The whole coastline of India is vulnerable to cyclones, particularly the east coast. This time All district of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh state on high alert because of Cyclone Titli. NDRF and state disaster team has been pre stationed at the most vulnerable district of Odisha. The Indian metrological department(IMD) says Titli has now intensified into a severe cyclonic storm and is moving towards the Odisha, Andhra Pradesh coast area and triggering rainfall in several parts of Odisha.

Cyclone Titli In Odisha 2018

Cyclone Titli has been categorised as a very severe cyclonic storm is likely to make landfall between Gopalpur in Odisha and Kalingapatnam in Andhra Pradesh early 11th October 2018. According to the IMD, wind speeds would reach 100 km per hour along the South Odisha coast while it would remain within 75 km per hour in the north. The IMD also warned of heavy rain in West Bengal and North Andhra Pradesh.

As a precautionary measure, the Odisha Government has alerted all the district authorities to prepare for emergency relief work. it also cautioned about possible floods in view of the heavy rainfall across the state. schools, colleges and Anganwadi centres across the state have been asked to remain shut. fishermen have been advised not to venture deep into the central Bay of Bengal.

10 teams of the national disaster response force and 8 teams of the Odisha disaster rapid action force have been deployed in various coastal and interior district. the state engineering department has been asked to be ready for restoration work especially essential services like water supply, Road connectivity and electricity supply after the cyclone crossed the Odisha coast.

The Odisha Government has already begun evacuation of people in 5 coastal districts. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik review the situation and ask collector of Ganjam, Puri, Khurda, Kendrapara and Jagatsinghpur district to go for immediate evacuation. at least 1000 people have been shifted to safer places so far.

Odisha CM has also asked authorities to ensure zero casualties and keep cyclone Shelters ready during the disaster. After making landfall Titli is likely to turn towards West Bengal across Odisha before weakening gradually.The term cyclone refers to several different types of storm scene in different places. while some seen over land other take place over Water but all of them are spinning weather systems that rotate around a low-pressure Centre.

what causes cyclones and their different categories

A cyclone is known by different names in different parts of the world. It is called a ‘hurricane’ in the American continent. In the Philippines and Japan, it is called a ‘typhoon’. The word cyclone is derived from the Greek word cyclone that means coiling of a snake. in Metrology a cyclone is a large scale air mass that rotates around the strong centre of low atmospheric pressure, caused by atmospheric disturbances around the low-pressure area a cyclone is usually accompanied by violent Storms and severe weather conditions. strong winds from the centre and pick up a speed of 62 km per hour or more. these wind rotate counterclockwise in the Northern hemisphere and clockwise in the southern hemisphere.

Tropical cyclones form All Around The World, generally about 300 miles North or South of the equator. when they formed the Atlantic or eastern Pacific the storms are called hurricanes. in the Western North Pacific this storm called Typhoons and while in the south Pacific and Indian ocean, they are called cyclones.

Types Of Cyclon

Cyclones originating from the tropical depression travel at 38 miles/hour or less and tropical cyclones are very powerful and travel at a speed of 39 to 73 miles/hour.

• 1st category – 90-125 km/h
• 2nd category – 125 – 164 km/h
• 3rd category – 165 – 224 km/h
• 4th category – 225 – 279 km/h
• 5th category – More than 280 km/h

Deadliest Cyclones In Indian History

1. Cyclone Ockhi in 2017 was Most intense and one of the most strongest tropical cyclone of 2017 Affected mainland India and coastal areas of Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Gujarat.
2. Cyclone Vardah in 2016 was Brought heavy rainfall to Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Affected Chennai, Kancheepuram and Visakhapatnam.
3. Cyclone Hudhud in 2014 was Strong tropical cyclone caused damage in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh and Odisha.
4. Cyclone Phailin in 2013, Second strongest tropical cyclone since 1999 Odisha cyclone. Heavy rainfall in Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand. Ganjam district alone had faced damage of Rs 3,000 crore. Total damage in the state amounted to Rs 42.4 billion. 
5. Cyclone Helen in 2013 was Brought heavy rainfalls became a Severe Cyclonic Storm in India. Formed in the Bay of Bengal Region and affected Andhra Pradesh.
6. Cyclone Nilam in 2012, Deadliest tropical cyclone in India. Originated from the Bay of Bengal. Affected Chennai and Kakinada.
7. Cyclone Jal East Coast in 2010, Killed at least 54 people. Severely damaged Odisha and Andhra Pradesh. 70,000 people evacuated in AP.
8. Cyclone Phyan in 2009, Caused heavy rainfall in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra and Gujarat. One of the wettest cyclones. Brought heavy rainfall in Karnataka, Goa and Maharashtra.
9. Cyclone Nisha, Tamil Nadu in 2008 was Originated in the Bay of Bengal. Killed 180 people in of Tamil Nadu.
10. Bhola cyclone in 1970 was Deadliest cyclone that affected India, followed by 1999 Orissa cyclone and Andhra Pradesh cyclone in 1977.

