{"id":184207,"date":"2022-05-16T14:41:50","date_gmt":"2022-05-16T09:11:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.forumias.com\/?p=184207"},"modified":"2022-05-16T14:41:50","modified_gmt":"2022-05-16T09:11:50","slug":"upsc-ias-prelims-2022-material-science-and-tech-current-affairs-biology-and-biotechnology-part-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/forumias.com\/blog\/upsc-ias-prelims-2022-material-science-and-tech-current-affairs-biology-and-biotechnology-part-2\/","title":{"rendered":"UPSC IAS Prelims 2022 Material| Science and Tech Current Affairs | Biology and Biotechnology – Part 2"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dear Friends,<\/p>\n

This post is a part of our current affairs series for the UPSC IAS Prelims 2022. In this post, we have covered the Science and tech current affairs of the Biology and Biotechnology section. This post covers the current affairs of September, October 2021 and April 2022 months.<\/p>\n

\n

Science and Tech Current Affairs 2021-22<\/span><\/h1>\n

BIOLOGY AND BIOTECHNOLOGY<\/span><\/h4>\n

<\/p>\n

To Read Other Current Affairs Compilations<\/strong> for Prelims 2022<\/span>– Click here<\/a><\/h4>\n
\n

Nipah Virus<\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n

A 12-year-old boy infected with the Nipah virus died in a private hospital in Kozhikode, Kerala.<\/p>\n

About Nipah Virus<\/h5>\n

Nipah Virus(NiV) is a zoonotic virus. \u200b\u200bThe first outbreaks of the Nipah virus among humans were reported in Malaysia (1998) and Singapore (1999).<\/p>\n

Host Reservoir of Nipah Virus<\/h5>\n

The animal host reservoir for this virus is known to be the fruit bat, commonly known as the flying fox. Fruit bats are known to transmit this virus to other animals like pigs, and also dogs, cats, goats, horses and sheep.<\/p>\n

Spread<\/strong><\/p>\n

It is a zoonotic virus, meaning it has been transmitted from animals to human beings.<\/p>\n

The transmission happens mainly through direct contact with these animals or through the consumption of food contaminated by the saliva or urine of these infected animals.<\/p>\n

Person-to-person transmission is not fully established yet.<\/p>\n

Symptoms of Nipah Virus infection<\/strong><\/p>\n

Fever, respiratory symptoms include cough, sore throat, aches, fatigue and encephalitis. The death rate for the Nipah virus is 70%.<\/p>\n

Treatment for Nipah Virus infection<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is no vaccine against the Nipah virus. The only available treatment is supportive cough care. Ribavirin, an antiviral drug, was used to treat encephalitis in 2018.<\/p>\n

\n

HIV Vaccine candidates<\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n

Moderna has announced the human trials for two HIV vaccines, namely\u00a0mRNA-1644 and mRNA-1644v2-Core.<\/p>\n

About the two HIV Vaccines<\/h5>\n

The two vaccines\u00a0<\/strong>are based on the same platform \u2014\u00a0mRNA<\/a>\u00a0\u2014 as Moderna\u2019s Covid vaccine.<\/p>\n

Working:<\/strong>\u00a0The vaccine is expected to work similar to the Covid-19 vaccine \u2014 by getting the body\u2019s cells to produce the HIV\u2019s spike protein triggering an immune response.<\/p>\n

Difficulties in making HIV Vaccine<\/h5>\n

HIV has a spike-shaped virus protein known as\u00a0Env or the envelope protein<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

HIV tends to\u00a0change its envelope so rapidly<\/strong>\u00a0that it is difficult to provide any antibody cover. Additionally, the envelope proteins are\u00a0covered by a sugar coating<\/strong>\u00a0that affects the generation of an immune response.<\/p>\n

Moreover, even when antibodies are made, by the time they are produced, the virus rapidly evolves and the\u00a0antibodies do not neutralise the virus<\/strong>. This rapid mutation allows the virus to escape the antibody response.<\/p>\n

Hence, because of this, previously inactivated forms of the virus and adenovirus vector-based vaccines have been tried but have not worked.<\/p>\n

