Indian Peacekeeper to Receive Posthumous Dag Hammarskjold Medal
Context: Indian peacekeeper Naik Dhananjay Kumar Singh, who served with the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), will be posthumously awarded the prestigious Dag Hammarskjold medal for his service and sacrifice. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Service of Naik Dhananjay Kumar Singh and MONUSCO Service and […]
Severe Turbulence Incidents Highlight Growing Concerns
Context: Recent incidents of severe turbulence affecting a Singapore Airlines flight over Myanmar and a Qatar Airways flight over Turkey underscore the increasing impact of rapid air traffic growth and climate change. While turbulence is a common occurrence on flights worldwide, episodes resulting in serious injuries are rare, pointing to emerging challenges in aviation safety […]
Tobacco Epidemic in India
Context: Tobacco is the most widely recognized preventable cause of disease and death globally. India has the world’s second-highest number of tobacco consumers, following China, with nearly 26 crore (260 million) people using tobacco products. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Reports on Tobacco Consumption in India Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS): Global […]
RBI Launches Three Major Initiatives
Context: Recently, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has launched three major initiatives. Relevance: Facts for Prelims RBI’s Digital Initiatives PRAVAAH Portal: Retail Direct Mobile App: FinTech Repository: EmTech Repository: -Source: The Hindu
First GPS-Tagged Eurasian Whimbrel Spotted in Chhattisgarh
Context: For the first time, a long-distance migratory bird, the Eurasian or common whimbrel, tagged with a Global Positioning System (GPS) transmitter, was captured on camera in the state of Chhattisgarh. Relevance: GS III: Species in News About the Eurasian Whimbrel Distribution: Habitat: Physical Features: Behavior: Conservation Status: -Source: The Hindu
Overview of Microcephaly
Context: Recently, a study revealed that a gene called SASS6 and its variants have been implicated in a developmental process that causes microcephaly. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Overview of Microcephaly Definition and Detection: Causes: Common causes include: Symptoms: Treatment: -Source: The Hindu
Cyclone Remal Triggers Fatal Incidents and Landslides in Northeast India
Context: Cyclone Remal recently struck the West Bengal coastline, leading to the deaths of six people in related incidents. In the Northeast, heavy rainfall caused by the cyclone triggered landslides in Meghalaya, Mizoram, Assam, and Nagaland, resulting in at least 30 fatalities. The entire region, including Sikkim and northern West Bengal, is prone to landslides. […]
IMD Investigates Record Temperature Reading at Mungeshpur Weather Station
Context: The Mungeshpur weather station in Delhi recorded a maximum temperature of 52.9 degrees Celsius, setting an all-time record for any location in India. However, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) later clarified that the record-breaking temperature was likely due to a sensor error or local factor. The IMD is currently investigating the data and sensors […]
IUCN Report Warns of Global Mangrove Ecosystem Collapse
Context: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has released a new report indicating that half of the world’s mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapsing. This is the IUCN’s first comprehensive global assessment of mangroves. The report, titled “Red List of Mangrove Ecosystems,” was unveiled on International Day for Biodiversity (22nd May). Relevance: […]
Neglect of Menstrual Hygiene for Female Prisoners in India
Context: Despite significant progress in menstrual hygiene management, with around 80% of young women aged 15-24 using safe menstrual products according to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2019-2020), women in Indian prisons remain neglected. Improvements have been seen in urban areas and among certain groups, but societal biases against female prisoners, who are often […]