Question On Cyclone From NCERT Book For Upsc Aspirants-

1. Why does tropical cyclone originate over the seas? In which part of the tropical cyclone do torrential rains and high-velocity winds blow and why?

2. You have learnt in Class VII that strong winds during a storm or a cyclone can blow away even the roof-tops. You also learnt that winds and cyclones are caused by the differences in air pressure. Is there any relation between pressure and force?

3. How a thunderstorm becomes a cyclone?

4. How will you help your neighbours in case cyclone approaches your village/town?

5. What planning is required in advance to deal with the situation created by a cyclone?

Some Precautions, If You Are Staying In A Cyclone Hit Area

-Do not drink water that could be contaminated. Always store drinking water for emergencies.
-Cooperate and help your neighbours and friends.
-Do not pressurise the rescue force by making undue demands.
-Do not go out just for the sake of fun.
-Do not touch wet switches and fallen power lines.

29 fresh cases of Zika virus have been reported in Jaipur in Rajasthan a state of India. the centre constituted a seven-member committee to investigate Zika virus cases. A central team from the health ministry has also deputed in Jaipur to assess the Rajasthan government in controlling and containing the Zika virus.

Zika Virus In India

The Zika virus is back in India after at least 29 people have tested positive in Jaipur in Rajasthan. The Zika virus first came to India in early 2017 when 2 cases were reported both successfully contained through intensive surveillance and vector management. The current outbreak of Zika virus affecting more people the Prime Minister’s office has sought a detailed report from the health ministry. the health ministry, on the other hand, has asked people not to panic saying the situation is under control.

A control room has also been activated at the National Centre for Disease Control to undertake regular monitoring of the situation, an exercise of forging and spraying to control the breeding of mosquitoes has begun across Jaipur in India. Authority has also surveyed over 6000 houses and treated over 2000 containers with a chemical called temephos.

Bihar in India have received advisory to all its 38 districts as one of the affected in Jaipur is a student from Bihar. even though a WHO notification from November 2016 removes the Zika virus from the list of Public Health emergency of international concern. the Indian government has continued to look out for the Deadly Zika virus.

What Is Zika Virus?

Zika virus disease is caused by a virus that is transmitted primarily by Aedes mosquito that bites during the day. this is the same mosquito that transmits dengue, Chikungunya and yellow fever. Zika Virus symptoms are generally Mile and include as Nipah Virus symptoms like fever, Rash, conjunctivitis, malaise and joint pain below eyes or a headache.

Most people with Zika virus infection don’t develop symptoms. Zika virus infection during pregnancy can cause incense to be born with microcephaly and other congenital malformations known as congenital Zika syndrome. the Zika virus is also associated with other complications of pregnancy including pre-term birth and miscarriage. Zika virus can also be transmitted through sexual intercourse and increased risk of neurological complications is associated with Zika virus infection in adults and children.

Treatment For Zika Virus

There is no treatment available for Zika virus infection or its associated diseases. symptoms of the infection are usually mild, people exhibiting these symptoms like fever, Rash or arthralgia should get plenty of rest, drink fruits and treat pain and fever with common medicines. if symptoms worsen then patients should seek medical care and advise.

Pregnant women living in areas with Zika transmission or who developed symptoms of Zika virus infection should seek medical attention for laboratory testing and other clinical care.

Protection Against Zika Virus

Prevention Is always better than cure, protection against mosquito bites during the day and early evening is a key measure to prevent Zika virus infection. Special attention should be given to prevention of mosquito bites among pregnant women, women of reproductive age and young children. personal protection measures include wearing clothing that covers as much of the body as possible. Using physical barriers such as window screens and closed doors and windows and applying insect repellent to skin or clothing.

