Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Market Economy; Demand and Supply; Gold Market;
Why in the News?
According to the World Gold Council, Gold investments in India increased by 60% in 2024, reaching $18 billion (around Rs 1.5 lakh crore), compared to the previous year.
What are the Key highlights of the Report?
- The World Gold Council (WGC) was founded in 1987 by leading gold mining companies. Its purpose is to stimulate and sustain demand for gold.
- It aims to promote gold as a strategic asset and to advance a responsible, transparent, and accessible gold supply chain.
- The WGC has 32 members with mining operations in over 45 countries and is headquartered in London, UK.
- Best Price Performance Since 2010: Gold recorded its strongest annual price rise since 2010, driven by geopolitical uncertainties and interest rate expectations.
- Global demand: It grew by 25% whereas investment demand increased by 29% (2023).
- Global Supply: It increased by 1% mainly on account of mine production and recycling.
- India accounted for 20% of the global gold investment demand, which stood at 1,180 tonnes in 2024.
- Outlook for 2025: Central banks and Gold Exchange Traded Funds are likely to drive demand.
- India: RBI added 73 tonnes of gold to its forex reserves, raising gold’s share to a record 11%.
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What are the reasons for the Increase in Gold Demand in India?
- Cultural Significance: Gold is deeply ingrained in Indian culture, and its purchase is considered auspicious during festivals and weddings. For example, bridal jewelry alone accounts for at least half of the gold jewelry market share in India.
- Investment and Hedge Against Uncertainty: Gold is seen as a safe haven investment, especially during times of economic and geopolitical instability. For instance, geopolitical tensions, such as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, have increased demand for gold as investors seek a safe-haven asset.
- Inflation Hedge: Gold is considered a hedge against inflation, preserving wealth when the purchasing power of fiat currencies declines. For every 1% increase in inflation, gold demand increases by 2.6%.
- Central Bank Buying: Central banks, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), increase their gold holdings to diversify forex reserves and hedge against external uncertainties. The RBI bought 19 tonnes of gold in the first quarter of 2024, already surpassing the 16 tonnes purchased in all of 2023.
- Weakening Dollar: When the US dollar weakens, it becomes cheaper for investors holding other currencies to buy gold, increasing demand and driving prices up. A weaker dollar boosts demand, as seen with the US dollar easing by 0.2% and leading to an increase in gold prices.
What is the present Status of Gold Resources?
- In November 2024, central banks globally added 53 tonnes to their gold reserves. This indicates a continued recognition of gold as a stable and secure asset, particularly in emerging markets.
- As of November 2024, the United States holds the largest gold reserves in the world, with 8,133.5 tonnes. India is among the top 10 countries in the world with the highest gold reserves.
- As of April 1, 2015, India had an estimated 501.83 million tonnes of gold ore reserves. Approximately 17.22 million tonnes were categorized as reserves, with the remainder classified as remaining resources.
- The largest reserves of gold ore are located in Bihar (44%), followed by Rajasthan (25%), Karnataka (21%), West Bengal (3%), Andhra Pradesh (3%), and Jharkhand (2%).
- The remaining 2% of reserves are distributed among Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu.
- The Geological Survey of India (GSI) is actively involved in geological mapping and mineral exploration to identify potential mineral-rich zones.
- To encourage private sector participation, the Indian government has amended the Minerals Evidence of Mineral Contents Rules for the exploration and mining of deep-seated minerals, including gold.
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What are the negatives of buying physical gold for the country?
- Increases Trade Deficit & Current Account Deficit (CAD): Countries with high gold imports, like India, see a widening trade deficit, as more foreign exchange is spent on gold rather than productive assets. Example: In 2023, India’s gold imports surged to over $43 billion, contributing to a rising CAD (Current Account Deficit) and putting pressure on the rupee.
- Encourages Smuggling & Black Market Activities: High demand and import duties often lead to illegal gold smuggling, fueling the underground economy. Example: In 2022, 1,000+ kg of gold was smuggled into India, bypassing import duties and causing tax revenue losses for the government.
- Non-Productive Asset & Storage Risks: Unlike stocks or bonds, gold does not generate income and remains idle in lockers, reducing capital available for economic growth. Example: In Turkey, during economic crises, citizens hoarded gold instead of investing in businesses, slowing economic recovery.
