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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21/02/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21/02/2024

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21/02/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21/02/2024

Maharashtra Assembly clears 10% Maratha quota

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, EknathShinde, and his Cabinet recently gave the nod to a significant legislative proposal— a 10% reservation for the Maratha community in both educational institutions and government jobs.

  • The subsequent unanimous approval during a special session of the Maharashtra legislature has sparked both praise and discontent.

Key Highlights

  • Legislative History:
    • This Bill, similar to the Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Act, 2018, is the third attempt in the last decade by the State to legislate a Maratha quota.
    • The previous attempt in 2018, led by the DevendraFadnavis government, was struck down by the Supreme Court in May 2021.
  • The approved Bill aims to fulfill long-pending demands and aspirations of the economically weaker sections of the Maratha community without disrupting the existing OBC quota.
    • However, it raises reservations in Maharashtra to 62%, surpassing the Supreme Court-mandated limit of 50%.
    • This aspect has raised concerns about the legislation’s viability in light of existing legal constraints.
  • Importantly, the new legislation distinguishes itself from the government’s previous move to issue Kunbi OBC certificates.
    • This ensures that the Tuesday-passed legislation covers all eligible Marathas, including those who do not fall under the Kunbi category.
  • Intensification of Agitation:
    • Quota activist ManojJarange-Patil, dissatisfied with the government’s approved Maratha reservation bill, alleged that it was imposed solely for political gains in the Lok Sabha election.
    • He asserted that the reservation would not stand in the Supreme Court and emphasized the community’s commitment to obtaining the quota exclusively from the OBC category.
    • Jarange-Patil, criticized the State government for neglecting the issue of granting Kunbi OBC certificates to blood relatives of Marathas with proven Kunbi records.

About Reservation in India

  • Mandal Commission and OBC Reservation:
    • In December 1978, the President, under Article 340 of the Constitution, appointed the Mandal Commission, led by B. P. Mandal.
    • The commission aimed to define “socially and educationally backward classes” in India and recommend measures for their advancement.
    • Based on its findings, the commission proposed a 27% reservation in government jobs for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), identifying 3,743 castes in an all-India OBC list and 2,108 castes in a more underprivileged “depressed backward classes” list.
  • Supreme Court’s Verdict in IndraSawhney Case (1992):
    • In the IndraSawhney Case of 1992, the Supreme Court upheld the 27% quota for backward classes but struck down a government notification reserving 10% of government jobs for economically backward classes among higher castes.
    • The court also established the principle that the total reservation beneficiaries should not exceed 50% of India’s population.
    • Additionally, the concept of the ‘creamy layer’ was introduced.
    • Also, the reservation for backward classes was limited to initial appointments and excluding promotions.
  • Constitutional (103 Amendment) Act of 2019:
    • The Constitutional (103 Amendment) Act of 2019 brought a significant change by providing 10% reservation in government jobs and educational institutions for the “economically backward” in the unreserved category.
    • This amendment modified Articles 15 and 16 of the Constitution, granting the government the authority to implement reservation based on economic backwardness.
    • Importantly, this 10% economic reservation is in addition to the 50% reservation cap established by the Supreme Court.

Holistic Approach Needed for Cervical Cancer Control in India

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

The announcement by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in the interim Budget, revealing plans to encourage cervical cancer vaccination for girls aged nine to 14, is applauded as a positive step.

  • However, a comprehensive strategy is crucial for effective health policy, particularly when addressing multi-dimensional issues like cervical cancer.

Key Highlights

  • Cervical Cancer Overview:
    • Cervical cancer, primarily linked to the human papillomavirus (HPV), accounts for 99% of cases, making it unique among cancers.
    • With over 77,000 annual deaths, it is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Indian women.
    • Despite the availability of a vaccine, the national prevalence of cervical cancer screening is below 2%, emphasizing the need for a more proactive approach.
  • Importance of Screening:
    • Simple and cost-effective screening methods like VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid) and VILI (Visual Inspection with Lugol’s Iodine) can detect precancerous lesions and cancer at an early stage.
    • These tests, along with cryotherapy for treatment, can be easily implemented in a public health setting.
    • Currently, outcomes depend on the stage of detection, highlighting the urgency for widespread screening.
  • Call for a National Cervical Cancer Control Program:
    • While vaccination is a positive initiative, the article stresses the need for a national cervical cancer control program that mandates screening at primary health centers.
    • Early identification of abnormalities and immediate cryotherapy can prevent the disease from advancing to a more critical stage.
    • The call is for a holistic approach accessible to all women, irrespective of age, education, affordability, or social status.

