanatan Sithe and Sudhir Kumar Tudu’s mother Jwala Tudu received the award from the President.
About the Gallantry Awards
• It is worth mentioning that the gallantry award is given in various categories by the Government of India.
• The gallantry awards were instituted on January 26, 1950. However, the award was affected on August 15, 1947. But then three gallantry awards were announced — Param Vir Chakra, Mahavir Chakra and Vir Chakra.
• Subsequently, the Government of India instituted three other gallantry awards on January 4, 1952. They are Ashok Chakra Category-I, Ashok Chakra Category-II and Ashok Chakra Category-III.
• But in 1967, their names were changed to Ashok Chakra, Kirti Chakra and Shaurya Chakra.
Param Vir Chakra
• It is the highest military decoration honour of the country. In war it is given for bravery and renunciation. It is also given after death. The first Param Vir Chakra was given to Major Somnath Sharma. Since then, 21 jawans have received the Param Vir Chakra in the country.
Mahavir chakra
• The Mahavir Chakra is a medal of bravery for a jawan in war. It is given for exceptional bravery and sacrifice. This award can also be given posthumously. In order of preference it comes after the PVC.
Vir Chakra
• Soldiers who show indomitable courage and valour in the war are selected for the Vir Chakra. This is the third highest gallantry honour in the country. This award can also be given posthumously. So far, 1,324 people have received this honour.
Ashoka chakra
• It is a gallantry honour given in peace time. It is given for the incomparable bravery, bravery and sacrifice for war. This honor has the same significance as the Param Vir Chakra during the war period. So far, 97 jawans have been given Ashok Chakra.
Kirti chakra
• It is also a peacetime gallantry medal. This honour is given to soldiers and non-soldiers for exceptional bravery and sacrifice. So far, 483 jawans have been honoured with Kirti Chakra in the country.
Shaurya Chakra
• The Shaurya Chakra is also a peacetime gallantry medal.
Source – PIB
India’s GDP growth
Paper 3 Economics
Why in News?
Recently, the Ministry of Statistics and Planning Implementation, Government of India presented the economic data.
Key Points
• India’s economic growth slowed for a third straight quarter in the January-March period, at 4.1 per cent. For full FY22, the National Statistics Office pared its growth forecast marginally to 8.7 % from the 8.8 % estimated in January.
• As per the data, the Indian economy witnessed a 6.6 percent contraction in 2020-21. Further, an elevated level of inflation and rising interest rates are expected to temper economic growth momentum in FY23.
• During the March quarter, agriculture grew at 4.1 %, while manufacturing contracted 0.2 %. Public administration, defence and other services, which represent government expenditure, grew 7.7 % during the March quarter, boosting overall economic growth. Among other sectors, mining and quarrying and construction grew 6.7 % and 2 per cent, respectively.
• GDP growth for Q4 FY22 at 4.1 % reflects the impact of the Omicron wave, higher input costs and a high base in certain sectors from last year. Manufacturing activity contracted while agriculture was the biggest support. The worrying part remains private consumption, which saw a decline in share in GDP in the fourth quarter.
• According to the NSO data, India’s real GDP grew to Rs 147.36 trillion from Rs 135.58 trillion in 2020-21. Gross value added (GVA) growth during the fiscal ending March 2022 was at 8.1 % as against a contraction 4.8 % in the preceding year.
• The GVA growth in the manufacturing sector accelerated to 9.9 % during the year as against a contraction of 0.6 % earlier.
• GVA growth in both mining and construction was 11.5 per cent. These two large segments of the economy had contracted in the COVID-hit 2020-21.
• However, agriculture sector growth decelerated to 3 % from 3.3 % in FY21.
• Electricity, gas, water supply and other utility services segment grew by 7.5 % during 2021-22. The segment had contracted by 3.6 % in the previous fiscal.
• GVA growth in services sector — trade, hotel, transport, communication and services related to broadcasting — was 11.1 % during 2021-22 as against a contraction of 20.2 % in the previous year.
• Financial, real estate and professional services grew by 4.2 % in the year over 2.2 % earlier.
• Public administration, defence and other services posted 12.6 % growth against
• (-)5.5 % in 2020-21.
• “Real GDP at Constant (2011-12) Prices in the year 2021-22 is estimated to attain a level of Rs 147.36 trillion, as against the First Revised Estimate of Rs 135.58 trillion for the year 2020-21.
• “The growth in GDP during 2021-22 is estimated at 8.7 percent as compared to a contraction of 6.6 percent in 2020-21,” the NSO said.
