CURRENT-AFFAIRS

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  • The U.S. military has repositioned its Typhon missile launchers within the Philippines to boost their mobility and survivability, in response to growing tensions with China and Russia.
  • About the Typhon Missile System:
    • The Typhon, also known as the Mid-Range Capability (MRC), is a versatile and advanced missile system built for surface-to-surface missions. It is a mobile, ground-launched platform designed to offer the U.S. Army improved long-range strike potential. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the Typhon Weapon System features a modular design, allowing it to launch a variety of missile types. The system primarily uses two cutting-edge missiles: the Standard Missile 6 (SM-6) and the Tomahawk cruise missile. The SM-6 (Range: 500 km) is a surface-to-air missile that also has the ability to engage surface targets, while the Tomahawk (Range: 2,500 km) is a cruise missile, originally intended for land strikes but now also effective against naval targets. A complete Typhon Weapon System battery includes four launchers, a command post, and support vehicles, all mounted on trailers.

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  • The principal bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has recently instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to submit a report within four weeks regarding the status of notifying the Dhanauri water body as a wetland.
  • About Dhanauri Wetland:
    • The Dhanauri Wetland is situated in Greater Noida, within Gautam Buddha Nagar district, Uttar Pradesh, near the Okhla Bird Sanctuary and the Surajpur Wetland.
    • It lies within the floodplains of the Yamuna Basin, just 15 kilometers from the River Yamuna.
    • The wetland, predominantly made up of marshy areas, is a crucial habitat for the vulnerable Sarus Crane (Antigone antigone).
    • In addition to the Sarus Crane, the Dhanauri Wetland hosts several bird species, including the Common Teal, Mallard, Northern Pintail, Greylag Geese, Bar-headed Geese, Woolly-necked Stork, Black-necked Stork, Painted Stork, and Eurasian Marsh Harrier, among others.
    • It is recognized as an Important Bird Area by BirdLife International.

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  • Recently, around 59 people in Pune have been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome.
  • About Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS):
    • Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) is a neurological disorder in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nervous system.
    • This part of the nervous system lies outside the brain and spinal cord, controlling muscle movement, pain perception, and sensations of temperature and touch.
    • GBS is also known as acute inflammatory demyelinating polyradiculoneuropathy (AIDP).
    • Although it can affect people of any age, it is most commonly seen in individuals between the ages of 30 and 50.
  • Causes:
    • The exact cause of GBS is still not fully understood, but it often occurs after a viral or bacterial infection, vaccination, or major surgery. During these events, the immune system becomes overstimulated, leading to the onset of this rare disorder.
  • Symptoms:
    • GBS often starts with an unexplained fever, followed by weakness and other symptoms affecting the nervous system.
    • The condition can worsen over the course of hours, days, or weeks, potentially rendering certain muscles non-functional.
    • While some cases of GBS are mild, with only temporary weakness, others can lead to severe paralysis, making it difficult or even impossible for the patient to breathe without assistance.
  • Treatment:
    • Currently, there is no definitive cure for GBS.
    • The most common treatment is intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG), which is derived from donated blood containing healthy antibodies.
    • This treatment helps to suppress the immune system's attack on the nerves, aiding in recovery.