Expected Benefits of m-RNA Vaccine<\/strong><\/p>\n

mRNA-based vaccines\u00a0<\/strong>are believed to be a promising alternative because they do\u00a0not involve the use of a live virus<\/strong>, can be made relatively easily, can be quickly deployed and safely administered.<\/p>\n

Global HIV burden<\/h5>\n

According to the\u00a0World Health Organization (WHO)<\/strong><\/a>, HIV has claimed 36.3 million lives so far. There were an estimated 37.7 million living with HIV at the end of 2020.<\/p>\n

However, there is still no cure for HIV. But with increasing access to effective prevention, diagnosis and care, HIV infection has become a manageable chronic health condition in recent years.<\/p>\n

HIV burden in India<\/strong><\/h5>\n

According to the\u00a0National AIDS Control Organization<\/strong>\u2019s\u00a0India HIV Estimation 2019 report<\/strong>, there were an estimated\u00a023.48 lakh people living with HIV<\/strong>\u00a0in 2019.<\/p>\n

Overall, the estimated adult (15-49) HIV prevalence trend has been declining in India since the peak in 2000 and has been stabilising in recent years.<\/p>\n

\n

Fragile X Syndrome<\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n

In 2017, a man affected by autism underwent his first DNA blood test at the age of 40. He tested positive for\u00a0Fragile X Syndrome (FXS)<\/strong>. This shows the lack of awareness and appropriate training in diagnosing FXS.<\/p>\n

About Fragile X Syndrome<\/h5>\n

Fragile X syndrome(FXS)<\/strong>\u00a0is a genetic disorder. It is also known as\u00a0Martin-Bell syndrome or Marker X syndrome<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

The syndrome is the leading inherited cause of\u00a0<\/strong>autism in 4% of the population worldwide.\u00a0Boys often have a more serious form of it than girls.<\/p>\n

Caused by:<\/strong>\u00a0The syndrome\u00a0is caused by changes in a gene called FMR1, which makes an\u00a0important protein (FMRP)<\/strong>. This protein is required\u00a0for brain development<\/strong>.\u00a0Children with\u00a0Fragile X syndrome\u00a0make too little or none of it<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Symptoms:<\/strong>\u00a0The symptoms are learning difficulty, speech delay, aggressive behaviour, hyperactivity, attention deficit, problems in motor skills, etc.<\/p>\n

Passed on from\u00a0<\/strong>A\u00a0mother who is a carrier<\/strong>\u00a0of FXS has a 50% chance of passing the mutated gene to her children, who will either be carriers or have FXS. Men who are carriers do not pass the pre-mutation to their sons, but\u00a0only daughters, who become carriers<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Estimated cases of Fragile X Syndrome in India:\u00a0<\/strong>It is estimated there are 4 lakh individuals who have been identified with mutated FMRI in India and 40 lakh undiagnosed carriers of the gene.<\/p>\n

Diagnosis:\u00a0<\/strong>The simplest tool for timely detection of\u00a0Fragile X Syndrome is a\u00a0DNA test<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Treatment:<\/strong>\u00a0The disorder\u00a0cannot be cured, but early therapy can improve the individual\u2019s quality of life.<\/p>\n

\n

Sterile Insect Technique<\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n

Researchers at the\u00a0University of California, San Diego<\/strong>\u00a0have created a new system named\u00a0precision-guided Sterile Insect Technique(pgSIT)<\/strong>\u00a0that restrains populations of mosquitoes.<\/p>\n

About the Sterile Insect Technique<\/h5>\n
\"\"
Source: IAEA<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The\u00a0sterile insect technique<\/strong>\u00a0is a method of biological insect control whereby overwhelming numbers of sterile insects are released into the wild.<\/p>\n

The released insects are preferably male as this is more cost-effective and the females may in some situations cause damage by laying eggs in the crop, or, in the case of mosquitoes, taking blood from humans.<\/p>\n

The sterile male insects compete with wild males to mate with the females. Females that mate with a sterile male produce no offspring, thus reducing the next generation\u2019s population.<\/p>\n

About the\u00a0precision-guided Sterile Insect Technique(pgSIT)<\/h5>\n

It is a new scalable genetic control system that uses a CRISPR-based technology to engineer deployable mosquitoes that can suppress populations.<\/p>\n

