WHY IN NEWS? An 11-year-old boy in Delhi died of H5N1 avian influenza. This is the first recorded death due to the bird flu in India in 2021. About Bird Flu: Bird flu or avian influenza is a disease caused by avian influenza Type A viruses found naturally in wild birds worldwide. The virus can infect domestic poultry including chickens, ducks, turkeys and there have been reports of H5N1 infection among pigs, cats, and even tigers in Thailand zoos. Types: Avian Influenza type a viruses are classified based on two proteins on their surfaces – Hemagglutinin (HA) and Neuraminidase (NA). There are about 18....Read More

WHY IN NEWS? In the state of Madhya Pradesh, the cities of Orchha and Gwalior have been selected by UNESCO under its ‘Historic Urban Landscape Project.’ This project was started in the year 2011. About: UNESCO’s Historic Urban Landscape project for the cities of Orchha and Gwalior was launched through video conferencing by Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Six cities of South Asia, including Indian cities of Varanasi and Ajmer are already involved in this project. Gwalior and Orchha have been included as the 7th and 8th cities of South Asia. UNESCO will prepare the management and....Read More

Syllabus- General Studies 3(environment) Context Parliamentary panel for synergy between IMD and private players More on the news: According to the Standing Committee on Science: There is a need for better synergy between the India Meteorological Department (IMD) and private forecasters. To avoid confusion, especially during extreme climate events like cyclones or flash floods. Currently, there are three private players in India i.e.; Skymet (India), Earth Networks and IBM Weather. In recent years, the IMD and Skymet have often made differing predictions on the monsoon. In June 2021, the Kerala government, dissatisfied with the IMD’s performance, hired Skymet Private Limited, Earth Networks....Read More

Why in News ? Interpol has conducted Operation Pangea XIV to target the sale of counterfeit and illicit medicines and medical products. About: Operation Pangeais an international effort to target the online sale of counterfeit and illicit health products. It also aims to raise public awareness of the potential dangers of buying medicines online. The first time Operation Pangea was conducted was in 2008. Led by: The operation is coordinated by INTERPOL. It involved police, customs and health regulatory authorities from 92 countries. India: Indian agencies also participated in the operation. The Central Bureau of Investigation(CBI) is the nodal body for Interpol in the country. Impact: The operation resulted....Read More

Why in News ? Union Cabinet approved an increase in Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Kharif crops for 2021-22, to increase farmers’ income. About: Centre has increased MSP for paddy by Rs 72. It now stands at to Rs 1,940 per quintal for 2021-22 crops. Highest absolute increase in MSP over previous year has been recommended for sesamum, followed by tur and urad. MSP on groundnut and niger seed was increased by Rs 275 per quintal and Rs 235 per quintal, respectively. Differential remuneration was fixed with the aim of encouraging crop diversification.Read More