State PCS - Rajasthan (RAS)

• 05 Aug 2025

Lumpy Skin Disease

Why in News?

Fresh cases of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) in cows have recently been reported in the Sirohi district, Rajasthan, three years after the region was devastated by the same disease. 

Key Points About Lumpy Skin Disease

• Causes: LSD is caused by infection of cattle or water buffalo with the poxvirus Lumpy Skin Disease Virus (LSDV).
  • According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the mortality rate is less than 10%.
  • Lumpy skin disease was first seen as an epidemic in Zambia in 1929. Initially, it was thought to be the result of either poisoning or hypersensitivity to insect bites.
• Transmission: Lumpy skin disease is primarily spread between animals by biting insects (vectors), such as mosquitoes and biting flies.
• Symptoms: The disease is marked by the appearance of lumps on the skin of infected cows and can lead to a reduction in milk production and, in severe cases, death.
  • It primarily consists of fever, fluid excretion from eyes and nose, dribbling of saliva from the mouth and blisters on the body.
• Prevention and Treatment: Vaccination against these diseases is covered under the Livestock Health and Disease Control Programme of India.
  • There are no specific antiviral drugs available for the treatment of lumpy skin disease. 
    • The only treatment available is supportive care of cattle. This can include treatment of skin lesions using wound care sprays and the use of antibiotics to prevent secondary skin infections and pneumonia.
  • Anti-inflammatory painkillers can be used to keep up the appetite of affected animals.

Bhilwara’s Ashwini Vishnoi Wins Gold at U-17 WWC

Why in News?

Bhilwara’s Ashwini Vishnoi made history by winning a gold medal at the Under-17 World Wrestling Championship (WWC), which took place in Athens, Greece (from 28th July to 3rd August 2025). 

• In a spectacular display of skill and determination, she triumphed over Uzbekistan’s Mukayo Rakhimjonova 3-0 in the final. 
• This victory marks her as Rajasthan’s first female wrestler to win this prestigious title, boosting her prominence internationally.

Key Points

• In her first match, she defeated a wrestler Mukayo Rakhimjonova from Uzbekistan. 
  • She then won her second match against a wrestler from Kazakhstan. 
  • Ashwini advanced to the final, where she faced China’s Jiaao in the 65 kg category and won the match easily, securing the gold medal.
• In the last two years, Ashwini has not only gained national recognition but has earned five international gold medals, solidifying her place on the global stage.
  • She has won multiple gold medals, including triumphs at the Asian Wrestling Championship and the World Wrestling Championship. 

World Wrestling Championship (WWC)

• The WWC is organized by United World Wrestling (UWW). United World Wrestling (UWW) is the international governing body for the sport of amateur wrestling, both for Greco-Roman wrestling (men only) and freestyle wrestling (men's and women's).
• UWW is headquartered in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Switzerland.