Males don\u2019t transmit diseases, so the idea is to release more and more sterile males. The population of mosquitos can be suppressed without relying on harmful chemicals and insecticides.<\/p>\n

Hence, this technique basically alters genes linked to male fertility\u2014creating sterile offspring\u2014and female flight in Aedes aegypti.<\/p>\n

PgSIT mechanistically relies on a dominant genetic technology that enables simultaneous sexing and sterilization. Thus\u00a0facilitating the release of eggs into the environment<\/strong>\u00a0ensuring only sterile adult males emerge.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

pgSIT eggs\u00a0can be shipped to a location threatened by mosquito-borne disease<\/strong>\u00a0or\u00a0developed at an on-site facility<\/strong>\u00a0that could produce the eggs for nearby deployment.<\/p>\n

Once the pgSIT eggs are released in the wild, sterile pgSIT males will emerge and eventually mate with females, driving down the wild population as needed.<\/p>\n

\n

Saline gargle RT-PCR Technique<\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n

The\u00a0National Environmental Engineering Research Institute(NEERI)<\/strong>\u00a0has transferred the indigenously-developed saline gargle RT-PCR technique to the\u00a0Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises(MSME)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

About\u00a0Saline gargle RT-PCR Technique<\/h5>\n

Saline gargle RT-PCR<\/strong>\u00a0is a technique that will be used\u00a0for testing Covid-19 samples.<\/p>\n

Developed by:<\/strong>\u00a0National Environmental Engineering Research Institute (NEERI).<\/p>\n

Working of Saline gargle RT-PCR Technique<\/h5>\n

The method is non-invasive and simple enough for a patient to collect his\/her own sample for testing.\u00a0A simple collection tube filled with a saline solution is used. The patient gargles with the solution and rinses it inside the tube.<\/p>\n

The sample is then taken to a laboratory where it is kept at room temperature in a special buffer solution prepared by NEERI.\u00a0An RNA template is produced when this solution is heated, which is further processed for the RT-PCR test.<\/p>\n

Benefits of the Technique<\/h5>\n

The technique is simple, fast, cost-effective, patient-friendly and comfortable.<\/p>\n

It provides instant test results and is well-suited for rural areas with poor connectivity, given its minimal infrastructure requirements.<\/p>\n

\n

Converting keratin waste into fertiliser and animal feeds<\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n

Scientists from the Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) have developed an innovative way to\u00a0convert keratin waste into fertiliser and animal feeds<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

About Keratin Waste<\/h5>\n

Keratin waste is generated from human hair, poultry feather waste and wool. India generates a huge amount of keratin waste each year.<\/p>\n

These wastes are dumped, buried, used for landfilling or incinerated. This leads to increased environmental hazards, pollution and threat to public health and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.<\/p>\n

Potential use of Keratin waste<\/h5>\n

Keratin waste is an inexpensive source of amino acids and protein<\/strong>. Hence, it can be used as animal feed and fertiliser.<\/p>\n

Method of converting keratin waste into fertilisers<\/h5>\n

Indian Scientists have developed a method that can easily convert keratin waste into fertiliser and animal feed.<\/p>\n

The method\u00a0uses\u00a0advanced oxidation<\/strong>\u00a0for the conversion of the waste to marketable fertilisers and animal feed. The key technology behind this involves\u00a0pre-treatment<\/strong>\u00a0followed by\u00a0hydrolysis<\/strong>\u00a0of keratin using a technique called\u00a0Hydrodynamic Cavitation<\/strong>, which involves vaporization, bubble generation, and bubble implosion in a flowing liquid.<\/p>\n

This method is almost\u00a0three times more economical<\/strong>\u00a0than the existing technologies.<\/p>\n

It is also easily scalable, environment-friendly and would make amino acid-rich liquid fertilizers more economical as compared to currently marketed products.<\/p>\n

\n

Turn edible plants into mRNA vaccine factories<\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n

Scientists and Researchers at the University of California are studying whether they can turn edible plants like lettuce into mRNA vaccine factories.<\/p>\n

Key element in this project<\/h5>\n

Purpose<\/strong>: The project aims to demonstrate whether they can convert plants like spinach and lettuce into mRNA vaccine factories.<\/p>\n