Young children and pregnant women should sleep under the mosquito nets during the day or early evening. Travellers and those living in affected areas should take the same basic precautions. it is mosquito breed in a small collection of water around homes, schools and work sites. it is important to eliminate this mosquito breathing side by covering water storage containers, removing standing water in flower pots etc.

Community initiatives are essential to support local government and Public Health programs to reduce mosquitoes breeding sites. Health authorities may also advise the use of larvicides and insecticides to reduce mosquitoes populations and disease spread.No vaccine for prevention or treatment of Zika virus infection, development of a vaccine remains an active area of research.

History Of Zika Virus For Upsc Exam

Zika virus was first identified in 1947 in Uganda, it had affected monkeys in the Zika forest and this virus got its name from Zika forest. the macaque monkey was placed in a cage by a scientist researching yellow fever the second isolation from the mosquito Aedes African has happened at the same place in January 1948. Note this outbreak timeline it is very important for upcoming upsc examination.

Spread Of Zika Virus (Outbreaks)

Zika Virus In Hindi

ज़ीका वायरस इतिहास और खतरनाक सफ़र

• 1947 में युगांडा के ज़ीका जंगल में पाया गया था|
• पहली बार बंदर में मिला वायरस था|
• 1952 में युगांडा और तंजानिया की आबादी में पाया गया|
• 1960 से 1980 के बीच अफ्रीका और एशिया के इंसानों में पाया गया|
• 2007 में प्रशांत क्षेत्र जिका वायरस की दस्तक हुई और यैप द्वीप में कई लोग चपेट में आया|
• 2012 में अफ्रीकी और एशियाई जीका अलग होने का दावा किया गया|
• 2013-14 में फ्रेंच पॉलिनेजिया, ईस्टर आईलैंड, कुक आईलैंड और न्यू कैलेडोनिया में फैला गया|

गर्भ में पल रहे बच्चों पर असर का शक हुआ और फ्रेंच पॉलिनेजिया में पैदा हुए बच्चों में विकृति पाई गई| 2015 में ब्राजील के नवजात बच्चों में माइक्रोसीफली के मामले सामने आने लगें| नवंबर 2015 में ब्राजील में स्वास्थ्य आपातकाल करना पड़ा और
11 फरवरी 2016 में विश्व स्वास्थ्य संगठन ने चेतावनी जारी की|

जीका वायरस के कारण माइक्रोसेफेली

माइक्रोसेफेली एक जन्मजात बीमारी जिसमे बच्चे का सिर अपेक्षा से काफी छोटा होता है और अक्सर मस्तिष्क का अल्प विकास ही हो पाता है| इस बीमारी का अभी तक कोई ज्ञात उपचार मौजूद नहीं है|

जीका वायरस का लक्षण

• जोड़ों में तेज़ दर्द
• आंखें लाल होना
• सिर दर्द
• शरीर पर रैशेज
• उल्टियां होना
• चिड़चिड़ापन
• बेचैनी
• तेज़ बुखार

ज़ीका वायरस बचने के उपाय

• आसपास का वातावरण साफ रखें|
• समय-समय पर कीटनाशक दवाइयों का छिड़काव कराएं|
• स्वच्छ धुले हुए हल्के रंग के वस्त्र पहनें|
• बाहर का खाना खाने से बचे|
• बिस्तर पर मच्छरदानी और बाहर निकलते । समय शरीर पर क्रीम रेपलेंट का इस्तेमाल करें|
• मच्छरों से बचने के लिए पूरे शरीर को ढककर रखें और हल्के रंग के कपड़े पहनें|
• अपने घर के आसपास गमले, बाल्टी, कूलर में भरा पानी निकाल दें अधिक से अधिक तरल पदार्थों का सेवन और भरपूर आराम करे ” हालत बिगड़ने पर फौरन डॉक्टर से संपर्क करे|

The Indian Air Force(IAF) is celebrating its 86th anniversary every year on 8 October. The day it commemorates the official foundation day of the IAF. At 86th-anniversary celebration IAF showcasing its fighting powers and flying power. A grand parade comes investiture ceremony was held at the Airforce station at Hindon in Uttar Pradesh. it was followed by in a display and acrobatics by various aircraft including Jaguar, Bison, Mig 29, Mirage 2000 etc.

