Prelims Focus – 13th February 2024

1.Chaudhary Charan Singh

In News: Recently the former Prime Minister Chaudhary Charan Singh (1902-87) has been conferred the Bharat Ratna.

• Chaudhary Charan Singh, born in 1902 into a middle-class farming family of relatives in Meerut, was a prominent figure in Indian politics.
• He was Prime Minister of India in 1979.
• Renowned as the chief architect of land reforms in Uttar Pradesh, he spearheaded tremendous legislative initiatives aimed toward agricultural reform.
• His efforts brought about the enactment of the Land Holding Act of 1960, which aimed to address issues of land distribution and agricultural sustainability.

2.Lymphatic Filariasis

In News:  Recently the first phase of the Bi-annual Nationwide Mass Drug Administration (MDA) campaign for Lymphatic Filariasis elimination was launched.

• It is a Vector Borne Disease that’s transmitted mainly by Wuchereria Bancrofti and spreads by Culex mosquito.
  • This mosquito grows in grimy accrued water.
• It is a neglected tropical disease that is usually referred to as elephantiasis.
• Infection takes place when filarial parasites are transmitted to human beings through mosquitoes.
  • Infection is generally acquired in childhood and causes hidden damage to the lymphatic system.
• Prevalence: It affects over 120 million human beings in 72 nations throughout the tropics and subtropics of Asia, Africa, the Western Pacific, and parts of the Caribbean and South America.
• Impact:  The disease affects the poorest population in society, particularly those living in areas with poor water, sanitation and hygiene.
  •  LF does not kill the affected human beings, but can also cause everlasting disfigurement, decreased productivity and social stigma.
• Treatment: It can be eliminated by stopping the spread of contamination through preventive chemotherapy with safe medicine mixtures repeated yearly.
• India’s Efforts: India is devoted to putting off Lymphatic Filariasis by means of 2027, three years ahead  of the global target through mission mode, multi partner, multi sector, targeted drive for which we have drawn up the roadmap”

3.Brumation

Recent news: Reptiles enter a state of brumation in order to save energy and endure tough environmental conditions.

About Brumation:

• Reptiles go through a period of dormancy similar to hibernation in mammals.
• The timing and length of this period vary depending on the species, age, and gender of the reptile. During this time, reptiles conserve energy by slowing down their bodily functions.
• They eat and defecate less, move less, and spend most of their time in dark and cold areas.
• They occasionally venture outside to drink water.
• This dormancy, known as brumation, helps reptiles survive the winter months when food is scarce.

4.SWATI

Recent news: The launch of the SWATI initiative took place on the International Day for Girls and Women in Science, led by a panel consisting of representatives from India’s science academies.

Details:

• The National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR) in New Delhi created, manages, and takes care of a specific project.
• This website wants to make a complete record of women in science in the country and recognizes that achieving gender equality in science involves everyone, not just women.
• The inclusion of non-male genders in the form and the diverse makeup of the panel are seen as positive actions in addressing gender imbalances in science.

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