Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
West Bengal government plans to provide free Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccinations to sex workers in Kolkata's Sonagachi, seeking support from the Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee (DMSC) for implementation.
Key points
- Focus on vaccinating sex workers in Sonagachi, a vulnerable population for cervical cancer.
- Government to provide free HPV vaccines, with DMSC's support for outreach and identification.
- Central government budget allocation for free HPV vaccination for 14-year-old girls.
- Initiative also includes installing free condom vending machines in Sonagachi.
Background & context
Cervical cancer is a significant health concern, particularly among women engaged in sex work due to higher exposure risks. The HPV vaccine is a primary preventive measure. Sonagachi is Asia's largest red-light district, and DMSC has a long history of working with sex workers on health and rights.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The HPV vaccine is administered to prevent cervical cancer caused by specific strains of the Human Papillomavirus.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Social Issues; GS Paper 2: Health, Government Policies and Interventions.
Why in news?
Andhra Pradesh experienced severe heatwaves and scanty rainfall, a precursor to potential El Niño impacts, highlighting the state's vulnerability and the need for preparedness.
Key points
- Andhra Pradesh faced extreme heatwaves and high temperatures in May, exceeding 44°C.
- Record-breaking temperatures suggest a disturbing weather pattern of scanty rainfall and more heatwaves.
- El Niño events in 2015 and 2023 tested the state's preparedness, with significant heatwave-related deaths in 2015.
- Experts predict a high likelihood of another strong El Niño event this year.
Background & context
El Niño is a climate pattern characterized by the unusual warming of surface waters in the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean. It can cause significant disruptions to weather patterns globally, including droughts and increased temperatures in some regions and heavy rainfall in others. In India, El Niño often correlates with weaker monsoons and increased heatwave occurrences.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean rising beyond 2°C are declared a 'very strong' El Niño event by meteorologists.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Geography (Climate patterns, natural disasters); GS Paper 3: Disaster Management, Climate Change.
Why in news?
The renaming of a street in Kolkata from Suhrawardy Avenue to Gopal Mukherjee Road has become a political flashpoint in West Bengal, reflecting historical narratives and political polarization.
Key points
- Suhrawardy Avenue has been renamed Gopal Mukherjee Road by the new BJP government in West Bengal.
- Gopal Mukherjee is associated with 'saving Hindus during the Great Calcutta Killings in 1946'.
- Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy's legacy is also invoked, highlighting Partition-era politics.
- The renaming reflects the ongoing political discourse and historical interpretations in West Bengal, especially ahead of polls.
Background & context
The Great Calcutta Killings of 1946 were a series of violent riots during the partition of India. Huseyn Shaheed Suhrawardy was a prominent politician in British India and later Pakistan, associated with the Muslim League. Gopal Mukherjee is portrayed as a figure who protected Hindus during the riots. The renaming reflects an attempt to reframe historical narratives and assert political identity.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The Great Calcutta Killings occurred in 1946, leading to widespread communal violence.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1: Modern Indian History, Post-Independence India, Society; GS Paper 2: Indian Polity, Federalism.