Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Latest News

Despite being a rare disease globally, Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) remains a serious health concern in Lucknow and Uttar Pradesh due to low measles vaccination coverage.

About Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis 

• It is a progressive and usually fatal brain disorder related to measles (rubeola) infection.
• SSPE tends to occur several years after a person has measles, even though the person seems to have fully recovered from the illness. 
• SSPE has been reported in all parts of the world, but in western countries it is a rare disease.
• Males are more often affected than females. The disease generally occurs in children and adolescents.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Cause

• Normally, the measles virus does not cause brain damage. 
• However, an abnormal immune response to measles or, possibly, certain variant forms of the virus may cause severe illness and death. 
• This response leads to brain inflammation (swelling and irritation) that may last for years.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Symptoms

• The first symptoms of SSPE may be poor performance in schoolwork, forgetfulness, temper outbursts, distractibility, sleeplessness, and hallucinations. 
• Sudden muscular jerks of the arms, head, or body may occur. 
• Eventually, seizures may occur, together with abnormal uncontrollable muscle movements. Intellect and speech continue to deteriorate.
• Later, the muscles become increasingly rigid, and swallowing may become difficult. 
• The swallowing difficulty sometimes causes people to choke on their saliva, resulting in pneumonia. People may become blind.
• In the final phases, the body temperature may rise, and the blood pressure and pulse become abnormal.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis Treatment

• High mortality rates are associated with SSPE, and there is no cure for SSPE.
• Treatment is generally aimed at regulating symptoms. 
• Certain antiviral medicines and medicines that boost the immune system may be tried to slow the progression of the disease.

Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis FAQs

Q1. What are the first symptoms of SSPE?

Ans. Poor performance in schoolwork, forgetfulness, temper outbursts, distractibility, sleeplessness, and hallucinations. 

Q2. Is subacute sclerosing panencephalitis treatable?

Ans. No cure exists for subacute sclerosing panencephalitis.

Q3. What is measles?

Ans. It is a highly contagious and serious airborne disease caused by a virus in the paramyxovirus family.

Source: TOI

Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs Latest News

Recently, Telangana's Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs were added to India’s tentative UNESCO World Heritage list, highlighting their historical and archaeological significance.

About Menhirs

• Menhirs are large upright standing stones, often part of megalithic burial or ritual sites.
• Found across Europe, Africa, and Asia, they are most numerous in Western Europe.
• They vary in size, are often uneven and squared, and sometimes taper towards the top.
• Menhirs are arranged in circles, semicircles, ellipses, or parallel rows.
• The most famous alignment is the Carnac Stones in France, with 2,935 menhirs.
• Some menhirs feature engravings, possibly linked to fertility rites and seasonal cycles.

What are Megaliths?

• Megaliths are stone structures used as burial sites or commemorative (non-sepulchral) memorials.
• Burial Megaliths:
  • Dolmenoid cists (box-shaped burial chambers).
  • Cairn circles (stone circles marking graves).
  • Capstones (mushroom-shaped burial chambers, mainly in Kerala).
• Non-burial Megaliths: Menhirs serve as memorials or astronomical markers.
• Megalithic Culture in India: Most megaliths in India date back to the Iron Age (1500–500 BCE).
  • Concentrated in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.

Significance of Mudumal Menhirs

• Archaeological importance: Considered one of South India’s largest megalithic-era burial sites.
  • The site covers 80 acres and contains:
    • 80 tall menhirs (10-14 feet high).
    • 3,000 alignment stones in rows (20-25 feet apart), likely linked to ancient funerary rites.
• Astronomical Significance: Likely served as an ancient astronomical observatory.
  • Menhir alignments coincide with solar events such as:
    • Equinoxes (day and night are equal).
    • Solstices (longest and shortest days of the year).
  • A unique menhir with cup marks is considered the earliest known depiction of a constellation in South Asia (Ursa Major/Saptarshi Mandal).
• Cultural and Religious Significance: The local population worships some menhirs, calling them "Niluralla Thimmappa" (Thimmappa of the Standing Stones).
  • A particular menhir is revered as Goddess Yellamma, reflecting living cultural traditions.