• Also, nominal GDP or GDP at Current Prices in 2021-22 was estimated at Rs 236.65 trillion, as against Rs 198.01 trillion in 2020-21, showing a growth of 19.5 % As per the NSO data, per capita income (based on net national income) during 2021-22 was Rs 1.5 lakh per annum at current prices, up from 1,26,855 in 2020-21, showing a growth of 18.3 per cent.
• However, at constant prices, per capita annual income works out to be Rs 91,481, up 7.5 % from Rs 85,110 in FY21.
• Gross fixed capital formation was estimated at Rs 47.84 trillion in 2021-22, up from Rs 41.31 trillion in the preceding year.
• “Fourth quarter of FY22 GDP growth eased to 4.1 % y/y, with the sequential pace restrained by temporary mobility restrictions imposed back then, impact of inclement weather and, separately, high commodity prices on account of geopolitical risks, besides a high base.
• The country’s GDP growth had stood at 20.3 % in the April-June quarter of FY22, and 8.5 % in the July-September quarter. During the third quarter of 2021-22, it slowed to 5.4 % but was higher than China’s GDP expansion of 4 per cent; the country retained its position as the world’s fastest-growing major economy.
• The economy’s near-term prospects have been darkened by a spike in retail inflation, which hit an eight-year high of 7.8 % in April. The surge in energy and commodity prices following the Ukraine crisis has also been a drag on the economic activity.
• The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) raised the benchmark repo rate by 40 basis points in an unscheduled meeting early this month.
• Soaring prices and the subsequent hit to consumer spending and investments dampened India’s economy, as the Reserve Bank of India faced a finely balanced struggle to tame inflation via rate hikes without hurting economic growth, economists said.
What is GDP ?
• The total monetary or market value of all goods and services prepared within a specified time in the limits of a country is called gross domestic product (GDP).
• GDP is used to understand the level of development of any country’s economy. The economy of that country is considered good when its GDP is good. If the GDP of a country declines, then the economy of that country is not considered good.
• India’s Central Statistics Office calculates the gross domestic product (GDP) of the country. Gross domestic products in India are counted in 3 months. Gdp is usually calculated in an interval of one year.
• GDP = Private Consumption + Gross Investment + Government Investment + Government Expenditure + (Export – Import)
या GDP = C + I + G + (X – M)
C means – consumption (all private consumer spending within the nation’s economy)
I means the sum of the country’s investments
G means total government expenditure
X means – the total exports of the country
M means – total imports of the country.
Source – Indian Express
Advanced Light Helicopter MK III
Paper 3 : Security, Internal Security
Why in News?
Recently, the indian navy’s air squadron (INAS) 325 was inducted into the indigenously built ALH Mk III helicopters.
Key Points
• Indian Naval Air Squadron (INAS) 325, operating the indigenously built ALH MK III aircraft, was commissioned into the Indian Navy by Lieutenant General Ajai Singh, AVSM, Commander-in-Chief, Andaman & Nicobar at an impressive ceremony held at INS Utkrosh, Port Blair on 31 May 22.
• The newly inducted aircraft flew for the first time over the Andaman Islands earlier this year and were officially inducted on 28 Jan 22. The unit is the second ALH MK III Squadron commissioned into the Indian Navy.
• The addition of ALH MK III into ANC would greatly augment the surveillance and long range SAR capabilities of ANC. This aircraft would not only strengthen military capabilities in the region but also be able to provide assistance to the local administration in any need of the hour.
• The state-of-the-art multi role helicopter has been developed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL), Bangalore which embodies the mission of Aatmanirbhar Bharat and helps protect our maritime interests in the region to boost India’s strategic presence.
• The Squadron derives its name from the nocturnal bird of prey, the ‘Eagle Owl’. The keen sense of observation and tracking of the eagle exemplifies the Sensors and advanced avionics of the helicopter akin the nocturnal prowess of the owl, personify the night vision capabilities of the aircraft.
• These helicopters come with the latest-generation avionics and role equipment. They are primarily meant for use in long range SAR and Maritime recce role. They can also be used for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief in the Islands. The helicopter has a surveillance radar, EO/FLIR, homer, high-intensity searchlight and a removable Medical Intensive Care Unit for the Air Ambulance role. The commissioning of the ALH Squadron is a big step in enhancing capabilities to also support our Islanders and administration in remote areas of our large archipelago of Andaman and Nicobar Islands. This multi-utility aircraft will serve to majorly boost the military might of the Indian Armed Forces in this region.
• The squadron is commanded by Cdr Avinash Kumar Sharma, who is a highly proficient and experienced pilot qualified on Chetak, UH-3H and ALH helicopters with more than 2300 hrs of flying and over 17 years of distinguished service.
