These current affairs are written in a easy to remember format and are useful for competitive exams like - UPSC Civil Services, UPPSC, BPSC, MPPPSC, State PSCs and other competitive examinations.
Corbevax vaccine for 12+ children
Following Zycov-D by Zydus Cadilla and Covaxin by Bharat Biotech, Corbevax becomes the third India-made vaccine that may be available for use in children.
There are an estimated 44 crore children in India, 12 crore of whom are in the 12-17 years age group.
Corbevax is based on a vaccine technology of a protein antigen, in this case the spike protein binds to the receptor on the host cell membrane and facilitates virus entry.
The body's own cells then make more copies of this protein that then stimulates the immune system of the body to produce antibodies to protect against a potential, future infection.
Members of the coronavirus family have sharp bumps that protrude from the surface of their outer envelopes, those bumps are known as spike proteins. The Spike protein (S-Protein) plays a crucial role in penetrating host cells and initiating infection.
Science & Tech
Eastern Economic Forum (EEF)
PM Modi delivered a video address during the plenary session of the 6th Eastern Economic Forum (EEF) held in Vladivostok, Russia. It may be recalled that PM was the Chief Guest for the 5th EEF in 2019, the first by an Indian Prime Minister.
Eastern Economic Forum is an international forum held each year in Vladivostok, Russia, for the purpose of encouraging foreign investment in the Russian Far East.
International Relations
Who are the "Panj Piare" ?
Guru Gobind Singh established the institution of Panj Piare while founding the Khalsa on the day of Baisakhi in 1699.
Addressing a large gathering, he asked for five heads for sacrifice. Five men responded to his call and the Guru baptised them and called them Panj Piare.
Since then, every group of five baptised Sikhs is called Panj Piare and accorded the respect enjoyed by the first five Sikhs.
The Panj Piare were from different castes and states of India.
Art & Culture
Behler Turtle Conservation Award
Indian biologist Shailendra Singh has been awarded the Behler Turtle Conservation Award for bringing three critically endangered turtle conservation species back from the brink of extinction.
The award has been bestowed by several global bodies involved in turtle conservation such as Turtle Survival Alliance, IUCN/SSC Tortoise and Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group, Turtle Conservancy, and the Turtle Conservation Fund.
The Behler Turtle Conservation Award was established in 2006 to recognise outstanding achievements, contributions and leadership excellence in international turtle conservation and biology.
There are 29 species of freshwater turtles and tortoises in the country.
The Northern River Terrapin (Batagur baska) is being conserved at the Sunderbans; the Red-crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) at Chambal; and the Black Softshell Turtle (Nilssonia nigricans) at different temples in Assam.
Environment
Flamingos started arriving to Pulicat Lake
The famous flamingos, have started arriving to the picturesque Pulicat Lake (Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu), the second largest brackish water ecosystem in the country, next only Chilika in Odisha.
The barrier island of Sriharikota separates the Pulicat Lake from the Bay of Bengal and is home to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre. Major part of the lagoon comes under Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh.
Nelapattu Bird Sanctuary is a bird sanctuary in Nellore district, Andhra Pradesh, India, near the Pulicat Lake.
Environment