About Cancer disease

  • Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells.
  • It is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018.
  • In India, the prevalence of cancer is increasing due to epidemiological changes, such as rapid urbanization, population aging, and unhealthy lifestyles.
  • The country’s diverse population, with over 2000 ethnic groups, contributes to wide variations in the distribution of the disease.
  • The projected cancer burden in India was 26.7 million DALYs (Disability-adjusted life years) in 2021 and is expected to increase to 29.8 million in 2025.
  • The Global Cancer Observatory reported 1.1 million new cancer cases and more than 0.7 million cancer deaths in India in 2018.
  • The Lancet states that, although the cancer incidence is lower in India, it remains a significant public health problem due to the country’s vast population.
  • Prevention and early detection are crucial in reducing the cancer burden.
  • Between 30% and 50% of cancer deaths could be prevented by modifying or avoiding key risk factors such as tobacco use, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting vaccinated against certain viruses.
  • Early diagnosis and screening can lead to more effective treatment and improved survival rates.
  • Treatment options for cancer include surgery, cancer medicines, and/or radiotherapy, administered alone or in combination.
  • Palliative care and survivorship care are also essential components of cancer management.

Having panchayats as self-governing institutions

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

It has been thirty years since the implementation of the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments Acts, envisioning local bodies as institutions of local self-government in India.

  • The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, established in 2004, aimed to strengthen rural local governments.
  • However, an analysis reveals varying progress among states in devolution, with the commitment of state governments playing a crucial role.

Key Highlights

  • Fiscal Devolution and Revenue Generation:
    • The constitutional amendments detailed fiscal devolution, emphasizing the generation of own revenues by local bodies.
    • State Panchayati Raj Acts, derived from the Central Act, provided provisions for taxation and collection.
    • Panchayats, guided by these Acts, made efforts to maximize resource generation.
    • Participatory planning and budgeting emerged as outcomes of these initiatives.
  • Challenges in Revenue Generation:
    • A recent ‘Datapoint’ highlighted a concerning statistic: “Panchayats earn only 1% of the revenue through taxes,” with the majority coming as grants from the State and Centre.
    • Specifically, 80% of the revenue is sourced from the Centre, and 15% from the States.
    • This revelation underscores a significant challenge in the fiscal devolution process, revealing that despite three decades of devolution efforts, the revenue generated by panchayats remains meager.
    • The meager share of revenue earned through taxes raises questions about the effectiveness of the decentralization process.
    • As India reflects on three decades of Panchayati Raj, there is a call for renewed efforts to address the challenges hindering local self-governance and fiscal autonomy.
  • Avenues for Own Source of Revenue (OSR):
    • The expert committee report from the Ministry of Panchayati Raj emphasizes the importance of rural local bodies generating their own revenue.
    • State Acts detail tax and non-tax revenue avenues that panchayats can explore.
    • Major OSRs include property tax, land revenue cess, stamp duty surcharge, tolls, profession tax, advertising tax, and user charges for water, sanitation, and lighting.
    • Establishing a conducive environment for taxation involves implementing financial regulations, deciding on bases and rates, periodic revisions, defining exemptions, and enforcing tax management laws.
    • Potential Non-Tax Revenue Streams:
      • Non-tax revenue potential includes fees, rent, income from investments, sales, hire charges, and innovative projects such as rural business hubs, commercial ventures, renewable energy projects, carbon credits, Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds, and donations.
    • Gram Sabhas’ Role in Revenue Generation:
      • Gram sabhas play a crucial role in promoting self-sufficiency and sustainable development at the grassroots level.
      • They engage in planning, decision-making, and implementing revenue-generating initiatives, covering areas like agriculture, tourism, and small-scale industries.
      • With the authority to impose taxes and fees, gram sabhas direct funds towards local development projects and social welfare programs.
      • Transparent financial management and inclusive participation ensure accountability, fostering community trust.
      • Gram sabhas are instrumental in empowering villages to achieve economic independence and resilience.
      • Gram sabhas need to focus on promoting entrepreneurship and building partnerships with external stakeholders to enhance the effectiveness of revenue generation efforts.
      • The strategies outlined in the report provide a comprehensive framework for rural local bodies to harness their potential and become financially self-sufficient.
    • Challenges in Tax Collection Authority:
      • Inconsistent tax collection authority among gram panchayats, intermediate panchayats, and district panchayats creates inequities in own source revenue (OSR) distribution.
      • Gram panchayats collect 89% of own taxes, while intermediate panchayats collect 7%, and district panchayats a mere 5%.
      • There is a need for a clear demarcation of OSR responsibilities across all three tiers of panchayats to ensure fair sharing.
      • Dependency on Grants and Decreased Interest in OSR:
        • Increased allocations from Central Finance Commission (CFC) grants have led to decreased interest in OSR collection by panchayats.
        • While allocations in the 10th and 11th CFCs were ₹4,380 crore and ₹8,000 crore, the 14th and 15th CFCs saw a substantial increase to ₹2, 00,202 crore and ₹2, 80,733 crore, respectively.
        • The decline in tax and non-tax collections from 2018-19 to 2021-22 indicates a growing dependency on grants.
        • Incentivization policies and penalizing defaulters are underutilized due to the perception that OSR is not directly linked to panchayat finance.
      • Dependency Syndrome and Cultural Challenges:
        • The pervasive ‘freebie culture’ and the fear of losing popularity among elected representatives contribute to the general aversion towards imposing taxes.
        • There is a high need for education and awareness among elected representatives and the public on the importance of raising revenue for the development of self-governing panchayats.
        • Overcoming the dependency syndrome on grants requires dedicated efforts at all levels of governance, including the state and central levels.
      • Call for Empowerment and Self-Sufficiency:
        • Efforts are needed to minimize dependency on grants and enable panchayats to sustain themselves through dedicated OSR.
        • Achieving this requires collaborative efforts at all governance levels, ensuring that panchayats can thrive independently on their own resources.

