In July 2025, the EU sanctioned Gujarat’s Vadinar Refinery (Nayara Energy) under its 18th package, restricting shipping, insurance, finance, and shadow-fleet use due to Rosneft links.
- Location: Vadinar, Devbhumi Dwarka, Gujarat.
- Operator: Nayara Energy (formerly Essar Oil).
- Stakeholder: Russian oil major Rosneft ~49% stake.
- Rank: India’s 2nd largest single-site refinery.
- Fuel Standards: Produces Euro IV/V compliant fuels.
- Logistics: SPM (Single Point Mooring), jetties, pipelines, tankage, rail-road-sea dispatch.
| Quick Facts (For Prelims) Q: Which refinery in India was first hit by EU anti-Russia sanctions? → Vadinar Refinery (Nayara Energy, Gujarat). Q: Rosneft’s stake in Nayara Energy? → ~49%. |
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis
In 2025, Kerala witnessed a noticeable spike in primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) cases, primarily in districts like Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, and Thiruvananthapuram. These recent years show rising incidence and fatalities, especially among children.
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis?
- Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM) is a rare but fatal central nervous system infection(fatality >95%) caused mainly by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri, also called the “brain-eating amoeba.”
- Mode of Infection: Contaminated water enters the nasal passage (not ingestion), travels via the olfactory nerve, and reaches the brain.
- Variants Detected: In addition to Naegleria fowleri, cases involved Sappinia pedata and Vermamoeba vermiformis.
Contributing Factors:
- Climate change → rising water temperatures.
- Unhygienic water sources → untreated wells, tanks, ponds, rivers.
Transmission & Risk Factors
- Not person-to-person; spreads only via nasal exposure.
- High-risk activities: swimming, bathing, diving, water sports, and nasal irrigation with unchlorinated/untreated water.
Clinical Features
- Early Stage: severe headache, fever, nausea, vomiting.
- Later Stage: stiff neck, seizures, hallucinations, confusion, coma.
- Progression: Rapid brain tissue destruction → death usually within 1–18 days.
Preventive Measures:
- Avoid untreated freshwater swimming/diving.
- Use sterilized/boiled water for nasal hygiene (e.g., neti pot).
- Awareness campaigns on safe water use.
| Prelims practice question Q.With reference to Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM), consider the following statements: 1-It is a highly fatal brain infection caused by the free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri, commonly known as the *“brain-eating amoeba.” 2- The disease can be transmitted by drinking contaminated water or through person-to-person contact. 3-In 2025, Kerala recorded several cases, with rising incidence among children in districts such as Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad, and Thiruvananthapuram. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer: (c) 1 and 3 only |