In a landmark moment for India's space ambitions, Indian astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla has blasted off to the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 mission , marking the country's return to human spaceflight after a 41-year hiatus . This historic launch from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida has not only reignited national pride but also officially kickstarted India’s human spaceflight programme . The mission, operated by Axiom Space , includes a four-member international crew that will spend 14 days in orbit , conducting scientific research, outreach programs, and various commercial activities. This momentous occasion places India among a select group of nations capable of sending humans into space and reflects the growing prowess of the Indian space sector . A New Chapter: Shubhanshu Shukla and India’s Astronautical Comeback The last Indian to go to space was Rakesh Sharma in 1984, aboard the Soviet spacecraft Soyuz T-11. Now, in 2025, Shubhanshu...
Bird Flu (Avian Influenza): A Global Concern
Recent Development:
- A new genotype (D1.1) of Bird Flu virus has been detected in dairy cattle in the US.
- Previously, all detections in cattle were of genotype B3.13.
- This highlights the evolving nature of the Avian Influenza virus and its ability to infect new hosts.
About Bird Flu (Avian Influenza)
1. Causative Agent:
- Bird Flu is caused by Avian Influenza Type A virus.
- The virus is divided into subtypes based on two surface proteins:
- Hemagglutinin (HA) – Helps the virus attach to host cells.
- Neuraminidase (NA) – Helps the virus spread between cells.
2. Transmission and Carriers: - Migratory wild birds, especially waterfowl (ducks, geese, swans), act as natural reservoirs.
- The virus spreads through direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
3. Human Infections:
- Some subtypes, like H5N1, H7N9, and H5N6, have infected humans.
- Transmission occurs through contact with infected birds, poultry products, or contaminated surfaces.
4. Symptoms in Humans:
- High fever
- Fatigue
- Cough and sore throat
- Muscle aches
- Difficulty breathing (in severe cases)
5. Global Concerns:
- Bird Flu outbreaks lead to mass culling of poultry, impacting the poultry industry and food security.
- Mutation risks: If the virus mutates further, it could become capable of human-to-human transmission, posing a pandemic threat.
Precautionary Measures:
✔ Strict biosecurity measures in poultry farms.
✔ Avoid contact with sick or dead birds.
✔ Proper cooking of poultry and eggs to eliminate the virus.
✔ Regular monitoring of wild bird populations.