CONTENTS
- World Hepatitis Day
- 21st Edition of Khaan Quest
World Hepatitis Day
Context:
World Hepatitis Day, observed on 28th July, raises awareness of viral hepatitis, an inflammation of the liver that causes severe liver disease and cancer.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- World Hepatitis Day:
- Hepatitis: Types, Causes, and Symptoms
World Hepatitis Day:
- Date: July 28th.
- Significance of the Date: Chosen to honor Nobel-prize winning scientist Dr. Baruch Blumberg, who discovered the hepatitis B virus (HBV) and developed a diagnostic test and vaccine for it.
- Theme for 2024: “It’s time for action.”
Hepatitis: Types, Causes, and Symptoms
Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, a vital organ responsible for detoxification, protein synthesis, and the production of biochemicals necessary for digestion. It can be caused by various factors, including viral infections, alcohol consumption, and autoimmune diseases. There are several types of hepatitis, each with different causes, symptoms, and treatments.
Types of Hepatitis
Hepatitis A (HAV)
- Cause: Hepatitis A virus (HAV) transmitted through contaminated food, water, or direct contact with an infected person.
- Symptoms: Fever, fatigue, nausea, abdominal pain, jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), dark urine, and clay-colored stools. It does not lead to chronic illness.
Hepatitis B (HBV)
- Cause: Hepatitis B virus (HBV) transmitted through contact with infected blood, semen, or other body fluids, as well as from mother to baby during childbirth.
- Symptoms: Similar to HAV but can lead to chronic illness, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer if left untreated.
Hepatitis C (HCV)
- Cause: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) transmitted primarily through blood-to-blood contact, such as sharing needles or other drug-injection equipment.
- Symptoms: Often asymptomatic in the early stages but can lead to chronic liver disease, cirrhosis, and liver cancer over time.
Hepatitis D (HDV)
- Cause: Hepatitis D virus (HDV) is a defective virus that requires HBV for replication. It is transmitted through contact with infected blood or other body fluids.
- Symptoms: Similar to HBV but often more severe. It can lead to a more rapid progression to liver cirrhosis and liver failure.
Hepatitis E (HEV)
- Cause: Hepatitis E virus (HEV) transmitted mainly through contaminated water.
- Symptoms: Similar to HAV, including jaundice, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain. It typically resolves on its own but can be severe in pregnant women.
Common Symptoms of Hepatitis
- Fatigue
- Jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes)
- Abdominal pain or discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Dark urine and pale stools
- Joint pain
- Fever
21st Edition of Khaan Quest
Context:
Recently, the Indian contingent participated in the 21st edition of Khaan Quest, a multinational peacekeeping exercise, being held from 27th July 2024 to 9th August 2024 in the Five Hills Training Area in the Mongolian capital of Ulaanbaatar.
Relevance:
GS III: Security Challenges
21st Edition of Khaan Quest:
- Purpose: The exercise aims to develop interoperability and share best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations among participating countries. It prepares the Indian Armed Forces for peacekeeping missions in a multinational environment, enhancing interoperability and military readiness under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
- Indian Contingent: Comprises 40 personnel from a Battalion of the Madras Regiment, along with additional members.
- Participants: Approximately 430 participants from 23 countries, including Australia, Canada, China, Japan, Turkiye, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
- History: Khaan Quest began as a bilateral event between the U.S. and Mongolian armed forces in 2003 and became a multinational peacekeeping exercise from 2006 onwards.
