1. Bhadra River

Two youths from Rajasthan recently drowned in the Bhadra River.

About Bhadra River:

• An east-flowing river in Karnataka.
• Course: Originates in the Western Ghats and traverses the Deccan Plateau.
• Major tributaries include Somavahini, Thadabehalla, and Odirayanahalla.
• Flows through the Bhadra Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Joins the Tunga River at Koodli, near Shivamogga, forming the Tungabhadra River.
• Tungabhadra, a significant tributary of the Krishna River, merges with Krishna at Sangamaleshwaram in Andhra Pradesh.
• The Krishna River ultimately empties into the Bay of Bengal.
• The Bhadra River spans 178 km and exhibits a sub-montane character.
• Bhadra Dam: A dam constructed across the river near Lakkavalli village.

2. Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE)

Despite being rare worldwide, Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis (SSPE) remains a major health concern in Uttar Pradesh due to inadequate measles vaccination coverage.

About SSPE:

• A progressive and often fatal neurological disorder linked to measles (rubeola) infection.
• Typically develops years after measles recovery, despite the individual appearing fully healed.

Cause:

• The measles virus generally does not harm the brain, but an abnormal immune response or certain virus variants may trigger severe illness and death.
• This response leads to prolonged brain inflammation.
• Though SSPE is reported globally, it is rare in Western nations.
• More common in males and primarily affects children and adolescents.

Symptoms:

• Initial signs include academic decline, memory loss, irritability, sleep disturbances, and hallucinations.
• Muscle jerks in the arms, head, or body may occur.
• As the disease progresses, seizures, uncontrolled muscle movements, speech impairment, and cognitive decline develop.
• Later stages involve muscle rigidity, difficulty swallowing (which can cause choking and pneumonia), and potential blindness.
• In the final phase, body temperature, blood pressure, and pulse become irregular.

Treatment:

• SSPE has a high mortality rate and no known cure.
• Treatment focuses on symptom management.
• Some antiviral and immune-boosting medications may help slow disease progression.

3. Kyushu Island

Japan has announced plans to explore the deployment of long-range missiles on Kyushu, a southwestern island.

About Kyushu Island:

• The southernmost and third-largest of Japan’s four main islands.
• Covers a land area of 35,640 sq. km.
• Bordered by the East China Sea (west) and the Pacific Ocean (east).
• The Eastern Channel (Tsushima Strait) separates Kyushu from the Korean Peninsula.
• Home to volcanic ranges, including Mount Aso, the world's largest active volcanic crater.
• Highest Peak: Mount Kuju (1,794 m).
• Climate: Mostly subtropical with high rainfall, supporting lush vegetation.
• Rivers: The Chikugo River (142 km) is the longest on the island.
• Major Cities: Kita-Kyūshū (industrial hub), Fukuoka (commercial center), and Nagasaki.
• Agriculture: Produces rice, tea, tobacco, sweet potatoes, and citrus fruits.
• Industries: Concentrated in northern Kyushu, specializing in iron, steel, and chemicals.
• Saga Prefecture: Renowned for its porcelain and pottery.

4. Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary

In a positive step for conservation efforts, naturalists and local tribal communities conducted the first honey harvest near Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra’s coastal Raigad district, near Mumbai.

About Phansad Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Located in the Murud region of Raigad district, Maharashtra.
• Established to protect the coastal woodland ecosystem of the Western Ghats.
• Spans 17,250 acres of forest, grasslands, and wetlands.
• Formerly part of the hunting reserves of the Murud-Janjira princely state.
• Features open grassland patches known as "mals."

Flora:

• Home to species like Ain, Kinjal, Teak, Hirda, Jamba, Mango, and various Ficus species.

Fauna:

• Inhabited by leopards, hyenas, sambars, and mouse deer.
• Bird species include Malabar Pied Hornbill, Black Eagle, Yellow-Footed Green Pigeon, Pompadour Green Pigeon, and Forest Wagtail.
• Hosts the critically endangered White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis).

5. End-Permian Mass Extinction (EPME)

New fossil evidence suggests that the End-Permian Mass Extinction, which wiped out 80% of life on Earth 250 million years ago, may not have been as devastating for plants as previously believed.

About EPME:

• Also called the Permian-Triassic Extinction Event or "The Great Dying."
• The most severe mass extinction in Earth's history.
• Occurred ~252 million years ago, marking the transition from the Permian to the Triassic Period.

Cause:

• At the time, Pangea was breaking up, with continents still closely clustered and separated by shallow seas.
• Massive volcanic eruptions from the Siberian Traps led to extreme carbon dioxide levels.
• The eruptions covered ~2 million sq. km with lava, making it one of the largest volcanic events in history.
• Released carbon dioxide led to severe global warming, with temperature spikes exceeding 10°C on land and 8°C in oceans.
• Emissions also produced acid aerosols and dust clouds, blocking sunlight, disrupting photosynthesis, and collapsing ecosystems.
• Consequences included ocean acidification and massive species loss.

Impact:

• EPME eliminated ~90% of species, including:
  • >95% of marine species
  • ~70% of terrestrial species
  • Over 50% of taxonomic families
• It ranks first in severity among the five major extinction events in Earth’s history.