Way forward:
- Promote Gold-Backed Financial Instruments: Encourage investments in Sovereign Gold Bonds (SGBs), Gold ETFs, and Digital Gold to reduce reliance on physical gold while ensuring capital appreciation and interest earnings.
- Implement Smarter Import Policies & Monetization Schemes: Rationalize import duties to curb smuggling and expand gold monetization schemes to bring idle gold into the formal financial system, boosting liquidity and economic growth.
Mains PYQ:
Q Craze for gold in Indian has led to surge in import of gold in recent years and put pressure on balance of payments and external value of rupee. In view of this, examine the merits of Gold Monetization scheme.(UPSC IAS/2015)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Health Sector;
Why in the News?
India has around 3,00,000 diagnostic labs, and the number is increasing. However, the sector is largely unregulated, scattered, and concentrated in urban areas.
What is the significance of India’s Diagnostics Sector?
- Market Size and Growth: The Indian diagnostics market was valued at approximately US$13 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach US$25 billion by FY28. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of around 14%. Some projections estimate the market could reach US$40 billion by 2034.
- Essential Component of Healthcare: Diagnostics play a crucial role in disease prevention, early detection, and effective management, making them an essential part of modern healthcare. Doctor recommendations drive a major part of the diagnostic business, with tests being conducted for most patients before prescribing medication.
- Key Market Segments: The sector is primarily divided into pathology (60%) and radiology (40%). Pathology is further broken down into illness (acute and chronic) and wellness segments.
- Drivers of Growth: Several factors contribute to the sector’s growth, including increasing life expectancy, a growing middle class, higher penetration of government insurance schemes, rising income levels, and increasing awareness of preventive testing. An aging population and the rise in chronic diseases also fuel the demand for diagnostic services.
What are the challenges faced by the Diagnostics Sector?
- Urban-Rural Divide: A significant portion of diagnostics revenue (76%) comes from urban areas, even though 70% of India’s population resides in rural areas.
- Disparities in Infrastructure: Rural areas have fewer healthcare facilities, with only about 36.5% of the total hospital beds, leading to delayed treatments and poorer health outcomes
- Regulatory Issues: The Kerala State Clinical Establishments Act faces resistance due to stringent space (300 sq. ft. in rural areas, 500-700 sq. ft. in urban areas) and educational requirements, making compliance unviable for many small labs.
- Standardization Needs: Lack of uniform testing protocols leads to errors. Example: A government lab in Karnataka reported a platelet count of 0.47 lakh/cmm, but a private lab retest showed 2.2 lakh/cmm, highlighting the need for mandatory NABL accreditation and standard SOPs to ensure diagnostic accuracy.
- Infrastructure Gaps in Public Sector: Lack of essential upgrades in government labs (e.g., Osmania and Gandhi Hospitals in Hyderabad). Limited operational hours and unavailability of specialists in government hospitals force patients to private facilities.
What are the present Regulations implemented by the govt for this Sector?
- Clinical Establishments Act, 2010: This act aims to regulate diagnostic centers but has been adopted by only 12 states and Union Territories, leading to inconsistent regulations across the country.
- Medical Devices Rules, 2017: These rules govern medical devices, an integral part of the diagnostics framework, focusing on manufacturing, import, sale, distribution, and quality and safety control. They provide risk-based categorization, establish product standards, and set timelines for obtaining licenses.
- State-Specific Regulations: Some states like Karnataka and Kerala have separate regulatory frameworks, but enforcement remains inconsistent. Tamil Nadu’s Clinical Establishments (Regulations) Rules, 2018, mandate minimum space requirements for labs.
- Pricing Regulations for Government-Led Diagnostic Schemes: Limits test costs to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for patients. Example: Telangana’s T-Diagnostics Programme has conducted 18.10 crore tests at subsidized rates, saving ₹1,100 crore for patients.
- Mandatory Quality Control & External Audits: Enforces periodic inspections to maintain test accuracy. Example: Karnataka’s KPME Act mandates SOPs for sample collection, testing, and reporting, with penalties for non-compliance.
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Way forward:
- Expand Rural Diagnostic Infrastructure: Strengthen public-private partnerships (PPPs) to enhance diagnostic services in rural areas, improve affordability, and ensure equitable access through mobile labs and telemedicine integration.