Indian Air Force Celebration Day 2018

In a first, a vintage Dakota aircraft that serve the Air Force for over 40 years was on display. The Dakota dc3 craft of 1940 was used in 1988.it was one of the most versatile transports of its time. Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa address the audience and he asserted that the Indian Air Force is prepared to meet any contingency. He also said the induction of 36 Rafel aircraft and S-400 missile systems will enhance capabilities of Indian Air Force. He called the duty of the air force personnel to remain combat worthy and maintain combat systems operational for any contingency at a short notice.

The India Air force (IAF) was officially established on 8th October 1932. Since it has carried out too many operations in the defence of the nation. it has been no less effective in carrying out relief operations as well. Read here about a few crucial operations by the IAF.

Best Fighter Planes/Jets Of Indian Air Force

Best Helicopter Of Indian Air Force

Indian Air Force Success Stories

• 1947 War with Pakistan Pakistan defeated in its very first battlefield engagement.
• 1961 Liberation of Goa, Daman and Diu from the Portuguese (Operation Vijay): Ended 450 years of Portuguese rule in Goa, Diu and Daman.
• 1965 War with Pakistan: IAF’s 28 combat squadrons saw some of the fiercest engagements in the air against the Pakistan Air Force.
• 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War: Revealed true air-air combat capabilities of the MiG-21.
• 1984 Operation Meghdoot: Siachen glacier captured.
• 1999 Kargil War (Operation Safed Sagar): Mirage 2000 aircraft at 32,000 carried out surgical operations to assist ground troops.

Indian Air Force In Relief Work

• 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami: IAF mounted relief within an hour of a tsunami hitting Sumatra, Indonesia.
• 2005 Kashmir Earthquake: IAF sent tonnes of relief materials including army medicines, blankets, and food packets.
• 2008 Cyclone Nargis: IAF transported over 100 tonnes of material, rescued many in Myanmar.
• 2013 Uttarakhand Floods (Operation Rahat): IAF provided food and medicines and airlifted 20,000 people.
• 2015 Nepal Earthquake (Operation Maitri): Relief operation in Nepal in the aftermath of the earthquake.
• Operation Sankat Mochan (2016): Operation to evacuate Indian Citizens and other foreign nationals from South Sudan during the Civil War.
• Operation Insaniyat (2017): Humanitarian assistance to supply relief to Bangladesh for migrant Rohingya Muslims.
• In this year, IAF played a vital role in rescue people in flood-battered Kerala.

The Nobel Prize is one of the most prestigious awards given to institutions or people for their outstanding work in the fields of physics, chemistry, literature, medicine, economics and peace. The Nobel Prize 2018 has been distributed and here is the full list of award winners. The Nobel Prizes are awarded annually on the death anniversary of Alfred Nobel.

Alfred Nobel also known as the founder of dynamite, Alfred Nobel did not want to be remembered as the founder of dynamite. Therefore, to regain control of his legacy, he established the Nobel Prize that would recognize people who had made positive contributions to mankind. In this article, we talk about this year’s recipients of the Nobel Prize winner 2018 in Chemistry, Physics and Medicine.

मेडिसिन के लिए नोबेल पुरस्का इम्यून चेकप्वांइट थेरेपी के लिए दिया गया है| यह हमारा प्रतिरक्षा तंत्र शरीर को तमाम बीमारियों से बचाता है। यह एक खास तरह की प्रोटीन से गाइड किया जाता है। कैंसर कोशिकाएं भी इसी प्रोटीन की मदद से आसपास चेकप्वाइंट बना लेती हैं।

नई इलाज पद्धति से इन्हीं प्रोटीन या चेकप्वांइट को खत्म किया जा सकेगा| प्रतिरक्षा कोशिकाएं. कैंसर कोशिकाओं को मारने में सक्षम हो जाएगी।

