PIB Summary- 30th August, 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Sickle Cell Anaemia

Context
Union Minister of Tribal Affairs, launched the ‘Awareness Campaign and Training of Trainers’ as a part of the ‘Mission for Elimination of Sickle Cell Anaemia’ in New Delhi.

Sickle Cell Anaemia

• Haemoglobin which is tasked with carrying oxygen to all parts of the body, has four protein subunits — two alpha and two beta.
• In some people, mutations in the gene that creates the beta subunits impact the shape of the blood cell and distorts it to look like a sickle.
• A round red blood cell can move easily through blood vessels because of its shape but sickle red blood cells end up slowing, and even blocking, the blood flow.
• Moreover, sickle cells die early, resulting in a shortage of red blood cells that deprive the body of oxygen.
• These obstructions and shortages may cause chronic anaemia, pain, fatigue, acute chest syndrome, stroke, and a host of other serious health complications.
• Without treatment, quality of life is compromised and severe cases can become fatal in the initial years of life.

Symptoms
The symptoms of sickle cell anaemia can vary from person to person, but common symptoms include:

• Painful episodes (sickle cell crisis)
• Anaemia
• Fatigue and weakness
• Shortness of breath
• Delays in growth and development
• Joint pain
• frequent infections

Treatment
Currently, there is no cure for sickle cell anaemia, but treatments are available to manage the symptoms and prevent complications.

• Pain management
• Blood transfusions
• Antibiotics to prevent infections
• Hydoxyurea, a medication to reduce the frequency of sickle cell crises
• Stem cell transplantation in some cases

Indian Government Initiatives to reduce Sickle Cell Anaemia

• The Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Rural Health Mission in different States are undertaking outreach programmes for better management and control of the disease.
• The Ministry of Tribal Affairs launched a portal wherein people can register themselves if they have the disease or the trait, in order to collate all information related to SCA among tribal groups.
• In the Budget, the Union Health Minister said the government plans to distribute “special cards” across tribal areas to people below the age of 40.
  • The cards will be divided into different categories based on the screening results.
  • The mission will receive funding under the National Health Mission.

Deendayal Port and DP World Partnership for Mega Container Terminal Project in Gujarat

Context
The Deendayal Port Authority and DP World, a multinational logistics company based in Dubai, have collaborated for the Mega Container Terminal Project at Tuna Tekra, Gujarat. The project, initiated by India’s Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW), aims to boost port capacity, facilitate multimodal logistics, and establish global connectivity. This partnership represents a significant advancement in the realm of public-private collaboration.

Key Highlights of the Container Terminal

• The terminal is designed to handle 2.19 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) annually.
• It is equipped to handle large vessels carrying over 18,000 TEUs.

Environmental Compliance

• The Mega Container Terminal Project is fully aligned with green port guidelines, emphasizing environmental sustainability.

Regional and Global Connectivity

• The terminal will establish crucial connections between Northern, Western, and Central India, fostering global market access.

Supporting India’s Vision and Infrastructure

• The project aligns with India’s Vision 2047 to quadruple port handling capacity, enhancing trade and logistics.
• It contributes to the National Infrastructure Pipeline, complementing the PM Gati Shakti initiative.

Economic Transformation and Employment Opportunities

• The terminal is poised to reshape the economic landscape of Kutch.
• Ancillary services like warehousing will emerge, generating direct and indirect employment opportunities.

Key Points About Deendayal Port (Kandla Port)

• Deendayal Port, also known as Kandla port, is one of India’s twelve Major Ports.
• It is situated on the West Coast of India, in the Gulf of Kutch in Gujarat.

Service Area

• The port primarily serves northern India, including regions like Jammu and Kashmir, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

Historical Background

• Deendayal Port’s history dates back to 1931 when the construction of an RCC Jetty was initiated by Maharao Khengarji.
• After India’s independence in 1947, the port gained prominence and became India’s top port in 2007-08.

Milestone Achievements

• In 2016, Deendayal Port made history by handling 100 million metric tons (MMT) of cargo in a single year, marking a significant achievement in the maritime sector.
• It remains the largest port in India in terms of cargo volume handled.