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By admin: March 28, 2023

Tanzania announces outbreak of deadly Marburg virus disease

Tags: International News

outbreak of the highly contagious and deadly virus Marburg virus, which causes viral hemorrhagic fever.

Tanzania recently declared an outbreak of the highly contagious and deadly virus Marburg virus, which causes viral hemorrhagic fever.

An overview of the news

  • According to the World Health Organization (WHO), through contact tracing in the country, around 161 people have been identified as at risk of infection.

  • The government has deployed an emergency response team to the area as well as neighboring countries have increased surveillance.

What is Marburg Virus Disease?

  • According to the World Health Organization, Marburg is a highly contagious viral disease that leads to hemorrhagic fever, with a mortality rate of up to 88%.

  • Marburg is as deadly as Ebola and no suitable drug or vaccine has yet been discovered to treat and prevent the disease.

  • Outbreaks of this disease have been reported in many African countries in the past, including Kenya, Congo, Angola, South Africa, and Uganda. 

  • These outbreaks have also resulted in a large number of deaths, most of which have occurred in southern and eastern Africa.

Symptoms of Disease

  • High fever, severe headache, muscle pain, abdominal pain, and cramping. 

  • Nausea and vomiting may also begin on the third day after infection.

Transmission 

  • Human infection initially results from prolonged exposure to mines or caves inhabited by Rousettus bat colonies.

  • Once a human has been infected with Marburg virus, it can be spread to others through direct contact with their blood, secretions or other bodily fluids.

  • Another route of transmission may be through sexual contact.

  • This virus is secreted in our body fluids such as saliva, sweat, nasal secretions and semen.

Diagnosis and Treatment

  • Antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), 

  • Antigen detection tests, 

  • Serum neutralization tests, 

  • Reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) assay, 

  • Virus isolation by cell culture.

  • There is no specific treatment for Marburg virus disease yet.


First joint conference of army chiefs of India and African countries held in Pune

Tags: Summits National News

first joint conference of army chiefs of India and African countries was held in Pune

The first joint conference of army chiefs of India and African countries was held in Pune on 28 March.

An overview of the news

  • Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the conference as the chief guest. Army Chief General Manoj Pandey was also present.

  • This is the first ever conference of the army chiefs of these countries.

  • Army chiefs of 10 countries were present in this conference along with 31 representatives of African countries.

  • A defense exhibition will be organized under the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign and the aim of the exhibition is to target African countries as a market for defense products.

About African continent

  • It is the second largest continent (after Asia), covering about one-fifth of the total land surface of Earth. 

  • It is bounded by the Atlantic Ocean in the west, the Mediterranean Sea in the north, the Red Sea and Indian Ocean in the east, and the Atlantic and Indian Oceans in the south.

  • The island of Madagascar, off the coast of Africa, is one of the largest islands in the world.

  • The African continent has a population of over one billion, with a combined GDP of $2.5 trillion, making it a huge potential market.

  • Africa is a resource-rich continent rich in crude oil, gas, pulses and lentils, leather, gold and other metals, all of which are lacking in substantial quantities in India.


NDTV appoints former SEBI Chairman UK Sinha and business leader Dipali Goenka as Independent Directors

Tags: Person in news

U K Sinha and Dipali Goenka have been appointed Independent Directors of NDTV for a period of two years effective from March 27, 2023.

An overview of the news

  • The appointment is based on the recommendations of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, and subject to the approval of shareholders and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

  • U K Sinha has also been designated as Non-Executive Chairperson of NDTV.

About U K Sinha 

  • UK Sinha, a former bureaucrat, served as the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) between 2011 and 2017.

  • Prior to this, he was the Chairman and Managing Director at UTI Asset Management Company Private Limited for six years.

  • He has also served as Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Finance.

About Dipali Goenka

  • Deepali Goenka is the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Welspun India Limited.

  • She is an accomplished global business leader known for her dynamism, entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to protecting the environment.

  • She has been recognized by Forbes as one of the most powerful women in Asia and India.

  • She was the co-chair at the India Economic Summit, 2017 organized by the World Economic Forum.

  • She was the chairperson of the Assocham Women's Council and is currently on the board of the World Economic Forum's Consumption Forum.

Government of India launched National Rabies Control Program (NRCP) for prevention and control of Rabies

Tags: Government Schemes National News

The Central Government has launched the National Rabies Control Programme (NRCP) for prevention and control of Rabies recently.

