The article starts with the introduction of a deadly malariac vector, Anopheles Stephensi, that originated from Southeast Asia, West Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula. It has recently been detected in Kenya, which is now the sixth country in Africa to report an invasion of the species. Unlike other main malaria-causing mosquito vectors that primarily breed in rural areas, Anopheles Stephensi can thrive in both urban and rural environments.
Anopheles Stephensi: A Deadly Malaria Vector
Anopheles Stephensi is a major malaria vector originating from Southeast Asia, West Asia, and the Arabian Peninsula. Over the past decade, this species has significantly expanded its geographical range, with detections in Africa first reported in Djibouti (2012), Ethiopia and Sudan (2016), Somalia (2019), and Nigeria (2020).
This species poses a significant threat due to its adaptability to different environments, including urban areas which are not typically the breeding grounds for most malaria-causing mosquito vectors.
Malaria: Prevention and Cure
Malaria is a life-threatening blood disease caused by the Plasmodium parasite. It is predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions such as Africa, South America, and Asia. Despite being life-threatening, malaria is both preventable and curable. In India, efforts to eliminate malaria began in 2015 and were intensified in 2016 with the launching of the National Framework for Malaria Elimination (NFME) by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
A Tribute to Kanak Rele: A Classical Dance Legend
Recently, we mourned the loss of classical dance legend Kanak Rele. She was a renowned exponent of Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form from Kerala, and the first recipient of the Guru Gopinath National Puraskaram award from the Government of Kerala.
In 1973, Dr. Rele established the Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya and Nalanda Dance Research Centre, which offers degrees in dance studies through to Ph.D level. In recognition of her significant contributions to the field of dance, she received numerous prestigious awards, including the Padma Shri (1989), Sangeet Natak Akademi Award (1994), M. S. Subbulakshmi Award, and Kalidas Samman (2006).
26th Meeting of WMCC: India-China Relations
Recently, the first in-person meeting since July 2019 has been held between India and China following the border stand-off last year. The meeting marked the 26th assembly of the Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC).
The main discussion points included proposals for disengagement in the remaining disputed areas along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and how this might help restore peace and normalcy in bilateral relations.
Changes in Admission Age: National Education Policy (NEP) 2020
The Union Ministry of Education has recently directed all states and Union territories to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which sets the minimum age for admission in Class 1 at six years.
The foundational stage under NEP-2020 includes five years of learning opportunities for all children between 3 to 8 years, which comprises three years of preschool education and two years in Classes 1 and 2. States were also advised to commence designing and implementing a two-year diploma course in preschool education, under the supervision and control of the State Council of Educational Research and Training and District Institute of Education and Training.