रसायन विज्ञान का नोबेल पुरस्कार एंजाइम्स और एंटीबॉडी का विकास के लिए दिया गया। अब वांछित गुणों के साथ नए प्रोटीन के निर्माण की पद्धति गन्ना को जैव ईंधन जैसे नवीकरणीय संसाधनों में बदलना मुमकिन हो पायेगा और साथ ही पर्यावरण अनुकूल रसायनिक पर्यावरण अनुकूल रसायनिक पदार्थ बनाना संभव हो पायेगा| डिटरजेंट जैसे रोजमर्रा के उत्पादों को बेहतर बनाया गया,फेज डिसप्ले नामक अनुठा तरीका विकसित, बैक्टीरिया को संक्रमित करने वाले वायरस बैक्टीरियोफेज तैयार किया गया|

The Nobel Prize For Chemistry 2018

Frances H. Arnold awarded For the directed evolution of enzymes while George P. Smith and Gregory P. Winter awarded for the phage display of peptides and antibodies. In 1993 Conducted first directed evolution of enzymes Refined methods now routinely used to develop new catalysts. Frances H. Arnold Uses of her enzymes include more environmentally friendly manufacturing of chemical substances like pharmaceuticals, production of renewable fuels for a greener transport sector.

Chemistry Nobel Prize George Smith & Gregory Winter-in 1985 George Smith developed an elegant method known as phage display Method in which a bacteriophage – virus that infects bacteria – can be used to evolve new antibodies.
Gregory Winter used phage display for directed evolution of antibodies, aim to produce new pharmaceuticals. in 2002 the First antibody based on phage display method, adalimumab, approved. The antibody used for rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, inflammatory bowel diseases. Phage display has produced antibodies that can neutralise toxins, counteract autoimmune diseases, cure metastatic cancer.

Nobel Prize For Medicine 2018

James P. Allison one of two to identify CTLA-4 molecule as an inhibitory receptor on T-cells. T-cells are the type of WBC that play a central role in the body’s natural immunity to disease.

Tasuku Honjo discovered protein-ligand PD-1 on immune cells, realised it also worked as a brake research on immunology to fight cancer over a century old. So far progress into clinical development has been modest antibodies against PD-1 approved by US FDA as an investigational new drug; developed for treating cancer. Research led to the development of a monoclonal antibody drug for the treatment of melanoma.

Nobel Prize For Medicine 2018 For Pathbreaking Inventions

Dr Strickland and Dr Mourou co-invented Chirped Pulse Amplification, Method of generating high-intensity, ultra-short optical pulses, used in corrective laser eye surgery, used in semiconductor manufacturing, solid state hard drives.

History Of Nobel Prizes(1st Nobel Prize)

• Chemistry:- Jacobus Hendricus Van’t Hoff (1852-1911) received the first Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1901 for his work on solutions.
• Physics Wilhelm C. Röntgen
• Physiology or Medicine Emil A. von Behring
• Literature Rene F. A. Sully Prudhomme

Alfred Noble’s Will:-“The bulk of his vast fortune be placed in a fund in which the interest would be annually distributed in the form of prizes to those who, during the preceding year, shall have conferred the greatest benefit on mankind.”

Alfred Nobel’s Inventions

• 1863 Invented a way to control detonation of nitroglycerin.
• 1864 Nobel’s nitroglycerin factory blew up, killing his younger brother and several other people.
• 1867 Combination of nitroglycerin and Kieselguhr produced a highly explosive mixture that was much safer to use. Nobel called this dynamite.
• 1875 Created a more powerful form of dynamite, blasting gelatin.
• 1887 Introduced ballistite, a smokeless nitroglycerin powder.

