Prelims Focus 2nd April 2025

P4 Initiative

In News: Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister launched the ‘Zero Poverty – P4’ initiative under Swarnadra 2047 imaginative and prescient.

• • Aim: To ensure poverty-free Andhra Pradesh by 2029.
    • ‘P4’ stands for ‘Public, Private, People Partnership’, and attaining ‘0 poverty’ is one of the (10 principles) of Swarna Andhra-2047.

• Key Benefits:

• • • House sites and residence creation.
    • Sanitation centers and 100% faucet water connections.
    • LPG connections, reliable energy supply, and rooftop solar incentives.
    • High-velocity internet for all households.
    • Promotion of entrepreneurship in each family.
  • Target Beneficiaries: Economically weaker families, termed ‘Bangaru Kutumbam’ (golden families).
  • Supporters: Well-off individuals, called ‘Margadarsis’ (guides).
    • Priority is given to the 20 lakh maximum deprived households for adoption by the top 10% rich families.

• Role of ‘Margadarsis’:
• • Provide monetary guide or mentorship (e.g., education, profession guidance, business support).
  • Engage in long-term guides past economic help.
  • Contributions can encompass investment for education, medical costs, and community development.
• Expected Outcome: Mobilize public-private participation, foster inclusive monetary growth, and create a new poverty remedy model in India.

Asbestos

In News: The Global Asbestos Awareness Week (GAAW) is discovered annually during the first week of April.

• Asbestos refers to a group of six obviously happening fibrous minerals recognised for their resistance to heat, hearth, and chemical substances, and their sturdiness.
• Asbestos was broadly utilized in several business, residential, and commercial packages due to its precise physical properties.
• When asbestos fibers are inhaled or ingested, they can lodge in the lungs and tissues, leading to chronic health conditions like Asbestosis, Mesothelioma and many others.

Ulhas River

In News: The Maharashtra state government has taken decisive action in response to citizen activists’ protests regarding pollution in the Ulhas River. In a special meeting held recently, officials decided to initiate the removal of water hyacinth from the river. This decision reflects growing concerns over the ecological health of the Ulhas River, which has been severely impacted by pollution and invasive species.

Background on the Ulhas River

• The Ulhas River is a significant west-flowing river in Maharashtra, originating from the Sahyadri hill ranges at an elevation of 600 meters. 
• It stretches approximately 122 kilometers before draining into the Arabian Sea. 
• The river basin covers an area of 4,637 square kilometers, encompassing parts of Thane, Raigad, and Pune districts. 
• Key tributaries include Kalu and Bhasta, which contribute significantly to the river’s water flow.

Pollution Concerns

• The Ulhas River has faced severe pollution challenges due to urbanization and industrial activities along its banks. 
• Untreated sewage from nearby residential areas and industrial discharges have led to significant ecological degradation. 
• Water hyacinth, an invasive aquatic plant, has proliferated in the river, exacerbating the pollution problem by blocking sunlight and disrupting local ecosystems.

Government Action Plan

• In light of the protests led by local activists and environmental organizations, Kalyan Lok Sabha MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde convened a meeting where a consensus was reached on drafting a new action plan aimed at cleaning up both the Ulhas and Waldhuni rivers. 
• The immediate action involves deploying ten machines to remove water hyacinth from the river. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to implement both short-term and long-term measures to restore the river’s health.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD)

In News: Ranchi is set to become the first district in Jharkhand to implement a large-scale campaign for the screening and management of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD). This initiative, part of the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), aims to address the growing burden of fatty liver disease through early detection and improved healthcare infrastructure.

Understanding NAFLD:  

• Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) is a condition marked by excess fat accumulation in the liver, occurring in individuals who consume little or no alcohol. 
• It encompasses two main types: Simple Fatty Liver (NAFL), characterized by fat buildup without inflammation or damage, and Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH), which involves inflammation and liver cell injury, potentially leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis, or liver failure.
• NAFLD often remains asymptomatic but may cause fatigue, upper abdominal discomfort, unexplained weight loss, or weakness. Advanced NASH can result in severe symptoms like jaundice, ascites, and liver failure. 
• Key risk factors include obesity, insulin resistance (e.g., type 2 diabetes), dyslipidemia, metabolic syndrome, and genetic predispositions. Unhealthy dietary habits and high fructose intake can exacerbate the condition. 
• Diagnosis typically involves routine blood tests for liver function and imaging techniques like ultrasound or CT scans; a liver biopsy is the gold standard for confirming NASH. 
• Early detection and lifestyle modifications such as weight loss and healthy dietary practices are crucial in managing NAFLD and preventing progression to severe liver damage

Download as PDF