The key to making this project\u00a0work are chloroplasts. These are small organs in plant cells that convert sunlight into energy the plant can use.<\/p>\n

They\u2019re tiny, solar-powered factories that produce sugar and other molecules which allow the plant to grow. Hence, they are an untapped source for making desirable molecules.<\/p>\n

Significance of this project<\/h5>\n

Messenger RNA or mRNA technology works by teaching our cells to recognize and protect us against infectious diseases.<\/p>\n

One of the challenges with the mRNA technology is that it must be kept cold to maintain stability during transport and storage.<\/p>\n

Hence, if this new project is successful, plant-based mRNA vaccines \u2014 which can be eaten \u2014 could overcome this challenge with the ability to be stored at room temperature.<\/p>\n

\n

Havana Syndrome<\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n

A US intelligence officer on an Indian trip has reported symptoms of Havana Syndrome. This is the first instance of the phenomenon being reported in India, at least on record, and could have diplomatic implications.<\/p>\n

About Havana Syndrome<\/h5>\n
\"Havana
Source: TOI<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Havana Syndrome refers to a set of mental health symptoms that are said to be experienced by US intelligence and embassy officials in various countries.<\/p>\n

It typically involves symptoms such as\u00a0hearing certain sounds without any outside noise being present<\/strong>, nausea, vertigo and headaches,\u00a0memory loss<\/strong>\u00a0and issues with balance.<\/p>\n

Origin of Havana Syndrome<\/h5>\n

Havana Syndrome traces its roots to Cuba. In 2016, about a year after the US opened its embassy in Havana, some intelligence officials and members of the staff at the embassy began experiencing sudden bursts of pressure in their brain followed by persistent headaches, feeling of disorientation and insomnia.<\/p>\n

Cause of Havana Syndrome<\/h5>\n

Experts have suggested that the\u00a0victims may have been subjected to\u00a0high-powered microwaves<\/strong>\u00a0that either damaged or interfered with the nervous system.<\/p>\n

Greater exposure to high-powered microwaves is said not only to interfere with the body\u2019s sense of balance but also impact memory and cause permanent brain damage.<\/p>\n

The US experts believe that these microwaves are sent through a special gadget called a \u201cmicrowave weapon<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n

About Microwave weapons<\/h5>\n

\u201cMicrowave weapons\u201d are supposed to be a\u00a0type of direct energy weapons<\/strong>, which aim for highly focused energy in the form of sonic, laser, or microwaves, at a target.<\/p>\n

A number of countries are thought to have developed these weapons to target both humans and electronic systems.\u00a0China<\/strong>\u00a0had first put on display its \u201cmicrowave weapon\u201d, called\u00a0Poly WB-1<\/strong>, at an air show in 2014.<\/p>\n

The\u00a0United States<\/strong>\u00a0has also developed a prototype microwave-style weapon, which it calls the \u201cActive Denial System<\/strong>\u201d.<\/p>\n

\n

Regeneron antibody Therapy<\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n

Recently,\u00a0World Health Organization (WHO) approved the\u00a0Regeneron antibody combination<\/strong>\u00a0for treatment of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).<\/p>\n

About Regeneron<\/h5>\n

Regeneron is a\u00a0combination of two drugs \u2014\u00a0casirivimab\u00a0and\u00a0imdevimab.<\/strong><\/p>\n

It has\u00a0reduced\u00a0mortality in seronegative patients with severe infections. The drug cocktail\u00a0replicates the natural antibody response of human beings. Last year it was\u00a0approved by\u00a0the Food and Drug Administration of the United States.<\/p>\n

Recommendations of WHO regarding this\u00a0therapy<\/h5>\n

As per UN health agency, giving drugs in veins may be difficult in outpatient scenarios. For such cases, it recommended\u00a0application\u00a0of drugs under the skin.<\/p>\n

Specialised\u00a0clinics, adequate amounts of antibodies and trained medical staff will be required for the therapy.<\/p>\n

\n

Global Roadmap to Defeat Meningitis by 2030<\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n

Recently, World Health Organization (WHO) and its partners launched the\u00a0first-ever global strategy to defeat meningitis<\/strong>. Meningitis is a debilitating disease that kills hundreds of thousands of people each year.<\/p>\n

