NEWS 1 :Study reveals waning Japanese Encephalitis immunity increases dengue severity suggesting timely JE vaccine boosters to mitigate dengue risks in Asia.
GS-3 science and technology
- A recent study reveals that waning immunity to Japanese Encephalitis Virus (JEV) can increase the severity of dengue fever.
- The study, conducted in Nepal between 2019 and 2023, examined the link between JEV immunity and dengue outcomes.
- Researchers found that individuals with mid-range anti-JEV antibody titres (1:160) had a 3x higher risk of developing dengue fever with warning signs.
- The study suggests that timely JE vaccine boosters could help mitigate the severity of dengue in regions where JEV vaccination is common.
· Causative agent: Japanese Encephalitis Virus (family Flaviviridae, genus Flavivirus).
- · Vector: Primarily Culex mosquitoes, especially Culex tritaeniorhynchus.
- · Reservoir hosts: Wading birds (e.g., herons, egrets) and pigs act as important amplifying hosts. Humans are dead-end hosts (do not spread infection).
- · Transmission cycle: Mosquito → pig/bird → mosquito → human.
Dengue Overview
- Causative agent: Dengue Virus (DENV), a Flavivirus with 4 distinct serotypes (DENV-1 to DENV-4).
- Vector: Aedes aegypti (primary) and Aedes albopictus.
- Nature of host: Humans are the main host; mosquitoes transmit virus human-to-human.
🔹 Epidemiology
- Occurs in tropical and subtropical regions (Asia, Latin America, Africa).
- WHO estimates ~100–400 million infections yearly.
- Endemic in India with periodic outbreaks, especially during/after monsoon.
NEWS :Shows India’s push in frontier science; International Conference & Exposition on Quantum Sensing and Metrology part of India’s National Quantum Mission.
GS-3 science and tech
- Venue: Kolkata, September 2025.
- Focus: Quantum sensing, quantum metrology, and emerging technologies in precision measurement.
- Participants: Leading global scientists, researchers, industry experts, and policymakers.
- Objective:
- Showcase India’s advancements in quantum sensing, timing, navigation, and communication.
- Build collaborations with international institutions.
- Promote R&D, startups, and industry participation in quantum technologies.
🔹 Relevance of Quantum Sensing & Metrology
- Quantum Sensing: Uses quantum states (like entanglement, superposition) for highly sensitive measurements. Applications in:
- Geophysical surveys (mineral exploration, underground mapping).
- Navigation without GPS.
- Early-warning systems for earthquakes/tsunamis.
- Defence applications (submarine detection).
- Quantum Metrology: Enhances accuracy in time-keeping, fundamental constants measurement, and secure communications.
National Quantum Mission (NQM) – Overview
- Approved: April 2023 by the Union Cabinet.
- Duration: 2023–2031 (8 years).
- Outlay: ₹6,003 crore.
- Nodal Ministry: Department of Science & Technology (DST), Government of India.
- Aim: To position India as a global leader in Quantum Technologies and make it “Quantum Ready” by 2030.
🔹 Objectives
- Develop intermediate to large-scale quantum computers with 50–1000 qubits.
- Secure quantum communication systems: Satellite-based, terrestrial fibre-based, and within critical infrastructure.
- Quantum sensing & metrology:
- Precision navigation without GPS.
- Advanced time-keeping (atomic clocks).
- Seismology, mineral exploration, defence applications.
- Quantum materials & devices: Development of new materials for quantum applications.
- Create national-level hubs to build ecosystem for quantum tech in India.
NEWS 3:India condemns Israel’s Doha strike signaling shift amid Gaza concerns and strategic Gulf ties especially with Qatar.
GS-2 international relation
- India condemned Israel’s bombing in Doha on September 9 as a “violation of sovereignty”.
- The Israeli strike targeted a home where Hamas leaders were discussing a ceasefire proposal.
- India’s Ambassador to the UN, Arindam Bagchi, invoked the UN charter and international law.
- Experts suggest India’s stance is influenced by its close ties with Qatar and concerns over the Saudi-Pakistan defence agreement.
Israel’s bombing in Doha
Date & Location: On September 9, 2025, an airstrike occurred in Doha, Qatar.
Target: Senior Hamas officials / leadership. It was part of a targeted operation “against the top leadership of the Hamas terrorist organization.”
Casualties: At least six people were reported killed. Among them were some associates of Hamas, including the son and an aide of Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya. Also, a Qatari security official was killed.
Method / Route: According to reports, the missiles were launched from Israeli aircraft flying over the Red Sea, following a west-to-east trajectory, avoiding violation of Arab airspaces. Some reports say ballistic missiles were used.
Israel’s Statement: Israel claimed responsibility, stating the attacked individuals were responsible for the October 7 massacre (referring to Hamas attacks) and that precision weapons were used to minimize civilian harm.
Qatar’s Reaction: Qatar strongly condemned the attack: calling it “reckless criminal attack,” “flagrant violation of its sovereignty and security.” Qatar also said it is exploring legal options to hold Israel accountable.
MAINS MOCK QUESTION
“Dengue has emerged as one of the most serious vector-borne diseases in India. Discuss the factors responsible for its spread, and evaluate the measures taken by the government to control it. Suggest further strategies.”
