1. LAOS
Prelims Mapping
Overview:
Recently, 47 Indian nationals were rescued from ‘cyber scam centres’ in Bokeo province, Laos.
About Laos:
Located on the Indochinese Peninsula in Southeast Asia, Laos is the only landlocked country in the region.
- Official Name: Lao People’s Democratic Republic
- History:
Colonized by France from the late 19th century until mid-20th century, Laos’ exposure to European culture intensified during World War II, the Indochina wars, and its own civil war in the latter half of the 20th century. Following Marxist-Leninist ideology, Laos became a communist nation in 1975. - Bordering Countries:
Laos is bordered by China to the north, Vietnam to the northeast and east, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west, and Myanmar to the northwest. - Geography:
The country stretches about 650 miles (1,050 km) from northwest to southeast, covering a total area of 236,800 sq km. - Highest Point: Phu Bia (2,817 m)
- Rivers:
Major rivers include the Tha, Beng, Ou, Ngum, Kading, Bangfai, Banghiang, and Kong, all of which are tributaries of the Mekong River. The Mekong forms the boundary between Laos and Myanmar, as well as most of the border with Thailand. - Climate: Tropical monsoon climate.
- Vegetation:
Northern Laos is home to tropical rainforests with broad-leaved evergreens, while southern Laos has mixed evergreen and deciduous monsoon forests. - Mountain Ranges: Annamite Range, Luang Prabang Range
- Languages: Lao (official), French, English, various ethnic languages
- Capital: Vientiane
- Religion: Predominantly Theravada Buddhism
- Currency: Kip
- Government:
Laos is one of the few openly communist states in the world, with a one-party system. The General Secretary of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party holds supreme power and authority over both the government and state.
2. Foot and Mouth Disease
Science and Technology
Overview:
The Union government has recently decided to establish Foot-and-Mouth Disease-free zones in eight states: Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
About Foot-and-Mouth Disease (FMD):
- FMD is a highly contagious viral disease affecting livestock and causing significant economic damage.
- The disease affects cloven-hoofed animals like cattle, swine, sheep, and goats. Horses, dogs, and cats are not affected.
- It is a Transboundary Animal Disease (TAD) that disrupts livestock production and international trade in animals and animal products. It poses no health threat to humans or food safety and is not related to the childhood illness Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease.
- Cause:
The disease is caused by an aphthovirus from the family Picornaviridae, with seven known strains: A, O, C, SAT1, SAT2, SAT3, and Asia1. Immunity to one strain does not protect against others. - Transmission:
The virus is found in all excretions from infected animals, who release large amounts of aerosolized virus, spreading it through respiratory or oral routes. - Symptoms:
The disease manifests with fever and blister-like sores on the tongue, lips, mouth, teats, and hooves. Animals may experience extreme lameness, reluctance to move, hypersalivation, weight loss, growth retardation, and reduced milk production. Though rarely fatal in adults, young animals often suffer high mortality rates. - Vaccination:
FMD vaccines exist but must be tailored to the specific strain causing an outbreak.
3. Poba Reserve Forest
Environment and Ecology
Overview:
The Poba Reserve Forest in Assam’s Dhemaji district is set to be declared a wildlife sanctuary.
About Poba Reserve Forest:
- Located in northeastern Assam, this rainforest was established as a reserve in 1924, covering 10,221 hectares.
- Geographical Boundaries:
To the north are the Himalayan foothills in Arunachal Pradesh, to the east and south are the Siang, Dibang, and Lohit Rivers converging into the Brahmaputra, and to the west are revenue villages of Dhemaji district’s Jonai Sub-division. - Ethnic Groups:
The peripheral areas are inhabited by ethnic groups like Mising, Bodo, Sonowal Kachari, and Hajong (Rabha). - Flora and Fauna:
The forest is home to species like the slow loris, capped langur, wild boar, 45 species of birds and reptiles, and diverse orchids. - Elephant Corridor:
It serves as an important migratory route for elephants, connecting D’Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh), Kabu Chapri Proposed Reserve Forest, and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (Assam). It is the second-largest elephant migration route along the Brahmaputra River.
4. Guru Padmasambhava
Art and Culture
Overview:
The International Buddhist Confederation and Nava Nalanda Mahavihara recently organized a two-day international conference in Nalanda, Bihar, focused on the life and legacy of Guru Padmasambhava.
About Guru Padmasambhava:
- Also known as Guru Rinpoche, he lived in 8th-century India and is revered in Buddha Dhamma.
- In Tibet, he is recognized as one of the founding figures of Tibetan Buddhism, arriving there in 749 AD.
- Spread of Buddhism:
Guru Padmasambhava spread the teachings of Lord Buddha across regions including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Tibet. - Teaching and Influence:
A Tantrist from the Yogācāra sect, he taught at Nalanda, a renowned Buddhist study center in India. His influence spans yogic and tantric practices, meditation, art, music, dance, folklore, magic, and religious teachings.
International Buddhist Confederation:
The International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) is a global umbrella organization based in New Delhi, serving as a platform for Buddhists worldwide. It was founded with support from the supreme Buddhist hierarchy and currently includes over 320 monastic and lay organizations across 39 countries.