Some Notable Nobel Prize Laureates

• Marie Curie:-Marie Sklodowska Curie Born in Poland. She is recognised both as a physicist and as a chemist. She was the first person to be awarded two Nobel Prizes- for Physics in 1903 and for Chemistry in 1911.
• Theodore Roosevelt
• Albert Einstein
• George Bernard Shaw
• Winston Churchill
• Ernest Hemingway
• Martin Luther King Jr.
• Dalai Lama
• Mikhail Gorbachev
• Nelson Mandela
• “Baroness Bertha von Suttner first woman Nobel Peace prize winner in 1905.
• Malala Yousafzai youngest to get Nobel Prize in 2014.
• Albert Einstein (1879 – 1955) Einstein, one of the greatest physicists of all time, was born in Ulm, Germany. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in physics in 1921 for his contribution to theoretical physics and the photoelectric effect.
• De Broglie was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for his discovery of the wave nature of electrons In 1929.
• The wave nature of electrons was first experimentally verified by C.J. Davisson and L.H. Germer in 1927 and independently by G.P. Thomson, in 1928, who observed diffraction effects with beams of electrons scattered by crystals. Davisson and Thomson shared the Nobel Prize in 1937 for their experimental discovery of the diffraction of electrons by crystals.
• Franck and Hertz found that the emission spectrum of mercury has a line corresponding to this wavelength. For this experimental verification of Bohr’s basic ideas of discrete energy levels in atoms and the process of photon emission, Frank and Hertz were awarded the Nobel prize in 1925.
• The explanation of the hydrogen atom spectrum provided by Bohr’s model was a brilliant achievement, which greatly stimulated progress towards the modern quantum theory. In 1922, Bohr was awarded Nobel Prize in Physics.
• Dennis Gabor received the 1971 Nobel Prize in Physics for discovering the principles of holography.
• Richand Feynman was one of the recipients of the 1965 Nobel Prize in Physics for his fundamental work in quantum electrodynamics.
• The scattering of light by molecules was intensively investigated by C.V. Raman and his collaborators in Kolkata in the 1920s. Raman was awarded the Nobel Prize for Physics in 1930 for this work.
• Hendrik Antoon Lorentz a Dutch theoretical physicist, a professor at Leiden. He postulated the existence of electric charges in the atom, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1902.
• G. Natta of Imperia and Karl Ziegler of Germany were awarded the Nobel Prize for Chemistry in 1963 for the development of Ziegler-Natta catalyst.
• Paul Ehrlich got Nobel prize for Medicine in 1908 for this discovery. It was the first effective treatment discovered for syphilis.
• H.W. Florey and Alexander Fleming shared the Nobel prize for Medicine in 1945 for their independent contributions to the development of penicillin.
• Hydroboration-oxidation was first reported by H.C. Brown in 1959. For his studies on boron-containing organic compounds, Brown shared the 1979 Nobel prize in Chemistry with G. Wittig.

Nobel Prize For Economics:-In 1968 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Science established by the Swedish national bank Sveriges Riksbank and first awarded in 1969.

Selecting The Winners For Nobel Prize:-Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences decides the prizes in physics, chemistry, and economic science Swedish Royal Caroline Medico-Surgical Institute determines the physiology or medicine award. Swedish Academy chooses literature Committee elected by the Norwegian parliament awards the peace prize.

What is killing Gir forest lions, what is the cause of death of 23 lions in 20 days and what is Gujarat government is doing to stop this epidemic? Here we will read all answer related to Gir Forest lions death. The Gujarat government says canine distemper could have caused the death of the Asiatic lions in Gir since the 12th of September. All 23 lions casualties were reported in the Dalkhaniya range. The forest officials and conservationist said that At least 23 Asiatic lions died in the last 20 days at the Gir National Park in Gujarat. such a huge number blind there is such a short span of time is extremely rare.

The National Institute of virology Pune has found evidence of a viral infection in some blood and tissue samples of a dead lion. there also reports that canine distemper virus was found in few samples. CDD is a deadly contagious viral disease seen Among many wild, as well as domestic animals.

The forensic science laboratory Junagadh also found tick-borne Protozoa infection in 6 samples. this Babesiosis Protozoa infection is carried by ticks found on most cattle, canines in the wild. The Indian Veterinary Research Institute Bareilly has also reach Gujarat to collect samples. as a precautionary measure, Gir authorities capture and isolated 31 lions from places adjacent to the one where the death occurred. The infected lions are being treated at the animal care centre.

Many teams have been deployed to cover around 3000 square kilometres in order to identify the infected lions and transport them to medical centres. The sudden deaths of lions in Gujarat was first reported in mid-September this year. when forest officials revealed 11 lions died between 12 to 19 September. 10 more died between 20th and 30th September. while two more big cats died during treatment on the 1st October. the death toll makes up 3.5% of 600 the lions believe to be present in Gir.

The supreme court expresses concern over the death of big cats in the Gir forest. The apex court demands an explanation from the Gujarat government over the cause of the lion’s deaths. the Gujarat high court also made an observation. Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani term the death unfortunate and said action would be taken if negligence was found by the forest department.