Aim of the strategy<\/h5>\n

The strategy\u00a0aims<\/p>\n

-To prevent infections and improve care and diagnosis for those affected.<\/p>\n

-To eliminate epidemics of bacterial meningitis (deadliest form of the disease)<\/p>\n

-To reduce deaths by 70 per cent and halve the number of cases.<\/p>\n

The strategy could\u00a0save more than 200,000 lives annually<\/strong>\u00a0and significantly reduce disability caused by the disease.<\/p>\n

Roadmap to achieve the strategy<\/h5>\n

First<\/strong><\/em>,<\/strong>\u00a0achievement of high\u00a0immunisation\u00a0coverage, development of new affordable vaccines and improved prevention strategies and outbreak response<\/p>\n

Second,<\/strong><\/em>\u00a0speedy diagnosis and optimal treatment for patients<\/p>\n

Third<\/strong><\/em>, good data to guide prevention and control efforts<\/p>\n

Fourth<\/strong><\/em>, care and support for those affected, focusing on early recognition and improved access to care and support for after-effects<\/p>\n

Fifth<\/strong><\/em>,<\/strong>\u00a0advocacy and engagement, to ensure high awareness of meningitis, accountability for national plans, and affirmation of the right to prevention, care and after-care services<\/p>\n

There is an urgent need for innovation, funding and research to develop more meningitis-preventive vaccines.\u00a0Efforts are also needed to strengthen early diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation for all those who need it after contracting the disease.<\/p>\n

About meningitis<\/h5>\n

Meningitis is an\u00a0inflammation<\/strong>\u00a0of the membranes that surround the\u00a0brain\u00a0<\/strong>and\u00a0spinal cord<\/strong>. It is predominantly caused by bacterial and viral infection.\u00a0Meningitis caused by bacterial infection causes around 250,000 deaths a year and can lead to fast-spreading epidemics.<\/p>\n

It kills a tenth of those infected mostly children and young people. It\u00a0leaves a fifth with long-lasting disability, such as seizures, hearing and vision loss, neurological damage, and cognitive impairment.<\/p>\n

Meningitis epidemics have occurred in the last decade in all regions of the world. But it is most common in the \u2018Meningitis Belt<\/strong>,\u2019 which spans 26 countries across sub-Saharan Africa.<\/p>\n

Vaccines to protect against meningitis<\/h5>\n

Several vaccines protect against meningitis, including Meningococcal, Haemophilus influenzae type B and pneumococcal vaccines.\u00a0But not\u00a0all communities have access to them. Many countries are yet to introduce them into their national\u00a0programmes.<\/p>\n

Research is underway to develop vaccines for other causes of meningitis, such as Group B Strep\u00a0bacteria.<\/p>\n

\n

Recirculatory Aquaculture System(RAS) Technology<\/span><\/h3>\n
News<\/h5>\n

Union Minister of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has inaugurated the Recirculatory Aquaculture Systems (RAS) technology for the culture of rainbow trout in the private sector under Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana(PMMSY)<\/p>\n

About\u00a0Recirculatory Aquaculture System(RAS) Technology<\/h5>\n
\"RAS\"
Source: Blue Ridge Aqua Culture<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

 <\/p>\n

This method is used for high- density culture of various species of fish, utilizing minimum land area and water.<\/p>\n

Under the Recirculatory Aquaculture System (RAS) technology, water is recycled and reused after mechanical and biological filtration and removal of suspended matter and metabolites.<\/p>\n

Difference between RAC and other methods<\/h5>\n

It is an intensive high-density fish culture, unlike other aquaculture production systems. In the traditional method, the fish is grown in open ponds and raceways. But, in RAS the fishes are typically reared in indoor\/outdoor tanks in a controlled environment.<\/p>\n

Advantages of RAS method<\/h5>\n

The RAS method has many advantages. Such as<\/p>\n

    \n
  1. i) Extended durability of tanks and equipment,<\/li>\n
  2. ii) Reduced dependency on antibiotics and therapeutants hence, an advantage of getting high-quality fish.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    iii) Reduction of direct operational costs associated with feed, predator control and parasites.<\/p>\n

