Info Nuggets

Earthquake waves

An earthquake is the shaking of the Earth caused by the release of energy, generating waves that travel in all directions. There are two types of earthquake waves: body waves (P-waves and S-waves) and surface waves. P-waves travel faster, while S-waves can only travel through solid materials. Surface waves are the most damaging. Shadow zones, areas where waves are not reported, exist for both P-waves and S-waves, providing valuable information about the Earth's interior structure.

H5N1 Bird Flu

H5N1 Bird Flu is a highly contagious strain of avian influenza caused by the influenza A(H5N1) virus. It primarily affects birds, but can occasionally infect humans through contact with infected animal fluids. Symptoms range from mild to severe, including respiratory complications. The virus is zoonotic, meaning it can jump from animals to humans, but human-to-human transmission is rare. Treatment includes antiviral medications and supportive care. Preventive measures include avoiding contact with infected animals and proper cooking of poultry products.

Faecal coliform

High levels of faecal coliform bacteria were detected in the Ganga and Yamuna rivers at Prayagraj during Maha Kumbh 2025. Faecal coliform bacteria originate from warm-blooded animals' intestinal tracts and indicate sewage contamination, presence of disease-causing pathogens, and poor waste management. Their presence increases Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD), depleting oxygen and harming aquatic life. The permissible limit is 2,500 units per 100 ml of water, while drinking water should have zero E. coli presence.

Chief Election Commissioner

Gyanesh Kumar has been appointed as India's new Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), succeeding Rajiv Kumar. As CEC, Gyanesh Kumar will head the Election Commission of India (ECI), ensuring free and fair elections. His term will run until January 26, 2029, and he will oversee major elections, including the 2029 Lok Sabha polls. The CEC is appointed through a selection process governed by the 2023 Act, which involves a Selection Committee and a Search Committee. The CEC must be a person of integrity with knowledge and experience in election management. As CEC, Kumar's powers and functions include conducting elections, regulating political parties, monitoring election funding, and advising the President and Governors on election-related matters.

Sanchi Stupa

The Sanchi Stupa, commissioned by Emperor Ashoka in the 3rd century BCE, is a significant Buddhist monument. Its architectural features include a hemispherical dome, chatras, harmika and toranas depicting Buddha's life events. The stupa symbolises early Buddhist aniconism and features inscriptions in Brahmi and Kharosthi scripts. Declared a World Heritage Site in 1989, it represents a vital part of India's cultural heritage.

Places of Worship Act

The Places of Worship Act, 1991, prohibits the conversion of a place of worship and maintains its religious character as of August 15, 1947. The Act bars conversion and prohibits legal suits to alter the status of any place of worship, with exemptions for the Ayodhya dispute and ancient monuments. Its aim is to maintain communal harmony by preventing religious conflicts.

Mass wasting

Mass wasting in Tibet's Sedongpu Gully, upstream of the Brahmaputra River, is a growing concern due to frequent landslides triggered by warming and seismic activity. Since 2017, landslides have added millions of cubic meters of debris to the Yarlung Tsangpo River, risking river choking and potential flash floods downstream in Assam, India, and Bangladesh.

Economic Survey

The Economic Survey is a comprehensive report on India's national economy, prepared by the Department of Economic Affairs under the guidance of the Chief Economic Adviser. Approved by the Finance Minister, it assesses the economy's performance in the preceding financial year. First presented in 1950-51, the Survey is now presented annually during the Budget Session, a day before the Budget. While it provides valuable insights and recommendations, its findings are not binding on the Budget.

Reciprocal tariff

A reciprocal tariff is a tax on imports that mirrors the tariff charged by a country on US exports, aiming to create a "fair" trading system. The US will impose matching tariffs, consider subsidies, and eliminate differential treatment for developing nations. This may increase tariffs on Indian goods, making exports costlier, and potentially weakening the rupee and impacting foreign investments.

India Meteorological Department

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is India's national weather service agency, responsible for meteorological observations, forecasting, and research. Established in 1875, IMD has played a crucial role in weather forecasting and climate services for nearly 150 years. Headquartered in New Delhi, IMD operates under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, providing critical services like weather forecasting, cyclone warnings, data collection, climate research, and sectoral services.