About Mark-III Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH)
• Mark-III Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) are designed for coastal security. It has advanced type of sensors fitted in a fully loaded multi-mission helicopter. This will enhance the Navy’s responsibility for the coastal security placed on it by the government after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.
• The helicopter includes HAL’s Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS), a more powerful power (Safran Ardiden 1H1) engine, and a full glass cockpit with the new system.
• It may be recalled that the Indian Navy had placed an order for 16 Mark-III from HAL to remove the Chetak fighter aircraft from its fleet. MK-III ALH are equipped with an indigenous Low Frequency Dunking Sonar (LFDS) developed by the Kochi-based Naval Physical and Oceanography Laboratory.
• The aircraft also has a surveillance radar with 270-degree coverage that can detect multiple maritime targets. These are multi-mission helicopters. They have advanced sensors.
• It is fitted with HAL’s Integrated Architecture Display System (IADS) with full glass cockpit . Apart from this, it also has new systems and a more powerful power (Safran Ardiden 1H1) engine. The Indian Navy had placed an order of 16 Mk-III. These helicopters are equipped with avionics and other important equipment.
Source – PIB
Union Ministry of Health issued Guidelines Monkeypox Disease
Paper 2 Health
Why in News?
Recently Union Health Ministry issues Guidelines to States/UTs on Management of Monkeypox Disease.
Key Points
• In view of the increasing reports of Monkeypox (MPX) cases in non-endemic countries, as part of a proactive and risk-based approach for management of Monkeypox and to ensure advance preparedness across the country, Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has issued ‘Guidelines on Management of Monkeypox Disease’.
• It is noteworthy that There are no reported cases of monkey pox disease in India, as on date.
• As per the Guidelines, a confirmed case is laboratory confirmed for monkeypox virus by detection of unique sequences of viral DNA either by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and/or sequencing.
• All the clinical specimens should be transported to the Apex Laboratory of ICMR-NIV (Pune) routed through the Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) network of the respective district/state.
• The Guidelines on Management of Monkeypox Disease include epidemiology of the disease (including host, incubation period, period of communicability and mode of transmission; contact and case definitions; clinical features and its complication, diagnosis, case management, risk communication, guidance on Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) including use of personal protective equipment.
• The guidelines stresses on surveillance and rapid identification of new cases as the key public health measures for outbreak containment, mandating need to reduce the risk of human-to-human transmission.
• It explains the Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) measures, IPC at home, patient isolation and ambulance transfer strategies, additional precautions that needs to be taken care of and duration of isolation procedures.
• As per the Guidelines, contacts should be monitored at least daily for the onset of signs/symptoms for a period of 21 days (as per case definition) from the last contact with a patient or their contaminated materials during the infectious period.
• Raising awareness of risk factors under risk communication and preventive measures, the Guidelines further explain in detail about raising awareness and educating people about the measures for Monkeypox virus like avoiding contact with any material of the sick person, isolation of infected patient from others, practicing good hand hygiene and using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when caring for patients.
• It is noteworthy that Monkeypox has been reported as endemic in several other central and western African countries such as: Cameroon, Central African Republic, Cote d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of the Congo, and Sierra Leone.
• However, caseshave been also reported in certain non-endemic countries e.g. USA, United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Australia, Canada, Austria, Israel, Switzerland etc.
What is monkeypox?
• Monkeypox is a rare but potentially serious viral disease that starts with a flu-like disease and inflammation of the lymph nodes and develops into a rash widespread on the face and body. Most infections last for 2-4 weeks.
• The rare monkeypox virus belongs to the chickenpox virus family. The infection can also be quite serious. This infection can be identified on the basis of large donations on the body of the infected person.
• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), monkeypox was reported for the first time in humans in 1970. So far, the presence of this virus has been confirmed in 11 countries of Africa. The initial cases of MonkeyPox were reported in 1958. When the disease spread to monkeys kept for research. The first case of monkeypox in humans was reported in 1970 in Cango (Africa).
• According to reports, the infection spread in the Us in 2003. Then the reason for this was attributed to the pet dogs imported from Ghana. There is no confirmation of the cases of this virus in India and other Asian countries.
How does it spread?
• Monkeypox virus can spread in many ways. However, according to the WHO, the transition from one human to another is quite low. However, when the infected person sneezes and coughs, the virus is present in the droplets, which can spread like Covid.
• In addition, the virus spreads to humans due to exposure to the blood, body fluids or skin of infected animals.
