With the recent surge in mosquito-borne illnesses due to favorable breeding conditions, it is crucial to understand the dangers of diseases like dengue, chikungunya, and Zika. These infections have no permanent cure, making prevention the only defense. With no specific treatment available, doctors emphasize the importance of mosquito control to protect oneself and loved ones from the deadly threats these diseases pose.
With the ongoing monsoon, there has been a rise in mosquito breeding, which can lead to the spread of diseases. To prevent this, experts recommend taking simple steps to protect your home, such as regularly cleaning stagnant water sources, keeping buckets and tanks covered, and using mosquito-repellent measures. Installing mesh screens and keeping doors and windows closed during peak mosquito hours can also help. According to a recent study, using spatial mosquito repellent sheets can reduce the risk of malaria by 50%.
A powerful earthquake of 6.0 magnitude struck northeast Afghanistan, causing widespread devastation and loss of life. The country has a history of being prone to earthquakes, with its location on multiple fault lines where the Indian and Eurasian plates meet. The depth and magnitude of the quake also play a significant role in its destructiveness, as shallow earthquakes are usually more dangerous. This event serves as a grim reminder of the constant tectonic activity in the region and the high seismic hazard it poses.
The Indian Meteorological Department has issued a heavy rainfall alert for Delhi-NCR, with predictions of intense downpours and severe waterlogging in Gurugram, Noida, and Ghaziabad. Schools and offices in the affected regions have been advised to remain closed, encouraging work-from-home arrangements. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are also under a red alert for the risk of flash floods, while Punjab and Jammu & Kashmir are currently under an orange warning. Stay updated with the latest news on rain, traffic conditions, and school closures in Delhi-NCR.
After a year of failed attempts, SpaceX's Starship rocket finally successfully completed its first-ever deployment of a test payload into space. The rocket, carrying eight dummy satellites, soared into orbit from Starbase in South Texas and splashed down as planned in the Indian Ocean. This marks a major achievement for SpaceX CEO Elon Musk's goal of using the Starship for future crewed missions to the moon and ultimately Mars. The successful test also included the return of the rocket's Super Heavy Booster, which splashed down in the Atlantic.
During his address on National Space Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted India's aspirations to explore deep space and encouraged the nation's space scientists to prepare for a mission beyond galaxies. He also challenged the private sector to become major players in the space industry by achieving unicorn status within five years and increasing India's launch capacity to 50 rockets per year. Modi also commended ISRO's consistent achievements and noted the historic moment two years ago when India became the first country to land on the Moon's South Pole.
Tokyo-based startup ARC Therapies Inc. has identified a gut microbe, YB328, that has shown promising results in activating anti-tumor immune responses in cancer patients. The company, with the help of their proprietary intellectual property, has designated this bacterial strain as ARC0812 and will begin pre-clinical and human clinical trials to evaluate its effectiveness in immunotherapy. YB328 was discovered by Dr. Hiroyoshi Nishikawa and his team at the National Cancer Center Research Institute, and ARC Therapies plans to further study its potential as an immune adjuvant for commercialization. By integrating immunology, genetics, and metabolism, the company aims to achieve complete cancer cures through cutting-edge research and development.
In a significant milestone for India's defense strategic capabilities, the country successfully test-fired its Agni-5 missile with Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology. The launch, which took place from the Integrated Test Range in Odisha, validated all operational and technical parameters, and was carried out under the aegis of the Strategic Forces Command. Developed jointly by the Strategic Forces Command and the Defense Research and Development Organisation, the Agni-5 missile is capable of striking targets at ranges between 5,000 km and 8,000 km, making it a powerful addition to India's defense arsenal.
A team of scientists have solved the mystery behind a sudden and localized tsunami that struck Southeast Alaska earlier this month. Despite no significant seismic activity in the area, water levels rose up to 100 feet above sea level, leaving residents baffled. Through careful analysis, researchers have identified the underlying cause and have important findings to share with the public to prevent future similar events.
The Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying in India has drafted guidelines for standardizing and facilitating blood banking and transfusion in veterinary care. With a large population of livestock and companion animals, the need for formalised and regulated blood transfusion services has become urgent. The draft guidelines aim to provide structured and scientifically sound guidance on donor selection, blood collection, processing, storage, transfusion procedures, and safety monitoring. These guidelines have important implications for the animal husbandry and dairying sector, as well as pet owners in India.