Weekly Current Affairs Test : 8th to 14th March 2025

The recent measles outbreak has led to the tragic consequence of the first measles-related death in over a decade, highlighting the critical importance of vaccination in preventing such outbreaks. Vaccination remains one of the most effective strategies in controlling infectious diseases, and this incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with declining vaccination rates. It's interesting to note that measles is highly contagious and can spread through the air, making vaccination crucial for herd immunity.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a total of 164 measles cases across nine jurisdictions in the United States as of February 27, 2025. This number is significant as it reflects a concerning outbreak that emphasizes the need for public health interventions. Measles is particularly dangerous because it can lead to severe complications, especially in unvaccinated individuals, making awareness and vaccination critical for community health.

Measles is caused by a virus that spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing. This highly contagious virus can remain infectious in the air or on surfaces for a significant amount of time, making close contact with unvaccinated individuals particularly risky. Understanding the mode of transmission is crucial for prevention strategies, especially in outbreaks.

The highest risk for severe complications from measles is among unvaccinated individuals, particularly young children under five years old, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems. This vulnerability highlights the importance of vaccination and public health initiatives aimed at protecting these at-risk populations, as they may face serious health issues if infected.

The primary goal of Project Hifazat is to eliminate the fear that prevents victims of violence from seeking help. By establishing a supportive and safe environment, the initiative encourages victims to come forward and report abuse, which is crucial for their safety and wellbeing. Additionally, creating a fear-free space allows for better access to necessary support services, contributing to a more effective response to domestic violence.

The 24/7 helpline set up under Project Hifazat categorizes incoming calls into emergency, non-emergency, and informational types. This system allows for quick and effective responses, particularly in emergencies where immediate assistance is needed. By prioritizing emergency cases through the Emergency Response Support System, the initiative ensures that urgent situations are addressed promptly, thereby enhancing the safety of victims.

Donald Trump indicated that the US withdrawal from the JCPOA was primarily due to perceived flaws in the agreement, particularly its lack of provisions addressing Iran's ballistic missile program. This concern reflected broader geopolitical issues regarding Iran's military capabilities and intentions. Interestingly, the JCPOA was originally designed to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities in exchange for sanctions relief, but the absence of comprehensive measures on other military activities led to criticisms from several quarters.

The JCPOA was established in 2015 as an agreement aimed at limiting Iran's nuclear capabilities in exchange for economic benefits and sanctions relief. This agreement was a significant diplomatic effort involving multiple world powers and aimed to prevent the proliferation of nuclear weapons in the Middle East. An interesting fact about the JCPOA is that it was a product of intense negotiations, reflecting the complex dynamics of international diplomacy.

The forecast indicates a substantial increase in government-held wheat stocks, rising from 75 lakh tonnes to approximately 140 lakh tonnes. This increase provides a buffer against potential shortages and demonstrates effective management of agricultural resources, which is vital for stabilizing the market. Interestingly, this scenario highlights the importance of government intervention in agriculture to ensure food security.

Favorable weather conditions, particularly stable temperatures below 35 degrees Celsius, are expected to enhance wheat yields by 15-20% compared to the previous year. This is crucial during the grain-filling stage, as optimal temperatures and weather can significantly impact crop development and final yields. A relevant fact is that temperature fluctuations during critical growth phases can drastically affect yield outcomes.

The Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill primarily aims to enhance urban governance through decentralization. By redistributing administrative power and establishing mechanisms like the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) and ward committees, the bill seeks to improve local governance and community participation in decision-making processes. This approach reflects a trend in urban governance where decentralization is prioritized to better meet the needs of residents.

The Greater Bengaluru Governance Bill proposes restructuring the BBMP into smaller units, dividing it into three to seven corporations. This change is intended to increase administrative efficiency by allowing for more localized governance and quicker decision-making. Smaller units can better address specific local issues, making governance more responsive to community needs.

