In News:

In an important move to improve global access to Mpox testing, the World Health Organization (WHO) has listed the first Mpox in vitro diagnostic under its Emergency Use Listing procedure.

• Context of Mpox Outbreak:

• Since January 2022, mpox has spread to 121 countries.
• By September 2024, there were 103,048 confirmed cases and 229 deaths.

• Diagnostic Test Approval:

• WHO approved Abbott Laboratories’ PCR diagnostic test, Alinity MPXV assay, for emergency use.
• This test detects mpox virus DNA from skin swabs, intended for trained lab personnel.

• Emergency Use Listing (EUL) Procedure:

• Allows WHO to expedite approval of unlicensed vaccines, treatments, and diagnostic tests during public health emergencies.
• In August, WHO called for manufacturers to submit diagnostic tools to aid low-income countries.

• Current Testing Landscape:

• Limited testing capacity has hindered response, especially in Africa, where over 30,000 suspected cases were reported in 2024.
• 35 laboratories in India are now equipped to test suspected mpox cases.

• Importance of Early Diagnosis:

• Early detection facilitates timely treatment and control of the virus, essential in outbreak areas.

• Characteristics of the Alinity MPXV Assay:

• Utilizes real-time PCR to detect mpox virus (clade I/II) DNA from lesion materials.
• Designed for skilled laboratory personnel familiar with PCR techniques.

• Ongoing Efforts:

• WHO is reviewing three additional mpox diagnostic tests and negotiating with more companies to enhance availability.
• Efforts include addressing the spread of a new variant, clade Ib, which is affecting more women and children.

• Public Health Implications:

• Expanding access to diagnostics is vital for managing the mpox outbreak and protecting populations, particularly in underserved regions.
• WHO emphasizes the importance of quality-assured medical products in containing the virus spread.

In News:

A team of marine biologists led by a Florida International University researcher has described a new species of the shark genus Sphyrna from the Caribbean and the Southwest Atlantic.

• New Species: Named Sphyrna alleni (common name: shovelbill shark).
• Habitat: Found in coastal waters, estuaries, coral reefs, and seagrass beds from Belize to Brazil, with confirmed presence in:
  • Caribbean: Belize, Panama, Colombia, Trinidad and Tobago.
  • Southwestern Atlantic: Brazil.
• Characteristics:
  • Small species, less than 1.5 m in length.
  • Distinctive flat, shovel-shaped head lacking indentations on the anterior edge.
  • Different from Sphyrna tiburo:
    • More rounded anterior margin.
    • Absence of lobules on the posterior margin.
    • Higher precaudal vertebral count (80-83 vs. ~73 in Sphyrna tiburo).
• Evolutionary Insight: Possible sister lineage to Sphyrna vespertina, suggesting Sphyrna tiburo diverged later.
• Conservation Status:
  • Hammerhead sharks are highly threatened, primarily due to overfishing.
  • Most species, except Sphyrna gilberti, are listed as Vulnerable, Endangered, or Critically Endangered by the IUCN.
  • Current IUCN assessment of Sphyrna tiburo as Globally Endangered may need reevaluation considering the new findings.
• Management Recommendations:
  • Increased management efforts needed for Sphyrna alleni, particularly restrictions on gillnets and trawls, which significantly impact this species.
• Publication: Findings reported in the journal Zootaxa.

In News:

• External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of Government meeting in Islamabad on October 15-16, 2023.
• This marks the first visit by an Indian External Affairs Minister to Pakistan since Sushma Swaraj in 2015.

Context of the Visit:

• The visit is primarily for the SCO meeting, reflecting India's focus on regional cooperation mechanisms.
• No bilateral meetings have been scheduled as of now, although Jaishankar's presence is based on "reciprocity" following Pakistan's participation in an earlier SCO meeting in India.

SCO Overview:

• Established on June 15, 2001, in Shanghai; evolved from the "Shanghai Five" formed in 1996.
• Original members included China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and later Uzbekistan.
• Current members: India, Pakistan, Iran, and others, with Afghanistan and Mongolia holding Observer Status.

Significance of the SCO:

• Focuses on security cooperation, primarily among Asian nations.
• Seen as an alternative to Western international frameworks, especially with heavyweights like Russia and China positioning against US influence.
• India's inclusion alongside Pakistan in 2017 reflects the geopolitical jostling between Russia and China.