      \n
    1. iv) Risk reduction due to climatic factors, disease and parasite impacts<\/li>\n
    2. v) RAS production can promote flexibility in terms of location for farming, proximity to market.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n
      Disadvantages of RAS method<\/h5>\n

      A constant\u00a0uninterrupted power supply<\/strong>\u00a0is required if electric power fails, then a backup of electricity is required.<\/p>\n

      The\u00a0capital cost<\/strong>\u00a0of starting a recirculating aquaculture system is high as compared to ponds and raceways.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Phycoremediation in Lukha river<\/span><\/h3>\n
      News<\/h5>\n

      Meghalaya government has claimed that a detoxing project through the use of\u00a0phycoremediation\u00a0<\/strong>has rejuvenated Lukha river. The project was funded by the \u201cDistrict Mineral Fund\u201d.<\/p>\n

      Reason for contamination<\/h5>\n

      The Lukha River was considered toxic beyond redemption a decade ago. Meghalaya\u2019s pollution control board in its report blamed drainage from \u2018acid mines\u2019<\/strong>\u00a0drainage\u00a0and\u00a0\u2018rat-hole\u00a0coal mines\u2019<\/strong>\u00a0as the reason for toxicity in the river.<\/p>\n

      In response, the government used the Phycoremediation method to detoxify the river.<\/p>\n

      About Phycoremediation<\/h5>\n

      It is a type of\u00a0bioremediation<\/strong>, can be defined in a broader sense as the\u00a0use of macroalgae<\/strong>\u00a0or microalgae for the removal or biotransformation of pollutants.\u00a0It improves the\u00a0PH\u00a0<\/strong>of the water.<\/p>\n

      About Lukha river<\/h5>\n

      It drains the southern part of \u2018East Jaintia hills\u2019(Meghalaya). It is fed by its major tributary \u2018The Lunar River\u2019 and streams from \u2018Narpuh reserve forest\u2019.<\/p>\n

      The river passes into southern Assam\u2019s Barak Valley and ends up in the floodplains of Bangladesh.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Mastitis disease in Cattle<\/span><\/h3>\n
      News<\/h5>\n

      Based on the indigenous knowledge shared by a farmer\u00a0from\u00a0Gujarat<\/strong>,\u00a0National Innovation Foundation(NIF<\/strong>) has developed a poly-herbal and cost-effective medicine named\u00a0Mastirak<\/em><\/strong>\u00a0Gel<\/strong>\u00a0to treat Mastitis, an infectious disease of dairy cattle.<\/p>\n

      About Mastitis disease in Cattle<\/h5>\n

      Mastitis is an infectious disease condition resulting in an inflammatory reaction in the mammary gland of the cow.<\/p>\n

      Caused by:\u00a0<\/strong>There are a variety of microorganism species that are known to cause mastitis. These range from viruses, mycoplasma, fungus and bacteria.<\/p>\n

      Symptoms:<\/strong>\u00a0The clear sign of mastitis is inflammation of the mammary gland that turns into a red and hard mass. This\u00a0affects farm productivity due to a fall in milk quality thus impacting income-generating activities.<\/p>\n

      Treatment:<\/strong>\u00a0The treatment usually involves antibiotics. But this poses a public health hazard.<\/p>\n

      Mastitis and Mastirak Gel<\/h5>\n

      Mastirak Gel has been developed utilizing indigenous knowledge. Hence, it can be a\u00a0sustainable alternative towards the treatment of mastitis with minimal use of antibiotic therapy.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Dyscalculia<\/span><\/h3>\n
      News<\/h5>\n

      Dyscalculia is a well-established\u00a0Specific Learning Disorder<\/strong>\u00a0(SLD) and about 6% of school-age children might be affected. But it doesn\u2019t get diagnosed easily.<\/p>\n

      About Dyscalculia<\/h5>\n

      It is a learning disability in math. People with this disease have trouble with math at many levels. They often struggle with key concepts like bigger vs. smaller.<\/p>\n

      Causes<\/strong>: The causes include, Genetic and heredity reasons, challenges in brain development, etc.<\/p>\n