Mudumal’s UNESCO Tentative List Status

• Telangana currently has only one UNESCO World Heritage Site—Ramappa Temple, inscribed in 2021.
• Added to the UNESCO Tentative List in 2025, along with:
  • Kanger Valley National Park (Chhattisgarh).
  • Ashokan Edict Sites (Multiple States).
  • Chausath Yogini Temples (Madhya Pradesh & Odisha).
  • Gupta Temples (Multiple States).
  • Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas (Madhya Pradesh & Uttar Pradesh).
• India now has 62 sites on its Tentative UNESCO List, a mandatory step before full inscription.

Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs FAQs

Q1. What are Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs?

Ans. They are ancient standing stones in Telangana dating back 3,500–4,000 years with significant astronomical and cultural importance.

Q2. Why are the Mudumal Menhirs significant?

Ans. They showcase advanced prehistoric knowledge of astronomy and mathematics while being deeply rooted in local cultural traditions.

Q3. What is the latest development regarding Mudumal Menhirs?

Ans. They were added to India’s UNESCO Tentative World Heritage List in 2025, marking a step toward full recognition.

Source: IE

Kyushu Island Latest News

The Japanese government recently announced plans to consider deploying long-range missiles on the southwestern island of Kyushu.

About Kyushu Island

• It is the southernmost and third largest of the four main islands of Japan.
• The island has a land area of 35,640 sq.km.
• It is bordered by the East China Sea to the west and the Pacific Ocean to the east.
• The Eastern Channel, or Tsushima Strait, separates Kyushu from the Korean Peninsula in the northwest.
• A series of volcanic ranges, including the world’s largest active volcanic crater, Mount Aso, are located in Kyushu.
• Highest Peak: Mount Kuju (1,794 m) 
• Major parts of Kyushu have a subtropical climate and heavy rainfall, which supports its subtropical vegetation.
• The Chikugo (142 km) is the island's longest river.
• The chief cities are the northern industrial complex of Kita-Kyūshū, the commercial centre of Fukuoka, and Nagasaki. 
• The main crops raised on the island include rice, tea, tobacco, sweet potatoes, and citrus fruit. 
• Industries, concentrated in northern Kyushu, include iron and steel and chemicals. 
• Saga ken (prefecture) is famous for porcelain and pottery.

Kyushu Island FAQs

Q1. Where is Kyushu island located?

Ans. Kyushu Island is located in the southern part of Japan. 

Q2. Is Kyushu island a coral island?

Ans. No, Kyushu Island is not a coral island.

Q3. Which is the highest peak in Kyushu island?

Ans. Mount Kuju (1,794 m) 

Source: AR

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary Latest News

In what comes as a success and encouragement for conservation experts, naturalists, and tribal communities, the first honey harvest was recently done near the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary in the scenic coastal Raigad district adjoining the financial capital of Mumbai.

About Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary

• It is located in the Murud region of Raigad district, Maharashtra. 
• It was created to preserve some of the coastal woodland ecosystem of the Western Ghats and consists of 17,250 acres of forest, grasslands, and wetlands. 
• The area was once part of the hunting reserves of the princely state of Murud-Janjira.
• Pockets of open grassland, called "mals" occur throughout the sanctuary. 
• Flora: Some of the plants which are found in the sanctuary are Ain, Kinjal, Teak, Hirda, Jamba, Mango, Ficus, and many more. 
• Fauna:
  • The major species which can be spotted here include leopard, hyena, sambar, and mouse deer. 
  • The region also houses several beautiful species of birds, including Malabar Pied Hornbill, Black Eagle, Yellow Footed Green Pigeon, Pompadour Green Pigeon, and Forest Wagtail.
  • The White-rumped vulture (Gyps bengalensis), which is noted as critically endangered, is also found in the sanctuary.

Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary FAQs

Q1. Where is the Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary located?

Ans. It is located in the Murud region of Raigad district, Maharashtra.

Q2. What are woodlands?

