KNOWLEDGE 24/7

 Posted on Knowledge24/7 | By Nitesh Srivastava India is witnessing a nationwide general strike (Bharat Bandh) today, called by a joint forum of 10 central trade unions, protesting what they call the government's "pro-corporate and anti-worker policies." The strike has drawn support from both organised and unorganised sectors, with over 25 crore workers expected to participate. Who is Participating in the Strike? Major trade unions including: * All India Trade Union Congress (AITUC) * Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) * Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) * Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) * Labour Progressive Federation (LPF) * United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) They are backed by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha, various rural worker unions, and employees from the Railways, NMDC Ltd, and steel industries. Why Are They Protesting? The protestors are demanding the reversal of several government policies they believe undermine workers’ rights and public welfa...

 Published on Knowledge24/7 | July 2, 2025✍️ By Nitesh Srivastava Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially commenced his landmark five-nation diplomatic tour, covering Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia from July 2 to 9, 2025 . The visit underlines India’s expanding global engagement and deepening ties with the Global South across multiple domains—trade, defence, healthcare, and digital innovation. Historic Arrival in Ghana   PM Modi was warmly received today by President John Dramani Mahama as he landed in Accra, Ghana, for a two-day official visit. This marks the first time an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Ghana in over four decades, symbolizing a renewed push to strengthen Indo-African relations. During his stay, PM Modi is expected to:   * Hold high-level bilateral talks with President Mahama * Address the Ghanaian Parliament * Witness the signing of multiple MoUs and agreements across:   * Healthcare   * Agriculture   *...

 Published on Knowledge24/7 | By Nitesh Srivastava After weeks of anticipation, the monsoon has officially covered the entire country—with an early onset in most states and a slightly delayed entry in Delhi. According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), this year's monsoon arrived 9 days earlier than usual in several regions, while Delhi received its first showers on June 29, two days later than expected. Relief from Heat, But Waterlogging Woes Continue   The arrival of the monsoon has brought much-needed relief from the scorching summer heat, especially in North India. However, with the downpour has come the usual challenges of waterlogging and traffic disruptions, particularly in low-lying areas of Delhi and other urban centers. Where Has the Monsoon Reached?   The IMD confirmed that the southwest monsoon has now advanced into Rajasthan, western Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and fully covered Delhi as of June 29, 2025. This is the earliest national coverage since ...

 Posted on Knowledge24/7 | By Nitesh Srivastava While many global companies have pulled back from conflict zones, McDonald's is doing the unexpected—expanding its footprint in Ukraine , even as the war with Russia continues into its third year. In a surprising development, McDonald’s has now opened its first outlet in Ukraine’s remote alpine region of Transcarpathia , and the excitement among locals is palpable. The move marks a powerful symbol of economic recovery and hope amid adversity. Booming Business in a War-Torn Nation   McDonald's has announced plans to open around 10 new outlets in Ukraine by the end of the year , pushing the total number of restaurants in the country to nearly 120—even more than it had before the Russian invasion began in 2022. City councils across Ukraine are now competing to host a McDonald's outlet, recognizing the brand's power to generate local jobs and boost tax revenues. This unexpected business boom is being seen as part of Ukraine’s...

 Posted on Knowledge24/7 | By Nitesh Srivastava In a major development shaking the tech industry, "Google is once again in the legal spotlight"—this time, for its "alleged monopoly over the digital advertising ecosystem". The Second Big Blow to Google   On Monday, the U.S. Department of Justice (DoJ) launched a high-stakes "Antitrust Trial Against Googl", accusing the tech giant of using unfair and monopolistic tactics to dominate the online advertising market. This comes just months after a judge ruled in favor of the DoJ in a separate case, declaring that Google had "illegally monopolised online search". This latest trial poses a much larger threat—targeting the very core of Google’s AdTech business , which is responsible for over 75% of the company’s total revenue. What’s at Stake?   Google earned more than \$200 billion from online ads in the past year alone. Prosecutors argue that the company unfairly takes up to 36% of advertiser spending...

 In a swift and strategic response to the recent Pahalgam terror attack, the Indian Army launched Operation Sindoor, carrying out precision strikes on nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu & Kashmir (PoK) in the early hours of May 7. The Defence Ministry confirmed that the operation specifically targeted terror infrastructure responsible for planning attacks against India. The strikes were described as “focused, measured, and non-escalatory.” Following the operation, the Indian Army posted on X , saying, "Justice is served. Jai Hind," underlining the message of accountability. The Press Information Bureau added that the strikes were a measured retaliation for the Pahalgam attack, which claimed the lives of 25 Indians and one Nepali citizen. It emphasized that India showed restraint in both target selection and execution methods. More details are expected in a full government briefing later in the day.

