January 28, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Disease X | Explained
Disease X is not an emerging illness. It's a possible illness that hasn't been identified yet that could start the next pandemic.
The World Health Organization (WHO) accepted Disease X as a stand-in term in 2018.
WHO defines it as the awareness that a pathogen that is presently unknown to cause disease in humans could be the source of a severe global epidemic.
It is included in the list of priority diseases for R&D in the event of a public health emergency, as established by WHO.
Highlights of the Day
1.Ladakh's Quest: Demands for Statehood, Territorial Expansion, and Special Status
In January, Ladakh's sociopolitical bodies, Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), submitted demands to the Ministry of Home Affairs, seeking territorial expansion up to GilgitBaltistan. Ladakh, a Union Territory since August 5, 2019, lacks a legislature, leading to protests for restoration of Statehood with legislative powers. The region seeks special status under the Sixth Schedule and Article 371, aiming to protect ecology. Ladakh demands exclusive recruitment rights, a Ladakh Public Service Commission, and local criteria for job applications. The memorandum highlights Ladakh's historical claim over GilgitBaltistan and urges its inclusion. Despite committee engagements, a solution remains elusive[1].
2.India-Japan Summit: Strengthening Strategic Partnership for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the India-Japan global strategic partnership during Kishida's 27-hour visit to Delhi. Emphasizing the importance of a peaceful Indo-Pacific, the leaders discussed bilateral progress in defense, digital technology, trade, investment, and health. They highlighted the significance of reliable semiconductor supply chains. Kishida expressed Tokyo's growing economic cooperation with India, aiming to support India's development and create economic opportunities for Japan. The Japanese Prime Minister unveiled his plan for a free and open Indo-Pacific and formally invited Modi to the G7 summit in May[2].
3.Outbreak Alert: Western Equine Encephalitis Virus Resurfaces in Argentina After Decades
Argentina has reported 21 confirmed cases of Western Equine Encephalitis Virus (WEEV) after more than two decades since the last case. The outbreak, linked to ongoing equine outbreaks in Argentina and Uruguay, involves mosquitoborne transmission. WEEV, with a potential for severe neurological consequences, primarily affects horses. In humans, symptoms may include brain infection and inflammation. Despite no specific antiviral treatment, care is crucial. Argentina has seen 1,258 animal cases, with the province of Buenos Aires having the highest. The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) issued an alert for the Americas, emphasizing enhanced surveillance, environmental modifications, vector control, and equine vaccination[3].
4.Unveiling the Genetic Diversity of Arabica Coffee: Insights into Flavor and Resistance
A study in Nature Communications, based on a chromosome-level assembly, reveals the genetic diversity sources of Arabica coffee. The analysis shows the unique flavor and resistance to pathogens in Arabica coffee, contributing to its commercial success. The study, using advanced sequencing technologies, highlights the hybridization process that led to Arabica's distinct genome, posing challenges for breeding. The research identifies differences in genome structure, function, and evolution, particularly in genes related to caffeine biosynthesis. Understanding these genetic factors may aid in developing new coffee varieties with desired traits, such as disease resistance and diverse flavor profiles[4].
5.Cameroon Launches Malaria Vaccine Amid Global Efforts to Combat the Disease
Cameroon launches the RTS,S malaria vaccine, becoming the first country to introduce it into routine immunization services, aiming to combat malaria, a major cause of child mortality. The vaccine, provided by GSK under a UNICEF initiative, targets Plasmodium falciparum, the deadliest malaria parasite. While Africa faces the highest malaria burden, India accounted for 66% of cases in the WHO Southeast Asia Region in 2022. The country aspires to be malaria-free by 2027. Climate change amplifies malaria risks, emphasizing the need for sustainable responses. India's fight against malaria includes research, prevention, and treatment strategies to address the evolving threat[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Siachen Glacier is situated to the
a) East of Aksai chin
b) East of Leh
c) North of Gilgit
d) North of Nubra Valley
Q2: Which of the following statements about Western equine encephalitis virus (WEEV) is correct?
a) WEEV primarily affects birds and does not pose a threat to humans.
b) WEEV is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected ticks.
c) WEEV is a type of arbovirus transmitted by mosquitoes.
d) WEEV is limited to specific regions in Asia and does not occur in the Western Hemisphere.
Q3: Consider the following statements regarding Arabica coffee:
Statement 1: Arabica coffee, also known as the Coffee Shrub of Arabia, is native to Indonesia and Southeast Asia.
Statement 2: The Coffea arabica plant lacks significant caffeine content compared to other coffee types.
Statement 3: Arabica coffee thrives in a warm and humid environment, with ideal temperatures ranging from 15°C to 28°C, often cultivated under shade-providing trees.
Statement 4: Dry weather is essential for the proper ripening of coffee berries.
Which of the statements is/are correct?
a) Statements 1 and 3
b) Statements 1, 2, and 4
c) Statements 2, 3, and 4
d) Statements 2 and 3
Q4: Recently, there was growing awareness, in our country about the importance of Himalayan nettle (Giradinia diversifolia) because it is found to be a sustainable source of
a) anti-malarial drug
b) Biodiesel
c) pulp for paper industry
d) textile fibre
Q5: Consider the following Statements about the International Liquid Mirror Telescope.
1. ILMT is the first liquid mirror telescope for astronomy in the world.
2. ILMT is designed to move along the direction of the object of interest.
3. It has been commissioned at Changthang Valley in Ladakh.
a) 1 Only
b) 1 and 2
c) 2 and 3
d) 1, 2 and 3
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Define Disease X and elucidate the primary challenges associated with its identification, prevention, and management. Evaluate the implications of these challenges on public health strategies and propose potential solutions to address them effectively.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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