Rapid Fire
Rapid Fire Current Affairs
- 01 Jun 2023
- 6 min read
World Multiple Sclerosis Day
The Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, observed World Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Day on 30th May 2023, joining the global MS community in raising awareness and fostering connections. With the theme of 'connections' for the 2020-2023 period, the MS Connections campaign aimed to build community connections, self-connections, and connections to quality care.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord. It is characterized by inflammation and damage to the protective covering of nerve fibers, disrupting the normal flow of electrical impulses. This results in a wide range of symptoms, including fatigue, difficulty with coordination and balance, muscle weakness, and problems with vision and cognition. The exact cause of MS is still unknown, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic and environmental factors. MS is a lifelong condition with varying degrees of severity and progression. While there is no cure for MS, there are treatments available to manage symptoms, slow down the progression of the disease.
Read more: Multiple Sclerosis
Green Hue in Venice's Grand Canal
Venice's iconic Grand Canal recently took on a vibrant green hue, perplexing both residents and officials. After conducting test samples of the water, authorities confirmed that the color was caused by fluorescein, a chemical commonly used to detect leaks in underwater construction. The president of the Veneto region emphasized the need for strong responses to protect the city and its historical treasures. Although fluorescein has low levels of toxicity, tests have not indicated any harm to the canal's ecosystem. Depending on the concentration of fluorescein, it may take a few more days for the canal to return to its normal color as the chemical dissolves.
The Grand Canal is the main waterway of Venice, Italy, that showcases the city’s rich architectural and cultural heritage. It is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, who can enjoy its scenic views and historic landmarks by various modes of transport. The Grand Canal is the largest and most famous canal in Venice. It is nearly four kilometers long and separates one half of Venice from the other.
UAE Withdraws from Maritime Coalition amid Rising Tensions in Gulf Waters
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced its withdrawal from the US-led Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), a coalition responsible for securing crucial and volatile Gulf waters that play a significant role in global oil trade.
Established in 2001, the CMF started as a partnership between 12 nations and has since expanded to include 38 partner nations, including the UAE. While the UAE has put its participation on hold, it remains a partner nation.
Recent incidents, such as Iran's seizure of tankers and a drone attack on an Israeli-owned vessel, have intensified tensions in the region. The UAE, as a major oil exporter, emphasises its commitment to peaceful dialogue, diplomatic engagement, and the responsible safeguarding of navigation in its seas.
Read more: Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)
World Milk Day Celebrations and Summer Meet
The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, in partnership with the Agriculture Production Department of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, is gearing up to celebrate World Milk Day on June 1, 2023. The occasion will be marked by a Summer Meet for the animal husbandry and dairying sector, taking place from June 1st to 2nd at SKICC in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.
This event aims to raise awareness about the nutritional value and advantages of milk, while also acknowledging the significant contributions of dairy farmers, processors, and consumers. The event will review the progress of ongoing schemes, discuss outcomes, and identify mid-course corrections as necessary.
As part of the event, "Feeding the Future: Five Days of Action for Feed and Fodder and Training of A-HELP for 2023-24" campaign will be launched. This initiative aims to address the critical aspects of feed and fodder management for livestock while providing training through the A-HELP program.
In 2001, World Milk Day was established by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations to recognize the importance of milk as a global food, and to celebrate the dairy sector. India is the highest milk producer in the world contributing 23% of global milk production in the year 2021-22. The top five major milk-producing states are Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Andhra Pradesh.
Read more: Animal husbandry