About the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments Acts

  • The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments Acts were enacted in 1992 to bring about significant changes in the governance and administration of rural and urban local bodies in India.
  • These amendments aimed to strengthen the foundation of local self-government and promote decentralization of power.
  • 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (1992):
    • Title: The Constitution (Seventy-Third Amendment) Act, 1992.
    • Objective: This amendment was primarily focused on rural areas and introduced provisions for Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs).
    • Key Features:
      • It added Part IX to the Constitution, which deals exclusively with Panchayats.
      • It mandated the creation of a three-tier system of Panchayati Raj in every state – at the village, intermediate (block), and district levels.
      • It reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in proportion to their population in each tier of Panchayats.
      • It established State Election Commissions to conduct Panchayat elections.
      • It outlined the functions and powers of Panchayats, including planning for economic development and social justice, implementation of schemes for economic development, and promoting education and public health.
    • 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (1992):
      • Title: The Constitution (Seventy-Fourth Amendment) Act, 1992.
      • Objective: This amendment was designed for urban areas and introduced provisions for Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
      • Key Features:
        • It added Part IX-A to the Constitution, which deals with the Municipalities.
        • It mandated the creation of a three-tier system of Municipalities – at the municipal, intermediate (urban agglomeration or district), and metropolitan levels.
        • It reserved seats for SCs, STs, and women in proportion to their population in each tier of Municipalities.
        • It provided for the establishment of Metropolitan Planning Committees to prepare plans for metropolitan areas.
        • It outlined the powers and responsibilities of Municipalities, including urban planning, regulation of land use, municipal finance, and public health.

On the right to maintenance for divorced Muslim women

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source :  The Hindu

The Supreme Court has decided to review whether a divorced Muslim woman is eligible for maintenance under Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC).

  • This decision has reignited the ongoing debate on the precedence of secular laws over distinct personal laws, particularly in the context of maintenance claims by divorced Muslim women.

