In News:

A new study published in Science Translational Medicine has provided critical insights into dengue immunity and vaccine development. The research, conducted in the Philippines with nearly 3,000 children, highlighted the role of Envelope Dimer Epitope (EDE)-like antibodies as a key driver of broad, cross-serotype protection against dengue virus (DENV).

Dengue: Global Challenge

• Caused by four serotypes (DENV1–DENV4).
• Most common vector-borne viral disease, affecting nearly half the world’s population, particularly in Southeast Asia, Africa, and the Americas.
• Economic burden in Southeast Asia exceeds that of 17 other diseases including hepatitis B and Japanese encephalitis.
• Severe dengue typically occurs during secondary infection with a different serotype due to Antibody-Dependent Enhancement (ADE), where non-neutralising antibodies worsen infection.

Current Vaccines

• Dengvaxia – Licensed in some countries, but recommended only for those with prior dengue exposure (requires laboratory confirmation).
• QDENGA – Approved in some regions, effective mainly in pre-exposed individuals.
• Limitation: Both vaccines carry ADE risks for dengue-naïve individuals.

What are EDE-like Antibodies?

• Definition: Antibodies targeting Envelope Dimer Epitope (EDE), a quaternary structure formed by paired E proteins on the viral surface.
• Function: Broadly neutralise all four serotypes by preventing viral entry into cells.
• Key Features:
  • Broadly neutralising, cross-reactive across serotypes.
  • Common in individuals with multiple infections or vaccinated with prior exposure.
  • Rare in primary infection (detected in only 4–12% of such cases).
  • Strongly correlated with reduced disease severity and hospitalisation risk.
  • Potential biomarker for evaluating vaccine efficacy.

Study Highlights

• Conducted during a dengue outbreak in Cebu, Philippines (DENV2 dominant, followed by DENV3).
• Children with secondary immunity showed high prevalence of EDE-like antibodies (82–90%).
• These antibodies explained 42–65% of the protective effect of neutralising antibodies and 41–75% of E protein-binding antibodies, making them the primary determinant of broad protection.
• Findings:
  • Less protective against new infections but highly effective against severe disease.
  • Boosted by both natural infection and vaccination.
  • Strong predictor of reduced symptomatic dengue and hospitalisation.

Implications

• Vaccine Development: Targeting EDE could overcome ADE risks and provide universal dengue protection.
• Public Health: Potential for safer immunisation strategies in endemic regions like India.
• Therapeutics: Basis for developing monoclonal antibody treatments to deliver rapid, cross-serotype protection during outbreaks.

In News:

In August 2025, a large protest rally was held in Kargil, led by climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa Jan, demanding statehood for Ladakh and its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. The rally marked the conclusion of a three-day hunger strike and was organized jointly by the Leh Apex Body and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).

The protesters criticized the delay in resuming dialogue by the Centre, despite the formation of a high-powered committee by the Union Home Ministry in January 2023 to address Ladakh’s concerns. Earlier discussions led to the introduction of a domicile policy with a 15-year eligibility criterion beginning from 2019.

Background

• On 5 August 2019, Article 370 was abrogated, and Jammu & Kashmir was bifurcated into two Union Territories—J&K with legislature and Ladakh without legislature.
• Since then, political groups and civil society in Ladakh have been demanding statehood for democratic representation and Sixth Schedule inclusion to safeguard land, resources, and cultural identity.

Ladakh Statehood Demand

• Objective: To grant a democratically elected legislature with full legislative powers.
• Rationale: Local representation, protection of fragile ecology, and preservation of Ladakh’s unique cultural heritage.

Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

• Constitutional Basis: Articles 244(2) and 275(1).
• Current Applicability: Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram.
• Purpose: To safeguard tribal communities’ rights through Autonomous District and Regional Councils (ADCs).

Key Features

• Autonomous Councils: Elected bodies with powers over land, forests, agriculture, village administration, and social customs.
• Judicial Powers: Village councils/courts to resolve community disputes.
• Revenue & Taxation: Power to levy taxes on land, trade, and professions.
• Governor’s Role: Can alter council boundaries and approve laws.
• Financial Provisions: Grants-in-aid from the Consolidated Fund of India under Article 275(1).
• Cultural Safeguards: Protection against alienation of tribal land and exploitation by outsiders.

