Monkeypox Disease

Monkeypox Disease

(D,T => Pg-11)

Monkeypox Disease

Overview

  • Monkeypox is an infectious disease caused by the monkeypox virus.
  • The virus belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus and Poxviridae family.
  • It is endemic to central and western Africa, with a high concentration in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Transmission

  • Monkeypox is a zoonotic disease, and the exact animal reservoir is not known.
  • Potential reservoirs include rope and sun squirrels, giant-pouched rats, and African dormice.

Symptoms

  • Symptoms are similar to smallpox due to genetic similarities between the two viruses.
  • It is a self-limited disease, and symptoms often resolve on their own.
  • Vulnerable populations include newborns, young children, and people with immune deficiencies.

Prevention and Treatment

  • There is no specific treatment for monkeypox.
  • Prevention involves using vaccines and antiviral agents used for smallpox eradication.
  • According to the WHO, vaccination against smallpox is 85% effective in preventing monkeypox.

Practice Question – Prelims

Q. It is a zoonotic disease. The disease is endemic to Western And Central Africa, but it also spread to other regions. The virus that causes the disease, shares genetic similarities with smallpox virus. The infected persons of this disease develop rashes on the face, palms, feet, mouth, or eyes. Which one of the following diseases is described above?

(a) Elephantiasis

(b) Monkeypox

(c) Lumpy skin disease

(d) African swine fever


Seismic Waves

(D => Pg-1)

Seismic Waves

Body Waves

  • P Waves (Primary Waves)
    • Move faster and are the first to arrive at the surface.
    • Similar to sound waves.
    • Travel through gas, liquid, and solid.
  • S Waves (Secondary Waves)
    • Arrive after P waves.
    • Travel only through solid.
    • Help us understand the interior of the Earth.

Comparison

  • P-waves travel parallel to the wave direction, resulting in stretching and squeezing.
  • S-waves travel perpendicular to the wave direction, creating troughs and crests.

Surface Waves

  • Created by the interaction of Body Waves with the surface.
  • Travel similar to S waves.
  • Transverse waves with low frequency.
  • Slowest among earthquake waves.
  • Most damaging waves of all.

Practice Question – Prelims

Q. Consider the following statements about P-waves or primary waves generated during earthquakes:

1. They are longitudinal waves.

2. They can travel through solids, liquids, and gases.

3. They are the most devastating waves that cause damage on the surface.

How many of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None


Fisheries Sector in India

(D => Pg-1)

GS – III

Q. What are the challenges and opportunities of the fishing sector in the country? Enumerate the steps taken by the Indian government to promote the fishing sector. (250 words, 15 marks)

Fisheries Sector in India

About Fish

  • Fish contains easily digestible high-quality proteins and healthy fats.
  • Source of iodine, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Fisheries Sector in India

  • Fish production in India through marine catching and aquaculture.
  • India ranks as the 3rd largest fish-producing nation, contributing 8% to global fish production.
  • Low fish consumption in India, averaging 7 kg per annum (2019), below the WHO's recommended 12 kg per year.

Challenges Faced by the Fishing Sector in India

  • Decline in fish species due to climate change, overfishing, and indiscriminate catching of juvenile fishes.
  • Lack of adequate technology and infrastructure, including outdated fishing vessels and gears.
  • Frequent incidents of attacks and robberies at mid-sea.
  • Limited market options and insufficient social security for fishers.

Opportunities of Indian Fishing Sector

  • India has over 10% of the world's fish and shellfish species, presenting export potential.
  • Aquaculture in brackish water, especially shrimp production, offers growth opportunities.
  • The fisheries sector is a significant source of employment, classified as a Sunrise Sector.

Steps Taken by the Indian Government

  • Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana
    • Introduced in 2020 with a 5-year implementation period.
    • Aim: Enhance fish production through expansion, diversification, and productive utilization of land and water.
  • Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)
    • Established in 2018-2019 to address infrastructure requirements for the fisheries sector.
    • Provides concessional finance to support infrastructure development.
  • Kisan Credit Cards (KCC) Facility
    • Extended to fishers and fish farmers in 2018-2019.
    • Provides concessional credit to meet working capital requirements.

Conclusion

  • India's fisheries sector is growing rapidly, generating additional employment opportunities.
  • Issues hindering growth include limited market access, lack of modern technology and infrastructure, and limited value addition.
  • Steps for realizing the full potential include enhanced cold infrastructure, rapid transport facilities, improved value chain, and diversification of fish production.