Why in the News ? A joint mission by the European Space Agency and the Chinese Academy of Sciences is set to launch the SMILE spacecraft to study how Earth’s magnetic shield protects the planet from intense solar winds and harmful space weather events. SMILE Mission and Scientific Objectives ● SMILE stands for Solar Wind…
Why in the News ? The World Health Organization has declared the ongoing Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) following rising infections, deaths, and fears of wider international spread. Ebola Outbreak and WHO Response ● The outbreak has resulted in more than…
Why in the News? Key provisions and background Implications of the ruling Gerrymandering● Definition: Gerrymandering refers to manipulation of electoral boundaries to favour a political party or social group.● Types: It includes packing, where voters are concentrated into one district, and cracking, where communities are split across districts.● Political Impact: Gerrymandering can distort representation and…
Why in the News? ABOUT THE COMMITTEE FUNCTIONS AND SIGNIFICANCE PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEES● Definition: Parliamentary committees are smaller groups of Members of Parliament constituted for detailed examination of specific subjects.● Types: They are broadly classified into Standing Committees and Ad Hoc Committees.● Function: Committees scrutinise Bills, budgets, policies, retrospective environmental clearances, and functioning of ministries for…
Why in the News? ABOUT DENGUE PREVENTIVE AND CONTROL MEASURES VECTOR-BORNE DISEASES● Definition: Vector-borne diseases are infections transmitted through organisms such as mosquitoes, ticks and flies.● Common Diseases: Dengue, malaria, chikungunya, Japanese encephalitis and kala-azar are major vector-borne diseases in India.● National Programme: India implements the National Centre for Vector Borne Diseases Control programme for…
Why in the News? ABOUT GANGES SOFT-SHELL TURTLE SIGNIFICANCE OF SATELLITE TAGGING KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK● Location: Kaziranga National Park is located in Assam along the floodplains of the Brahmaputra River.● UNESCO Status: It is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.● Flagship Species: The park is globally famous for conserving the one-horned rhinoceros population.● Biodiversity…
Why in the News? DIGITAL ARREST SCAM: KEY FEATURES SIGNIFICANCE OF ‘ABHAY’ CYBER FRAUDS IN INDIA● Definition: Cyber fraud involves use of digital technologies to deceive individuals for financial gain or unlawful advantage.● Common Forms: Phishing, OTP scams, identity theft, fake investment schemes and digital arrest scams are major cyber threats.● Regulatory Framework: Cybercrimes are…
Why in the News? Key observations of the court Bhojshala complex: Important facts Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)● Archaeological Survey of India is the premier organisation responsible for archaeological research and monument conservation in India.● ASI functions under the Ministry of Culture.● It was established in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham during British rule.● The organisation…
Why in the News? Major big cats in India International Big Cat Alliance Project Tiger● Project Tiger was launched in 1973 to conserve India’s declining tiger population.● The programme functions under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) established through the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, guided by landmark Vanashakti judgment principles on environmental jurisprudence.● India currently…
Why in the News? Key features of hantavirus Important differences from COVID-19 Zoonotic diseases● Zoonotic Diseases are infectious diseases transmitted between animals and humans.● Common zoonotic diseases include rabies, avian influenza, Nipah virus, Ebola, and hantavirus infections.● Factors such as climate change, urbanisation, deforestation, and wildlife-human interaction increase zoonotic spillovers, requiring comprehensive environmental impact assessment…