Significance of Demand

• Democratic Governance: Ensures political autonomy and local participation.
• Cultural Protection: Safeguards Ladakh’s Buddhist and tribal identity.
• Environmental Security: Allows better control over fragile Himalayan ecosystems.
• Strategic Importance: Strengthens governance in a border region critical for India’s national security.

In News:

The Assam government has achieved major success in protecting the greater one-horned rhinoceros through Operation Falcon, a joint initiative of the Assam Police and Forest Department launched in 2024. The operation was initiated after the killing of two rhinos prompted a shift in anti-poaching strategy.

Key Outcomes

• 42 poachers arrested across districts including Biswanath (18), Darrang (8), Nagaon (6), Karbi Anglong (5), Sonitpur (2), and one each in Udalguri, Dibrugarh, and Cachar.
• Six major poaching gangs with links to illegal trade through Myanmar dismantled.
• Nine poaching attempts foiled using digital and on-ground intelligence.
• Zero rhino killings reported in 2025 so far.

Conservation Impact

• Rhino poaching in Assam has dropped by 86% since 2016, when the BJP came to power.
• Annual data shows steady decline: one rhino killed in 2021, none in 2022, one in 2023, two in 2024, and none so far in 2025.
• Enhanced coordination, intelligence-driven operations, and rapid response mechanisms have been key factors.

About Assam’s Rhinos (Census 2022)

• Total Rhinos: 2,895 in Assam.
• Distribution:
  • Kaziranga National Park & Tiger Reserve – 2,613 (largest habitat, ~1,300 sq km).
  • Orang National Park & Tiger Reserve – 125.
  • Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary – 107.
  • Manas National Park & Tiger Reserve – 50.

Significance of Operation Falcon

• Biodiversity Protection: Safeguards the greater one-horned rhino, listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
• International Recognition: Strengthens India’s image in global wildlife conservation.
• Eco-Tourism Boost: Ensures safety in parks like Kaziranga, enhancing Assam’s tourism appeal.

In News:

The Chandigarh Administration recently closed the floodgate of Sukhna Lake after water levels receded from the near-danger mark.

About Sukhna Lake

• Type: Artificial, rain-fed lake at the foothills of the Shivalik Hills, Chandigarh.
• Creation: Built in 1958 by damming the Sukhna Choe, a seasonal stream.
• Size: Originally 188 ha (now ~150 ha); length 1.52 km, width 1.49 km.
• Depth: Originally 18 ft, reduced to ~8.5 ft due to siltation.
• Ecological Importance:
  • Declared a National Wetland by the Government of India.
  • Habitat for ~30 species of resident and migratory birds, including Siberian ducks, storks, and cranes.
  • Part of Sukhna Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Recreational Importance:
  • Longest channel for rowing and yachting events in Asia.
  • Surrounded by Nek Chand’s Rock Garden (west) and a golf course (south).

In News:

• Pfizer has introduced the 20-valent pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV20) for adults in India.It offers protection against 20 pneumococcal serotypes, which are responsible for most pneumococcal diseases.

About Pneumococcal Disease

• Cause: Infection by Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus), an encapsulated bacterium with a polysaccharide capsule (major virulence factor).
• Serotypes: ~90 identified worldwide; only a few cause the majority of infections.

Types of Illness

• Mild: Ear infections, sinus infections.
• Severe:
  • Pneumonia
  • Bloodstream infections (septicemia)
  • Meningitis (CNS infection)

Public Health Burden

• Major global health concern.
• Most vulnerable groups: young children and the elderly.
• Mortality: Around 1 million child deaths annually due to pneumococcal disease.
• Transmission: Direct contact with respiratory secretions of patients or asymptomatic carriers.

Treatment and Prevention

• Treatment: Antibiotics.
• Challenge: Rapidly growing antimicrobial resistance in pneumococci.
• Prevention: Vaccination remains the most effective strategy, especially for:
  • Children under 5 years
  • Elderly individuals
  • Immunocompromised patients