1. India's first monkeypox case confirmed in Kerala
Tags: National News
A man from Kollam, Kerala, who returned from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been confirmed as the first case of monkeypox in India on July 14.
Important facts
The person has been isolated for treatment at the Thiruvananthapuram Government Medical College Hospital (MCH).
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), this is the first time that cases of monkeypox are being reported in five WHO regions.
What Is Monkeypox?
It is a viral zoonotic disease that is transmitted from animals to humans.
Monkeypox virus is an orthopoxvirus similar to smallpox.
It has been identified as a smallpox-like disease in monkeys, hence it is called monkeypox.
It was first observed in 1958, in monkeys in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), and in humans in 1970.
The disease outbreak in Nigeria in 2017 was the largest ever.
The monkeypox virus mutates at a high rate but is treatable once symptoms appear.
Symptom of disease
Fever, intense headache, muscle aches, back pain, low energy, swollen lymph nodes and a skin rash or lesions.
Infected people develop a rash resembling smallpox.
In the early stages of the disease, monkeypox and smallpox can be differentiated because the monkeypox lymph gland enlarges.
Transmission of disease
It spreads through close face to face, skin to skin and direct contact.
The disease can be spread through contact with bodily fluids, sores on the skin or internal mucous surfaces, such as the mouth or throat, respiratory droplets and contaminated objects.
Treatment and Vaccine
There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for monkeypox infection.
The anti-smallpox vaccine has been shown to be 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.
A newer vaccine MVA-BN, developed for Smallpox was approved in 2019 for use in preventing Monkeypox but is not yet widely available.
2. I2U2 Summit : UAE to develop integrated food parks across India
Tags: Popular International News
The United Arab Emirates on July 14 announced an investment of USD 2 billion to develop a series of integrated food parks across India.
Outcome of the Summit
The decision was announced after the first virtual summit of I2U2 group leaders - Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid and UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
The Summit was focussed on the food security crisis and clean energy.
Private sectors from the US and Israel will be invited to lend their expertise and provide innovative solutions that contribute to the overall sustainability of the project.
The Summit discussed innovative ways to ensure sustainable, more diverse food production and food delivery systems that can better manage the global food crisis.
The I2U2 group will take forward a 300 MW hybrid renewable energy project in Gujarat with wind and solar capacity.
This was the first summit of this group.
Significance
Integrated food parks will incorporate cutting-edge climate-smart technologies to conserve waste, fresh water and employ renewable energy sources in food.
India will provide suitable land for the project and facilitate integration of farmers into food parks.
These investments will help in maximizing crop yields and combating food insecurity in South Asia and the Middle East.
What is the 'I2U2' group?
The I2U2 is a group comprising India, Israel, the U.S., and the UAE, has been called the ‘West Asian Quad’.
The group is known as 'I2U2' with "I" standing for India and Israel and "U" for the US and the UAE.
This view was expressed by U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan with U.S. President Joe Biden.
The I2U2 grouping was conceptualized during the meeting of foreign ministers of four countries held on 18 October 2021.
Aims of I2U2 Group
I2U2 aims to harness the vibrancy and entrepreneurial spirit of society to address some of the biggest challenges facing the world.
It aims to encourage joint investment in six mutually recognized sectors such as water, energy, transport, space, health and food security.
Appropriate use of private sector capital and expertise to help drive infrastructure modernization, low-carbon development pathways for industries, improve public health, and the development of critical emerging and green technologies.
3. Govt to launch nationwide campaign 'Har Ghar Tiranga'
Tags: National News
On the occasion of 75th Independence Day, the Central Government will launch a national campaign of 'Har Ghar Tricolour' across the country.
This campaign will be launched by the Ministry of Culture under the Amrit Mahotsav of Azadi.
Important facts
Home Minister Amit Shah has approved this campaign in honour of the national flag tricolour.
The objective of the campaign is to inculcate the spirit of patriotism among the people and bring awareness to the tricolour.
This campaign will run continuously from 11 to 17 August.
Flag Code of Conduct, 2002
The rules for the use, display and hoisting of the National Flag are laid down in the Flag Code of Conduct, 2002.
This code of conduct was implemented on 26 January 2002.
The Flag Code of Conduct, 2002, allows unrestricted display of the tricolour while maintaining the honour and dignity of the flag.
The Flag Code of India, 2002 is divided into three parts-
The first part contains a general description of the national flag.
