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- Measles, a highly infectious virus, is experiencing a resurgence in the United States, particularly in states like Texas, driven by lower vaccination rates and increased international travel.
- About Measles:
- Measles is an extremely contagious and serious airborne illness. It is caused by a virus from the paramyxovirus family and spreads through direct contact and the air. The virus primarily attacks the respiratory system before circulating throughout the body, leading to severe complications, including death.
- Symptoms: The initial symptom of measles is often a high fever, typically appearing 10 to 14 days after exposure and lasting for four to seven days. During the early stages, individuals may also experience a runny nose, cough, red and watery eyes, and small white spots inside the cheeks. A rash generally appears after a few days, starting on the face and upper neck. Over the next few days, the rash spreads to the hands and feet and lasts for about five to six days before fading.
- Who is at risk? Anyone who is not immune—whether due to not being vaccinated or not developing immunity from vaccination—is at risk of contracting measles. Unvaccinated young children and pregnant individuals are particularly vulnerable to severe complications from measles.
- Treatment: There is no specific antiviral treatment for measles.
- A large-scale initiative to clean the heavily polluted Yamuna River has recently begun, following a comprehensive four-pronged strategy aimed at restoring the river’s health within three years.
- About the Yamuna River:
- The Yamuna is the principal tributary of the Ganga River. It originates in the Himalayas from the Yamunotri Glacier, at an elevation of 4,421 meters.
- Course: Rising near the Banderpooch peaks at 6,387 meters from the Yamunotri Glacier, the river travels a distance of 1,376 kilometers before merging with the Ganga River at the Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. It holds the distinction of being the longest river in India that does not flow directly to the sea. The river flows through six Indian states: Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, with Rajasthan being the only state outside its riparian zone. The Yamuna has four major tributaries in the Himalayan region: Rishi Ganga, Hanuman Ganga, Tons, and Giri. In the plains, its key tributaries include the Hindon, Chambal, Sind, Betwa, and Ken rivers. The Tons River, as the largest tributary, contributes about 60 percent of the Yamuna's flow. The Chambal River, a significant tributary, joins the Yamuna from the right bank. The confluence of the Yamuna and Ganga at Prayagraj is considered a highly sacred site for Hindus and hosts annual festivals, including the renowned Kumbh Mela, which takes place every 12 years.
- Ukraine has reportedly acquired a new weapon system to defend against the missile barrage launched by Russia: the Gravehawk hybrid surface-to-air missile system.
- About the Gravehawk System:
- The Gravehawk is a short-range surface-to-air missile system developed by the United Kingdom. It is specifically designed to counter short-range threats, especially those posed by fast-moving airborne targets. The system is mounted on an all-terrain vehicle chassis, enabling quick deployment and high mobility across various terrains. It is equipped with infrared-guided missiles, such as the AIM-132 ASRAAM and the Wympel R-73. These missiles can reach speeds of up to Mach 2.5 and have an effective range of around 12 miles, making them highly effective against drones, cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft. A major advantage of the Gravehawk system is its passive infrared guidance, which allows it to operate without emitting radar signals, thus reducing the risk of detection by enemy forces. The launch system is containerized and features electro-optical and infrared targeting cameras, enabling remote operation, so operators can fire missiles from a safe distance.