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1. A lone female gharial in Kaziranga National Park, Assam, has raised hopes for the species' revival in the Brahmaputra River System (BRS). The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), recognized by its long snout, was believed to have vanished from the BRS in the 1950s, with some sightings in the 1990s. Historically, gharials were found in the Brahmaputra, Ganga, Indus, and Mahanadi-Brahmani-Baitarani river systems across India, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan. Currently, significant populations exist in three Ganga tributaries: the Chambal and Girwa in India, and the Rapti-Narayani in Nepal. The gharial is listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN due to river ecosystem disruptions from construction projects and water extraction.
2. Pride Month, celebrated every June, commemorates the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a pivotal event in the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Initially declared "Gay and Lesbian Pride Month" by President Bill Clinton in 1999, it has since been recognized by subsequent presidents. The Stonewall Riots began on June 28, 1969, when police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York, leading to six days of protests against police brutality and discrimination. Marsha P. Johnson, a key figure in the riots, symbolizes the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights. Pride Month evolved into a global month-long celebration of LGBTQ+ identity and unity. In the US, the Supreme Court mandates state recognition of same-sex marriages, though there's no federal law against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. In India, the LGBTQIA+ community has seen significant legal advancements, including the recognition of transgender rights and protections under the Right to Privacy.
3. The US celebrated its 248th Independence Day on July 4, 2024, marking its declaration as a sovereign nation on July 4, 1776, when the Second Continental Congress adopted the Declaration of Independence. This act separated the British colonies from Great Britain, culminating in the American Revolutionary War (1775-1783). The struggle for independence began in 1775 with 13 American colonies seeking freedom from British rule under King George III. On July 2, 1776, the colonies voted for independence, with the Declaration approved two days later. Key causes of the war included British trade restrictions, a ban on westward expansion, influence of Enlightenment thinkers, taxation without representation, and harsh measures like the Coercive Acts, which intensified colonial discontent.
4. The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) has launched a comprehensive immunisation schedule for women to increase awareness and uptake of adult vaccines, aiming to improve women's health. This initiative addresses vaccine-preventable diseases (VPDs), which can cause long-term illness, hospitalization, and death. Examples include chickenpox, diphtheria, and poliovirus. India's Universal Immunization Programme (UIP) offers free immunization against 12 VPDs, including Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus, Polio, Measles, Rubella, severe Childhood Tuberculosis, Hepatitis B, and Meningitis & Pneumonia caused by Haemophilus influenzae type B. Mission Indradhanush, launched in 2014, extends immunization to children and pregnant women who missed their vaccinations under UIP, reaching over 2.53 crore children and 68 lakh pregnant women. FOGSI supports obstetrics and gynecology practitioners by promoting healthcare services, reproductive rights, and reducing maternal mortality.
5. NITI Aayog has initiated the 'Sampoornata Abhiyan' campaign from 4th July to 30th September 2024 to achieve saturation in 6 identified indicators in Aspirational Districts and 6 in Aspirational Blocks. Aspirational Districts and Blocks are regions with poor socio-economic indicators. The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), launched in 2018, aims to transform 112 districts across India, focusing on Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture & Water Resources, Financial Inclusion & Skill Development, and Infrastructure, with 81 indicators. The Aspirational Blocks Programme (ABP), started in 2023, targets saturation of essential services in 500 blocks within 329 districts, covering Health & Nutrition, Education, Agriculture and Allied Services, Basic Infrastructure, and Social Development, with 40 indicators.