15.04.25

World Chagas Disease Day: Observed annually on April 14th to raise awareness of Chagas disease, a neglected tropical disease.

2025 Theme: “Prevent, Control, Care: Everyone’s Role in Chagas Disease” emphasizes the need for collective global action.

First Celebration: The day was first celebrated in 2020.

Global Impact: Over 7 million people are infected worldwide, with more than 100 million at risk.

Annual Deaths: An estimated 10,000–12,000 deaths occur annually due to Chagas disease.

WHO Urgency: The World Health Organization and partners urge strengthening early diagnosis, treatment, and comprehensive care.

What is Chagas Disease: A potentially life-threatening illness caused by the parasite Trypanosoma cruzi.

Transmission: Primarily transmitted by triatomine bugs (“kissing bugs”), but also via blood transfusions, organ transplants, mother-to-child transmission, and contaminated food.

“Silent Disease”: Often called the “silent or silenced disease” due to its asymptomatic nature and impact on marginalized populations.

Geographic Spread: Endemic in 21 Latin American countries but increasingly detected in the United States, Europe, and other regions due to migration.

Treatment: Benznidazole is the preferred first-line treatment.

Tribute to Fearless Voice: Prime Minister acknowledged Sir Sankaran Nair’s courage against British tyranny on the 106th anniversary of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Upcoming Film: “Kesari Chapter 2” is based on the book “The Case That Shook the Empire,” highlighting Nair’s fight for truth about the Jallianwala Bagh massacre.

Early Life and Principles: Born in 1857, known for his unwavering commitment to his beliefs, even when facing strong opposition. This made him unpopular with some British officials and Brahmins.

INC President: Youngest President of the Indian National Congress (INC) in 1897, the only Malayali to hold that post.

Judge and Social Reformer: Appointed as a permanent judge of Madras High Court in 1908. Notable judgments supported social reforms, including inter-caste marriages.

Role in Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms: Contributed significantly to the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms in 1919, advocating for greater Indian participation in administration.

Resignation after Jallianwala Bagh: Resigned from the Viceroy’s Council in protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. This triggered reforms like lifting press censorship.

Defamation Trial: Accused Michael O’Dwyer of responsibility for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, leading to a defamation trial in England in 1922.

Trial Outcome and Impact: Although Nair lost the trial, it exposed bias in the British legal system, boosting nationalist sentiments in India. He refused to apologize, even to avoid the penalty.

Critique of Gandhi: Published “Gandhi and Anarchy,” critiquing Gandhi’s methods of non-violence.

Cheetah Relocation Approved: The Cheetah Project Steering Committee has approved relocating cheetahs from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary to expand their habitat.

Gandhi Sagar’s Importance: It’s earmarked for long-term cheetah conservation, aiming for a metapopulation of 60-70 cheetahs across the Kuno-Gandhi Sagar landscape.

Preparation & Initial Release: Madhya Pradesh has been preparing Gandhi Sagar for over a year. The first phase involves releasing 4-5 cheetahs into a fenced 64 sq km area after relocating leopards.

Prey Augmentation Efforts: Concerns over adequate prey are being addressed by introducing chital and other herbivores, with in-situ breeding programs.

Location and Ecosystem: Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary, located in northwestern Madhya Pradesh bordering Rajasthan, features savanna, grasslands, dry deciduous forests and riverine areas, recognized as an Important Bird and Biodiversity Area(IBA). Chambal River flows through it.

Controversy & Training: The committee addressed a video showing a driver offering water to cheetahs, emphasizing the need for better training and adherence to SOPs, also highlighting need for sensitisation and water supply management.

Setbacks and Monitoring: Project Cheetah, initiated in 2022, has faced setbacks with cheetah deaths in Kuno. The Cheetah Project Steering Committee was formed by the National Tiger Conservation Authority to monitor the project.