      Signs and symptoms<\/strong>: The common signs include facing challenges in\u00a0grasping the meaning of quantities or concepts like biggest vs. smallest, challenges in remembering math facts in school, like times tables and challenges in calculating money or money-product exchange.<\/p>\n

      Impact of the disease<\/strong>: An estimated 5 to 10% of people in the world might have dyscalculia. However, it\u2019s not clear whether dyscalculia is as common in girls as in boys.<\/p>\n

      In India, About 6% of school-age kids may have dyscalculia, but even many teachers are unaware of the condition.<\/p>\n

      Difficulties associated with Dyscalculia<\/h5>\n

      It is more than just difficulty with math. Many times, dyscalculia comes with other learning disorders, such as\u00a0dyslexia<\/strong><\/a>\u00a0or dysgraphia.<\/p>\n

      Note<\/strong>: Dyslexia is a language-based learning disability. It causes problems with reading, writing and spelling. Dysgraphia is a term that refers to trouble with writing.<\/p>\n

      With Dyscalculia, there may be problems with working memory, making it hard to keep track of multiple instructions such as those in a cooking video. Often there are spatial and visual orientation deficits, for instance, imagining different perspectives or following directions.<\/p>\n

      Treatment for Dyscalculia<\/h5>\n

      The only way to get a diagnosis is through an evaluation. This can happen at any age. Evaluators use different tests for adults than for kids.<\/p>\n

      Individualised Education Programme<\/strong>: In this programme, a special educator will work with Dyscalculia affected persons using audio and visual teaching aids to explain the math concepts at his own pace.<\/p>\n

      The school might also give accommodations (permitting calculators) to make learning math easier.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine(PCV)<\/span><\/h3>\n
      News<\/h5>\n

      The Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare has launched the nationwide expansion of\u00a0Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV)<\/strong>\u00a0under the Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.<\/p>\n

      About Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine(PCV)<\/h5>\n

      Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is given to prevent pneumococcal disease.<\/p>\n

      Pneumococcal disease refers to any illness caused by pneumococcal bacteria. These bacteria can cause many types of illnesses, including pneumonia, which is an infection of the lungs.<\/p>\n

      Pneumonia is a leading cause of death among children under-5 years old, globally and in India. In India, around 16%\u00a0 of deaths in children occur due to pneumonia.<\/p>\n

      Hence, the nationwide rollout of PCV will reduce child mortality by around 60%.<\/p>\n

      Note:\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>So far, the PCV vaccine through government hospitals was available only in five states \u2014 Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. On the other hand, two states, Haryana and Goa were offering the PCV vaccine from the state government funds.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Pollens and Pollen Allergy<\/span><\/h3>\n
      News<\/h5>\n

      Indian scientists have recommended several measures for the prevention and control of pollen allergy.<\/p>\n

      About Pollens<\/h5>\n

      Pollen grains are male biological entities produced by higher plant cells that are essential for sexual reproduction.<\/p>\n

      Pollen themselves are immobile and dispersion is aided by agents such as water, insects, birds and wind. Hence, they are considered as aero planktons (floating in the air) surrounding human beings.<\/p>\n

      About Pollen Allergy<\/h5>\n

      Pollen Allergy is considered a major public health problem that causes morbidity and subsequently affects a patient\u2019s quality of life.<\/p>\n

      Pollen due to their large size cannot enter the thoracic regions of the respiratory tract but can affect the nasopharyngeal mucous membrane.<\/p>\n

      At the same time, the submicronic-pollen particles can act as respirable particles reaching deeper into the upper airways leading to exacerbation of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other allergic reactions<\/p>\n

      In India, about 20-30% of the population suffers from allergic rhinitis\/hay fever and approximately 15% develop asthma.<\/p>\n

      Factors responsible for the increase in pollen allergens in the atmosphere<\/h5>\n

      There are many factors responsible for the increase of pollen allergens in the atmosphere such as:<\/p>\n

      \u2013\u00a0Climate change and increase in global surface temperature<\/strong>\u00a0in the atmosphere have a significant impact on plant life-cycle events (photosynthesis and plant growth) and their physiological parameters (such as pollen production, morphology and pollen season)<\/p>\n

      \u2013 Magnitude and concentration of pollen is the\u00a0change in meteorological conditions<\/strong>\u00a0and geographic distribution and<\/p>\n

