Mapping: Source: BBC Context: A sailing yacht sank in Moroccan waters near the Strait of Gibraltar after being rammed by orcas. About Orcas, also known as killer whales: They are the largest dolphins, recognized by their black-and-white colouring, reaching up to 8 meters in length and weighing up to 6 tonnes. Highly intelligent …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: LM Pig Butchering Scams, also known as “sha zhu pan” scams, involve building trust with victims over time before tricking them into investing in fraudulent schemes. It is a type of long-term scam and investment fraud. For instance, scammers may offer attractive job opportunities or investment plans, creating emotional connections …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: whitely-award Context: Dr Purnima Devi Barman from India has been awarded the 2024 Whitley Gold Award (dubbed ‘Green Oscar’) by the UK charity Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) for her efforts to save the Greater Adjutant Stork (Hargila). Conservation Efforts: Barman’s campaign has increased the stork population in …
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Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: NASA Context: Astronomers at the University of Liège in Belgium discovered an Earth-sized exoplanet, SPECULOOS-3 b, orbiting an ultra-cool red dwarf, 55 light-years away. Exoplanets: Planets beyond our solar system, either orbiting other stars or free-floating. Red dwarfs are the smallest main sequence stars, much smaller than the …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: Th Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) updated its Bacterial Pathogens Priority List (BPPL), highlighting critical priority pathogens that pose significant global health threats due to their resistance to treatment and ability to spread resistance. About BPPL: The Bacterial Pathogens Priority List (BPPL) is a crucial tool in …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: Daily Mail Context: Giant viruses, dating back 1.5 billion years, discovered in Yellowstone’s geothermal springs shed light on Earth’s early conditions. A giant virus, also known as a “girus,” is notably large, with some exceeding typical bacteria in size. They are classified within the phylum Nucleocytoviricota. These viruses, …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: The Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), through a circular, has directed all device license holders and manufacturers to report any adverse events on the Materiovigilance Programme of India (MvPI) platform to mitigate risks and ensure public health safety.
GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Government policies and interventions Source: TH Context: Indian higher education is experiencing heightened politicization, posing a serious threat to academic institutions and intellectual freedom. India boasts one of the world’s largest higher education systems, including prestigious institutions like IITs and IIMs. Despite its vastness, challenges such as quality and relevance persist. …
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