News in Shorts: 20 September 2024

Amoebic meningoencephalitis

Amoebic Meningoencephalitis 

• It is a rare but severe infection that affects the central nervous system.
• It is primarily caused by free-living amoebae found in freshwater bodies.
• Types of Amoebic Encephalitis
  • Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)
    • Caused by Naegleria fowleri, known as the “brain-eating amoeba.”.
  • Granulomatous Amoebic Encephalitis (GAE)
    • Symptoms may resemble brain abscesses or encephalitis.
• Risk Factors and Transmission
  • Exposure: Commonly linked to swimming or playing in warm, stagnant freshwater.
  • Other Sources: Using unsterilized tap water in neti pots can also lead to infection.
  • The amoeba thrives in warm environments and is sensitive to temperature and pH changes.

Cleanliness Target Unit (CTU)

About Cleanliness Target Unit (CTU):

• A Cleanliness Target Unit (CTU)  is a specific dirty or neglected spot identified for cleaning and transformation under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).
• Institutions, mainly Central Public Sector Undertakings (CPSUs), will adopt and clean these spots.

Amur Falcon

(Falco Amurensis)

Manipur’s Tamenglong district administration imposed a ban on hunting, catching, killing and selling of the bird.

About Amur Falcon:

• Small raptor of the falcon family.
• Migrates from Siberia and China to Africa.

Migration Route:

• Akhuipuina Route: From Siberia to India and then to Africa.
• Stopover in India: Stays in northeastern India for about two months.
• Long-distance flight: Travels 20,000 km one-way via India.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN: Least Concern.
• Wildlife Protection Act 1972: Schedule IV.
• CITES: Appendix II.

Significance:

• Doyang Lake: A major stopover point in Nagaland.
• Nagaland: Known as the “Falcon Capital of the World.”