In Context Recently, the National Medical Commission (NMC), the apex regulatory body of medical professionals in India, has written to all State Medical Councils, banning conversion therapy. More about the news The NMC is following a Madras High Court directive to issue an official notification listing conversion therapy as wrong, under the Indian Medical Council […]

In Context Recently, the NCRB data on preventive detentions in 2021 was released. Data Highlights Preventive detentions in 2021: According to the latest crime statistics released by the National Crime Records Bureau, Preventive detentions in 2021 saw a rise of over 23.7% compared to the year before.  In 2021, over 1.1 lakh people being placed […]

In News Recently, the International Labour Organization (ILO) released a report specific to Asia and the Pacific. Key Points Content of Report:  A global overview of progress made around the world over the past decade in extending social protection and building rights-based social protection systems, including floors, and covers the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.  […]

In News Recently, a short tuberculosis treatment regimen of six months called BPaL as against the usual 18-month protocols has won the scientific vote with trials in multiple countries showing it had favourable outcomes in 84% to 94% of the sickest TB patients.  About BPaL BPaL is a combination of three newer antibiotics: bedaquiline, pretomanid […]

In News Recently, an internal audit report by Madhya Pradesh government has pointed to large-scale irregularities from fictitious beneficiaries to non-existent supply trucks in the implementation of the Integrated Child Development Scheme (ICDS).  Major Highlights of the recent Audit Report  Take-home ration (THR) The auditors reviewed the THR component of ICDS distributed to 11.98 lakh […]

Context On the occasion of National Teachers’ Day, Prime Minister announced a new initiative – PM SHRI Schools (PM ScHools for Rising India). PM-SHRI Scheme It is a new centrally sponsored scheme and will showcase the components of the National Education Policy, 2020. A Centrally Sponsored Scheme is one where the cost of implementation is […]

In News OPEC+ is going to cut crude oil output by 100k barrels per day from October 2022. About OPEC+ Created in 2016  Backdrop: OPEC countries decided to ally with other oil-producing countries outside the group to cut down the global output of oil. Members: OPEC+ refers to a group of 23 oil-producing countries that […]

In News  According to a recent study, insulin-suppressing protein may be responsible for the five-fold increase in longevity in queen ants compared to worker ants. Generally, species with a faster metabolism for reproduction are associated with a shorter life span.  Ants are a notable exception to this generally accepted rule. About Black Garden Queen Ant […]

In News The Basilica of Bom Jesus in Old Goa, a major tourist attraction, would be closed for visitors for a month for restoration. About The Basilica of Bom Jesus is part of the Churches and Convents of Goa listed under UNESCOs World Heritage List. It contains the tomb of St Francis-Xavier, illustrating the evangelization […]

In News The 50th All Manipur Shumang Leela Festival 2021-2022 kicked off  in Imphal. About Shumang Leela which means ‘Courtyard performance‘ is a traditional Manipuri theatrical art form considered to have developed in the 19 th and 20 th century. It is believed to be descended from Lai Haraoba, a ritual of the Meiti Community. […]