Geopolitical Dynamics:

• While SCO promotes cooperation, underlying tensions remain, particularly between India and Pakistan, and India and China.
• The organization has limited tangible outcomes due to member states' rivalries and differing interests.

India's Objectives in SCO:

• Provides a platform for enhancing relations with Central Asian countries, addressing common security concerns.
• Involves participation in the Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) to combat terrorism and drug trafficking.

India-Pakistan Relations:

• Jaishankar's visit is seen in light of ongoing tensions; India shares difficult relations with both China and Pakistan.
• India canceled a summit under its presidency last year, opting for a virtual format instead.

Implications for Regional Politics:

• The visit comes shortly after the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, with potential implications for India-Pakistan ties.
• Despite attending the SCO meeting, there is little expectation of progress in the India-Pakistan peace process.
• Recent statements from the Indian government criticize Pakistan for hosting wanted individuals, reflecting ongoing diplomatic tensions.

Strategic Importance:

• Participation in SCO allows India to engage with key regional players, including Russia, China, and Central Asian leaders.
• The meeting serves as preparation for India's participation in upcoming BRICS discussions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of these groupings.

In News:

The World Health Organization (WHO) launched the Global Strategic Preparedness, Readiness and Response Plan (SPRP) to tackle dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses.

Key Highlights:

• Purpose:
  • Tackle dengue and other Aedes-borne arboviruses (e.g., Zika, chikungunya).
  • Reduce disease burden, suffering, and deaths globally.
• Background:
  • Rapid geographical spread of dengue due to:
    • Unplanned urbanization.
    • Poor water, sanitation, and hygiene practices.
    • Climate change.
    • Increased international travel.
  • An estimated 4 billion people at risk, projected to increase to 5 billion by 2050.
  • Significant increase in dengue cases; 12.3 million reported by August 2023, nearly double the total from 2022.
• Global Impact:
  • Dengue endemic in over 130 countries, particularly affecting:
    • South-East Asia.
    • Western Pacific.
    • Americas.
    • Africa facing compounded health crises due to conflicts and disasters.
• Emergency Grade: WHO has graded the global dengue situation as grade 3, the highest emergency level.
• Key Components of SPRP:
  • Emergency Coordination: Leadership and coordination activities for outbreak response.
  • Collaborative Surveillance: Tools for early detection and control, including strengthened surveillance and epidemiological analysis.
  • Community Protection: Engaging communities in local prevention and response measures.
  • Safe and Scalable Care: Ensuring resilient health services for adequate patient care.
  • Access to Countermeasures: Promoting research for better treatments and vaccines.
• Implementation Timeline: Over one year until September 2025, requiring US$ 55 million for health preparedness and response efforts.
• Alignment with Other Initiatives:
  • Supports the Global Vector Control Response 2017-2030.
  • Linked to the Global Arbovirus Initiative (2022) targeting mosquito-borne diseases.
• Call to Action:
  • Encourages collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, and communities.
  • Emphasizes the need for innovation and improved vector control strategies.

This plan aims to mobilize a coordinated response to the escalating threat of dengue and related diseases, emphasizing the role of all stakeholders in public health.

In News:

DRDO completed development trials of the 4th Generation miniaturised Very Short Range Air Defence System (VSHORAD).

Key Details:

• Trial Location: Conducted at Pokhran Field Firing Ranges, Rajasthan.
• Importance: VSHORAD addresses the Indian Army's need to replace legacy Igla systems, with past efforts making little progress.
• Recent Procurement: Army acquired small volumes of Igla-S through emergency procurement.
• Production Collaboration: Two production agencies involved in Development cum Production Partner (DcPP) mode for VSHORAD missiles.
• Trial Dates: Successful tests held on October 3 and 4, 2024.

Key Performance Metrics:

• Maximum Range and Altitude: Interception against high-speed aerial targets.
• Hit-to-Kill Capability: Demonstrated success in engaging targets in various scenarios (approaching, receding, crossing).

System Overview:

• Type: Fourth generation man-portable air defence system (MANPADS).
• Developer: Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in collaboration with other DRDO labs and industry partners.

Capabilities:

• Designed to neutralise low altitude aerial threats at short ranges.
• Features include Dual-band IIR Seeker, miniaturised Reaction Control System, and integrated avionics.
• More portable and lightweight than existing missile systems in the Army's arsenal.