Current Affairs 25-NOV-2023 (The Hindu)

H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus

(D => Pg-10)

H9N2 Avian Influenza Virus

• A subtype of the 'Influenza A virus' (bird flu virus).
• Primarily affects birds and poultry.
• Can cause infections in humans - rare.
• H9N2 infections in humans are mild, resulting in under-reporting.
• Isolated for the first time in the US in 1966, sourced from turkey flocks.
• First human infection reported from Hong Kong in 1998.
• Countries reporting infection: China, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Oman, Egypt.

Symptoms

• Birds & Poultry: Depression, reduced weight, and reduced feathers.
• Symptoms in Humans: Cough, fever, nasal discharge, sore throat, and headache.
• Occurrence of a cluster of respiratory illness among children.

Transmission

• Transmission between birds: Through air droplets, dust, feed, or water.
• Transmission from birds to humans: Through infected meat & eggs, feeding poultry.
• It is a zoonotic infection.

Prevention and Treatment

• Vaccination of poultry to prevent infections.
• Active surveillance programs to control the spread in the early stages.
• Using anti-viral drugs on infected poultry to manage symptoms.

Practice Question – Prelims

With reference to the H9N2 Avian Influenza virus, consider the following statements:

1. It is not known to cause infection in humans.

2. The vaccination of poultry can help to prevent the spread of H9N2 infections.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 Only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Strategic Petroleum Reserves

(D => Pg-12)

Strategic Petroleum Reserves

• Stockpiles of crude oil maintained in underground facilities.
• Purpose: Storing excess crude oil during less demand and using it during high demand.
• Ensures a stable supply of crude oil during geopolitical uncertainty or supply disruptions.

Strategic Petroleum Reserves in India

• Capacity: 5.33 million Metric Tonnes (MMT).
• India has 3 operational reserves:
  • Vishakhapatnam - Andhra Pradesh.
  • Mangaluru - Karnataka.
  • Padur - Karnataka.
• In 2021, the Government approved the establishment of 2 additional strategic facilities.
  • Storage capacity: 6.5 MMT.
  • Locations: Chandikhol, Odisha + Padur, Karnataka.

Storage of Natural Gas

• Storage during low demand and used during high demand.

Practice Question – Prelims

With reference to the Strategic Petroleum Reserves of India, consider the following statements:

1. They are currently maintained by the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation Limited (ONGC).

2. They are located in Mumbai and Gujarat.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

a) 1 only

b) 2 only

c) Both 1 and 2

d) Neither 1 nor 2

Bannerghatta National Park (BNP)

(B => Pg-12)

BNP

• 1971 - Founded as Bannerghatta Wildlife Sanctuary.
• 1974 - National Park status.
• 2002 - Creation of Bannerghatta Biological Park within BNP.
• Hosts a zoo, a butterfly park, a safari park, and a full-fledged animal rescue center.
• Location - Bangalore district, Karnataka.

Geography

• Situated in the Anekal mountain range.
• Forest types - dry deciduous scrub forests, Tropical dry deciduous & moist mixed forests.
• Situated north of Mysuru Elephant Reserve.
• BNP acts as a corridor between the Biligirirangana Hills & Sathyamangalam forest.
• Suvarnamukhi river passes through the center of the BNP.

Flora and Fauna

• Trees - Sandalwood, neem, tamarind, bamboo, eucalyptus, etc.
• Mammals - Indian Elephants, Indian leopard, Sloth Bear, Indian Gazelle, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Common Langur, Pangolin, etc.
• Birds - Paradise Flycatchers, Common Grey Hornbills, Eurasian Eagle Owls, Peafowl, Grey Jungle Fowl, etc.
• Reptiles - Monitor Lizard, Cobras, Python, Crocodile, Tortoises, etc.

Sloth Bear

• Scientific name - Melursus ursinus.
• Native to India, Sri Lanka, and Nepal.
• Also spotted in Bangladesh and Bhutan.

Habitat

• Tropical areas - dry & moist forest areas and grasslands.
• Prefer lower elevations and drier forests.

Physical Characteristics

• Black coat over the shoulders.
• Pale brown and gray-colored short hairs.
• Long curved claws.
• Average length - 1.5 to 2 meters.
• Average weight - 90 to 140 kilograms.

Diet

• Main food - termites and ants.
• Other - mango, fig, ebony + flowers.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List - Vulnerable.
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 - Schedule 1.

Practice Question – Prelims

It is a national park located in south India. It hosts the world’s 2nd largest sloth bear rescue centre.

The Suvarnamukhi river passes through the centre of the national park.

Dry deciduous scrub forests, tropical dry deciduous forests and tropical moist mixed forests are the types of forests seen in the national park.

Which one of the following national park is described above?

a) Nagarhole National Park

b) Bandipur National Park

c) Bannerghatta National Park

d) Kudremukh National Park