Afternoon edition
Daily current affairs for UPSC, BPSC, State PCS and PSC exams.
Why in news?
A recent study highlights the combined detrimental effect of heatwaves and surface ozone on cardiac and respiratory health in India.
Key points
- Heatwaves exacerbate surface ozone levels, which are already high in many parts of India.
- Surface ozone is a harmful pollutant affecting the heart and lungs.
- During heatwave days in 2024, ozone exposure was linked to approximately 26,500 deaths from ischaemic heart disease and COPD.
- A smaller but significant increase in deaths from these conditions was directly attributed to the heatwave's effect on ozone levels (around 830 deaths).
Background & context
Surface ozone is a secondary pollutant formed when nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) react in the presence of sunlight. India faces high levels of both ozone and heat stress, particularly in the pre-monsoon months.
★ Prelims fact capsule
World Health Organization guideline for surface ozone is 70 μg/m³; during heatwaves in northern India, levels reached 85-110 μg/m³.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1 (Social Issues - Health), GS Paper 3 (Environment, Disaster Management)
Why in news?
The Reuters Institute's Digital News Report indicates a global trend of declining trust in news and a shift towards social media and video platforms as primary news sources, especially among younger demographics.
Key points
- Global trust in news has reached its lowest point since 2015.
- Social media and video platforms (Facebook, TikTok, YouTube) have surpassed traditional news outlets' websites and apps as primary news sources.
- This trend is more pronounced among younger audiences but is prevalent across all age groups.
- Younger generations are less likely to adopt traditional news consumption habits like reading newspapers.
- The use of AI chatbots for accessing news is also on the rise.
Background & context
The digital revolution has led to a fragmentation of media consumption. The rise of social media platforms has democratized information dissemination but also raised concerns about misinformation and declining journalistic standards.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The report surveyed nearly 1 lakh people across 48 markets worldwide.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 1 (Society), GS Paper 2 (Governance - Media Ethics), GS Paper 4 (Ethics - Truthfulness)
Why in news?
Rebel Trinamool Congress (TMC) MPs have merged with a smaller party (NCPI) to potentially allow them to vote in Parliament on crucial bills, pending a decision on their disqualification under the anti-defection law.
Key points
- Rebel TMC MPs merged with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI).
- This move aims to allow them to vote in the Lok Sabha while disqualification proceedings are pending.
- The government may introduce bills like the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty First Amendment) Bill, 2026 or the Delimitation Bill in the upcoming monsoon session.
- The merger could provide a bloc that supports the NDA government on these bills.
Background & context
The Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, commonly known as the anti-defection law, disqualifies elected members of Parliament or state legislatures who switch parties. However, it has certain exceptions, including mergers.
★ Prelims fact capsule
A merger of two-thirds of the members of a legislature party is generally considered a valid ground to avoid disqualification under the anti-defection law.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper 2 (Polity - Constitutional Bodies, Parliament, Anti-defection Law)