World Hypertension Day occurs annually on May 17th. This day is globally recognized to raise awareness about hypertension, a disease otherwise known as high blood pressure. This year, the theme ‘Know Your Numbers’ aims to promote familiarity with personal blood pressure levels and understanding concerning the implications of high blood pressure. Hypertension remains the leading non-communicable disease causing mortality worldwide, thus contributing to global public health issues. Particularly concerning are the statistics for India, where one in every eight individuals suffers from hypertension, according to the National Family Health Survey conducted in 2017.
Hypertension: The Silent Killer
Hypertension is a medical condition whereby sustained high levels of blood pressure in the arteries occur. High blood pressure indicates that one’s heart is working harder than normal to circulate blood throughout the body. It is commonly known as a ‘silent killer’, primarily because the symptoms are not easily noticeable until significant damage has occurred to vital organs. If this condition goes undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to severe complications such as heart attacks, stroke, and can ultimately result in death. However, hypertension can be controlled and treated effectively through consistent use of prescribed medication, modification of diet, and regular engagement in physical activities such as walking, jogging, and cycling.
Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve
Due to rising summer temperatures, animals within the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve have begun migrating into neighboring villages to find water. This reserve, located in the southern Eastern Ghats of Chittoor and Kadapa districts, is the first Biosphere Reserve in Andhra Pradesh. It was designated as one of India’s Biosphere Reserves in 2010, and is recognized for its rich and diverse plant life, having nearly 1756 species of flowering plants.
| Biosphere Reserves in India | Number |
|---|---|
| Total Biosphere Reserves in India | 18 |
| Biosphere Reserves as part of the World Network of Biosphere Reserves based on the UNESCO MAB Programme | 10 |
Endangered Species: Slender Loris & Pangolin
The Slender Loris, a small, nocturnal primate, and the Pangolin, distinguishable by its large keratin scales, are two endangered species that inhabit the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve. The IUCN has listed both these species as endangered. While the Indian Pangolin is listed as ‘Near Threatened’, the Chinese Pangolin is listed as ‘Endangered’.
IMDEX Asia Maritime Event
India recently participated in the IMDEX Asia-2019, a three-day maritime event held in Singapore. Following this, India took part in the 26th edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX), which currently stands as the longest uninterrupted naval exercise that India participates in with any other nation.
Kalamkari: Artistry from Andhra Pradesh
Kalamkari refers to an age-old traditional art practiced in Andhra Pradesh, where cotton textiles are hand-painted or block-printed with a Kalam (pen). Unique for its use of natural colours in depicting mythological characters from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, Kalamkari art offers two styles – Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam.
Election Expenses and the Law
Recently, the Election Commission issued notices to two Congress candidates for allegedly understating their election expenses in the December 2018 Madhya Pradesh Assembly polls. According to Section 10A of the Representation of the People Act (1951), candidates must lodge their account of election expenses within a given period and manner directed by the Election Commission. Failure to do so can result in disqualification for a span of three years.
Cultural Ties: Indian Deities Worshipped in Japan
The film ‘Indian Deities Worshipped in Japan’ by cultural historian Benoy K Behl highlights the robust inter-cultural relations between India and Japan. Many Hindu deities are actively worshipped across Japan, and Sanskrit ‘Beejaksharas’ or sacred syllables are deeply venerated.
Starlink: SpaceX’s Broadband Network Project
SpaceX’s Starlink aims to construct a robust broadband network consisting of potentially thousands of orbiting spacecraft. The project has raised questions about traffic management as other commercial broadband providers, including Amazon, look to launch satellite constellations for broadband services.
Sasakawa Award 2019 for Disaster Risk Reduction
The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) conferred the Sasakawa Award 2019 for Disaster Risk Reduction to Pramod Kumar Mishra. He was recognized for his commitment towards improving the resilience of communities most exposed to disasters and advocating for disaster risk reduction.