Key Highlights

  • Case Background:
    • The case involves a Muslim man challenging a Telangana High Court directive to pay ₹10,000 interim maintenance to his former wife, asserting that maintenance should be governed by the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 (1986 Act).
    • The Supreme Court bench, comprising Justices BV Nagarathna and Augustine George Masih, has reserved its verdict after hearing arguments.
  • Evolution of Maintenance Laws:
    • Maintenance laws for destitute wives, children, and parents are codified under Section 125 of the CrPC.
    • The provision empowers a magistrate to order a person with sufficient means, who neglects or refuses to maintain his wife, to provide a monthly allowance.
    • The explanation to this provision explicitly includes divorced women without specifying their religion.
    • States have made region-specific amendments to limit the maintenance amount.
      Evolution of Maintenance Laws:
  • Provisions of the 1986 Act:
    • The 1986 Act, a religion-specific law, was enacted to counter the Supreme Court’s 1985 decision in Mohd. Ahmad Khan v. Shah Bano Begum.
    • The 1985 verdict upheld a Muslim woman’s right to seek maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC, leading to concerns about interference with religious personal laws.
    • Section 3 of the 1986 Act ensures maintenance for a divorced Muslim woman during the iddat period, typically three months after divorce or the death of her husband.
    • The amount is equivalent to the mahr or dowry received at the time of marriage.
    • If the woman has not remarried after iddat, she can approach a first-class magistrate for continued maintenance.
  • Judicial Interpretations:
    • In the Danial Latifi v. Union Of India (2001) case, a Constitution Bench upheld the 1986 Act’s constitutional validity but limited the maintenance period to the completion of iddat.
    • Subsequent Supreme Court decisions in 2009 and 2019 reiterated a divorced Muslim woman’s right to claim maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC as long as she remains unmarried.
    • The courts clarified that choosing the CrPC did not debar her from seeking maintenance, providing flexibility in legal recourse.
  • Current Case Overview:
    • The Supreme Court is currently addressing an appeal by Mohd. Abdul Samad, involving a dispute with his former wife who sought ₹50,000 monthly maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC, alleging ‘triple talaq.’
    • The husband argues that the provisions of the 1986 Act, as a special law, should supersede Section 125 of the CrPC.
    • He contends that the 1986 Act grants jurisdiction to the First-Class Magistrate to decide mahr and other subsistence issues, making relief claims inappropriate before the family court.
    • Husband’s Arguments:
      • The appellant highlights that he already paid ₹15,000 to his former wife during the iddat period.
      • He asserts that the wife didn’t file an affidavit before the magistrate expressing a preference for CrPC provisions over the 1986 Act, as stipulated by Section 5 of the latter.
    • Court Decisions:
      • In June 2023, the Hyderabad family court granted ₹20,000 interim maintenance, later reduced to ₹10,000 by the Telangana High Court in December 2023.
      • The High Court ordered the payment of arrears and emphasized the need for adjudicating several raised questions.
      • The main plea is directed to be disposed of within six months by the family court, without delving into legal questions at that stage.
      • The ongoing case underscores the complexities arising from the intersection of personal and secular laws in the context of maintenance claims post ‘triple talaq.’
    • Court’s Observations:
      • During the proceedings, the Supreme Court noted that Section 3 of the 1986 Act, starting with a non-obstante clause, does not prohibit an alternative remedy under Section 125 of the CrPC.
      • The amicus curiae, Mr. Agrawal, agreed with this observation and highlighted that the Constitution bench in the Danial Latifi case did not specifically address whether the 1986 Act supersedes the right under Section 125 of the CrPC.
      • Agrawal pointed out that the Danial Latifi judgment suggested that the 1986 Act should be interpreted to ensure that divorced Muslim women have the same maintenance rights as other divorced women in the country.
      • Upholding the validity of the 1986 Act, the court clarified that it does not intend to treat Muslim divorced women less favorably than others, aligning with constitutional principles.
    • Application of Section 127(3)(b) of the CrPC:
      • The judges noted that if the husband had paid a certain amount to the wife during the iddat period, Section 127(3)(b) of the CrPC might have come into play.
      • Rejecting the petitioner’s argument that the 1986 Act implies Parliament’s intent to debar Muslim women from seeking relief under Section 125 of the CrPC, the court emphasized that the Act does not explicitly restrict Muslim women from filing petitions under Section 125.
      • The absence of such a restriction led the court to question the addition of such limitations to the Act.
    • Allahabad High Court’s Stance:
      • In recent judgments like Arshiya Rizvi v. State of U.P. and Anr (2022), Razia v. State of U.P. (2022), and ShakilaKhatun v. State of U.P (2023), the Allahabad High Court has consistently upheld the right of divorced Muslim women to claim maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC beyond the iddat period, provided they do not remarry.
    • Kerala High Court’s Perspectives:
      • In MujeebRahiman v. Thasleena (2022), a Kerala High Court judge asserted that a divorced Muslim woman can pursue maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC until relief is obtained under Section 3 of the 1986 Act.
      • This maintenance order remains valid until the Section 3 amount is paid.
      • Contrarily, in Noushad Flourish v. AkhilaNoushad (2023), another judge in the Kerala High Court, Justice A. Badharudeen, took a different stance.
      • He ruled that a Muslim wife obtaining divorce through khula cannot claim maintenance under Section 125 of the CrPC.
      • The judge considered khula equivalent to the wife’s refusal to live with her husband, as specified in Section 125(4) of the CrPC.

