CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• Residents of low-lying areas in Rourkela are on edge due to the Brahmani River swelling from heavy rains over the past several days.
• About Brahmani River:
  • The Brahmani River is a significant east-flowing river in India, traversing multiple states. Originating from the Chota Nagpur Plateau, it forms at the confluence of the Sankh and South Koel rivers near Rourkela in Odisha. The river, known as Dhamra downstream, covers a basin area of 39,033 sq. km. before merging with the Mahanadi River and finally emptying into the Bay of Bengal at Palmyras Point. Stretching about 799 km in length, with 541 km within Odisha, the Brahmani River is notable for cutting through the Eastern Ghats, forming a gorge near Rengali where a dam stands. The river supports diverse wildlife, with the Brahmani delta forming part of the Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary, renowned for its estuarine crocodiles.

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• In a groundbreaking new approach to glioblastoma research, scientists utilized artificial intelligence (AI) to transform cancer cells into dendritic cells (DCs). These reprogrammed cells are capable of recognizing cancer cells and guiding other immune cells to eliminate them.
• About Glioblastoma:
  • Glioblastoma is a type of cancer originating from abnormal cell growth in the brain or spinal cord, triggered by DNA mutations. These mutations cause uncontrolled cell proliferation, leading to the formation of tumors from astrocytes, cells that support nerve cells and facilitate brain nutrition. Glioblastoma tumors have the ability to develop their own blood supply, facilitating rapid growth and infiltration into healthy brain tissue.
  • This aggressive cancer progresses swiftly and can profoundly impact neurological functions, presenting symptoms such as worsening headaches, nausea, blurred vision, speech difficulties, sensory changes, and seizures. While glioblastoma can affect individuals of any age, it is more frequently diagnosed in older adults and accounts for nearly half of all malignant brain tumors in adults.
  • Current treatments, which include surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, aim to manage symptoms and slow tumor growth, though a definitive cure remains elusive.

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• The Indian Air Force (IAF) has authorized the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) to commence production of 200 Astra air-to-air missiles for integration onto its Su-30 and LCA Tejas fighter jets.
• About Astra Missile:
  • The Astra missile is an advanced beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile designed for deployment on fighter aircraft. Developed domestically by DRDO and manufactured by Bharat Dynamics Ltd. (BDL), it is specifically engineered to engage and eliminate aerial targets exhibiting high maneuverability and supersonic speeds.
  • This state-of-the-art missile is distinguished globally within its class of air-to-air weapon systems, designed for multi-target engagement capabilities in high-performance scenarios. Astra comes in various configurations tailored to specific operational requirements.
• Features of ASTRA Mk-I:
  • Measuring 3.6 meters in length with a diameter of 178 mm, and weighing 154 kg, the Astra missile boasts an impressive range of 80 to 110 km in head-on pursuits, capable of achieving speeds up to Mach 4.5 (nearly hypersonic). Its guidance system employs an inertial platform guided by a fiber optic gyroscope, complemented by active radar homing for precise terminal guidance.
  • The missile supports both "Lock on Before Launch – LOBL" and "Lock on After Launch – LOAL" modes, enabling the pilot to fire and maneuver safely post-launch. Powered by advanced solid-fuel ducted ramjet (SFDR) technology, Astra operates effectively under diverse weather conditions, ensuring high reliability and a substantial "Single Shot Kill Probability – SSKP."

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• A segment of the Thadou tribes, represented by the Thadou Students' Association (TSA) based in Manipur, has established a global platform to address critical community issues, particularly those affecting Manipur.
• About Thadou People:
  • The Thadou are indigenous inhabitants residing in the hilly regions adjacent to the Imphal Valley in Manipur, a northeastern state of India. As per the Manipur Census of 2011, they constitute the second-largest population group in Manipur, following the Meitei community. Beyond Manipur, Thadou communities are also found in Assam, Nagaland, and Mizoram within India, as well as in the Chin State and Sagaing Division of Myanmar (Burma).
  • The Thadou language belongs to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family. Their traditional livelihoods include animal husbandry, agriculture (notably jhum or slash-and-burn farming), hunting, and fishing. Thadou settlements are typically situated in forested areas, often atop or below ridges, without formal urban planning or demarcated village boundaries.
  • Nearly all Thadou people identify as adherents of Christianity, reflecting a strong religious affiliation within the community.

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• Recently, the Madras Engineer Group of the Indian Army, also known as Madras Sappers, constructed a Bailey bridge at Chooralmala to provide access to Mundakkai village, severely affected by landslides.
• About Bailey Bridge:
  • A Bailey bridge is a type of modular bridge designed with pre-fabricated components that require minimal on-site construction and can be swiftly assembled as needed.
• Origin:
  • The Bailey bridge originated during World War 2, invented by Donald Coleman Bailey, an English civil engineer. It was developed to meet wartime needs and has since become a versatile solution for rapid bridge construction.
• How Bailey Bridge Works:
  • The bridge consists of lightweight steel panels connected by pins, which serve as large, screw-like fasteners. These panels form the framework of the bridge and support guardrails on both sides.
  • Workers lay beams across the guardrails to create the bridge deck. Each component is designed to interlock securely, ensuring stability during assembly and use.
  • Bailey bridges are renowned for their mobility and ease of transportation. They do not require heavy machinery for installation, making them particularly suitable for disaster relief operations where access and speed are crucial. Components can be transported efficiently in small trucks, a logistical advantage both in disaster zones and military contexts.

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• Recently, researchers from India and the United Kingdom have unveiled six new species of bent-toed geckos found in Northeast India.
• About Bent-Toed Geckos:
  • Bent-toed geckos, belonging to the genus Cyrtodactylus, are a diverse group commonly referred to as bow-fingered geckos or forest geckos. They are ectothermic, relying on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature. Reproduction typically occurs during warm and wet seasons.
  • Distribution and Diversity:
  • The genus Cyrtodactylus includes approximately 346 species spread across various biogeographic regions. They are found in Peninsular India, Sri Lanka, the Himalayan foothills, Northeast India, Southeast Asia, and the Solomon Islands.
• Highlights of New Species:
  • Namdapha Bent-Toed Gecko: Discovered in Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, this species thrives in lowland evergreen forests within Namdapha and Kamlang Tiger Reserves.
  • Siang Valley Bent-Toed Gecko (Arunachal Pradesh): Found in the Siang River valley, known for its rich biodiversity.
  • Ngengpui Bent-Toed Gecko (Mizoram): Unearthed in Ngengpui Wildlife Sanctuary, Lawngtlai district, one of the easternmost protected areas in India.
  • Manipur Bent-Toed Gecko: Located near Lamdan Kabui village in Manipur.
  • Kiphire Bent-Toed Gecko and Barail Hill Bent-Toed Gecko (Nagaland): These species were discovered in Nagaland, showcasing the region's unique biodiversity.
• These discoveries highlight the rich biodiversity of Northeast India and underscore the importance of conservation efforts in protecting these newly identified species of bent-toed geckos.

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• Lyme disease poses a significant public health challenge, impacting an estimated 476,000 individuals annually in the United States alone.
• About Lyme Disease:
  • Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, primarily transmitted through the bite of infected black-legged ticks, also known as deer ticks.
• Transmission:
  • The disease cannot spread directly from person to person, nor from pets to humans. It is exclusively transmitted through the bite of infected ticks and is not airborne or spread through water or food. Mosquitoes, fleas, lice, and flies do not transmit Lyme disease.
• Global Distribution:
  • Lyme disease is prevalent in wooded and grassy areas worldwide, particularly during warmer months. It is most commonly reported in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
• Symptoms:
  • Symptoms typically appear within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite and commonly include fever, headache, fatigue, and a distinctive "bull's-eye" rash known as erythema migrans (EM). This rash is a key indicator for early diagnosis and management of the disease.
• Complications:
  • If untreated, Lyme disease can lead to severe complications affecting the joints, heart, and nervous system, underscoring the importance of prompt medical attention.
• Treatment:
  • The standard treatment for Lyme disease involves antibiotics such as doxycycline or amoxicillin, particularly effective in the early stages of infection. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent further health complications.

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• The Bagata tribal community, known for their historical role as dedicated warriors (Bhaktas) of ancient rulers, are currently facing challenges in accessing electricity, despite their contributions to the construction of the Lower Sileru Hydro-Electric Project.
• About Bagata Tribe:
  • The Bagatas, also known as Bagatha, Bagat, Bagodi, Bogad, or Bhakta, reside primarily in the states of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
• Cultural Aspects:
  • Origin and Name: They trace their name to their past as loyal warriors (Bhaktas) of erstwhile rulers.
  • Location: They are found in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.
  • Festivals: Dhimsa is a significant dance form enjoyed by Bagata tribes of all ages, known for its energetic participation. Their traditional dances are known as Sankidi Kelbar.
  • Family Life: Bagata society predominantly features nuclear families, with a preference for cross-cousin marriages and marriage arranged through negotiations.
  • Language: They communicate primarily in Odia and Telugu, with their own local dialect known as Adivasi Oriya.
  • Livelihood: Agriculture is the mainstay occupation among the Bagata tribes, supporting their daily livelihood needs.
  • Religion: They practice a blend of Hinduism, worshiping both Hindu deities and their ancestral and tribal gods.
• Despite their rich cultural heritage and contributions to agriculture, the Bagata community continues to face challenges such as inadequate access to electricity, highlighting ongoing socio-economic issues that impact their daily lives.

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• A recent study has revealed significant developments at the Ol Doinyo Lengai volcano in northern Tanzania, where magma-filled eruptions have been occurring while the volcano itself has been sinking over the past decade.
• About Ol Doinyo Lengai Volcano:
  • Ol Doinyo Lengai is situated at the southern end of Lake Natron and is revered by the local Maasai people as the "Mountain of God." It stands as an active stratovolcano characterized by its distinctive geological features, reaching an elevation of 9,442 feet (2,878 meters). This volcano is part of the East African Rift System and is known for its unique composition of lavas rich in sodium and potassium, which give it an extraordinarily alkaline nature resembling washing soda.
• Geological Rarity:
  • What makes Ol Doinyo Lengai exceptional is its status as the only active volcano on Earth with extremely fluid carbonatite magma. This magma is notably low in silica and enriched with alkali elements such as calcium and sodium.
• Recent Study Findings:
  • According to the latest research, conducted over several years, the upper slopes of the volcano's crater have been gradually subsiding since 2013. The sinking phenomenon is believed to be linked to the deflation of a magma reservoir located approximately 3,300 feet (1,000 meters) beneath the volcano. This deflationary process is a key factor contributing to the sinking of Ol Doinyo Lengai's crater slopes.
• These findings underscore the dynamic and complex nature of Ol Doinyo Lengai as a volcanic system and highlight ongoing geological processes that influence its activity and landscape over time.