Symptoms The treatment
• According to the WHO, it can take 6 to 13 days for symptoms to appear after a monkeyvirus infection. Infected people may feel severe weakness with fever, sharp headaches, back and muscle pain. Inflammation of the lymph nodes is considered to be its most common symptom.
• A sick person may have large rashes on his face and hands and feet. If the infection is severe, these rashes can also affect the cornea of the eyes.
The treatment
• According to the WHO, there is currently no cure available for monkeypox. Smallpox vaccines (made from the vaccinia virus) are considered to be protective against monkeypox.
• People exposed to the virus are often given some doses of smallpox vaccines, as it is currently shown to be effective against Monkeypox.
• The European Center for Disease Prevention and Control has recommended that all suspected patients be isolated and those at high risk be vaccinated with smallpox.
Source – PIB
Mithali Express
Paper 2 International Realtions
Why in News?
Recently, the bond of friendship between India and Bangladesh was restored under which the Mithali Express was started to operate.
Key Points
• To further strengthen people to people connectivity through Rail between India and Bangladesh, Government of India and Bangladesh, after several meetings, decided to start a new passenger train service Mitali Express via recently-restored Haldibari-Chilahati rail link.
• This third passenger train service between New Jalpaiguri (India) – Dhaka (Bangladesh)- Mitali Express which was virtually inaugurated by both the Prime Ministers on 27th March, 2021, was flagged-off virtually by Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister of Railways of India and Md. Nurul Islam Sujan, Hon’ble Railway Minister of Bangladesh, from Rail Bhavan, New Delhi today (i.e. 1st June, 2022). Earlier, this train could not be started due to Covid Pandemic restrictions.
• Mitali Express train will run biweekly (ex. New Jalpaiguri at 11:45 hours on Sunday and Wednesday and reach Dhaka at 22:30 hours and ex. Dhaka at 21:50 hours on Monday & Thursday and reach New Jalpaiguri at 07:15 hours) and cover a distance of 595 kms from New Jalpaiguri to Dhaka (out of which 61 Kms is Indian portion).
• Indian Railways LHB coach (like used in Maitree Express and Bandhan Express) will be used comprising 4 First AC, 4 AC Chair Car and 2 Power cars. There will have three classes – AC First (Cabin) Sleeper, AC First (Cabin) seat and AC Chair car, and the fare will be USD 44, USD 33 and USD 22 respectively.
• The additional new passenger service, Mitali Express, will give a boost to tourism of both the countries since it connects Bangladesh with North Bengal as well as North Eastern region of India. This will also provide an access of Nepal to Bangladeshi citizens via India by rail.
• This new train is in addition to two existing passenger train services, namely Kolkata-Dhaka-Kolkata Maitree Express (five days in a week) and Kolkata-Khulna-Kolkata Bandhan Express (two days in a week) between India and Bangladesh. The services of above two trains, which were suspended due to Covid Pandemic restrictions, have now been resumed w.e.f. 29th May, 2022.
• Presently, there are 4 operational rail links between India and Bangladesh. They are – Petrapole (India) – Benapole (Bangladesh), Gede (India) – Darshana (Bangladesh), Singhabad (India)-Rohanpur (Bangladesh), Radhikapur (India)–Birol (Bangladesh). The Haldibari-Chilahati rail link is one such route which was operational till 1965.
Source – Indian Express
Highest ever textile exports
Paper 3 ECONOMICS
Why in News?
The recently released data showed that India’s textile exports in the financial year 2021-22 recorded the highest ever.
Key Points
• India scaled its highest ever exports tally at US$ 44.4 Billion in Textiles and Apparel (T&A) including Handicrafts in FY 2021-22, indicating a substantial increase of 41% and 26% over corresponding figures in FY 2020-21 and FY 2019-20, respectively.
• USA was the top export destination accounting for 27% share, followed by EU (18%), Bangladesh (12%) and UAE (6%).
• In terms of product categories, the export of cotton Textiles was US$ 17.2 Billion with 39% share registering a growth of 54% and 67% during 2021-22 over FY 2020-21 and FY 2019-20, respectively.
• Export of Ready-Made Garments was US$ 16 Billion with 36% share showing a growth of 31% and 3% during 2021-22 over FY 2020-21 and FY 2019-20, respectively.
• Man-made textiles export was US$ 6.3 Billion with 14% share which shows a growth of 51% and 18% during 2021-22 over FY 2020-21 and FY 2019-20, respectively.
• Export of Handicrafts was US$ 2.1 Billion with 5% share reporting a growth of 22% and 16% during 2021-22 over FY 2020-21 and FY 2019-20 respectively.
Source – TOI