Today's Brief 9/4/2025

1 .Measles

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

is a highly contagious viral illness caused by the measles virus (Morbillivirus), primarily affecting unvaccinated individuals, especially children. Before the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1963, the disease caused widespread outbreaks and significant mortality globally.

The virus spreads through respiratory droplets from coughing or sneezing, or via contact with contaminated surfaces, remaining infectious in the air for up to two hours.

After an incubation period of 10–14 days, symptoms begin with high fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes.

A distinctive early sign is Koplik spots tiny white lesions inside the mouth.

This is followed by a characteristic red rash that starts on the face and spreads downward, lasting about a week.

Measles can lead to severe complications, particularly in young children, pregnant women, or those with weakened immune systems.

Pneumonia (the leading cause of measles-related deaths), encephalitis (brain inflammation), and diarrhea are common risks. In rare cases, it causes subacute sclerosing panencephalitis (SSPE), a fatal brain disorder that develops years after infection. Malnourished children may also face blindness due to vitamin A deficiency.

Prevention relies on the MMR vaccine, which provides 97% immunity after two doses and is typically administered at 12–15 months and 4–6 years of age. Achieving herd immunity (around 95% vaccination coverage) is critical to protect vulnerable populations.

While there is no antiviral treatment, supportive care hydration, fever management, and vitamin A supplements (recommended by the WHO in high-risk areas) reduces complications.

Vaccination campaigns have saved millions of lives, and scientific consensus confirms no link between the MMR vaccine and autism.

2 .F-1 Visa (USA)

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

is a non-immigrant student visa for international students pursuing academic studies or language training at accredited U.S. institutions. To qualify, applicants must secure admission to a SEVP-approved school, demonstrate financial stability, and prove non-immigrant intent.

The process involves receiving a Form I-20 from the institution, paying the SEVIS fee, submitting the DS-160 application, and attending a visa interview.

Holders can stay for the program’s duration plus 60 days and may work on-campus (up to 20 hours/week) or off-campus through Curricular Practical Training (CPT) or Optional Practical Training (OPT). OPT allows 12 months of post-graduation work (extendable to 36 months for STEM graduates). F-1 students must maintain full-time enrollment, report address/school changes, and avoid unauthorized employment. Dependents (F-2 visa holders) cannot work or study full-time.

While the visa fosters global education and cultural exchange, challenges include strict compliance requirements, potential visa denials, and uncertainties around post-graduation immigration options.

The F-1 program underscores the U.S. commitment to international education but demands careful adherence to regulations to maintain legal status.

3 .India has achieved a significant milestone in renewable energy, surpassing Germany to become the world's third-largest generator of wind and solar power in 2024, as reported by Ember's Global Electricity Review.

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

This achievement highlights India's rapid progress in transitioning to cleaner energy sources, with wind and solar contributing 10 percent to the nation's electricity generation.

Globally, these sources accounted for 15 percent of electricity production, while low-carbon sources, including renewables and nuclear, reached a notable 40.9 percent, a level not seen since the 1940s.

Additionally, India is experiencing substantial growth in solar power capacity, crucial for meeting the rising electricity demand driven by increasing heatwaves.

4 .Oman

GS Paper I: Indian Heritage and Culture, History and Geography of the World and Society

a nation on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Peninsula, is renowned for its diverse landscapes, blending deserts like the Wahiba Sands, the rugged Al Hajar Mountains, and fertile coastal plains.

Bordered by the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and the Arabian Sea, its arid climate features hot summers and mild winters, with the southern Dhofar region experiencing a unique monsoon season (Kharif). Historically a maritime power controlling ancient trade routes, Oman was briefly occupied by the Portuguese in the 16th century before unification under the Al Said dynasty, which has ruled since 1749.

The late Sultan Qaboos (1970–2020) spearheaded modernization, transforming Oman into a stable, progressive state. Economically reliant on oil and gas, Oman is diversifying through Vision 2040, focusing on tourism, logistics, and mining, leveraging its strategic position near the Strait of Hormuz.

Culturally, it is distinguished by Ibadi Islam a moderate sect and traditions like the frankincense trade (a UNESCO heritage symbol), dishdasha attire, and historic forts. Governed as an absolute monarchy under Sultan Haitham bin Tariq, it maintains advisory councils to guide policy.

With a population of ~4.6 million, Oman harmonizes ancient heritage with forward-looking reforms, striving for economic resilience and global relevance.

5 . The Kancha Gachibowli

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

region in Hyderabad, Telangana, has become a focal point of contention due to the Telangana government's plan to develop a 400-acre parcel of land for IT infrastructure.

This proposed development, adjacent to the University of Hyderabad campus, has sparked significant controversy, primarily due to concerns over land ownership and the potential environmental impact.

 The area, recognized as an urban forest, faces the threat of substantial tree cover loss, raising alarm among environmentalists and activists who argue that the development lacks proper environmental impact assessments.

 Legal challenges and political tensions have further complicated the situation, with the Supreme Court intervening and student protests from the University of Hyderabad.

The core issue reflects the ongoing struggle to balance urban development with environmental preservation in rapidly expanding cities.

6 .Samudra Pradakshina

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

 is a landmark maritime expedition, a tri-services all-women circumnavigation sailing venture undertaken by the Indian Armed Forces to showcase "Nari Shakti" and champion gender parity in maritime activities.

This 55-day voyage, flagged off from Mumbai on April 7th, 2025, sees a 12-member crew from the Army, Navy, and Air Force sailing the IASV Triveni to Seychelles and back, covering approximately 4,000 nautical miles.

Beyond demonstrating the crew's resilience and courage, the expedition serves as a preparatory phase for a planned global circumnavigation in 2026 and pays homage to India's historic warrior queens.

 The expected conclusion of this significant expedition is May 30th, 2025.

7 .Impeachment:

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

South Korea’s Constitutional Court unanimously upheld the impeachment of President Yoon Suk Yeol on April 4, 2025, removing him from office over his unconstitutional declaration of martial law in December 2024.

The court ruled that his actions including deploying troops to parliament betrayed public trust and violated democratic principles .

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo will serve as interim leader until a snap election within 60 days, while Yoon faces a criminal trial for insurrection .

 The verdict has deepened political divisions, with protests erupting between his supporters and opponents .

8.The 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), held from 5–9 April 2025 in Tashkent, Uzbekistan,

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

marked a historic milestone as the first IPU gathering in Central Asia. 

With the theme "Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice," the assembly brought together over 180 member parliaments, including new member Belize, to discuss critical global issues such as poverty reduction, inclusive governance, and conflict resolution.

Key outcomes included resolutions supporting a two-State solution for Palestine, emergency debates on Myanmar’s humanitarian crisis and Israel-Palestine tensions, and special sessions commemorating the 40th anniversary of the Forum of Women Parliamentarians, which highlighted persistent gender gaps in political representation (only 27.2% of global MPs are women).

The assembly also emphasized Uzbekistan’s democratic reforms and Central Asia’s rising geopolitical influence, while adopting actionable frameworks for social justice and sustainable development.

Founded in 1889, the IPU the world’s oldest multilateral political organization reinforced its role in fostering parliamentary diplomacy and advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).