Incineration

Incineration is a controlled combustion process that reduces waste volume, neutralises hazardous materials, and recovers energy. The process involves combustion, energy recovery, exhaust gas cleaning, and ash residue handling. Advantages include energy generation, space-saving, pollution control, resource recovery, and safe disposal. However, limitations exist, such as harmful emissions, health risks, air and water pollution, high costs, and inefficiency with moist waste.

Tansen

Miyan Tansen was a renowned Hindustani classical musician who gained fame in the court of Raja Ramchandra Singh. His reputation led to an invitation from Mughal Emperor Akbar, who honoured him as a Navaratna and titled him Mian.

Tansen composed iconic Dhrupad pieces, created new ragas, and wrote influential music books. The Tansen Music Festival is held annually in his memory by the Madhya Pradesh culture department.

President’s Rule

President's Rule is a constitutional provision that allows the central government to take over a state's administration when the state government fails to function according to the Constitution. This is invoked under Article 356 of the Indian Constitution when the President believes governance in a state cannot continue as per constitutional provisions. The process involves the Governor's report, the President's proclamation, and parliamentary approval within two months. Initially, President's Rule is imposed for six months, but can be extended up to three years with parliamentary approval every six months.

Ku band

The Ku band is a microwave frequency range (12-18 GHz) used primarily for satellite communications, including fixed and broadcast services. It's also utilised for specific applications like NASA's Tracking Data Relay Satellite. Ku band satellites facilitate backhauls and remote location transmissions. The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) divides the band into regional segments, with NBC being the first network to adopt Ku band for affiliate feeds in 1983.

Indus Water Treaty

The Indus Water Treaty was signed in 1960 by India and Pakistan, brokered by the World Bank. The treaty allocates water from the eastern rivers (Beas, Ravi, and Sutlej) to India and western rivers (Indus, Chenab, and Jhelum) to Pakistan. It ensures equitable distribution, permits certain uses, and establishes the Permanent Indus Commission for oversight, with the World Bank facilitating dispute resolution.

Kalaripayattu

Kalaripayattu is an ancient martial art originating from Kerala, combining combat techniques, physical training, and healing practices. With roots in mythology, it emphasises body conditioning, wooden and metallic weapons, and bare-handed techniques. Recognised as part of India's Intangible Cultural Heritage, Kalaripayattu promotes strength, flexibility, and discipline, with women actively participating in its practice.

USAID

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is an independent agency administering civilian foreign aid and development assistance. Established in 1961 by President John F Kennedy, USAID implements programs in global health, disaster relief, and socioeconomic development, among others. With annual disbursements averaging $23 billion, USAID is one of the largest official aid agencies, operating in over 100 countries worldwide.

SEBI

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) regulates India's securities market. Established in 1992, SEBI is headquartered in Mumbai with regional offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and Ahmedabad. Initially a non-statutory body, SEBI gained statutory powers in 1995 through an amendment to its Act. In 1998, it was formally constituted as India's capital market regulator through a government resolution.

The Apple Man of India

Shri Hariman Sharma, known as the “Apple Man of India,” has been honoured with the Padma Shri for revolutionizing Indian apple farming. A visionary farmer from Paniala, Bilaspur (Himachal Pradesh), he developed the HRMN-99 apple variety, enabling cultivation in non-traditional regions. Despite early hardships, he introduced this self-pollinating, low-chilling variety in 1998, allowing apples to grow in warm climates (40-45°C). HRMN-99 is now cultivated in 29 states and UTs, boosting agricultural sustainability in regions like Bihar, Maharashtra, and Karnataka.

Guillain-Barré Syndrome

Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) is a rare autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the peripheral nerves, causing muscle weakness, numbness, and, in severe cases, paralysis. It is not contagious, genetic, or caused by bacteria. Symptoms typically begin with tingling in the legs, progressing to limb weakness and coordination issues. In severe cases, respiratory muscles may be affected, requiring ventilator support. Though rare, GBS can affect individuals of all ages, with early diagnosis crucial for effective treatment.