Zombie Fungus
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Context: Wildlife researcher Chris Ketola shared a video which shows a tarantula infected by zombie fungus.
About Zombie fungus:
- Refers to a group of fungi, primarily Cordyceps and Ophiocordyceps.
- It infects insects and takes control of their minds and motor functions, eventually leading to the host’s death.
- Key Species:
- Cordyceps: A genus of fungi known for its parasitic nature, primarily targeting insects and arthropods.
- Ophiocordyceps unilateralis: A specific species within the Cordyceps family, often referred to as the “zombie fungus,” which infects ants and other insects.
- Mechanism of Infection:
- Mind Control: The fungus infects its host, takes control of its brain and motor functions, compelling the host to move to an optimal location for the fungus to reproduce.
- Nutrient Drainage: The fungus drains the host of nutrients, weakening it over time.
- Reproduction: The fungus fills the host’s body with spores, which eventually sprout out of the host, killing it and spreading the spores to new hosts.
- Ecological Role:
- Population Control: Helps maintain insect population balance by selectively infecting and killing certain species.
- Biodiversity: Plays a role in the food chain, contributing to the ecosystem’s health.
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Konyak Tribes
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Context: The Konyak Union, apex body of the Konyak community, has sought the Nagaland government’s intervention in rectifying the “erroneous” boundary line between the State’s Mon district and Assam’s Charaideo district on Google Maps.
About Konyak Tribe:
- A Naga ethnic group primarily located in the Mon district of Nagaland, with some presence in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Myanmar.
- Known For:
- Tattoos: Known for facial and hand tattoos, which were historically earned by taking the heads of their enemies.
- Head-hunting: Renowned as fierce warriors and headhunters who took heads as trophies.
- Name Origin: Derived from “Whao” (head) and “Nyak” (black), meaning “men with black hair.”
- Mongoloid Origin: The Konyaks are of Mongoloid descent.
- Groups: Divided into “Thendu” (Tattooed Face) and “Thentho” (White Face).
- Cultural Aspects:
- Patriarchal Society: Eldest sons inherit family property; men hold decision-making power.
- Traditional Skills: Expertise in gunsmithing, iron smelting, brass-working, gunpowder-making, making janglaü (machetes), and wooden sculptures.
- Traditional Dance and Morung: They have a rich tradition of dance and institutions of learning known as morung.
- Language: Konyak Language, belongs to the Northern Naga sub-branch of Sal subfamily of Sino-Tibetan.
- Religion: Originally animists, about 95% of the Konyaks are now Christians.
- Leadership: The Anghs/Wangs are their Chiefs.
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Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas
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Context: Under the aegis of National One Health Mission (NOHM), “Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas” (Virus War Exercise), was conducted in Ajmer district of Rajasthan state to assess pandemic preparedness.
About Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas:
- About: A comprehensive national mock drill conducted under the National One Health Mission (NOHM.
- Objective: To assess pandemic preparedness by simulating a zoonotic disease outbreak and evaluating the response of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT).
- Exercise Components:
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- Investigation and Identification: The mock drill focused on investigating and identifying the virus responsible for the simulated outbreak.
- Control Actions: Emphasis was placed on initiating measures to control the spread of the illness across human and animal populations.
- Monitoring: Independent observers monitored the response, which was found to be mostly prompt and appropriate.
National One Health Mission (NOHM):
- Founding: Endorsed in July 2022 by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC).
- Purpose: To organize, support, and integrate existing One Health projects across various sectors including human health, animal husbandry, wildlife, and environmental health.
- The mission aims to institutionalize the ‘One Health’ approach.
- One Health emphasizes the health of people is closely connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.
- Inter-Sectoral Collaboration: Involves the Ministries of Health and Family Welfare, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairy, Environment, and Science and Technology.
- Integrated Disease Surveillance: Focuses on surveillance of diseases across human, animal, and environmental sectors, aiming to improve pandemic preparedness and control communicable and zoonotic diseases.
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Ramon Magsaysay Award 2024
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Context: Japan’s filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, has been awarded the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award.
About Ramon Magsaysay Award:
- Origin and Significance: Established in 1957, it is Asia’s highest honor.
- It celebrates individuals who have shown extraordinary commitment to serving the people of Asia, irrespective of their background.
- Annual Presentation: Awarded each year on August 31st, the birthday of Ramon Magsaysay, the third President of the Philippines.
- Recognition and Reward: Winners are honored with a certificate, a medallion featuring Magsaysay’s likeness, and a monetary prize.
- The award is commonly referred to as Asia’s Nobel Prize.
- The award was given under six categories namely,
- government service;
- public service,
- community leadership,
- peace and international understanding;
- emergent leadership
- journalism, literature, and creative communication arts.
- Today it is only being awarded for the emergent leadership category.
About Hayao Miyazaki:
- His work is distinguished by its gentle, hand-drawn visuals and deep themes. It includes pacifism, environmentalism, and strong female characters.
- Through his films, Miyazaki has addressed important themes such as environmentalism and peace, influencing viewers worldwide and raising awareness.
Other Recipients: Farwiza from Indonesia, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong from Vietnam, Karma Phuntsho from Bhutan, and the Rural Doctors Movement (RDM) from Thailand. |
September 4, 2024