Gujarat Forest Department aware of the presence of canine distemper virus since 2011 in Gir Forest’s lions. the first warning came in September 2011 when the centre for animal disease research in diagnosis and Indian Veterinary Research Institute analyse tissues form a carcass of a Gir lion.

It found the presence of highly contagious PPRV in the body is 20 lions. PPRV and Goat Plague is highly contagious and can be deadlier than CDV. Dr Richard Kock of the UK’s Royal Veterinary College warned that the disease could take the form of an epidemic and wipe out 40% of Gir’s Lion population.

In 2013, the Gujarat state biotechnology mission claims that they studied 10% of Gir’s forest lion to conclude that there was no trace of CDV or PPRV in wild population. however, in 2016 the death of four lions sent to Etawah’s lion safari Park Junagadh’s Sakkarbaug zoo attributed to canine distemper virus.

Lions expert says crammed for space, many lions in Gir live in close proximity to feral or even domestic dogs. Domestic dog species are known to carry canine distemper virus(CDV ). in 1990s CDV outbreak and wiped out nearly a third of Africa’s lions especially in Serengeti National Park Tanzania.

In 2016 one of India’s oldest and most popular lions Ram died of old age in the Gir forest. according to Gujarat Forest Department around hundred Lions annually in Gir Forest with the death rate peaking during monsoon. on an average of 31 to 32 lions in Gir forest died during the three months of monsoon at the year.

Found in Gir forest of Gujarat the Asiatic lion is one of the seven subspecies of lions that are scattered across the world. The Gir Sanctuary set up in 1965 is the only home to the Asiatic lion in the world. according to the latest census, 650 wildcats live Gir sanctuary presently. the Asiatic lion is also vulnerable to extinction due to unpredictable events.

At the end of the 19th century, the population decrease to 80 lions and lions were completely wiped out from other parts of Asia. the numbers improved thanks to the efforts of the Nawab of Junagadh, who decided to protect the lions in their own private hunting ground of the Gir.

Gir forest in Gujarat is spread across 1412 square kilometres of which 258 square kilometres is fully protected as a national park and 1153 Square kilometres as a wildlife sanctuary. Lions are categorised as critically endangered in 2000 after only 304 lions were recorded in Gir 1995 lions census.

Besides Africa Gir forest the only place in the world their lions can be seen in the wild. as it is the only area in Asia which is the natural habitat for the Asiatic lions. from a population of approximately 20 lions in 1913 the population rose nearly 650 lions in 2017. Lions populations spilling outside Gir forest also have a sizable and population. the 2015 census show that strength to be 523 lions which were 27% higher compared to the previous census in 2010 which was recorded 411 lions in the country.

Alternative Habits For Asiatic Lion

The Asiatic lions Exist as a single subpopulation in Gir. Experts feel the concentration of the entire land population at a single place exposes it to the danger of being wild out by the disease on natural calamity, excessive rain and flood in the region is also caused of concern for forest guard. In 2016 10 lions died due to floods.

How Government Is Protecting Gir Lions

In the past years, the Gujarat government has undertaken many efforts to conserve and protect these Majestic Asiatic lions. the government is also working and plans like relocating the lions to sanctuaries other then Gir to create a second home for Gir lions.

The species listed as endangered by the International Union for the conservation of nature, even though the Gir forest is well protected and the lion population has been steadily increasing in the past few years. they still facing potential threats including forest fires, epidemics and natural calamities. in the recent years, the government has made several efforts to conserve Asiatic lions.

Asiatic Lions Project

• Plan to set up second independent population at Kuno Wildlife Sanctuary in MP.
• 1990: Proposal by Wildlife Institute of India to safeguard species against potential calamities in Gir National Park.
• April 2013: SC ordered translocation of Asiatic lions from Gujarat to Madhya Pradesh.
• March 2017: Environment Ministry’s expert committee approved Kuno Palpur in MP.

Lion Breeding Programme

• Aims to create and maintain breeding centres.
• Carries out studies of the behaviour of Asiatic lions.
• Practices artificial insemination.
• Sakkarbaug Zoo at Junagadh has successfully bred 180 lions.
• 126 pure Asiatic lions sent to zoos in India and abroad.
• Census of lions conducted every five years.
• 2015 census counted 523 Asiatic Lions.
• 2017 internal count was 650.