The second part deals with the display of the national flag by members of the public, private organisations, educational institutions, etc.
The third part gives information about the hoisting of the national flag by the central and state governments and their organisations and agencies. It mentions that the tricolour cannot be used for commercial purposes.
Apart from this, the flag should not be used as a festival or for the purposes of any kind of decoration.
For official display only flags conforming to the specifications prescribed by the Bureau of Indian Standards and bearing its mark may be used.
4. France Bastille Day 2022
Tags: Important Days International News
France celebrates 14 July every year as National Day, also known as Bastille Day.
Important facts
French National Day is formally called La Fete Nationale in France.
It is celebrated on July 14, 1789, the anniversary of the invasion of Bastille, known as a military fort and prison, during the French Revolution.
Along with France, it is also celebrated by other countries and especially by French speaking people and communities.
Many public events are organised on this occasion but the most famous event is the Bastille Day Military Parade.
This parade takes place in Paris on the morning of July 14. The first parade was held in the year 1880.
The famous cycling race Tour de France also takes place during Bastille Day.
The Bastille was a mediaeval armoury, fort and prison in Paris.
For many common people it represented an unfair monarchy and the monarchy was a symbol of abuse of power.
On July 14, 1789, soldiers stormed and captured Bastille.
This signalled the beginning of the French Revolution, and three years later in 1792 the French Republic was formed.
About France
France is a country located in Western Europe
It is the largest country in the continent of Europe in terms of area.
Capital- Paris
President- Emmanuel Macron
currency - euro
5. Japan awards Ex-PM Shinzo Abe country's highest order posthumously
Tags: Awards International News
The Japanese government has decided to posthumously honour former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the 'Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum'.
Important facts
Shinzo Abe was the longest-serving prime minister of Japan.
He is the fourth former prime minister to receive the Supreme Order of Japan under the post-war constitution.
Shinzo Abe was assassinated on July 8, 2022, while he was campaigning in the city of Nara.
Tetsuya Yamagami, 41, fired two shots at her from a distance of 10 metres.
His condition deteriorated on the way to the hospital due to cardiac and pulmonary arrest. He was later declared dead at Nara Medical University Hospital.
Supreme Order of the Chrysanthemum
It is the highest order in Japan.
The Grand Cordon of the Order was established in 1876 by Emperor Meiji of Japan.
Later, on January 4, 1888, the Collar of the Order was added.
Unlike European orders, this order can also be awarded posthumously.
So far, apart from the Imperial family, only 7 Japanese citizens have been given this order.
In 1928 the final order was given to former Prime Minister Sayenji Kinmochi.
6. Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation released the 'Youth in India 2022' report
Tags: National News
Recently the Ministry of Statistics and Program Implementation (MoSPI) has released the 'Youth in India 2022' report.
Key highlights of the report
According to the Youth in India 2022 report, by 2036, the number of youth will decrease by 25 million. At present the population of youth in the country is 37.14 crores.
It will come down to 34.55 crore in 2036.
These days 10.1% are elderly in the country, which will increase to 14.9% by 2036.
The continuing decline in fertility has led to an increase in the working age population (between 25 and 64 years).
Status of states
States such as Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Himachal Pradesh are projected to have a higher elderly population than youth by the year 2036.
Bihar and Uttar Pradesh have experienced an increase in the proportion of youth population to total population by the year 2021 and then it is likely to decline.
Together with Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, these two states account for more than half (52%) of the country's youth.
Due to declining youth population
Fertility Rate- Fertility rate has been declining since few years. Fertility rate is the average number of children a woman gives birth to.
The fertility rate was 2.4 in 2011, which will come down to 2.1 by 2019.
Crude Death Rate- Now the death rate is decreasing in India. Crude death rate means how many deaths are taking place for every one thousand people.
In 2019, the crude death rate was 6.0, while in 2011 it was 7.1.
7. Cabinet approves Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road rail line for improved mobility
Tags: National News
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the construction of Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road new rail line.
Under this, a railway line will be laid up to Taranga Hill in Mehsana district in Gujarat, Ambaji in Banaskantha and Abu Road in Rajasthan.
Important facts
The Taranga Hill-Ambaji-Abu Road new rail line will be constructed by the Ministry of Railways at an estimated cost of Rs.2798.16 crore.
Three pilgrimage sites from two states will be connected in this project, which is targeted to be completed by 2026-27.
