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Redeeming India’s Nuclear Power Promise: A Clean Energy Imperative for 2047

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Introduction: A Nuclear Vision for Viksit Bharat@2047 As India marches toward its ambitious goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047, energy security stands as a pivotal pillar in the vision of Viksit Bharat . Amid the global climate crisis and rising energy demands, nuclear power has re-emerged as a compelling solution. India’s commitment to achieving 100 GW of nuclear power capacity by 2047 is both visionary and necessary—but achieving this requires a strategic shift in policy, participation, and international cooperation. While India’s nuclear energy sector has traditionally been a tightly controlled domain under government monopoly—primarily led by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL) —it is now imperative to welcome private sector investments and foreign partnerships. A reformed nuclear ecosystem can unlock the full potential of atomic energy as a clean, reliable, and scalable contributor to India’s net-zero aspiration...

Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) – A Detailed Overview

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Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) – A Detailed Overview

1. About Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD)

  • Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) is a contagious viral disease that affects cattle and buffaloes.
  • It is caused by the Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV), belonging to the Capripoxvirus genus in the Poxviridae family.
  • The disease leads to severe economic losses in the livestock industry due to decreased milk production, weight loss, and trade restrictions.

2. Causes & Transmission

  • Pathogen: Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV).
  • Mode of Transmission:
    • Vector-borne transmission: Spread by blood-feeding insects, such as:
      • Flies (Stomoxys species)
      • Mosquitoes (Aedes and Culex species)
      • Ticks (Rhipicephalus and Amblyomma species)
    • Direct Contact: Through infected animals.
    • Contaminated feed, water, or equipment.
    • Aerosol transmission (rare but possible in crowded conditions).

3. Symptoms of Lumpy Skin Disease

  • Fever (40–41.5°C).
  • Large firm nodules (2-5 cm in diameter) on the skin, covering the head, neck, limbs, udder, and genitalia.
  • Swelling of the lymph nodes.
  • Loss of appetite & reduced milk production.
  • Lameness due to painful nodules.
  • Nasal and eye discharge.
  • In severe cases, it can lead to death, especially in young and immunocompromised cattle.

4. Economic & Agricultural Impact

  • Decline in Milk Yield: Affected cattle produce less milk due to stress and fever.
  • Reduced Meat Quality: Skin nodules cause lesions that affect leather and meat quality.
  • Trade Restrictions: Many countries ban cattle imports from LSD-affected regions.
  • Increased Veterinary Costs: Treatment and vaccination programs increase expenses for farmers.

5. Prevention & Control Measures

  • Vaccination:
    • Biolumpivaxin, developed by Bharat Biotech & ICAR, recently approved by CDSCO.
    • Other live-attenuated vaccines are also used.
  • Vector Control:
    • Use of insecticides, repellents, and tick control measures.
  • Quarantine & Biosecurity Measures:
    • Isolating infected animals to prevent disease spread.
    • Disinfecting farm equipment, feed, and water sources.
  • Public Awareness & Farmer Training:
    • Government-led programs to educate farmers on disease prevention.

6. Government & Global Efforts

  • India’s Response:
    • The Government provides central funding for LSD control through vaccination programs, awareness campaigns, and training initiatives.
  • Global Efforts:
    • FAO and OIE recommend early detection, vaccination, and vector control for LSD management.

This structured approach ensures effective understanding and management of LSD among livestock farmers, veterinarians, and policymakers.


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