World AIDS Vaccine Day World AIDS Vaccine Day 2026 is observed on May 18 to raise awareness regarding HIV vaccine research and the global fight against AIDS. Thirukkural (No. 824) — Chapter: Unsuitable Friendship 'Tis fitting you should dread dissemblers' guile, Whose hearts are bitter while their faces smile Explanation:One should fear the deceitful who smile sweetly with their face but never love with their heart. Glanders Disease Causative Agent and Impact: Glanders, a disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei, primarily affects equine species such as horses, mules, and donkeys. Furthermore, it poses a risk of causing infection in other animals as well as humans. Statutory Notification: Under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals (PCICDA) Act, 2009, Glanders has been declared a disease that must be compulsorily reported to the government upon detection. Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission Sickle Cell Disease is a major public health challenge in India. It primarily affects tribal populations. The disease causes red blood cells to distort into a crescent (sickle) shape, obstructing the flow of oxygen to tissues and leading to the dysfunction of multiple organs. The Central Government has announced the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission with the objective of eradicating Sickle Cell Anemia by the year 2047. This initiative involves a collaborative effort between various Central Ministries and State Governments. The mission encompasses raising widespread awareness about Sickle Cell Disease, conducting universal screening, and providing comprehensive care to 70 million people aged 0 to 40 residing in affected tribal regions. Tamil Nadu stands as a pioneer state in addressing this disease. It places particular focus on areas with high tribal populations, such as the Nilgiris and Anaimalai. Mandatory screening is conducted for all pregnant women residing in tribal areas. Gender and caregiving law in…
