Daily Current Affairs – 04-04-2024

Culture/Events/Days

The Supreme Court

used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution

The Supreme Court used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution to do “complete justice” to permit the medical termination of pregnancy of a 14-year-old rape survivor in Maharashtra. Her pregnancy is nearing 30 weeks. The relief is rare as the Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act caps the upper limit for termination of pregnancy at 24 weeks for married women as well as for those in special categories, including rape survivors, and other vulnerable women, such as the differently-abled and minors.

General/Other

Bird flu outbreak

in Kerala’s Alappuzha

Bird flu, also known as avian influenza, is a viral infection that primarily affects birds. However, in some cases, it can spread to humans, causing illness ranging from mild to severe. The symptoms of bird flu in humans are similar to those of regular influenza and may include fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches, fatigue, and respiratory difficulties. In severe cases, it can lead to pneumonia and even death. It can be transmitted to humans through close contact with infected birds or their excretions, as well as through person-to-person transmission via respiratory droplets. Treatment for bird flu usually involves antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), which can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms.