CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• Recently, two young individuals lost their lives in a tragic incident in the Bhima River at Ganagapur, located in the Kalaburagi district.
• About the Bhima River:
  • The Bhima River, also known as the Chandrabagha River, is the principal tributary of the Krishna River.
• Course:
  • The river begins near the Bhimashankar Temple, situated in the Bhimashankar hills on the western edge of the Western Ghats in Pune District, Maharashtra.
  • It travels southeast through the states of Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Telangana.
  • The Bhima River eventually converges with the Krishna River in Raichur district, Karnataka.
• Geography:
  • Stretching over 861 km, the river is flanked by the Western Ghats to the west, the Balaghat Range to the north, and the Mahadeo Hills to the south.
  • Its basin spans an area of 48,631 sq. km, with 75% of this area located in Maharashtra.
  • The river flows through a deeply entrenched valley and its banks are densely populated.
• Water Levels:
  • The water level of the Bhima River is influenced by the monsoon season; it experiences flooding in August due to the rains and becomes nearly stagnant during March and April.
• Tributaries:
  • Significant tributaries include the Indrayani, Mula, Mutha, and Pavana Rivers.
• Notable Locations:
  • Pandharpur, a major pilgrimage destination, is situated on the right bank of the Bhima River.

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• The Reserve Bank of India has recently introduced a framework for the recognition of self-regulatory organizations (SROs) within the financial markets.
• About Self-Regulatory Organizations (SROs):
  • An SRO is typically a non-governmental body established by members of a specific industry or sector to oversee and regulate entities within that field.
• Functions and Purpose:
  • An SRO develops and enforces rules and standards governing the conduct of its member organizations, aiming to safeguard consumers and promote ethical behavior, fairness, and professionalism.
  • SROs work collaboratively with stakeholders to establish and update industry regulations.
  • They operate through impartial systems to ensure that members adhere to disciplined practices and accept penalties for non-compliance.
  • SROs are designed to address broader issues beyond the immediate interests of the industry, such as protecting workers, consumers, and other participants within the ecosystem.
• Regulatory Role:
  • While SROs are private entities, they are still subject to some degree of government oversight. However, certain regulatory responsibilities are delegated to these organizations.
  • Despite being privately managed, SROs often serve as a watchdog to prevent fraud and unethical practices within their industry.
  • Their regulatory authority typically arises from internal mechanisms or agreements among businesses, rather than direct government delegation.
  • The primary goal of SROs is to regulate and monitor industry practices internally, maintaining a degree of separation from direct governmental control.

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• Recently, approximately 40 Chinese yaks crossed into Indian territory in the Demchok region of eastern Ladakh and are currently under the management of local villagers.
• About Yaks:
  • Yaks are large herd animals native to the Himalayan region, the Tibetan plateau, and Mongolia, known for their long, humped coats.
• Scientific Classification:
  • Wild yaks are often classified as a distinct species (Bos mutus) from domestic yaks (Bos grunniens), although they can interbreed with various types of cattle.
• Habitat:
  • Wild yaks inhabit alpine tundra at elevations ranging from 5,000 to 7,000 meters, while domestic yaks are adapted to lower altitudes.
  • Their habitats include diverse vegetation zones: alpine meadows, alpine steppes, and desert steppes.
  • In India, yak-rearing regions include Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and the union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
• Physical Features:
  • Wild yaks are approximately two meters tall at the shoulder, while domestic yaks are roughly half that height.
  • Both types are covered in long, shaggy fur to protect them from the cold.
  • Both sexes of yaks have curved horns, with males typically having larger horns than females.
  • Wild yaks are usually brown or black, while domestic yaks can also be white.
  • Yaks have a lung capacity about three times greater than that of cattle and possess more and smaller red blood cells, enhancing their oxygen transport efficiency.
  • They are herbivorous.
• Uses:
  • Domesticated yaks are primarily raised for their milk and meat.
  • They serve as pack animals, transporting goods across mountain passes for local farmers and traders and supporting climbing and trekking expeditions.
  • Yaks are adept at navigating steep mountain terrain and can ascend to altitudes of up to 20,000 feet.
• Conservation Status:
  • Wild yaks are classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red List.

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• The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recently issued a health advisory due to a concerning increase in cases of parvovirus B19.
• About Parvovirus B19:
  • Parvovirus B19 is a highly contagious illness, particularly affecting individuals with weakened immune systems. It is often referred to as the "slapped cheek" disease because it causes a distinctive reddening of the cheeks. This infection is also known as ‘Fifth disease’ due to its historical position as the fifth illness in a list of common childhood rashes.
• Transmission:
  • The virus spreads through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
  • It can also be transmitted through blood or contaminated blood products.
  • Pregnant individuals with parvovirus B19 can transmit the virus to the fetus via the placenta.
• Complications:
  • While parvovirus infection is generally mild in children and requires minimal treatment, it can be more severe in adults.
  • In pregnant women, the infection may lead to serious complications for the fetus.
  • Individuals with certain types of anemia or compromised immune systems are at higher risk of severe complications.
• Symptoms:
  • Many people with parvovirus B19 infection show no symptoms.
  • When symptoms do occur, they can vary significantly depending on age.
  • Common symptoms include the "slapped cheek" rash in children and joint pain in adults.
• Treatment:
  • Parvovirus B19 infections are typically mild and resolve on their own.
  • Treatment generally focuses on relieving symptoms, such as fever, itching, and joint pain and swelling.