Ans. Woodlands are often transition zones between different ecosystems, such as grasslands, true forests, and deserts.

Q3. Where is Murud-Janjira fort situated?

Ans. Murud Janjira is a famous sea port in Maharashtra located in Raigad district of the state.

Source: DH

Potti Sriramulu Latest News

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister announced the installation of a 58-ft statue of Potti Sriramulu in Amaravati, commemorating his 58-day hunger strike for the formation of Andhra State.

About Potti Sriramulu

• Potti Sriramulu (1901-1952) was an Indian freedom fighter and revolutionary best known for his role in demanding a separate Telugu-speaking state.
• His death after a 56-day fast on December 15, 1952, led to mass protests, forcing Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to announce the creation of Andhra State on December 19, 1952.
• His sacrifice laid the foundation for the reorganisation of states on a linguistic basis, leading to the formation of linguistic states in India.

Key Contributions of Potti Sriramulu

• Role in the Indian Independence Movement: Participated in Salt Satyagraha (1930) and was imprisoned for his role. Took part in the Quit India Movement (1942) against British rule.
  • A staunch follower of Mahatma Gandhi, he joined the Gandhi Ashram in Komaravolu, established by Yerneni Subrahmanyam.
• Fight for Andhra State and linguistic reorganization: Advocated for a separate Telugu-speaking state from Madras Presidency, believing that people should be governed in their own language.
  • Launched a hunger strike on October 19, 1952, demanding a Telugu-speaking state.
  • Passed away on December 15, 1952, after 56 days of fasting, triggering nationwide protests.
  • The protests led to the formation of Andhra State on October 1, 1953, with Kurnool as its capital.
• Social reforms: Fought for Dalit rights, undertaking a hunger strike to allow Dalits entry into the Venu Gopala Swamy Temple in Moolapeta, Nellore, which was later granted.
• Impact of Potti Sriramulu's Sacrifice: His death led to the formation of the State Reorganisation Commission (1953), which recommended the reorganization of Indian states based on linguistic lines.
  • This ultimately resulted in the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, leading to the formation of linguistic states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu.

Potti Sriramulu FAQs

Q1. Who was Potti Sriramulu?
Ans. Potti Sriramulu was an Indian freedom fighter and activist known for his hunger strike demanding the formation of a separate Andhra state for Telugu-speaking people.

Q2. Why is Potti Sriramulu famous?
Ans. He is remembered for his 58-day hunger strike, which led to his death and eventually resulted in the creation of Andhra Pradesh in 1953.

Q3. What was Potti Sriramulu’s role in the Indian freedom movement?
Ans. He participated in Mahatma Gandhi’s civil disobedience movement and worked for the upliftment of Dalits and the poor.

Q4. How did Potti Sriramulu’s sacrifice influence India’s state reorganization?
Ans. His martyrdom intensified demands for linguistic states, leading to the formation of the States Reorganization Commission in 1956.

Source: TOI

End-Permian Mass Extinction Latest News

The End-Permian Mass Extinction that killed 80% of life on Earth 250 million years ago may not have been quite so disastrous for plants, new fossils hint.

About End-Permian Mass Extinction

• The End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME), also known as the Permian-Triassic Extinction Event or "The Great Dying," was the most severe extinction event in Earth's history.
• It occurred approximately 252 million years ago and marked the transition from the Permian to the Triassic Period.
  • The Triassic Period is the first period of the Mesozoic Era, lasting from 252 million to 201 million years ago.

End-Permian Mass Extinction Cause

• At that time, the supercontinent Pangea was in the process of breaking up, but all land on Earth was still largely clustered together, with the newly formed continents separated by shallow seas. 
• An enormous eruption from a volcanic system called the Siberian Traps seems to have pushed carbon dioxide levels to extremes.
• The eruption covered around 2 million square kilometers with lava and wasone of the largest volcanic events in Earth’s history. 
• The eruptions may have caused large amounts of carbon dioxide to be released into the atmosphere and caused a large-scale global warming effect of more than 10°C on land and around 8°C on the ocean surface in a short period of time. 
• The eruptions may have also caused acid aerosols and dust clouds to be released into the atmosphere, which blocked out the sun and prevented photosynthesis from occurring, effectively causing many food chains to collapse.
• This caused global warming and ocean acidification, leading to a massive collapse of the ocean ecosystem.