- Enforce Uniform Regulatory Standards: Implement a nationwide mandatory NABL accreditation and standard operating procedures (SOPs) for all diagnostic centers to ensure quality, accuracy, and compliance across states.
Mains PYQ:
Q What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? (UPSC IAS/2020)
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Mains level: Regionalism v/s nationalism;
Why in the News?
Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar said that some groups take advantage of the legal system for their own gain and weaken the country’s unity.
Why is the discussion of regionalism v/s nationalism considered problematic in the context of India?
- Threat to National Unity: Excessive emphasis on regionalism can fuel separatist tendencies, as seen in the Khalistan movement in Punjab and insurgencies in the Northeast, undermining India’s unity and sovereignty.
- Federalism vs. Centralization Conflict: India’s governance relies on cooperative federalism, where both the Union and states share powers. However, debates like Tamil Nadu’s opposition to central exams like NEET highlight tensions between regional autonomy and national policies.
- Political Exploitation & Vote Bank Politics: Political parties sometimes exploit regional sentiments for electoral gains, leading to polarization. For example, Maharashtra’s “sons of the soil” policy has led to conflicts over job reservations for locals, creating friction between states.
- Economic Disparities & Development Hurdles: Overemphasis on regional identity can obstruct national projects. Protests against infrastructure projects like hydroelectric dams in Arunachal Pradesh due to local concerns show how regional interests can sometimes slow down national development.
- Cultural & Linguistic Divides: Attempts to impose a singular national identity, such as making Hindi the sole link language, have faced resistance from states like Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, highlighting the delicate balance between regional pride and national integration.
What are the specific divisive forces that undermine national unity?
- Caste and Religious Polarization: Social divisions based on caste and religion are exploited for political and electoral gains, leading to communal tensions (e.g., Muzaffarnagar riots in 2013 fueled by religious divisions).
- Regionalism and Sub-Nationalism: Excessive regional pride sometimes leads to demands for secession or special status, disrupting national integration (e.g., Gorkhaland agitation in West Bengal, calls for an independent Nagalim in the Northeast).
- External Influence and Misinformation: Foreign-backed propaganda and misinformation campaigns on social media create unrest by deepening societal divisions (e.g., Pakistan-backed online campaigns related to Article 370 abrogation in Jammu & Kashmir).
How are attempts being made to influence the electoral process?
- Foreign Interference & Propaganda: External forces use misinformation campaigns on social media to shape voter perceptions (e.g., Allegations of foreign-backed digital campaigns influencing Indian elections, as seen in narratives around Article 370).
- Money Power & Undisclosed Funding: Illicit election financing and opaque political donations influence outcomes (e.g., Concerns over electoral bonds and their impact on political funding transparency).
- Judicial Route & PIL Misuse: Frequent litigation is filed to delay elections, challenge candidates, or question EVMs without solid evidence (e.g., Multiple PILs questioning EVM credibility, despite SC and EC assurances).
- Targeted Voter Suppression: Manipulative voter deletion campaigns and fake voter registration attempts (e.g., Complaints of large-scale voter deletions in Karnataka elections, raising concerns over fairness).
- Big Tech & Algorithmic Manipulation: Social media platforms and AI-driven algorithms are used to spread divisive narratives and influence voter sentiment (e.g., Allegations of biased content promotion on platforms like Facebook and X (Twitter) during elections).
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Way forward:
- Strengthening Electoral and Judicial Integrity: Implement stricter regulations on election funding, curb misuse of judicial processes, and enhance transparency in political donations to safeguard democratic institutions.
- Promoting National Cohesion Through Inclusive Policies: Foster cooperative federalism, ensure balanced regional development, and encourage cultural inclusivity to prevent divisive narratives and reinforce national unity.
Mains PYQ:
Q Do you agree that regionalism in India appears to be a consequence of rising cultural assertiveness? Argue. (UPSC IAS/2020)
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PYQ Relevance:
Q) How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the education system in the country? Elaborate your answer (UPSC CSE 2020)
Q) Despite the consistent experience of high growth, India still goes with the lowest indicators of human development. Examine the issues that make balanced and inclusive development elusive. (UPSC CSE 2019) |
Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on National Education Policy (2020), and Significance of Primary Education (2016 and 2022).
