Evening edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
A health webinar was conducted to discuss anaemia, highlighting it as a common public health concern affecting various age groups.
Key points
- Anaemia is a significant public health issue affecting children, adolescents, women, and older adults.
- While iron deficiency is a common cause, other factors include nutrient deficiencies, inherited blood disorders, chronic diseases, and infections.
- Timely screening, diagnosis, treatment, and nutritional interventions are crucial for prevention and management.
- The webinar aimed to address causes, effects, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and practical strategies for prevention.
Background & context
Anaemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency of red blood cells or hemoglobin, resulting in reduced oxygen transport to the body's tissues. It is a widespread health problem globally, particularly in developing countries.
★ Prelims fact capsule
Iron deficiency is the most common cause of anaemia.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Health, Social Justice, Government Policies and Interventions.
Why in news?
Tamil Nadu is set to sign an MoU with the Centre to implement an AI-enabled grievance redressal system called 'Anna Sahayata' for Public Distribution System (PDS) beneficiaries.
Key points
- The 'Anna Sahayata' mobile application uses AI for grievance redressal of PDS beneficiaries.
- Tamil Nadu's proposal to involve District Revenue Officers (DROs) aims to enhance local-level complaint resolution.
- The state will migrate its existing grievance portal to the national platform.
- Beneficiaries can lodge complaints via a WhatsApp chatbot, IVRS, toll-free numbers, SMS, and email.
Background & context
The Public Distribution System (PDS) aims to ensure food security by providing subsidized food grains. The National Food Security Act (NFSA) provides a legal framework for food and nutritional security. Effective grievance redressal is crucial for the efficient functioning of PDS.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The 'Anna Sahayata' application offers grievance redressal through a WhatsApp chatbot.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2: Governance, Welfare Schemes, Role of technology in governance.
Why in news?
A recent study indicates that over half of the world's migratory bird species are experiencing population declines, highlighting a significant biodiversity crisis.
Key points
- Approximately 51% of migratory bird species globally are declining.
- Long-distance migratory birds visiting India from the Arctic are declining faster than resident or short-distance migrants.
- The declines are attributed to decades of environmental degradation.
- The study identifies major threats, knowledge gaps, and proposes a framework for reversing these declines.
Background & context
Migratory birds undertake long journeys between their breeding and non-breeding grounds, often crossing continents and oceans. They play vital roles in ecosystems, including pollination and seed dispersal. Threats include habitat loss, climate change, and pollution.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The study found that nearly 300 migratory species are already globally threatened.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 3: Environment, Biodiversity Conservation, Ecosystems.