End-Permian Mass Extinction Impacts

• EPME was characterized by the elimination of about 90 percent of the species on Earth, which included more than 95 percent of the marine species and 70 percent of the terrestrial species. 
• In addition, more than half of all taxonomic families present at the time disappeared. 
• It ranks first in severity among the five major extinction episodes that span geologic time.

End-Permian Mass Extinction FAQs

Q1. Which extinction killed the dinosaurs?

Ans. The extinction that killed the dinosaurs is called the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction, which occurred around 66 million years ago.

Q2. What was the worst mass extinction in history?

Ans. End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME)

Q3. What is the oldest mass extinction?

Ans. The oldest mass extinction is the Ordovician-Silurian (O-S) extinction, which occurred around 443 million years ago.

Source: LS

Yemen Latest News

Recently, the U.S. launched airstrikes on Houthi-controlled areas in Yemen, targeting Houthi bases, missile defenses, and leaders.

Geopolitical Importance of Yemen

• Borders: Saudi Arabia (North) and Oman (East).
• Coastline & Strategic Importance:
  • Red Sea (West), Gulf of Aden, Arabian Sea, and Guardafui Channel (South).
  • Controls the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, a critical passage linking the Indian Ocean to the Red Sea via the Gulf of Aden.
  • The strait is vital for global oil trade and international shipping.

 Who are the Houthis?

• The Houthis are a Zaidi Shia sect based in northwestern Yemen, particularly in Sa’dah province.
• Origins: The Houthi movement began in the 1990s as a rebellion against the dictatorship of then-Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh.
• Role in the Yemen Civil War: The Houthis are a major faction in the Yemen Civil War and currently control western and northwestern Yemen, including the capital Sana’a.
  • Other factions in the war include:
    • Yemeni Government (backed by Saudi Arabia and the U.S.).
    • Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula (AQAP).
    • Ansar al-Sharia (a terrorist group in Yemen).
• Iranian Backing & Anti-Israel Position: The Houthis are part of "The Axis of Resistance", an Iran-led anti-Israel and anti-Western alliance.

Yemen FAQs

Q1. Where is Yemen located?
Ans. Yemen is located in the Middle East, on the southern tip of the Arabian Peninsula, bordering Saudi Arabia and Oman.

Q2. What is the capital of Yemen?
Ans. The capital of Yemen is Sana'a, but due to ongoing conflicts, the port city of Aden serves as a temporary capital for the internationally recognized government.

Q3. What is the official language of Yemen?
Ans. The official language of Yemen is Arabic.

Q4. What is the currency of Yemen?
Ans. The currency of Yemen is the Yemeni Rial (YER).

Source: TH

Bhadra River Latest News

Two youths from Rajasthan drowned in the Bhadra River recently.

About Bhadra River

• It is a river flowing in the Karnataka state. 
• Course: 
  • It begins at the Western Ghats range and flows east across the Deccan Plateau.
  • The tributaries Somavahini, Thadabehalla, and Odirayanahalla join it. 
  • The river flows across the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary. 
  • The Bhadra meets the Tunga River at Koodli, a small town near Shivamogga. 
  • The combined river continues east as the Tungabhadra, a major tributary of the Krishna River.
  • Tungabhadra joins Krishna at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh.
  • The Krishna River finally ends in the Bay of Bengal.
• The total length of Bhadra is 178 km, and it is sub-montane in character. 
• Bhadra Dam is a dam built across the Bhadra River near Lakkavalli village.

Bhadra River FAQs

Q1. Where is the birthplace of Tunga and Bhadra river?

Ans. The Tunga and Bhadra rivers originate in the Western Ghats of India, specifically in the Chikmagalur district of Karnataka.

Q2. What is the total length of Bhadra river?

Ans. The total length of Bhadra is 178 km.