Did you know that, the Budget Allocation for the FY 2024-25 of ₹ 73,498 cr is the highest ever for the Department of School Education & Literacy. On the other hand, while science and technology have integrated countries, education can generate the need for profit and can widespread use of innovations.
Today’s editorial discusses the major observations from the ASER 2024 Report. This content can be used in Mains answer to present the Digital divide in Rural and Urban Area. Further this content also tells you the Potential of Digital infrastructure and Implementation that India needs to build.
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Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
According to the recent ACER Survey 2024, India lacks a road map in the field of education that allows the promise of technology to be harnessed for those who need it the most.
What are the Key Highlights given by ASER 2024?
| The Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) is a citizen-led survey that provides estimates of schooling and learning levels in rural India. Published by the NGO Pratham, ASER has been conducted since 2005. After 2016, the survey transitioned to an alternate-year model, with the “basic” ASER conducted in all rural districts every other year. In the intervening years, a smaller survey focuses on specific age groups and domains. The “basic” ASER tracks enrollment for children aged 3-16 and assesses the reading and arithmetic skills of children aged 5-16 through household surveys. |
- Academic Observations and Reporting: Since 2006, private school enrollment in rural India has been increasing, plateauing at 30.8% in 2014 and remaining there in 2018.
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- Basic arithmetic abilities in Class 3 have risen to 33.7% in 2024, exceeding both 2022 and 2018 rates. Class 5 reading levels are also up, nearly matching 2018 figures, although private schools have not yet reached their pre-pandemic reading levels.
- Attendance for both teachers and students in government elementary schools has improved. Several states have pre-primary enrollment rates above 90%.
- Focus on Foundational Literacy and Numeracy: The big push for foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) under NEP 2020 and the NIPUN Bharat Mission has helped to improve foundational learning through better resources, learning materials, and teacher training which appears to be a major contributor to the improvements noted in the ASER 2024 report.
- Emphasis on Early Childhood Education: NEP 2020’s emphasis on early childhood education is expected to further improve access, as ASER 2024 reported increased enrollment in early childhood education, with almost 80% of children aged 3 to 6 years enrolled in some form of pre-primary education.
- Improved Accessibility and Potential: In 2018, approximately 90% of rural households possessed basic mobile phones, while 36% owned smartphones. By 2022, smartphone ownership in these households increased to over 74%, and further to 84% in 2024, but educational use is limited to 57%.
- Among children aged 14-16, smartphone ownership rose from 19% to about 31% within a year.
- Smartphones were mainly used to send texts, worksheets, and videos during the pandemic as a substitute for textbooks. Digital skills from the pandemic remained relevant, and artificial intelligence (AI) generated new interest.
- Reversing Pandemic Losses: The ASER 2024 report suggests a rebound from the learning losses during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in government schools, where reading and arithmetic skills have reached or exceeded pre-pandemic levels.
- The improvement in standard III implies that some of its credit can go to the NIPUN Bharat Mission.
What are the present challenges of digital divide in India according to ASER Report 2024?
- Gender Disparity: Boys outpace girls in access, ownership, and smartphone usage, which puts girls at a disadvantage and exacerbates existing inequalities. Even when smartphones are available, girls face systemic barriers that limit their access, such as social norms, parental control, and prioritization of boys’ education.
- Access vs. Usage: While nearly all children between 14 and 16 have access to cell phones, only 57% use smart devices for education-related activities, while about 76% use them for social media.
- Variations Across States: ASER 2024 indicates wide variations in digital literacy across states.
- Digital Literacy Skills: While smartphone access is widespread, structured digital education programs can enhance meaningful use of technology for learning.
- There is a gender gap in digital skills, with 85.5% of boys and 79.4% of girls reporting that they know how to use a smartphone.
- Smartphone Ownership: There is a gender gap in smartphone ownership, with only 36.2% of boys and 26.9% of girls reporting owning a smartphone.
- This lack of personal ownership limits access and curtails opportunities for girls to explore and learn independently.
How can technology be leveraged to bridge the digital divide and ensure equitable access to educational resources?
- Targeted distribution of school-owned devices: Schools can monitor device-to-student ratios to decide how each device can best support specific learning activities within the curriculum.
