Prelims Focus 3rd February 2025

03/02/2025

208 3 minutes read

Onchocerciasis

In News: The World Health Organization (WHO) declared Niger the first African nation to get rid of onchocerciasis (river blindness) as a public health risk.

As of now, WHO has proven 5 countries as onchocerciasis-free: Colombia (2013), Ecuador (2014), Mexico (2015), Guatemala (2016), and Niger (2025)—the primary in Africa.
Onchocerciasis, generally called river blindness, is a neglected tropical disorder (NTD) resulting from the parasitic computer virus Onchocerca volvulus.
It is transmitted via the bite of infected black flies (Simulium species).
Symptoms are severe itching, rashes, and pores and skin discoloration.
In 1987, the advent of Ivermectin (Mectizan), donated via Merck & Co., is a recreation-converting remedy.

Financialisation

In News: The Economic Survey 2024-25, has warned that excessive financialisation can hurt the real economic system.

- It has cited financialisation that has led to extraordinary tiers of public- and private-sector debt in developed economies.
- India ought to strive to keep a pleasant balance among economic-region development and growth, on the one hand, and financialisation, on the opposite.

Financialization

- It is the boom in length and significance of a rustic’s monetary area relative to its common economy.
- Financial markets, economic institutions and economic elites benefit greatly from the effect on over monetary coverage and monetary effects.
- This shift usually includes practices like businesses focusing more on financial techniques (like stock buybacks, mergers, and acquisitions) in place of making an investment in their center products or services.

Non-Opioid Painkiller

In News: On January 30, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Journavx (suzetrigine), a first-in-class non-opioid oral tablet designed to treat moderate to severe acute pain in adults. Manufactured by Vertex Pharmaceuticals, this innovative medication represents a significant advancement in pain management, particularly as it offers an alternative to traditional opioid therapies.

Non-opioid drugs are increasingly recognized as vital alternatives in the management of pain, particularly in the context of the opioid crisis that has affected many nations, including India.
These medications provide effective pain relief while minimizing the risks associated with opioid use, such as addiction and dependency.
The recent approval of Journavx (suzetrigine) by the FDA marks a significant advancement in this field, highlighting the ongoing efforts to develop safer pain management strategies.

LNG

In News: The global liquefied natural gas (LNG) market is undergoing significant transformations influenced by geopolitical factors, particularly the policies of the United States under President Donald Trump in his second term, the ongoing war in Ukraine, and Western sanctions on Russia and Iran. These developments have far-reaching implications for global gas supply and trade dynamics.

What is Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG)?

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state at approximately -162°C (-260°F) for ease of storage and transport. LNG occupies about 1/600th the volume of natural gas in its gaseous state, making it more efficient to transport over long distances where pipelines are not feasible. Once it reaches its destination, LNG can be regasified and distributed through existing pipeline networks.

Impact of U.S. Policy in Trump 2.0

President Trump’s administration has initiated a series of executive orders aimed at enhancing U.S. fossil fuel production, including LNG. Key actions include:

National Energy Emergency Declaration: This declaration allows for expedited approvals for fossil fuel projects, including LNG exports. It signals a shift in U.S. energy policy towards increased domestic production and export capacity.
Withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement: By exiting this agreement, the Trump administration aims to reduce regulatory burdens on fossil fuel development, potentially leading to increased investment in oil and gas extraction.
Focus on Alaska’s Resources: The administration has prioritized the development of Alaska’s natural resources, including LNG, which could enhance U.S. export capabilities to Europe and Asia.

These policies are likely to position the U.S. as a dominant player in the global LNG market, particularly as Europe seeks alternatives to Russian gas following the cessation of Russian gas exports through Ukraine due to geopolitical tensions.