UPSC Prelims News 3rd September 2022

Table of Contents

UPSC Prelims News of 3rd September 2022

Context: In the last two months, about 85 people have died of Japanese Encephalitis (JE) in Assam.

About the Infection:

Origin:

Source:

Japanese encephalitis is a viral fever that spreads through mosquito bites.
The Japanese encephalitis virus, which is a flavivirus, is usually found in pigs and birds.

Spread:

The infection is spread from one person to another through the bite of Culex mosquitoes

Causative Agent:

The Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) is a single-stranded RNA virus responsible for causing the infection.

Effects:

Majority of people infected do not show major symptoms. A small section may develop inflammation of the brain.

Symptoms:

Initial symptoms include fever, headache, and vomiting.Mental status changes, neurologic symptoms, weakness, and movement disorders evolve subsequently.Seizures are common among children.

Treatment:

There are no specific treatments. Supportive care through pain relievers and medication to reduce fever may relieve some symptoms.
There should be focus on nutritional therapy, hydration and electrolyte therapy.

Context: India has overtaken UK to become the fifth largest economy in terms of GDP numbers.

Highlights:

The size of the Indian economy in ‘nominal’ cash terms in the quarter starting March 2022, was $854.7 billion while the UK was $816 billion.
- This was calculated using the dollar exchange rate on the last day of the relevant quarter.
India’s growth:
- India is the world’s fastest growing economy and domestic demand is growing.
- Indian economy has grown at a rate of 13.5 per cent on a year-on-year basis.
Factors driving growth of Indian economy:
- Private consumption: Demand for goods and services are the driving force behind growth in private consumption.
- Easing of global uncertainties: Expectation of improvement in global conditions are encouraging exports and spurring investment activity.
- Reduction in lending rates: Easing lending rates and financial flows to the commercial sector has boost both consumption and investment demand in the country.
- Rationalizing income tax: Rationalization of personal income tax rates are helping boost domestic demand along and increase rural and infrastructure spending.

Context: A team of researchers have developed an edible material that can extend the shelf-life of fruits and vegetables.

Features of the new edible coating

The specialised coating was created using a mixture of two substances: micro-algae extract and polysaccharides.
- The marine microalgae Dunaliella tertiolecta, is often used as a source of algae oil, which is a health supplement.
- The microalga is known for its antioxidant properties and has various bioactive compounds such as carotenoids and proteins.
The coating is non-toxic and could be safely used as an edible food packaging material.
It also had excellent UV-Vis light-blocking properties.
The material can be either directly coated on the vegetables and fruits or made into a vegetable storage pouch. In both cases, the shelf-life of the vegetables can be extended.
It can help preserve vegetables and fruits for as long as two months.