- Distribution can be based on the individual needs of the student, ensuring that each device is allocated where it can have the most significant impact on learning.
- Embrace pedagogically-led technology integration: Prioritizing integrating technology in a way that enhances the learning experience as a whole can ensure that every student benefits from the transformative potential of digital tools.
- This includes how educators are trained in technology as a means to achieve equitable learning outcomes.
- Assess Needs and Resources: Survey families to understand current technology access at home and take inventory of existing school technology equipment and infrastructure. Identify areas that need upgrades to support 1:1 device programs.
- Provide Multiple Access Options: Offer devices that students can use at school and take home and create a community technology center with free WiFi, computers, and printers. Partner with community organizations to provide access outside of school
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: BioE3 Policy
Why in the News?
After the BioE3 Policy approval in August 2024, the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) held consultations with State governments on setting up biomanufacturing facilities across India.
What is the BioE3 Policy?
- It is a national initiative by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), Ministry of Science and Technology to promote biomanufacturing and a circular bioeconomy in India.
- Biomanufacturing involves the industrial production of bio-products such as biopolymers, enzymes, smart proteins, functional foods, precision biotherapeutics, and climate-resilient agricultural products.
- It focuses on scaling up biotechnology-based industries, enhancing research and innovation, and creating employment opportunities in sustainable bio-based sectors.
- It aligns with India’s Net Zero carbon commitment and aims to make biomanufacturing a key driver of economic growth.
Objectives and Features of the BioE3 Policy
- Promoting Biomanufacturing: Establishing biomanufacturing hubs and biofoundries to produce bio-based chemicals, polymers, and enzymes.
- Strengthening R&D and Innovation: Encouraging state-driven biotechnology policies, bio-AI hubs, and technology-driven bioindustries.
- State-Centric Implementation: States will adopt at least two thematic areas under BioE3, focusing on local bio-based industries and sustainable agriculture.
- Workforce Development: Expanding biotechnology training programs in Tier-II and Tier-III cities to build a skilled workforce.
- Biosafety and Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring adherence to global biosafety standards and responsible biotechnology innovation.
- Carbon Capture and Sustainability: Supporting carbon sequestration technologies and climate-resilient agriculture to mitigate climate change impacts.
- Encouraging Private Sector Investment: Creating a business-friendly environment for biotech startups, public-private partnerships, and global collaborations.
Programs Implemented Under the BioE3 Policy:
- State-Centric BioE3 Cells: Dedicated cells will be established in State departments to coordinate investments, research, and policy execution.
- Precision Biotherapeutics and Functional Foods Initiative: Research into next-generation bio-based medicines, smart proteins, and functional foods.
- Carbon Capture and Bioeconomy Models: Development of technologies for carbon sequestration and sustainable bio-based industrial processes.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaboration between government, industry, and research institutions to drive biomanufacturing investments and commercialization.
PYQ:
[2015] With reference to bio-toilets used by the Indian Railways, consider the following statements:
1. The decomposition of human waste in the bio-toilets is initiated by a fungal inoculum.
2. Ammonia and water vapour are the only end products in this decomposition which are released into the atmosphere.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: electronic-National Agriculture Market (E-NAM)
Why in the News?
The Agriculture Ministry has allowed trading of 10 additional commodities on the electronic-National Agriculture Market (E-NAM), taking the total number of tradable items on the platform to 231.
About the 10 new commodities:
The newly added commodities include dried Tulsi leaves, Besant (Chickpea flour), wheat flour, chana sattu (Roasted Chickpea Flour), water Chestnut flour, asafoetida, dried fenugreek leaves, baby corn, dragon fruit and water Chestnut, the ministry said in a statement.
Current Status of E-NAM (As of December 2024):
- 1,410 mandis connected across 22 states and Union Territories.
- Inter-state trade worth ₹5,022 crore has been recorded.
- ₹6,831 crore e-payments made across 948 mandis.
- Trade in 1.44 lakh metric tonnes of grains and 3.4 crore units of perishable commodities such as bamboo, betel leaves, coconuts, and lemons.
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What is E-NAM?
- E-NAM is a pan-India electronic trading platform launched by the Government of India on April 14, 2016.
- It integrates existing Agriculture Produce Market Committees (APMCs) to create a unified national market for agricultural commodities.