About the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC)

  • The Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) is the main legislation that provides the machinery for the investigation of crime, apprehension of suspected criminals, collection of evidence, determination of guilt or innocence of the accused, and the administration of criminal justice in India.
  • It was enacted in 1973 and came into force on 1 April 1974.
  • The CrPC covers various aspects of criminal procedure, including the classification of offenses into cognizable and non-cognizable offenses.
    • Cognizable offenses are those for which a police officer may arrest without a warrant, while non-cognizable offenses require a warrant for arrest.
  • The CrPC also outlines the powers and procedures for the police to investigate cognizable and non-cognizable offenses, the process of filing an FIR (First Information Report), and the role of the judiciary in the administration of criminal justice.
  • The Code of Criminal Procedure has been amended several times to keep it in line with the evolving needs of society and to address lacunae in the criminal justice system.
  • The amendments have introduced provisions for victim compensation, expedited trials, and other measures to ensure a fair and just legal process.

Rules that edge out women from jobs due to marriage illegal: SC

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court has categorically declared rules that lead to the termination of women employees’ jobs due to marriage or domestic issues as unconstitutional.

  • The court emphasized the discriminatory nature of such rules and their violation of human dignity, the right to non-discrimination, and fair treatment.

Key Highlights

  • Background:
    • The case involved a former Lieutenant, Selina John, a Permanent Commissioner Officer in the Military Nursing Service, who was discharged for getting married.
    • The Union Government had appealed against a decision by the Lucknow Bench of the Armed Forces Tribunal, which ruled in her favor.
  • Court’s Observations:
    • The court labeled terminating employment based on marriage as a form of “coarse gender discrimination” and a clear case of gender inequality.
    • The court unequivocally stated that laws and regulations founded on gender-based bias are constitutionally impermissible.
    • Rules that make marriage and domestic involvement grounds for disentitlement were deemed unconstitutional by the court.
    • The rule against the marriage of women nursing officers was found to be “ex facie manifestly arbitrary.”
  • The court noted that the Army instruction related to the terms and conditions of service for the grant of permanent commissions in the Military Nursing Service was withdrawn in 1995.
  • Compensation Awarded:
    • The Supreme Court directed the Union Government to pay ₹60 lakh in compensation to Selina John as a full and final settlement of all her claims.
    • The court deemed her release from services as both “wrong and illegal.”

Study finds rise in blood clots, heart inflammation after COVID vaccination

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source :  The Hindu

The Global Covid Vaccine Safety Project conducted one of the largest assessments, encompassing 99 million individuals, to investigate adverse reactions following COVID-19 vaccination.

  • The study revealed that instances of Guillain-Barre Syndrome, myocarditis, pericarditis, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) were at least 1.5 times more frequent than expected after inoculation with mRNA and ChAdOX1 vaccines.
  • These findings align with previous observations by the World Health Organization and the European Medicines Agency, categorizing these reactions as ‘rare’ side effects of COVID-19 vaccination.