India relies on imports for over 85% of its crude oil needs, making it the third-largest oil importer in the world. This heavy reliance on imported oil underscores the importance of diversifying energy sources and enhancing energy security, particularly as global demand for energy continues to rise.

India's energy purchases from the United States are projected to rise from $15 billion in 2024 to $25 billion. This significant increase reflects India's strategy to enhance its energy security and diversify its supply sources amidst rising global energy demands.

The "75/25" initiative aims to provide standardized care to 75 million individuals suffering from hypertension and diabetes by December 2025. This initiative is a significant step in addressing the growing concern of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) in India, reflecting the government's commitment to improving public health and ensuring that effective treatment reaches a large population.

As of March 2025, 25.27 million individuals have been treated for diabetes under the "75/25" initiative. This figure highlights the ongoing effort to address diabetes, which, along with hypertension, is part of the broader strategy to combat non-communicable diseases that pose significant health risks to the population.

The zero-for-zero tariff strategy aims to identify specific product categories for tariff removal between India and the United States. This targeted approach is designed to improve India's export competitiveness while protecting sensitive sectors, rather than engaging in lengthy negotiations for a comprehensive trade agreement. This method can potentially be implemented more swiftly, making it a strategic alternative in trade discussions.

The agriculture sector is highlighted as a critical area needing protection under the zero-for-zero tariff strategy. The strategy aims to mitigate the adverse effects of US tariffs on sensitive industries, including agriculture and automobiles. By focusing on specific products, India hopes to safeguard these vital sectors while improving overall trade relations, demonstrating the balance between trade liberalization and domestic industry protection.

The main objective of the proposed 30-day ceasefire is to completely stop all missile, drone, and bomb attacks along the entire front line. This ceasefire aims to create a pause in hostilities, allowing for humanitarian efforts and discussions about long-term peace solutions. Ceasefires are critical in conflict situations as they can provide a window for negotiations and reduce civilian suffering.

The significant military action was a large-scale drone attack on Moscow by Ukraine. This attack was aimed at exerting pressure on Russia to agree to a ceasefire. Such military actions often escalate tensions and can lead to increased urgency in diplomatic negotiations, highlighting the complexities of modern warfare where technology plays a critical role in conflict dynamics.

The committee recommends renaming the 'Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare' to 'Department of Agriculture, Farmers and Farm Labourers Welfare' to acknowledge the crucial role that farm labourers play in agriculture. This change emphasizes their contributions and aims to ensure that their rights and welfare are integrated into agricultural policies.

The committee highlighted a concerning decline in budgetary allocations to the Ministry of Agriculture, dropping from 3.53% in the fiscal year 2021-22 to 2.51% in 2025-26. This reduction is alarming considering that agriculture supports over half of the Indian population, indicating potential risks to the livelihoods of many who depend on this sector.

The measles outbreak is particularly concentrated in West Texas. This regional focus raises alarms about vaccination coverage and public health measures in local communities. The outbreak underscores the importance of maintaining high vaccination rates to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Interestingly, the measles virus can remain active in the air for up to two hours after an infected person leaves an area, which highlights its contagious nature and the urgency for public health responses.

The measles vaccination schedule recommends two doses: the first dose is given between nine months and 15 months of age, and the second dose is given between 15 and 18 months. This two-dose schedule is critical to achieving effective immunity and is essential for maintaining high vaccination coverage within communities to prevent outbreaks. Achieving vaccination rates of 95% or higher is necessary for community immunity, which protects those who cannot be vaccinated.

Project Hifazat employs a multi-agency collaboration approach, involving several departments such as social security, health, and the Punjab police. This coordinated effort facilitates comprehensive support for victims, enabling them to access a wide range of services, including legal aid, psychological counseling, and emergency assistance. Such collaboration is vital for effective rescue operations and ensuring that victims receive the help they need in a timely manner. This holistic approach is essential for addressing the complex needs of individuals experiencing violence.