Info Nuggets
M23 armed group
The M23 armed group, also known as the March 23 Movement, has escalated its activities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), seizing key areas like Minova and threatening the provincial capital, Goma. Emerging in 2012 from a faction of the Congolese army, M23 cites grievances over a 2009 peace agreement. The group is involved in territorial seizures, fueled by local ethnic tensions and international involvement, with substantial backing from Rwanda, according to UN reports.
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Marburg virus disease
Tanzania declared the end of its second Marburg Virus Disease (MVD) outbreak after 42 days with no new cases. MVD is a highly infectious RNA virus caused by the Marburg virus, primarily hosted by African fruit bats. Transmission occurs through direct contact with infected animals or humans, and symptoms include fever, headache, and muscle pain, progressing to liver failure and internal bleeding. There is no specific cure or vaccine, and treatment focuses on supportive care to improve survival chances.
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UNESCO Tentative List
UNESCO added six new Indian sites to its Tentative List, bringing the total to 62. This inclusion is a mandatory step before nomination for the World Heritage List. The new sites include Kanger Valley National Park, Mudumal Megalithic Menhirs, Ashokan Edict Sites, Chausath Yogini Temples, Gupta Temples, and Palace-Fortresses of the Bundelas. These sites demonstrate outstanding universal value and showcase India's rich cultural and natural heritage, including ancient temples, megalithic structures, and biodiversity hotspots.
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Water crisis in India
India faces a severe water crisis due to rising temperatures, with 2024 being the hottest year since 1901. The water gap, the difference between renewable water availability and consumption, is widening. Climate change, overexploitation, population growth, inefficient water management, and pollution contribute to this gap. Consequences include agricultural stress, health risks, economic losses, and ecological damage. To counter the water gap, India must adopt sustainable water use, policy interventions, infrastructure development, public awareness, and climate adaptation strategies.