      \u2013\u00a0Rapid unplanned urbanization with high vehicular emissions\u00a0<\/strong>was reported to be linked with rising incidences of pollen-induced respiratory allergies.<\/p>\n

      Measures to be taken to minimize pollen-related\u00a0allergic diseases<\/h5>\n

      Indian Scientists have suggested measures like 1)\u00a0<\/strong>developing\u00a0pollen forecast systems,\u00a02)<\/strong>\u00a0training health care professionals,\u00a03)\u00a0<\/strong>personal measures like\u00a0following pollen forecasts, use of face masks, spectacles, and air filters, regularly taking prescribed medications, limiting outdoor exposure, and\u00a04)\u00a0<\/strong>avoiding gardening or grass-cutting during peak pollen seasons.<\/p>\n

      They have also highlighted the need for\u00a0dissemination of proper knowledge regarding pollen allergy, allergen avoidance, their symptoms, and management to better address the ailment.<\/p>\n

      \n

      Tuberculosis(TB)<\/span><\/h3>\n
      News<\/h5>\n

      Indian Council of Medical Research(ICMR) is in the advanced stage of developing a vaccine against tuberculosis.<\/p>\n

      About Tuberculosis (TB)<\/h5>\n

      TB is an infectious airborne bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis.<\/p>\n

      When TB infection becomes resistant to the first line of treatment \u2014 isoniazid and rifampicin, it is called Multi-drug resistant TB (MDR-TB). When the infection becomes resistant even to the second-line treatment it is called Extensively-drug resistant tuberculosis (XDR-TB).<\/p>\n

      About the Tuberculosis(TB) Cases in India<\/h5>\n

      According to India\u2019s TB Report 2022:\u00a0<\/strong>India reported a 19% rise in tuberculosis cases in 2021 over the previous year. The total number of incident TB patients (new and relapse) notified during 2021 were 19.33 lakh, as opposed to that of 16.28 lakh in 2020.<\/p>\n

      Deaths due to TB:\u00a0<\/strong>The total number of estimated deaths from all forms of TB excluding HIV for 2020 was 4.93 lakh, which was higher by 13% than the 2019 estimate.<\/p>\n

      A huge majority of\u00a064% of surveyed symptomatic population<\/strong>\u00a0did not seek healthcare services between 2019 and 2021.<\/p>\n

      State wise TB Cases:<\/strong>\u00a0Delhi, with 534 cases per 1 lakh population, has the highest prevalence of TB, followed by Rajasthan,\u00a0 Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. Kerala has the lowest prevalence with 115 per 1 lakh people.<\/p>\n

      Elimination Efforts<\/h5>\n
      Efforts in India<\/h6>\n

      The Indian government has put forward\u00a0National Strategic Plan (NSP) for TB Elimination, 2017-2025<\/strong>. The plan is a framework to provide guidance for the activities of various stakeholders to reduce the burden of TB mortality and morbidity.<\/p>\n

      In 2018, the government launched the\u00a0TB Free India campaign<\/strong>\u00a0to take activities under NSP for TB Elimination. The campaign seeks to\u00a0eliminate TB in India by 2025.<\/strong><\/p>\n

      TB Harega Desh Jeetega\u2019 Campaign:\u00a0<\/strong>The campaign aims to improve and expand the reach of Tuberculosis care services across the country by 2022.<\/p>\n

      National TB Prevalence Survey:\u00a0<\/strong>25 vans will be part of the prevalence survey, which will go to 625 clusters of the country and check for TB. This sample survey is to be completed by 2020. The survey will present national and state level data which will be used as a policy tool for further interventions.<\/p>\n

      Nikshay Poshan Yojana:<\/strong>\u00a0Launched in 2018, a direct benefit transfer (DBT) scheme to provide nutritional support to TB patients. Under the scheme, TB patients have been receiving Rs. 500 per month for the entire duration of treatment.<\/p>\n

      Global efforts<\/h6>\n

      SDG 3.3:\u00a0<\/strong>It calls to eliminate TB by 2030<\/p>\n

      WHO End TB Strategy<\/strong>: Under the strategy, compared to 2015 levels of TB, the WHO aims to:<\/p>\n