DPN Topics
“FLip” mutations of SARS-COV-2 may be evading immunity and leading to a surge in COVID cases, suggests researchers Subject :S&T Section : HEALTH JN.1 Emergence: The omicron sub-variant JN.1, featuring the L455S “FLip” spike protein mutation, is expected to become the predominant strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus worldwide. JN.1 emerged from the BA.2.86 […]
Migrants March in Mexico Subject : IR Section : Places in news Context: Migrants are marching towards the US Border. More about the news: A large migrant caravan, consisting of people from Central America, Venezuela, Cuba, and other countries, is making its way through Mexico towards the US border. The caravan, comprising around […]
Why ransomware attacks on Indian IT firms are a cause for concern? Subject: Science and Tech Section: Awareness in IT Context: A 2023 study conducted by Sophos, a cybersecurity company, showed that 73% of organizations reported being victims of ransomware attacks, up from 57% the previous year. What is Ransomware? Ransomware is a type of malware that prevents users […]
India’s jobs crisis, the macroeconomic reasons Subject :Economy Section: Unemployment and inflation Context: The employment challenge can no longer be met only through more rapid GDP growth; a separate policy focus is needed on employment. Two types of employment The first is wage employment which is a result of labour demanded by employers […]
The evolving role of the Colombo Security Conclave Subject : IR Section: International groupings Context: In early December, India’s National Security Adviser (NSA), Ajit Doval, took part in the sixth NSA meeting of the Colombo Security Conclave (CSC). The meeting reviewed the developments and progress made by the CSC in the last year […]
The pesticide hazard: eating away the lives of farmers in Maharashtra Subject :Environment Section: Pollution In the news: Borisinh village, amidst agricultural fields, reflects the continuous plight of farmers suffering from pesticide poisoning in Maharashtra. Details: Certain insecticides were temporarily banned in 2017 and 2018 in several districts due to poisoning cases. Committees […]
Flowering plant undoes 100 million years of evolution, shows signs of self-pollination Subject :Environment Section: Species in news In the news: Scientists found a field pansy flower (native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa) in Paris, France, producing less nectar and smaller flowers to attract fewer pollinators, indicating rapid evolution. Details: Researchers […]
El Nino effect: Cases of dengue have increased globally Subject : Geography Section: Climatology In the news: The World Health Organization (WHO) reported a staggering ten-fold increase in dengue cases globally between 2000 and 2019, rising from 500,000 to 5.2 million reported cases. However, this count likely underestimates the actual prevalence due to […]
Nematocyst: a cellular weapon Subject: Environment Section: Species in news Nematocysts’ Role in Defense and Hunting: Nematocysts are specialized cells found in jellyfish, corals, sea anemones, and hydras, andact as potent weapons for defence and hunting. Composed of capsules containing coiled tubules and toxins, nematocysts rapidly eject these tubules with extreme acceleration when […]
Unpacking the first ever COP ‘Health Day’ Subject :Environment Section: International Convention COP28: Hosted by the UAE, focused on the link between climate change and public health crises. Emphasized the severe health threats posed by climate change, particularly impacting marginalized communities and low- to middle-income countries. Highlighted the need for an accelerated phase-out […]