Key Highlights

  • Serious Conditions:
    • Guillain-Barre syndrome involves the immune system attacking nerves, potentially causing muscular damage and requiring prolonged treatment.
    • CVST refers to blood clots in the brain, while myocarditis and pericarditis involve inflammation of the heart tissue—serious and potentially fatal conditions.
  • Global Participation:
    • The assessment compiled electronic healthcare data from various regions, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, New Zealand, and Scotland.
    • The analysis employed observed versus expected ratios (OE ratios), where ratios exceeding 1.5 were considered ‘potential safety signals,’ prompting a thorough investigation.
    • Note: Observed versus expected ratios are a statistical comparison used in various fields to assess whether the observed results differ significantly from what would be expected based on certain assumptions or models.
  • Adverse Reactions Identified:
    • A recent study, published in the peer-reviewed journal Vaccine, reveals concerning Observed versus Expected (OE) ratios for adverse reactions following specific COVID-19 vaccines.
    • Guillain-Barré syndrome and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis (CVST) displayed an OE ratio of 3.23 after the first dose of the ChAdOx1 vaccine, while acute disseminated encephalomyelitis exhibited an OE ratio of 3.78 following the first dose of the mRNA-1273 vaccine.
    • Myocarditis and pericarditis OE ratios were significantly increased (>1.5) for BNT162b2 (Pfizer/BioNTech), mRNA-1273 (Moderna), and ChAdOx1 (Oxford/AstraZeneca/Serum Institute of India).
    • Note: Notably, the dataset did not include patients from India, where a majority received the ChAdOX1 or Covishield vaccines.
  • Indian Adverse Events Data:
    • As of December 6, 2022, India reported 92,003 Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFI), accounting for approximately 0.009% of the vaccinated population.
    • A government affidavit to the Supreme Court highlighted a lower percentage compared to the U.S. (0.2%) and the U.K. (0.7%), emphasizing the influence of reporting system strength on these ratios.
    • Disparities in reporting systems may be influenced by both better reporting mechanisms and physiological factors.
  • While the study confirmed previously identified rare safety signals following COVID-19 vaccination, the Global Covid Vaccine Safety Project calls for further investigation to validate associations and assess clinical significance.
    • The study underscores the importance of ongoing monitoring and research to ensure the safety of COVID-19 vaccines globally.

Understanding the Medical Conditions

  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS):
    • Definition: Guillain-Barré Syndrome is a rare neurological disorder where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, leading to muscle weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, paralysis.
    • Symptoms: GBS often starts with weakness and tingling in the legs and can progress to the arms and upper body. In severe cases, it may affect the muscles responsible for breathing and other vital functions.
    • Causes: While the exact cause is not always clear, GBS is often preceded by an infection, with certain bacteria and viruses being associated with its onset.
    • Treatment: There is no cure for GBS, but supportive care, physical therapy, and sometimes immunotherapy can help manage symptoms.
  • Myocarditis:
    • Definition: Myocarditis is the inflammation of the heart muscle (myocardium). It can affect the heart’s function and lead to symptoms such as chest pain, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
    • Causes: Myocarditis can be caused by viral infections, bacteria, certain medications, and autoimmune conditions. In some cases, the cause remains unknown.
    • Symptoms: Symptoms can vary but may include chest pain or discomfort, fatigue, rapid or irregular heartbeat, and shortness of breath.
    • Treatment: Treatment may involve medications to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. Severe cases may require more intensive interventions, such as mechanical circulatory support.
  • Pericarditis:
    • Definition: Pericarditis is the inflammation of the pericardium, the thin sac surrounding the heart. It can cause chest pain and discomfort.
    • Causes: Similar to myocarditis, viral infections, bacterial infections, and autoimmune disorders can cause pericarditis. It can also occur after a heart attack.
    • Symptoms: The main symptom is chest pain, which may be sharp and stabbing and can be relieved by sitting up or leaning forward. Other symptoms may include fever and difficulty breathing.
    • Treatment: Treatment often involves medications to reduce inflammation and manage pain. In severe cases, interventions such as draining excess fluid from the pericardium may be necessary.
  • Cerebral Venous Sinus Thrombosis (CVST):
    • Definition: CVST is a rare type of stroke that occurs when a blood clot forms in the venous sinuses of the brain, preventing blood from draining out properly.
    • Causes: Risk factors include conditions that increase the risk of blood clotting, such as certain medications, genetic factors, and some medical conditions. It can also be associated with infections.
    • Symptoms: Symptoms may include severe headaches, visual disturbances, seizures, and neurological deficits.
    • Treatment: Treatment typically involves anticoagulant medications to prevent further clot formation and allow blood to flow more freely.