Current Affairs 16-OCT-2023 (The Hindu)

Parvo Virus

(C => Pg-6)

Parvo Virus

About Parvo Virus

• Single-stranded DNA viruses.
• Infect various hosts, including humans, animals, and plants.
• Discovered in 1967.
• Capable of surviving for a long time in the open environment.
• Canine Parvovirus - causes severe disease in dogs.

Transmitting to Humans

• Parvovirus B19 - Known as Fifth Disease.
• Affects children and can cause a rash on the face and body.
• Some parvoviruses also affect plants.

Tilapia Parvovirus

• First reported in China in 2019.
• Reported in Thailand in 2021.
• India became the third country to report this virus.
• No specific cure is available.

Tilapia Fish

• Types: Nile tilapia, Mozambique tilapia.
• Introduced in India in the 1950s.
• Became an invasive species due to its ability to survive in low-oxygen environments.
• Considered one of the most productive and internationally traded fish.
• Known for quick growth and low-maintenance cultivation.
• Tilapia farming is prominent in Andhra Pradesh and Kerala.

Practice Question – Prelims

Q. Fifth Disease, also referred to as Slapped Cheek Syndrome, primarily affects children and is characterized by a distinctive rash on the face and body. It is caused by which group of pathogens?

1. (a) Parasite
2. (b) Bacteria
3. (c) Virus
4. (d) Fungus

Climate change

(C,B,D-H-T => Pg-10,8,6)

Practice Question – Mains GS – III

Q. There is an increasing evidence of climate change impacting water resources in our country. In this context, write about the importance of water resources in our country. Suggest some strategies to safeguard our water resources from the impacts of climate change.

(150 words, 10 marks)

Impact of Climate Change on Water Resources

Introduction

• Water is crucial to human health, agricultural needs, industrial, and domestic usage.
• 70% of the Earth is occupied by water, but only 3% is freshwater, with 1.2% available for use.
• Freshwater resources are being depleted due to climate change.

2021 WMO Report

• In the past 20 years, water storage has dropped at a rate of 1 cm per year, with significant implications for water security.

Importance of Water Resources in India

Agriculture Sector

• India is an agriculture-based economy.
• For FY 2022-23, the share of agriculture in India’s GDP was 18.2%.
• According to 2021 World Bank estimates, 44% of India’s population is engaged in agriculture.
• Water resources are crucial for Indian farmers.
• 40% of areas are irrigated through canals, while 60% rely on groundwater.

Domestic Consumption

• Urban areas in India require 140 liters of water per head per day, necessitating a continuous water supply.
• Rural areas depend on fresh water due to contamination of traditional sources like wells.

Industrial Needs

• Indian industries use 13% of the total freshwater in the country for various purposes, including fabrication, washing, and processing.
• Thermal power plants, responsible for 85% of industrial water use, play a significant role in electricity generation.
• Water resources are essential for power generation, food processing, and iron and steel industries.

Hydroelectric Power Sector

• India boasts 100 hydro power plants, contributing to 11% of the country’s electricity generation.
• Water resources are indispensable for the functioning of hydro power plants, which play a role in achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.

Steps to Safeguard Water Resources from the Impacts of Climate Change

Large-Scale Afforestation

• Trees act as a carbon sink, minimizing greenhouse gas emissions and safeguarding groundwater from evaporation or drought conditions.

Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices

• Development of drought-resistant seeds.
• Extending drip irrigation and sprinklers in water-abundant areas.
• Continuous monitoring of groundwater levels.

Promoting Rainwater Harvesting

• Currently, only 8% of rainwater is harvested.
• Suitable policies, such as mandatory rules for establishing rainwater harvesting facilities in every household and a separate authority to monitor these facilities, are needed.

Recycling of Wastewater

• India recycles only 30% of its wastewater, according to a report by the Observer Research Foundation.
• Adequate measures are needed to recycle all wastewater effectively.

Setting up of More Desalination Plants

• Desalination plants treat seawater into freshwater, but India has fewer than 10 such plants.
• Steps should be taken to set up more desalination plants.

Conclusion

• Water resources are essential to meet the demands of people, households, and industries.
• Increasing climate change puts additional pressure on freshwater resources.
• Sustainable practices like water recycling, climate-smart agricultural practices, and rainwater harvesting will safeguard water resources from the effects of climate change.