Q3. Tungabhadra is a major tributary of which river?

Ans. The Tungabhadra River is a major tributary of the Krishna River.

Source: TOI

India-New Zealand FTA Latest News

India and New Zealand recently launched negotiations for a comprehensive and mutually beneficial Free Trade Agreement (FTA), aiming to strengthen economic ties and enhance market access.

What is a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)?

• Definition: An FTA is a trade pact between two or more countries that aims to reduce or eliminate trade barriers, such as tariffs, import/export restrictions, and non-tariff barriers.
• Key Features:
  • Covers trade in goods (agriculture & industry) and services (banking, IT, construction, etc.).
  • Advanced FTAs also include investment, intellectual property rights (IPRs), government procurement, and competition policies.

Types of Trade Agreements

• Partial Scope Agreement (PSA): Focuses on a limited number of goods.
• Free Trade Agreement (FTA): Eliminates/reduces tariffs between member countries but retains independent external tariff policies for non-members.
• Customs Union: Members follow a common external tariff for non-members.
• Common Market: Allows free movement of goods, services, and production factors (labour & capital).
• Economic Union: Coordinates macroeconomic and exchange rate policies among member nations.

India-New Zealand Trade Relations

• This marks India's second bilateral trade agreement in Oceania, following the India- Australia FTA in April 2022.
• Trade Growth: In 2023-24, India exported $538 million worth of goods to New Zealand and imported $335 million, creating a trade surplus of $203 million.
  • Bilateral trade surpassed $1 billion during April-January 2025, indicating steady growth.
  • In 2024-25 (up to December 31):
    • Indian exports to New Zealand grew by 21.49% to $496 million.
    • Imports surged by 78.72% to $463 million, narrowing the trade surplus to $33 million.

India-New Zealand FTA FAQs

Q1. Does NZ have a free trade agreement with India?

Ans. No, India and New Zealand are currently negotiating an FTA, but it has not been finalized yet.

Q2. Which country has FTA with India?

Ans. India has FTAs with countries like Japan, South Korea, UAE, and ASEAN nations, among others.

Q3. What can be exported from India to New Zealand?

Ans. India exports pharmaceuticals, machinery, textiles, and agricultural products to New Zealand.

Q4. What countries does NZ have FTA with?

Ans. New Zealand has FTAs with Australia, China, ASEAN, South Korea, and the CPTPP member countries.

Source: HT

Notifiable Diseases Latest News

There is an ongoing debate on whether cancer should be designated as a notifiable disease in India.

What Are Notifiable Diseases?

• Notifiable diseases are legally mandated to be reported to public health authorities for monitoring, prevention, and control.
• Responsibility: The state governments are responsible for implementing and notifying diseases.
• Purpose: Early warning of outbreaks, tracking disease burden, and guiding elimination and control programs.
• Examples: Cholera, tuberculosis, AIDS, dengue, hepatitis, leprosy, meningitis, plague, and measles.
• WHO’s International Health Regulations (1969): Mandates countries to report diseases for global surveillance and advisory purposes.

About the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP)

• Launched in 1981 by ICMR, the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) is India’s primary cancer data collection system.
• Objectives:
  • Generate reliable data on cancer incidence, trends, and survival rates.
  • Conduct epidemiological studies to understand risk factors.
  • Support cancer control programs under the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP).
  • Train healthcare professionals in cancer registration and epidemiology.

Notifiable Diseases FAQs

Q1. What are notifiable diseases?

Ans. Notifiable diseases are infectious diseases that, by law, must be reported to public health authorities to monitor and control outbreaks.

Q2. Why are some diseases notifiable?

Ans. Diseases are made notifiable to track their spread, prevent outbreaks, and implement public health interventions to protect communities.

Q3. Who is responsible for reporting notifiable diseases?

Ans. Healthcare providers, laboratories, and sometimes the public are required to report cases of notifiable diseases to local or national health authorities.

Q4. What are some examples of notifiable diseases?

Ans. Common examples include tuberculosis, cholera, dengue, malaria, measles, rabies, COVID-19, and certain sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Source: TH