Health officials in Chikkaballapura district of Karnataka have reported the detection of Zika virus in a species of mosquito known as Aedes aegypti. Following this discovery, blood samples from individuals experiencing high fever have been sent to the National Institute of Virology (NIV) for examination. The virus was found in mosquito samples collected from six waterbodies in Chikkaballapura, with the samples sent for analysis towards the end of August.

Upon confirming the presence of the Zika virus in mosquito samples from Talakayalabetta in the district, authorities issued an alert within a five-kilometer radius of the affected area as a precautionary measure to prevent further breeding of the virus-carrying mosquitoes. It is important to note that, as of now, the virus has only been detected in mosquito samples from the Talakayalabetta waterbody, with no human cases reported.

Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao reassured the public, stating that no individuals have tested positive for Zika virus and that the virus was found in a mosquito pool. He emphasized that the report had been available for the past ten days and urged people not to be alarmed, as the health department was closely monitoring the situation.

Rao explained that some individuals had displayed symptoms such as fever and rashes, leading them to be hospitalized and tested. However, some of them have already been discharged, and the situation is under control. He stressed the importance of vigilance, particularly among pregnant women who might be at risk, although no such cases have been reported thus far.

State Health Commissioner D. Randeep confirmed that Zika virus had been identified in mosquito samples but not in humans. He noted that samples from three patients with fever were sent for testing to the National Institute of Virology, and these patients were in stable condition.

Dr. Mahesh Kumar, the District Health Officer of Chikkaballapura, explained that mosquito samples were collected from six sites in August, and the reports were received on October 25. While samples from five sites tested negative for Zika virus, those from the Thalakayalabetta waterbody in Shidlaghatta taluk tested positive. In response, a five-kilometer radius alert was issued, and comprehensive preventive measures were implemented.

Blood samples from 33 patients, including 29 antenatal cases and four patients with high fever, have been sent to the NIV as a precaution. The results are expected within the next 10 days, with all the patients in question reported to be in good health. Mosquito breeding control measures have been enacted, public health awareness campaigns are ongoing, and sanitation practices around households are being promoted. Additionally, mosquito fogging is taking place in the vicinity where the Zika virus was detected, and authorities are cooperating with the revenue department to prevent further virus spread.

A leopard that had been roaming the streets of Bengaluru for several days tragically succumbed to its injuries during treatment. After the big cat injured forest officials during a search operation, shots were fired to neutralize it, following permission granted by the Chief Wildlife Warden. Subsequently, the injured leopard was transported to a veterinary hospital where it eventually succumbed to its wounds.

“The leopard attacked Dr. Kiran and another officer, causing them severe injuries. As a result, the Chief Wildlife Warden authorized the use of lethal force to subdue the wild cat,” stated Lingraja, the Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) for the Bangalore Circle.

The leopard was eventually captured following an extensive search operation in the Kudlu Gate area of Bengaluru. Its initial sighting occurred on a Saturday night in the Singasandra area near Electronic City in Bengaluru, where CCTV footage showed the leopard being chased by two stray dogs.

Promptly responding to the video, forest officials and police teams were dispatched to the area. The forest department had also set up four cages to facilitate the leopard’s capture.

On October 29, the leopard was spotted entering an apartment in Kudlu, according to news agency PTI.

The Singasandra area, where the leopard was first sighted, is in close proximity to Bengaluru’s Bannerghatta National Park.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone on Saturday as it successfully executed the Test Flight Abort Mission for the upcoming Gaganyaan mission. This achievement propels India into an elite group of countries with their own crewed spacecraft programs.

The journey to this pivotal moment was not without its challenges. The initial test flight, scheduled for 8:45 am, was aborted due to an issue with the engine ignition. However, ISRO swiftly identified and rectified the errors, paving the way for the second launch attempt at 10:00 Hrs on the same day.

The Gaganyaan mission represents a significant leap forward for India’s space exploration ambitions. Its primary objective is to send astronauts into space, placing them in a Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of 400 kilometers for a duration of three days and ensuring their safe return to Earth.

Moreover, India has set ambitious goals for its space program. Among these goals is the establishment of an Indian space station by 2035, further cementing India’s status as a spacefaring nation. Additionally, India aims to send the first Indian astronaut to the Moon by 2040, signaling the country’s commitment to space exploration on a global scale.

The successful execution of the Test Flight Abort Mission for Gaganyaan signifies a remarkable achievement, positioning India alongside a select group of nations with the capability to launch crewed spacecraft. Currently, only three countries have accomplished crewed spacecraft launches – the United States, Russia, and China.

Both the United States and Russia have been instrumental in international collaboration, providing opportunities for astronauts from various countries, including India, to participate in space missions. However, the success of the Gaganyaan mission will make India the fourth nation to independently conduct crewed spacecraft launches.

India’s storied journey into space exploration includes the remarkable achievement of Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, who became the first Indian to venture into space. On April 3, 1984, Sharma embarked on this historic journey aboard the Soyuz T-11 spacecraft from Russia.

Born on January 13, 1949, in present-day Punjab, Sharma completed his schooling at St. George’s Grammar School in Hyderabad and later graduated from Nizam College, Hyderabad. In 1970, he was commissioned into the Indian Air Force as a pilot, and his historic spaceflight marked a defining moment in India’s space exploration history.

With the success of the Test Flight Abort Mission for the Gaganyaan program, India is poised to join the prestigious list of nations that have demonstrated their capability to launch crewed spacecraft, marking a new chapter in the country’s space odyssey.