US VISAS
Context: In a significant move to increase surveillance of those seeking to enter the United States, Washington will require most individuals applying for visas to provide details of their social media handles going back five years. A high volume of Indian applications is likely to be impacted by the new proposal.
Essentials
- US Visas: H1B
HEAT WAVES AND HEATSTROKES
Context: Severe heat wave conditions will continue in many parts over the next couple of days, especially in Rajasthan and several parts of north and central India, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said.
Essentials
- Heat Waves And Heatstrokes
CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL POSITION OF HINDI
Context: The Centre went into damage control mode, with senior Cabinet Ministers of Tamil origin taking to Twitter to allay concerns about the draft National Education Policy’s recommendation regarding the three-language formula and mandatory Hindi teaching in schools, which has sparked outrage across the political spectrum in Tamil Nadu.
Essentials
- Constitutional and legal position of Hindi
- Draft National Education Policy
DRUG ABUSE IN INDIA
Context: Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh has reiterated his demand for a national policy to tackle drug abuse.
Essentials
- Drug abuse in India
- Survey: Magnitude of substance abuse in India
NIPAH VIRUS
Context: Nipah virus found in Kochi
Essentials
- Nipah Virus
ROCK PAINTINGS IN KARIKIYOOR
Context: The rock paintings in Karikiyoor at Kil Kotagiri in the Nilgiri forests have withstood the forces of nature for some 5,000 years, but in just the last few years, close to 40% of the paintings have been destroyed by trekkers, tourists, and vandals.
Essentials
- Rock paintings in Karikiyoor
- Irula tribal community
ANTI PIRACY
Context: In an expansion of its Mission Based Deployments (MBD) in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Navy deployed its P-8I long-range maritime surveillance aircraft for anti-piracy sorties from Salalah in Oman to patrol the Gulf of Aden.
Essentials
- Anti piracy
ROMA ETHNIC MINORITY
Context: Pope Francis apologised Sunday to the Roma ethnic minority for their history of discrimination in Europe and paid homage to Romanian Catholics persecuted during communist rule as he wrapped up his third and final day with a message of forgiveness.
Essentials
- Roma ethnic minority
BRAIN MAPPING
Context: Brain mapping can help retrieve lost memories.
Essentials
- Brain Mapping
TERMS IN NEWS
- Gross value added
- Core sector
- Trade to GDP ratio
- Loss leader