The length of this rail line will be 116.65 km.
This rail line will facilitate faster movement of agricultural and local produce and provide better mobility of the states of Gujarat and Rajasthan with other parts of the country.
Ambaji
Maa Ambaji Temple is situated on the Arasur mountain on the Gujarat-Rajasthan border.
This temple is located in Banaskantha district of Gujarat.
Ambaji Temple is one of the 51 Shakti-peeths of Hindus.
The temple of Ambaji is also considered unique because there is not a single idol of the goddess here. Instead of the idol, there is a very sacred Sri Yantra, which is mainly worshipped.
Mount Abu
Mount Abu is a town in the Sirohi district of the state of Rajasthan.
It is a hill station situated in the Aravalli Hills.
Mount Abu is the headquarters of the Brahma Kumaris community.
Taranga Hill
Taranga Hill is a Jain pilgrimage centre in the Mehsana district of Gujarat.
The temple of Ajitnath, the second Tirthankara of Jainism, is situated here.
This beautiful temple was built in the 12th century by Shvetambar Solanki King Kumarpal in honour of Lord Ajitnath.
8. Ahmedabad and Kerala on TIME magazine’s list of World’s Greatest Places of 2022
Tags: International News
India’s first UNESCO World Heritage City, Ahmedabad and Kerala has been included in the list of the "World's 50 Greatest Places of 2022" by Time Magazine.
Important facts
Both these places in India have been selected as '50 Extraordinary Places to Visit'.
Time magazine described Kerala as one of the most beautiful states in India with spectacular beaches and lush backwaters, temples and palaces.
Time magazine described Ahmedabad as a city that "represents ancient sites and contemporary innovations" making it a "Mecca for cultural tourism".
Gandhi Ashram, Gujarat Science City and Navratri festival, located on the banks of the Sabarmati river, have been given special mention in Time magazine.
Apart from Ahmedabad and Kerala, other cities in the world that figure in the top 50 list include Seoul, Buhan in Bali, Great Barrier Reef in Australia.
About TIME Magazine
It was founded in 1923.
This has been the most authoritative and informative guide to what is happening in Current Affairs, Politics, Business, Health, Science & Entertainment.
It is a magazine published from New York.
9. Department of Consumer Affairs sets up panel on Right to Repair
Tags: National News
In order to provide a holistic framework to the Right to Repair, the Department of Consumer Affairs has constituted a committee under the chairmanship of Additional Secretary Nidhi Khatri.
Important facts
Last month, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the concept of LIFE (Lifestyle for the Environment) movement in India.
It includes the concept of reuse and recycling of various consumer products.
Aims of setting up the committee
Empowering consumers and product buyers in the local market and establishing trade harmony between original equipment manufacturers and third party buyers and sellers.
Developing sustainable consumption of products and reducing e-waste.
What is right to repair?
The right to repair prohibits unfair anti-competitive practices by the manufacturers of an item.
The Right to Repair asks the manufacturers to ensure that the customer can get his goods repaired himself or with the help of a third party agency.
When we buy something, we automatically become the absolute owner of it.
It is believed that customers should have the freedom to repair and replace products easily and economically without being subject to manufacturers.
Items which are included under the right to repair
Farming equipment, mobile phones/ tablets, consumer durables and automobiles/automobile equipment
10. Record surge in India’s imports from China in first half of 2022
Tags: Economy/Finance International News
According to China’s trade figures released on July 13 India’s imports from China reached a record $57.51 billion in the first half of the year.
India-China Bilateral Trade
Chinese goods imports are on record growth this year, and are set to surpass last year's $97.5 billion mark.
The trade imbalance is also heading towards another record. Imports this year are up 34.5% from the same period in 2021.
Two-way trade crossed 100 billion dollars for the first time in 2021 to reach 125.6 billion dollars, of which India's imports were 97.5 billion dollars.
Trade declined in 2020 due to the corona pandemic, but is now well above pre-pandemic levels.
China is the largest trading partner of India.
Major commodities imported from China into India
Electronic equipment, machines, engines, pumps, organic chemicals, fertilizers, iron and steel, plastics, iron or steel products, gems etc.
Major commodities exported from India to China
Cotton, gems, precious metals, coins. copper ores, slag, ash, organic chemicals, salt, sulphur, stone, cement, machines, engines etc.
