CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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• Scientists have made significant strides in understanding how early vitamin D deficiency can lead to disruptions in the body's immune function.
• About Vitamin D:
  • Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble nutrient that occurs naturally in a small number of foods, is often added to others, and is available in supplement form. It can also be produced by the body when the skin is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight, which stimulate the synthesis of vitamin D.
  • During sunny periods, vitamin D is stored in fat and then released into the body when sunlight is scarce. Foods that naturally contain vitamin D include egg yolks, fatty fish, and liver.
• Why is Vitamin D Essential?
  • Vitamin D is crucial for the absorption of calcium and for maintaining healthy levels of calcium and phosphorus in the bloodstream, both of which are necessary for strong bones and teeth. Without adequate vitamin D, bones can become weak, brittle, and misshapen. Additionally, vitamin D plays a vital role in the proper functioning of the nervous, musculoskeletal, and immune systems.
• Vitamin D Deficiency:
  • A deficiency in vitamin D can lead to bone-related diseases such as osteoporosis and rickets. Osteoporosis is a condition where bones become fragile and more prone to fractures. In cases of long-term or severe vitamin D deficiency, the body's ability to absorb calcium and phosphorus from the intestines is compromised, leading to low calcium levels in the blood (hypocalcemia).
  • As a result, the parathyroid glands may become overactive, attempting to normalize calcium levels, a condition known as secondary hyperparathyroidism. Both hypocalcemia and hyperparathyroidism, if left unchecked, can cause symptoms like muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, and depression.

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• The U.S. Army is set to conduct a test launch of a Minuteman III hypersonic nuclear missile just hours after polling stations close on Election Day.
• About the Minuteman III Missile:
  • The LGM-30G Minuteman III is a type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) used by the United States. The "L" in LGM indicates it is silo-launched, "G" stands for surface attack, and "M" signifies a guided missile. First deployed in the early 1970s, it remains the only land-based component of the U.S. nuclear triad, which also includes submarine-launched and air-launched nuclear systems. The missile was designed and built by Boeing.
  • Although initially intended for service only about ten years, the Minuteman III has undergone multiple upgrades and will continue to serve until the planned introduction of its successor, the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), expected in 2029. It was also the first U.S. missile to be equipped with Multiple Independently Targetable Reentry Vehicles (MIRVs), allowing it to strike multiple targets with a single missile.
  • The U.S. currently maintains an estimated 440 Minuteman III missiles as part of its strategic nuclear deterrence force.
• Key Features:
  • Type: Three-stage, solid-fuel ICBM
  • Dimensions: 18.2 meters in length, 1.85 meters in diameter, and a launch weight of 34,467 kg
  • Speed: Approximately 15,000 mph (Mach 23 or 24,000 kph) at burnout (hypersonic speeds)
  • Range: Maximum range of 13,000 kilometers
  • Payload: Can carry up to three re-entry vehicles, though it currently carries a single nuclear warhead under the terms of U.S.-Russia arms control agreements
  • Launch System: The missiles are housed in hardened silos, with connections to underground launch control centers via a network of fortified cables.
  • Reliability: The Minuteman III is known for its quick launch capabilities, near-perfect testing reliability, and the availability of airborne backup controllers to ensure a rapid response in the event of a conflict.

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• The rare Common Cat Snake has recently been spotted in the Valmiki Tiger Reserve in Bihar, marking an exciting discovery for local wildlife researchers.
• About the Common Cat Snake:
  • The Common Cat Snake, also known as the Indian Gamma Snake, is a species of rear-fanged snake native to South Asia.
  • Scientific Name: Boiga trigonata
  • This species is found throughout India, except for the northeastern states beyond Sikkim, and it is not present on the Indian islands.
• Habitat:
  • The Common Cat Snake thrives in a wide range of habitats, including various types of forests and at varying elevations. It is a versatile species that can adapt to different environments.
  • Although venomous, the venom of the Common Cat Snake is not considered life-threatening to humans. It uses its venom primarily for capturing and subduing small prey rather than for defense.
• Features:
  • Size: A medium-sized snake, typically measuring between 70 and 100 cm in length.
  • Body: The snake has a slender and elongated body with a narrow tail.
  • Coloration: The upper body is grey-brown, adorned with cream-colored irregular markings outlined in black. Its underside is a pale yellow-white or yellow-brown.
  • Head: The head is large and triangular, noticeably broader than its neck.
  • Distinctive Markings: Unlike other cat snakes, the Common Cat Snake displays a distinctive “gamma” or “Y”-shaped marking, which aids in its identification in the wild.
• Lifespan:
  • The average lifespan of the Common Cat Snake ranges from 12 to 20 years in the wild.
• Diet:
  • The Common Cat Snake primarily feeds on small vertebrates.
• Conservation Status:
  • According to the IUCN Red List, the Common Cat Snake is classified as Least Concern, reflecting its stable population across its range.