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.

Konyak Tribes

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.

Vishanu Yuddh Abhyas

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:
• • 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.

Ramon Magsaysay Award 2024

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.