PIB Summary- 2nd January, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Lumpy Skin Disease

Why in News?
Recently, An MoU for production of Goat Pox vaccine and “Lumpi-ProVac” vaccine was signed in Nagpur. The indigenously developed vaccine is going to be a game changer in ongoing effort of government to control and eradicate the Lumpy Skin Disease.

What is the lumpy skin disease?

• Lumpy skin disease is caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV), which belongs to the genus capripoxvirus, a part of the poxviridae family (smallpox and monkeypox viruses are also a part of the same family).
• The LSDV shares antigenic similarities with the sheeppox virus (SPPV) and the goatpox virus (GTPV) or is similar in the immune response to those viruses.
• It is not a zoonotic virus, meaning the disease cannot spread to humans.

How does it spread?

• It is a contagious vector-borne disease spread by vectors like mosquitoes, some biting flies, and ticks and usually affects host animals like cows and water buffaloes.
• According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), infected animals shed the virus through oral and nasal secretions which may contaminate common feeding and water troughs.
  • Thus, the disease can either spread through direct contact with the vectors or through contaminated fodder and water. Studies have also shown that it can spread through animal semen during artificial insemination.

Indian Science Congress

Why in News?
Prime Minister will address the 108th Indian Science Congress (ISC) via video conferencing. 

About 108th Indian Science Congress (ISC)

• The focal theme of this year’s ISC is “Science and Technology for Sustainable Development with Women Empowerment”.
• It will witness discussions on issues of sustainable development, women empowerment and the role of science & technology in achieving this.
• The participants will discuss and deliberate on ways to increase the number of women in higher echelons of teaching, research and industry, along with trying to find ways to provide women with equal access to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) education, research opportunities and economic participation.
• A special programme to showcase the contribution of women in science and technology will also be held, which will also witness lectures by renowned women scientists. 
• Several other programmes will also be organised alongside ISC.
• Children’s Science Congress will also be organised to help stimulate scientific interest and temperament among children.
• Farmer’s Science Congress will provide a platform to improve the bio-economy and attract youth to agriculture.
• Tribal Science Congress will also be held, which will also be a platform for scientific display of indigenous ancient knowledge system and practice, along with focusing on the empowerment of tribal women.