National Rabies Control Program Strategy

  1. Provision of Rabies Vaccine and Rabies Immune Globulin through National Free Drug Initiative.

  2. Training on proper management of animal bites, prevention and control of rabies, surveillance and inter-sectoral coordination.

  3. Strengthening monitoring of reporting of animal bites and rabies deaths.

  4. Awareness about prevention of rabies.

What is Rabies?

  • Rabies is a viral disease. This virus is present in the saliva of animals suffering from rabies such as dogs, cats, monkeys etc.

  • It is caused by the rabies virus of the Lyssavirus genus of the Rhabdoviridae family. It is an RNA virus.

  • According to statistics, about 99 percent of cases in humans are caused by dog bites.

  • Rabies is 100% fatal and 100% preventable through vaccines.

  • India accounts for33% of global rabies deaths.

  • The time period between bites of an animal infected with rabies and the appearance of symptoms of rabies can range from four days to two years, or sometimes more.

World Rabies Day

  • The day is observed every year on 28 September to raise awareness about the effects of rabies virus disease and ways to prevent it.

  • The day is celebrated to mark the anniversary of Louis Pasteur's death.

  • Louis Pasteur developed the first rabies vaccine and laid the foundation for the prevention of rabies.

  • The theme of this day for the year 2022 is 'Rabies: One Health, Zero Deaths'.

PM inaugurates Whitefield-KR Puram Metro Line in Karnataka

Tags: State News

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 25 March inaugurated the much-awaited Whitefield - KR Puram metro line in Bengaluru.

An overview of the news

  • With this 13.71 km stretch with 12 stations, Bengaluru Metro has a connectivity of 69.66 km with 63 stations, making it the second largest network in the country after the Delhi Metro.

  • The Rs 4,249-crore project will reduce travel time between Whitefield and KR Puram by 22 minutes and is expected to increase passenger traffic by 1.5 lakh.

  • Delhi has 348 km line, Bengaluru has 69 km and Hyderabad 67 km metro network.

  • The Whitefield-KR Puram Metro Line is an extension of the existing Purple Line (the metro's east-west corridor).

Center sets up committee to monitor tur stock

Tags: committee National News

Center sets up committee to monitor tur stock

The Department of Consumer Affairs on 27 March constituted a committee to monitor the stock of Tur (Arhar) held by importers, millers, traders, and other such entities. 

An overview of the news

  • This committee has been constituted under the chairmanship of Nidhi Khare, Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution.

  • A committee will monitor the stock of Arhar in coordination with state governments.

  • The decision was taken following reports that traders were not selling the pigeon pea stock in the market despite a good quantity of imports.

  • The Government is also closely monitoring the stock position in the domestic market to take necessary measures in case of an unexpected increase in the prices of pulses in the coming months.

  • The Government had issued an advisory to the States/UTs on August 12, 2022, to implement stock disclosure in respect of Toor under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955.

Hike of Toor prices 

  • According to the ministry’s data, the all-India daily average retail price of Tur was recorded at Rs 114.44 per kg on 27 March, 2023, which was 11.47 per cent higher than a year ago. 

  • The all-India daily average wholesale price of Tur was recorded at Rs 10,462.03 per quintal, which was 12.48 per cent higher than a year ago.


‘Ironman’ Krishna Prakash becomes first person to swim from Gateway of India to Elephanta Caves

Tags: Person in news

‘Ironman’ and IPS officer Krishna Prakash achieved another milestone, by becoming the first person to swim from the Gateway of India (located at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Marg in South Mumbai) to the famed Elephanta Caves (located at the Elephanta Island in Mumbai Harbour).

An overview of the news

  • This task was completed by Krishna Prakash, posted as Inspector General of Police in the VIP Security Department in Mumbai, as an adventurous sea swimming expedition on 27 March.

  • He covered 16.20 kilometers within five hours, and 26 minutes.

  • The expedition was dedicated to the “Drowning Prevention Awareness” campaign.

  • He had earlier completed the gruelling Ironman and Ultraman triathlon competitions.

Gateway of India

  • It is a monument in Mumbai which was completed in 1924.

  • It is located on the port side of the Arabian Sea in the Apollo Bunder area of South Mumbai.

  • It marks the major ports of India and is a major tourist attraction for first time visitors to India.

  • It was designed in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary.

About Elephanta Caves

  • A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Elephanta Caves are a specimen of rock-cut art and architecture from the time of medieval India.

  • The caves are located on the Elephanta or Gharapuri island which is situated at a distance of 11 km from Mumbai city.

Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman honoured with literary award

Tags: Awards

The Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature (FOSWAL) honoured Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with a special literary award for his trilogy - Unfinished Memoirs, The Prison Diaries and The New China 1952.

An Overview of the News

  • The award was presented at the ceremony to Bangladeshi writers and researchers Ramendu Majumdar and Mofidul Haque by eminent Punjabi novelist and founder president of FOSWAL Ajit Kaur.

  • The award was given to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for his outstanding literary excellence, as he is a towering figure of national emancipation of the oppressed people of the world.

  • A citation by the Foundation of SAARC Writers and Literature compares him with Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King, saying that no power on earth can erase him from history.

About SAARC Writers and Literature Foundation (FOSWAL)

  • It was established in 1987 as a non-profit organisation with the objective of promoting regional cooperation and cultural exchange among SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) countries through literature and the arts.

  • Its founding members were writers and poets from SAARC countries including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives.

  • Its main objective is to promote peace and understanding among the people of the SAARC region through literature, cultural exchange and dialogue.

  • It organises various literary and cultural events, such as poetry readings, book launches and cultural festivals, to promote the rich cultural diversity of the SAARC countries and to provide a platform for writers and artists to showcase their work.

  • It also provides a forum for writers and scholars to exchange ideas and collaborate on literary and cultural projects that promote regional cooperation and understanding.

  • It has been recognized for its efforts to promote regional cooperation and cultural exchange and has received several awards and honours, including the SAARC Literary Prize and the Mother Teresa International Prize for Social Justice.

About Bangladesh

Capital -Dhaka

Currency -Taka

President -Mr. Abdul Hameed

Prime Minister - Sheikh Hasina

First meeting of G20 trade and investment working group begins

Tags: Summits National News

first meeting of the G20 Trade and Investment Working Group began in Mumbai

On 28 March the first meeting of the G20 Trade and Investment Working Group began in Mumbai and the conference was inaugurated by Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal.

An Overview of the News

  • The primary objective of India's G20 Presidency is to develop a common understanding of the challenges associated with accelerating global trade and investment and to identify opportunities to achieve human-centred outcomes.

  • The three-day meeting was attended by over 100 delegates from G20 member states, invited countries, regional groupings and international organisations.

  • The meeting will focus on the role of banks, financial institutions, development finance institutions and export credit agencies in bridging the trade finance gap.

  • Experience zones on spices, millets, tea and coffee will be set up and an exhibition on textiles will be displayed during the meeting at the conference venue.

About the G20

  • It is an international forum of the world's leading economies established in 1999.

  • Its primary objective is to promote international financial stability and sustainable economic growth.

  • The G20 serves as a forum to discuss and coordinate policies related to a wide range of economic and financial issues such as trade, investment, employment, energy and climate change.


Cheetah died of kidney disease in Kuno National Park

Tags: National News

Cheetah died of kidney disease in Kuno National Park

A cheetah named Sasha, brought from Namibia, died on March 27 due to kidney disease.

An Overview of the News

  • Sasha was one of eight cheetahs relocated to Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh on 17 September.

  • This female cheetah was four and a half years old.

  • Sasha's creatinine level was very high, indicating poor kidney function.

  • Principal Chief Conservator of Forests (Wildlife) - J.S. Chauhan

Important Point

  • The first batch of cheetahs translocated from Namibia to India were released on 17 September at Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh.

  • The cheetahs (5 females and 3 males) were brought from Namibia in Africa as part of 'Project Cheetah'.

  • It was the first time in the world that a large carnivore was translocated from one continent to another.

About Kuno National Park

  • It is a protected area located in Madhya Pradesh, India, named after the Kuno River.

  • It was established as a wildlife sanctuary in 1981 with an initial area of 344.686 km (133.084 sq mi) in Sheopur and Morena districts.

  • In 2018, the Kuno National Park was given the status of a national park and is part of the Khathyar-Gir dry deciduous forests ecoregion.

  • Kuno National Park was selected as a possible site for the Asiatic Lion Reintroduction Project, which aimed to establish a second lion population in India.

  • Between 1998 and 2003, approximately 1,650 residents of 24 villages were resettled to sites outside the protected area to make way for the project.


MT Vasudevan Nair honoured with Kerala's highest civilian honour

Tags: Awards Person in news

M T Vasudevan Nair was awarded the "Kerala Jyoti", the highest civilian honour in Kerala.