- The Small Farmers Agribusiness Consortium (SFAC), under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, is the implementing agency for e-NAM.
- The platform enables farmers, traders, and buyers to trade agricultural commodities online, across states, ensuring better price discovery and transparency.
Objectives of e-NAM
- Improve market efficiency by integrating APMC mandis into a unified online platform.
- Enhance price discovery through a competitive bidding process, ensuring fair market prices for farmers.
- Promote inter-state trade by removing barriers and unifying agricultural markets across India.
- Reduce dependency on middlemen, ensuring direct benefits to farmers.
- Facilitate e-payments to ensure quick and transparent financial transactions for farmers.
What is E-NAM 2.0?
- E-NAM 2.0 is an upgraded version of the Electronic National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), launched to improve inter-state agricultural trade, logistics, and digital accessibility for farmers.
- It integrates logistics service providers, allowing farmers to sell produce directly from their farms using a farm-gate module.
- Key features include real-time price discovery, Aadhaar-based e-KYC, warehouse-based trading, and direct online payments.
- The platform enhances transparency, efficiency, and access to a nationwide market, reducing dependence on middlemen.
- It aims to boost farmer incomes, minimize wastage, and create a unified digital agricultural ecosystem across India.
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PYQ:
[2017] What is/are the advantage/advantages of implementing the ‘National Agriculture Market’ scheme?
- It is a pan-India electronic trading portal for agricultural commodities.
- It provides the farmers access to nationwide market, with prices commensurate with the quality of their produce.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2 |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Darien Gap
Why in the News?
The illegal journey into the US often involves dangerous crossings through multiple countries, including the treacherous Darien Gap – a vast, roadless jungle that connects Colombia and Panama.
What is the Darien Gap?
- The Darien Gap is a 97-km stretch of dense rainforest, swamps, and mountains that forms the only break in the Pan-American Highway, which otherwise runs from Alaska to Argentina.
- Due to its extreme terrain, harsh climate, and lack of infrastructure, the region has remained largely impenetrable.
- However, in recent years, it has become a major migration route, as thousands of people attempt to cross it in hopes of reaching North America.
- Geographical Features:
- Location: Forms the border between Panama and Colombia.
- Terrain: Consists of steep mountains, muddy swamps, fast-flowing rivers, and dense rainforests, making travel extremely difficult.
- Climate: Has a hot, humid, and rainy environment with limited access to food and water.
Geo-Political Significance:
- Migration Crisis: Over 520,000 migrants crossed in 2023, with over 300,000 crossings in early 2024.
- ‘Donkey Route’: Many migrants, including Indians, Venezuelans, Haitians, and Pakistanis, travel through Central American nations like Panama, Costa Rica, and Guatemala before reaching Mexico.
- Criminal Activity: The region is controlled by smuggling networks, drug cartels, and armed groups, who demand money, rob migrants, or subject them to violence.
- Humanitarian Concerns: Reports of sexual assaults, deaths, and disappearances are increasing, with overcrowded shelters and severe shortages of food, water, and medical aid.
PYQ:
[2015] The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events is related to:
(a) Central Asia
(b) Middle East
(c) South-East Asia
(d) Central Africa |
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Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Brucellosis
Why in the News?
An 8-year-old girl in Kerala, recently succumbed to brucellosis, a bacterial infection primarily caused by the consumption of unpasteurised milk.
About Brucellosis
- Brucellosis is a bacterial infection caused by Brucella species, primarily affecting cattle, goats, sheep, swine, and dogs.
- Humans contract it through direct contact with infected animals, consuming contaminated animal products, or inhaling airborne agents.
- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most common cause is the ingestion of unpasteurised milk or cheese from infected livestock.
- Symptoms and Risk Factors:
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- Symptoms: Fever, weakness, weight loss, and general discomfort. The incubation period is 1-2 months, but most cases develop within 2-4 weeks.
- At-Risk Groups: Farmers, butchers, veterinarians, hunters, and laboratory personnel handling infected animal tissues.
- Treatment and Prevention:
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- Treatment: Doxycycline (100 mg, twice daily for 45 days) and Streptomycin (1 g daily for 15 days) as per medical advice.
- Prevention: Vaccination of livestock, pasteurisation of milk, and public awareness campaigns to discourage the consumption of unpasteurised dairy products.
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