Current Affairs 19-NOV-2023 (The Hindu)

Mudflats

(D => Pg-1)

Mudflats

• Coastal wetlands regularly flooded by tides or rivers.
• Mostly formed in inter-tidal areas due to the deposition of mud.
• Experiences submersion under water twice in a day.
• Commonly found in bays, lagoons, and estuaries.
• Vegetation is sparse, including cord-grasses, sea aster, sea lavender, and mangroves.

Significance of Mudflats

• Protection of inland landforms from erosion.
• Attracts a large number of migratory shorebirds.
• Popular for tourism, especially as bird-watching spots.
• Contributes to water purification and carbon sequestration, reducing pollution and global warming.
• Acts as nurseries for certain fish species.

Threats Faced by Mudflats

• Coastal development activities lead to the destruction of mudflats for infrastructure.
• Dredging for navigational purposes poses a threat.
• Pollution from industrial and agricultural run-off, as well as the discharge of polluted stormwater.
• Resulting in the growth of algal mats and reduction in biodiversity.
• Global warming-triggered sea level rise causes the submergence of mudflats, leading to floods and erosion in coastal areas.

Practice Question – Prelims

Consider the following pairs:

Mudflats Location

1. Etimoga - Andhra Pradesh

2. Kadalundi - Kerala

3. Sewri - Gujarat

4. Atharbanki - West Bengal

How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) Only three

(d) All four

Chickenpox

(D => Pg-11)

Chickenpox

• Highly contagious viral disease.
• Caused by the varicella-zoster virus.

Symptoms

Common symptoms include:

• Itching and rash
• Fever
• Headache
• Tiredness

Transmission

Chickenpox is transmitted through:

• Close contact with affected persons.
• Data shows that 90% of unvaccinated individuals are at risk when in contact with infected persons.

Prevention

Best ways to prevent chickenpox:

• Chickenpox vaccine - administered in two doses for children, adolescents, and adults.

Treatment

Treatment involves:

• Home medications, including using lotion, taking cool baths, and eating uncooked oatmeal to reduce itching.
• Using painkillers and anti-viral medications to reduce fever and headache.
• Risky individuals like babies, pregnant women, and the elderly should seek medical attention.

Practice Question – Prelims

Consider the following diseases:

1. Hepatitis B

2. Diphtheria

3. Chickenpox

4. Measles

5. Japanese Encephalitis

How many of the above diseases are covered under the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) of India?

(a) Only two

(b) Only three

(c) Only four

(d) All five

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)

(D => Pg-12)

CPEC

• 3,000-km long route of infrastructure projects.
• Connects China’s northwest Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region & Gwadar Port in the western province of Balochistan.
• Promotes connectivity.
• Part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

Issues

• Confusion in funding & contractor selection.
• Bidding delays & disagreements over tax exemptions.
• Local resistance due to fear of loss of livelihoods.
• Locals forcefully evacuated.
• Corruption allegations.
• In 2022, China refused to further expand cooperation with Pakistan in the areas of energy, water management, and climate change under CPEC.

Practice Question – Prelims

Consider the following statements about China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC):

1. It aims to link the Western part of China to the Gwadar Port in Balochistan, Pakistan.

2. It is a part of Belt and Road Initiative.

3. It passes through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, which is a disputed region between India and Pakistan.

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

(a) Only one

(b) Only two

(c) All three

(d) None