Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) Vaccine

  Source: Nature   Context: The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the first-ever respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) vaccine, developed by UK-based pharmaceutical company GSK, for use in people aged 60 years and older.   About respiratory syncytial virus (RSV):

Washington Declaration

  Source: TH  Context: South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol visited the U.S. on April 25 to celebrate the 70th anniversary of U.S.-South Korea bilateral relations. During the visit, the two countries signed the “Washington Declaration,” which focuses on nuclear deterrence strategy.   About Washington Declaration:

Article 355

  Source: TH  Context: The Centre has taken control of security in Manipur (by allegedly invoking Article 355), deploying 12 companies of the Border Security Force (BSF) and airlifting anti-riot vehicles to the northeastern state. The move comes after at least ten people were killed by mobs, and several villages and community-specific urban localities were …

Heat Index

  Source: TH   Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced plans to launch a composite index next year to measure the impact of heat on India’s population.   About Heat Index:  

Mridangam

  Source: The Print   Context: Karaikudi R Rani, also known as Karaikudi Mani, a legendary mridangam vidwan, who dominated the Carnatic music scene for half a century passed away recently.   About the Mridangam:   Comparison of Carnatic music and Hindustani music on the basis of instruments used:  

Vaisakh Purnima

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: PIB  Context: The Ministry of Culture along with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) celebrated the auspicious day of Vaisakh Purnima.   Vaishakh Buddha Purnima (also known as Vesak or Buddha Jayanti): It is the most sacred day of the year for Buddhists all over the world as it marks the …

My life as a Comrade

 Source: BBC   KK Shailaja, the former health minister of Kerala, who gained worldwide recognition for her success in managing the Covid-19 pandemic, has released a memoir entitled “My Life As A Comrade“.   Ms. Shailaja credits scientific thinking as an integral part of her decision-making process and reveals that her Ammamma (Grandmother), inspired her …

Global Land Outlook report

GS Paper 3 Syllabus: Environment, conservation   Source: TH   Context: According to the 2nd edition of the Global Land Outlook (GLO) report, humans have breached four out of nine planetary boundaries.   GLO: It is a United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification’s (UNCCD) flagship publication, whose 1st edition was launched in 2017 at the …

Poverty Estimation in India

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: Issues Relating to Poverty and Hunger   Source: LM Context: There has been no official estimate of poverty in India after 2011-12. However, many private estimates are available.   Poverty estimation in India: Poverty can be defined as a condition in which an individual or household lacks the financial resources to …

India-UAE CEPA

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: Bilateral Relations   Source: PIB, GulfNews    Context: The India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has had a significant impact on bilateral trade between the two countries since its implementation in May 2022. It is expected to increase the total value of bilateral trade in goods to over USD 100 billion and trade …