News in Shorts: 20 September 2024

Amoebic meningoencephalitis

Amoebic meningoencephalitis

Context: Recently, in Kerala, many cases of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis cases were reported, predominantly affecting children aged 5-15. 

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)

Cleanliness Target Unit (CTU)

Context: Recently, The Union Minister has announced that the government will work on improving two lakh dirty and difficult spots across the country as part of the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM).

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)

Amur Falcon (Falco Amurensis)

 

Context: 

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.”

 

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