West Nile Fever in Kerala
Kerala's Health Department has recently reported cases of West Nile fever in three districts. This disease, caused by the West Nile Virus (WNV), belongs to the flavivirus genus and is a part of the Japanese encephalitis antigenic complex in the Flaviviridae family. WNV primarily infects birds, acting as natural hosts, and is prevalent across Africa, Europe, the Middle East, North America, and West Asia. While humans can contract it through mosquito bites from infected birds, direct transmission between humans is rare. Symptoms range from fever, headache, and tiredness to neurological complications. Treatment focuses on supportive care due to the lack of specific medicines or vaccines against WNV.
Pyrenees Mountains
The Pyrenees Mountains, forming a natural border between Spain and France, are a notable geographical feature in southwestern Europe. These ancient fold mountains, created by the collision of the microcontinent of Iberia with the Eurasian plate, stretch about 500 km from the Mediterranean Sea to the Bay of Biscay. Politically, they are divided into the Spanish and French Pyrenees, with Andorra nestled between them. Aneto Peak, located in Spain, stands as the highest point in this mountain range at 3,404 meters.
Spektr-RG Space Observatory
Astronomers have recently utilized the Spektr-RG space observatory to discover a new pulsar. Launched in 2019, Spektr-RG is a joint German-Russian initiative for high-energy astrophysics research, focusing on X-ray observations. The mission's primary instrument, eROSITA, aims to conduct a comprehensive survey of X-ray sources, including galaxy clusters and active galactic nuclei. This survey holds promise for identifying new cosmic phenomena and enhancing our understanding of celestial objects like black holes and neutron stars.
CDSCO's Role in Medical Regulation
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) serves as India's national regulatory authority for medical devices, overseeing their import, manufacture, sale, and distribution. Headquartered in New Delhi, CDSCO ensures adherence to safety, quality, and efficacy standards in the medical industry. Under its purview, the organization approves new drugs, conducts clinical trials, and regulates the quality of imported drugs. CDSCO's recent mandate to issue manufacturing licenses for new drugs meant for exports consolidates its authority in ensuring global standards for Indian-made pharmaceuticals.
Advancements in Genetic Therapy
Researchers have made significant strides in genetic therapies, notably using CRISPR-Cas9 technology to restore vision in individuals with Leber Congenital Amaurosis (LCA), a rare genetic eye disorder. By correcting gene mutations responsible for LCA, treatments like EDIT-101 show promise in addressing genetic diseases and improving quality of life for affected individuals.
Interactive Voice Response Systems (IVRS) in Politics
Political parties are increasingly utilizing Interactive Voice Response Systems (IVRS) to engage with voters. These automated systems allow for efficient communication, providing callers with information and gathering feedback through voice or keypad inputs. IVRS technology streamlines communication processes, enhancing outreach efforts and facilitating voter engagement.
Glyptothorax punyabratai: New Catfish Species
The discovery of Glyptothorax punyabratai, a new catfish species by ICAR-NBFGR in Arunachal Pradesh's pristine waters, highlights the rich biodiversity of India's aquatic ecosystems. Catfish, with over 2000 species globally, play crucial roles in freshwater environments, underscoring the importance of conservation efforts to protect such unique species.
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