An Overview of the News

  • Actor Mammootty, former civil service officer T Madhava Menon, and writer Omcheri NN Pillai shared the second highest award "Kerala Prabha".

  • The Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammad Khan presented the inaugural edition of the "Kerala Puraskarangal" awards.

About Kerala Puraskarangal Award

  • The Kerala Puraskarangal is a civilian award second only to the prestigious Padma Awards conferred by the Government of India.

  • The award is given to individuals who have made exceptional contributions in various fields such as literature, art, culture, science, social work and sports.

  • There are three categories of the award: Kerala Jyothi, Kerala Prabha and Kerala Shree, with Kerala Jyothi being the highest honour.

  • The objective of these awards is to recognize the contribution of outstanding individuals from Kerala and to inspire others to strive for excellence in their respective fields.

About Kerala

  • Kerala, also known as "God's Own Country", is a state located in the South-Western region of India.

  • It is known for its lush tropical landscape, palm-lined beaches, serene backwaters and rich cultural heritage.

  • It is bounded by the states of Karnataka to the north and northeast, Tamil Nadu to the east and south, and the Arabian Sea to the west.

Official language - Malayalam

Capital – Thiruvananthapuram

Manu Bhaker won a bronze medal in the 25m pistol event at the 2023 ISSF World Cup

Tags: Sports Sports News

 Olympian shooter Manu Bhaker won the bronze medal in the 25m pistol event at the ISSF Pistol/Rifle World Cup

On March 26, 2023, Renowned Olympian shooter Manu Bhaker won the bronze medal in the 25m pistol event at the ISSF Pistol/Rifle World Cup held in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

An Overview of the News

  • In the Bhopal World Cup, China secured the first position by securing a total of 10 medals including six gold, two silver and two bronze medals.

  • Host nation India finished second in the medals tally with one gold, one silver and four bronze medals.

  • Sarabjot Singh won the gold medal for India in the men's 10m air pistol event.

About International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF)

  • The ISSF introduced the ISSF World Cup in 1986 to establish a uniform qualification system for Olympic shooting competitions.

  • ISSF World Cup events are held four times per year for each Olympic shooting event.

  • It is still used as a qualifying event for the Olympic shooting competitions.


Kashmir's Aliya Mir honoured with Wildlife Conservation Award 2023

Tags: Awards

Wildlife conservationist Aliya Mir was awarded Wildlife Conservation Award by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

An Overview of the News

  • The award makes her the first woman from the Union Territory to receive it in recognition of her conservation efforts in the area.

  • Alia Mir is also the first woman in Kashmir to work for Wildlife SOS, a part of the Wildlife Rescue Team.

  • The award was presented to him by Lt Manoj Sinha at the World Forestry Day function organised by the Jammu and Kashmir Collective Forest.

  • Alia Mir's Wildlife Rescue Helpline, which she started in 2021, works closely with the Jammu and Kashmir Wildlife Protection Department to rescue snakes and other wild animals.

About Wildlife SOS

  • It is a non-profit organisation based in India.

  • The organisation aims atrescuing and rehabilitating endangered wildlife as well as preserving India's natural heritage.

  • It is one of the largest wildlife organisations in South Asia.

Founder - Karthik Satyanarayana, Geeta Seshamani

Established -1995, New Delhi

Headquarters -India

About Jammu and Kashmir

  • Jammu and Kashmir was a state of India until August 2019, which was bifurcated to form two union territories namely Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on 31 August 2019.

Capital- Srinagar (May-October), Jammu (November-April)

Lieutenant Governor - Manoj Sinha

Legislative Council -36 seats

Legislative Assembly - 89 seats

Indian-origin Sikh woman becomes Connecticut's first Asian assistant police chief

Tags: Person in news

Indian-origin Sikh woman Lieutenant Manmeet Kolan has become the assistant police chief in the US state of Connecticut.

An Overview of the News

  • She is the department's first second-in-command of Asian descent.

  • The Board of Police Commissioners unanimously approved the appointment of Col.

About Connecticut

  • Connecticut is a state in the United States of America, located in southern New England.

  • The state has a diverse mix of small towns along with coastal cities and rural areas.

  • Mystic is a popular tourist destination in Connecticut, known for its seaport museum filled with centuries-old shipwrecks and the beluga whale exhibits at the Mystic Aquarium.

Capital - Hartford

Attorney General - William Tong (Democratic Party)

Governor - Ned Lamont (Democratic Party)

Senators -Chris Murphy (Democratic Party), Richard Blumenthal (Democratic Party)

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