World AIDS Vaccine Day
- World AIDS Vaccine Day 2026 is observed on May 18 to raise awareness regarding HIV vaccine research and the global fight against AIDS.
Thirukkural (No. 824) — Chapter: Unsuitable Friendship
‘Tis fitting you should dread dissemblers’ guile,
Whose hearts are bitter while their faces smile
Explanation:One should fear the deceitful who smile sweetly with their face but never love with their heart.
Glanders Disease
- Causative Agent and Impact: Glanders, a disease caused by the bacterium Burkholderia mallei, primarily affects equine species such as horses, mules, and donkeys. Furthermore, it poses a risk of causing infection in other animals as well as humans.
- Statutory Notification: Under the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals (PCICDA) Act, 2009, Glanders has been declared a disease that must be compulsorily reported to the government upon detection.
Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission
- Sickle Cell Disease is a major public health challenge in India.
- It primarily affects tribal populations. The disease causes red blood cells to distort into a crescent (sickle) shape, obstructing the flow of oxygen to tissues and leading to the dysfunction of multiple organs.
- The Central Government has announced the National Sickle Cell Anemia Elimination Mission with the objective of eradicating Sickle Cell Anemia by the year 2047.
- This initiative involves a collaborative effort between various Central Ministries and State Governments.
- The mission encompasses raising widespread awareness about Sickle Cell Disease, conducting universal screening, and providing comprehensive care to 70 million people aged 0 to 40 residing in affected tribal regions.
- Tamil Nadu stands as a pioneer state in addressing this disease.
- It places particular focus on areas with high tribal populations, such as the Nilgiris and Anaimalai.
- Mandatory screening is conducted for all pregnant women residing in tribal areas.
Gender and caregiving law in India
- Article 15(3)– Allows the State to make special provisions for women and children, acting as an exception to the general non-discrimination clauses.
- Article 16 -Guarantees equality of opportunity for all citizens in matters of public employment.
- Article 51A(e) -To promote harmony and the spirit of common brotherhood amongst all the people of India transcending religious, linguistic and regional or sectional diversities; to renounce practices derogatory to the dignity of women.
- The Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017 remains the most substantive legal protection available to women.
- The 2017 amendment extended paid maternity leave to 26 weeks for women with fewer than two surviving children and introduced provisions for crèche facilities in larger establishments.
Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ)
- Madras Export Processing Zone (MEPZ) is a special economic zone in Chennai, India.
- It is one of the seven export processing zones in the country set up by the central government.
- It was established in 1984 to promote foreign direct investment, enhance foreign exchange earnings, and create greater employment opportunities in the region.
- The zone is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Commerce and Industries.
- On 1 January 2003, the zone was converted into a special economic zone (SEZ).
Mission for Aatmanirbharta in Pulses (Dalhan Mission)
- Mission launched in October 2025 promised 100% procurement of Tur, Urad, and Masoor at MSP for four years.
- Under it, ₹11,440 crore was allocated to scale up production to 350 lakh tonnes per year in five years by expanding the area under cultivation.
- But according to the April 2026 data released by the government, the area for sowing pulses grew only 1.26% over last year.
- This is negligible compared to the 10% fall in area between 2021-22 to 2024-25.
