The Centre's Intensified Pulse Polio Immunization campaign is all set to kick start in India, with the aim of administering the polio vaccine to children below the age of 5. Health authorities in several states have already started the preparation for the drive, including setting up thousands of polio booths and training volunteers for the administration of the vaccine. The campaign has also been accompanied by awareness activities in states like Meghalaya and Goa.
Polio Immunization: India's Pulse Polio Campaign
Background
Polio, a highly infectious disease caused by the poliovirus, can lead to paralysis and even death. In the past, India faced a significant challenge in controlling polio, with thousands of cases reported annually. However, through extensive immunization efforts, the country has made significant strides in eradicating the disease.
Pulse Polio Campaign
The Pulse Polio Immunization campaign is a mass vaccination effort that aims to immunize all children below the age of 5 against polio. The campaign involves the administration of the polio vaccine, typically in two drops, to every child, regardless of their previous vaccination status.
FAQs
1. Why is polio immunization necessary? Polio is a highly infectious disease that can cause severe consequences, including paralysis and death. Immunization is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus and protect children.
2. Who is eligible for polio immunization? All children below the age of 5 are eligible for polio immunization, including those who have been previously vaccinated.
3. When and where will the campaign take place? The campaign takes place during multiple rounds throughout the year. Check with your local health authorities for specific dates and locations.
4. Is the polio vaccine safe? The polio vaccine is highly effective and safe. It has been used successfully for decades to protect children against the disease.
5. What are the potential side effects of the polio vaccine? The polio vaccine is generally well-tolerated. Mild side effects, such as redness or swelling at the injection site, may occur in rare cases.
For Further Information
The coastal belt of Odisha is bracing for the impact of severe cyclonic storm 'Dana', which is expected to make landfall between Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port early Friday morning. The Indian Meteorological Department has issued warnings for heavy rain and high winds, with wind speeds reaching up to 120 kmph. Several districts of West Bengal are also likely to be affected, with fishermen advised not to venture into the sea. The cyclone is expected to decrease in intensity after Friday morning.
As World Polio Day 2024 approaches, we take a moment to celebrate the progress made in the fight against polio and renew our commitment to eradicating this disease. With a decrease of over 99% in polio cases since the launch of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the day highlights the importance of vaccinations and the need to reach every child, especially in regions where polio still poses a threat. This important occasion also recognizes the contributions of healthcare workers, scientists, and organizations in the fight against polio while reinforcing the importance of strengthening health systems for overall health improvement.
In a world where stress has become an almost inevitable part of life for young people, ancient practices like meditation offer a powerful solution to restore balance, peace, and mental well-being. Ma Dhyan Prachi, a meditation facilitator at Osho Dham, emphasizes the importance of relaxation and awareness to achieve a calmer, more balanced state of mind. Through practices like yog nidra, meditation can help individuals pause their incessant thinking, focus on the present moment, and cultivate thankfulness to combat stress and discontentment.
Reliance's Campa Cola, with its aggressive pricing and higher margins to retailers, has disrupted the market and caused increased competition in bottled beverages. This has led TCPL, the Tata Group FMCG arm, to reduce their prices as well. Despite the decline in ready-to-drink business revenue in the September quarter, TCPL's MD and CEO Sunil D'Souza assures that they are adapting to the competitive pricing action to retain their market share.
Heavy rain and flooding in Bengaluru has been predicted to continue for the next two days by the India Meteorological Department. Temperatures are expected to range between a maximum of 26°C and a minimum of 20°C during this time. The weather conditions have been attributed to a cyclonic circulation in the Bay of Bengal. Authorities have advised caution, particularly in areas that are prone to waterlogging.
Cambridge City Council has revealed plans for a £20 million project to revamp several historic sites in the city center, including the Corn Exchange, Guildhall, and Market Square. The council aims to attract more visitors and lower operational costs by making the sites more accessible and introducing modern office facilities. However, the proposal has received mixed feedback, particularly in regards to the plan for a hotel at the Guildhall and conflicting interests for the Market Square. The council is open to feedback and plans to continue working on the project before presenting it to councillors in November.
NASA faces uncertainty as it awaits Boeing's ability to resolve certification issues plaguing its Starliner spacecraft. After propulsion problems during Starliner's first crewed test flight in June 2024, NASA had to delay the next potential mission to the ISS to 2025. With the spacecraft's certification still incomplete, NASA is questioning if a second test flight will be necessary before regular missions can proceed. As a result, astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore will now return to Earth on SpaceX's Crew Dragon in 2025, instead of the originally planned Starliner-1 mission. NASA's ISS operations will continue uninterrupted with the upcoming Crew-10 mission in February 2025, featuring astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers.
A viral video claiming to show American astronaut Sunita Williams returning safely to Earth after a 127-day space tour is making rounds on social media and X. However, a closer look reveals that the video is from 2012 and shows Williams giving a tour of the International Space Station. Williams is actually still in space and is expected to return to Earth in February 2025. Further investigation reveals that the watermark on the video belongs to "UNILAD Adventure."
A recent DNA study has revealed that Christopher Columbus, the 15th century explorer, was actually a Sephardic Jew from western Europe. After 21 years of investigation, researchers concluded that Columbus's DNA was "compatible" with his being of Jewish origin. This finding sheds new light on the origins of the controversial figure, who was previously believed to be Italian. The study also confirms that the remains at Seville Cathedral belong to Columbus, solidifying his final resting place after centuries of debate.
In a historic feat, SpaceX successfully caught its Falcon Heavy booster mid-air using giant mechanical arms after its test flight in Texas. This accomplishment, spearheaded by CEO Elon Musk, marks a crucial step in the company's goal of reusing rockets and cutting costs. With future Starship launches planned for the Space Coast, this revolutionary booster recovery will play a key role in ensuring public safety and advancing the space industry towards the future.