Does H5N1 pose a threat for humans? | Explained

Why in the news? The highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1’s spread to cattle and first human cases in U.S. dairy workers heighten fears of wider human transmission. Can the highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 strain spread from cattle to humans? Recent Infections: Three cases of human infection in dairy farm workers were reported in… Continue reading

Why caste should inform debates on inequality in the country?

Why in the News? A recent working paper from the World Inequality Lab has sparked renewed debate about the growing divide between the rich and the poor. Disparities in Consumption Patterns: Population vs. Consumption Share: Scheduled Tribes (ST): Despite making up 9% of the population, their consumption share is only 7%. Scheduled Castes (SC): Represent… Continue reading

Who is the Pro-Tem Speaker of Lok Sabha and how is an MP chosen for the role?

Why in the News? The 18th Lok Sabha will convene its first session very soon. A new Speaker of the House will be elected during this session. Until the election of the new Speaker, a pro-tem Speaker will be appointed to administer the oath to the new Members of Parliament. Who is a Pro-tem Speaker?… Continue reading

[pib] INS Sunayna in Port Victoria, Seychelles

Why in the News? INS Sunayna, an Offshore Patrol Vessel based at Southern Naval Command, entered Port Victoria, Seychelles. The ship will undertake joint EEZ surveillance with the Seychelles Coast Guard during the deployment. The visit is aimed at further strengthening mutual cooperation in line with the vision of SAGAR (Security & Growth for All… Continue reading

In news: G-7 Outreach Summit Apulia, Italy

Why in the News? PM Modi was placed at centre stage for a group photograph at the G-7 Outreach Summit held in Italy. This marks India’s 11th participation in the G7 Summit and PM Modi’s fifth consecutive attendance. About G-7 (Group of Seven) The G7 is an informal bloc of industrialized democracies comprising the United… Continue reading

Elephants have names for each other: New study

Why in the News? Recent studies utilizing Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools have revealed that elephants possess unique names used to address each other, placing them among the select animals with this ability. Unlike animals such as parrots and dolphins, elephants do not imitate the calls of those they address, resembling humans in this communicative trait.… Continue reading

World Crocodile Day 2024: In 50th year of India’s saurian conservation

Why in the news? The successful Crocodile Conservation Project in Bhitarkanika National Park is escalating the human-crocodile conflicts affecting local communities. About the Crocodile Conservation Project Launch and Objective: The Crocodile Conservation Project was launched in 1975 in Bhitarkanika National Park, Odisha. The main objective was to protect the crocodiles’ natural habitat and revive the… Continue reading

An Ageing India: The Magnitude and the Multitude

Why in the News? The phenomenon of ageing stands out as one of the most significant developments of this century, characterized by notable advancements in human longevity alongside historically low reproduction rates. About the Magnitude and Multiplication of the aged population The magnitude of Aging Population: The 21st century is witnessing a significant demographic shift… Continue reading

EU Environmental Council adopts nature restoration law in historic win for continent’s environment

Why in the news? On June 17, 2024, the EU Environmental Council approved the Nature Restoration Law (NRL), marking a significant victory for environmental conservation across the continent. Nature Restoration Law (NRL): Objective and Scope: The NRL aims to restore and preserve biodiversity and ecosystem health across Europe. It targets a wide range of habitats… Continue reading

Valentina Tereshkova: The First Woman in Space

Why in the News? On June 16, 1963, Valentina Tereshkova made history as the first woman to venture into space. Her achievement marked a significant milestone in the Space Race between the USA and the USSR during the Cold War. About Valentina Tereshkova’s Space Journey In 1962, Tereshkova was selected among five women for the… Continue reading

Quantum Physics Behind Diapers: How they absorb so much Liquid?

Why in the News? Understanding the absorbency of diapers through the Quantum physics of water absorption and contrasting materials that do or do not absorb water. Absorption in Diapers: How it works? Absorption depends on Microscopic forces and Material properties. Water molecules are attracted to materials like cotton due to their structure. Cotton, a network… Continue reading

Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary: India’s New Cheetah Habitat

Why in the News? Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary will become the second home for cheetahs in India, after Kuno National Park. The final decision on importing cheetahs from Namibia and South Africa will be made after the monsoon season to avoid infection risks. Cheetah Reintroduction in India: In India, cheetahs disappeared in the early 1950s… Continue reading

[17th June 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: High Court’s take on Marriage Act, an erosion of rights

PYQ Relevance: Q Discuss the possible factors that inhibit India from enacting for its citizen a uniform civil code as provided for in the Directive Principles of State Policy. (UPSC IAS/2015) Q Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (UPSC IAS/2020) Mentor comment: Interfaith marriages in India face legal and societal… Continue reading

Under Kafala, workers are dispensable

Why in the news? Shortly after a fatal fire claimed the lives of 49 migrant workers, predominantly Indians, in the Mangaf area of Al Ahmadi municipality, Kuwait About the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) It is a regional intergovernmental organization that aims to promote economic, political, and cultural cooperation among its member states. The GCC was… Continue reading

What is SWM Cess and Why is It Levied on Waste Generators?

Why in the News? The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahangara Palike (BBMP) has proposed a Solid Waste Management (SWM) Cess of ₹100 per month for each household. What is Cess? A cess is a form of tax or levy imposed by governments to fund specific services or purposes, such as waste management or infrastructure development. How has… Continue reading

Tarang Shakti-2024: Indian Air Force’s First Multinational Air Exercise

Why in the News? The Indian Air Force’s first multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti-2024, will be held in August. It is inspired by the Red Flag exercise hosted by the US. Tarang Shakti-2024 Originally planned for late 2023, the exercise was postponed. The exercise will be conducted in two distinct phases: Phase One: Scheduled in… Continue reading

What is an Electromagnet?

Why in the News? Recently Scientists have designed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner that costs a fraction of existing machines, setting the stage for improving access to this widely used diagnostic tool. So we need to know about the Electromagnet. What is an Electromagnet? Invented in 1824 by William Sturgeon, electromagnets revolutionised technology. Sturgeon… Continue reading

Madras High Court’s Interpretation of POSH Act, 2013

Why in the News? Madras HC upheld the ‘Right to Report’ serious incidents of sexual harassment a time, rejecting the 3-month deadline under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act (POSH), 2013. Long-term emotional and psychological damage on victims underscored the need for a broader application of the law. Right… Continue reading

Unsolved issue of the Buddha Relics from Bavikonda

Why in the News? Ten years after the division of Telangana from united Andhra Pradesh, the distribution of antiquities, manuscripts, and cultural objects remains contentious. The custody of objects like Buddha Relics from Bavikonda are part of this dispute. About Bavikonda Buddhist Complex Bavikonda, a significant ancient Buddhist site dating from the 3rd century BC… Continue reading

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