 Despite India raising objections, Pakistani forces have continued unprovoked firing along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir for the seventh consecutive night. This escalation follows the April 22 terrorist attack on tourists in Pahalgam. On the night of April 30 to May 1, Pakistani troops opened fire using small arms in areas near Kupwara, Uri, and Akhnoor. The Indian Army responded in a measured manner, according to Northern Command spokesperson Lt Col Suneel Bartwal. Notably, the firing occurred despite recent ceasefire discussions via a military hotline between designated officers of India and Pakistan’s Directorate Generals of Military Operations (DGMOs). During those talks, India had clearly warned against such provocations. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has urged India to work with Pakistan to ease border tensions. The current unrest disrupts the relative calm that followed a 2021 agreement to uphold the 2003 ceasefire pact. Tensions reignited...

Introduction            India, the Medieval period stretches nearly a thousand years. It began in 800 CE and continued till 1800 CE. Further divided into two phases, the early Medieval period deals with the history of powerful dynasties such as the Palas, Rajputs, Rashtrakutas and the Cholas. The rule of the Afghans, Turks and the Mughals occurred in the late Medieval period (from 1300 to 1800 CE).

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry was shared by Carolyn Bertozzi (US), Morton Meldal (Denmark), and Barry Sharpless (US) for their research on "click chemistry," or the snipping together of molecules.               For their work on "click chemistry," or the slicing together of molecules, Carolyn Bertozzi, Morton Meldal, and Barry Sharpless have been jointly given the Nobel Prize in Chemistry. In "click" chemistry, chemicals that are found in live cells are linked together. Their research is used to investigate cells, monitor biological processes, and develop medications for the treatment of cancer.            At the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, today, winners were announced by Johan Aqvist, a member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences. The Nobel committee acknowledged their contribution to science and applauded them for making chemistry practical.                 ...

According to the Nobel Prize committee, Svante Pääbo received the honour "for his discoveries relating the genomes of extinct hominins and human evolution." Nobel Prize 2022 :    Svante Pääbo, a Swedish geneticist, was given the Nobel Prize in medicine or physiology for 2022 on Monday. The Nobel Prize committee stated that Svante Pääbo received the honour "for his discoveries relating the genomes of extinct hominins and human evolution."                 It is given by the Nobel Assembly of Sweden's Karolinska Institute and is worth 10 million Swedish crowns ($900,357). It is regarded as the most prestigious honour in the scientific community.                  The Neanderthal, an ancient relative of modern humans, had its genome sequenced thanks to Svante Pääbo's groundbreaking study, the Nobel Prize committee said in announcing the award. Additionally, he produced the stunning discovery of ...

The appointment of Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan occurs as the armed services are going through a comprehensive reform. New Delhi: On Tuesday, the centre named retired Lt. Gen. Anil Chauhan as the new Chief of Defense Staff (CDS).  The appointment of Lieutenant General Anil Chauhan comes over a year after the last defence chief perished in a helicopter crash and in the midst of a comprehensive reform of the armed forces.                   China's expanding force presence along the border has alarmed the centre, and disputes—including deadly battles in the Himalayas in 2020—have long been a source of unease.  After retiring from active duty last year, Lt Gen Chauhan (retd), who is known as a "China expert," has been advising the national security adviser.                According to a late-Wednesday announcement from the defence ministry, he will assume the position of chief of the military s...

 For a three-year term, Dr. Rajiv Bahl has been named the new director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and secretary of the department of health.  New Delhi :  For a three-year term, Dr. Rajiv Bahl has been named the new director general of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and secretary of the department of health. At the World Health Organization (WHO) in Geneva, Bahl presently oversees the research on maternity, newborn child, and adolescent health in the department of maternal, neonatal child, and adolescent health and ageing.                  The extended term of his predecessor, Dr. Balram Bhargava, as secretary of the Department of Health Research and director general of ICMR concluded in July. On April 16, 2018, Bhargava was chosen for the position and given a four-year term. Dr. Rajiv Bahl's appointment has been approved by the Cabinet's Appointments Committee. Regarding the ICMR : ...

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) announced on Friday that it had created a microprocessor-controlled knee (MPK) that is ten times less expensive than ones that are imported. New Delhi :   The MPK will gain from above-knee amputees walking with a natural stride, claims the ISRO.  The artificial limb with microprocessors gives the amputee more capabilities than the passive limbs without microprocessors do.  According to the space agency, the MPK allowed an amputee to move roughly 100 metres along a hallway without much assistance, and work is being done to improve the performance.                 Under an MOU with the National Institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), Pt. Deendayal Upadhyaya National Institute for Persons with Physical Disabilities (PDUNIPPD (D)), and the Artificial Limb Manufacturing Corporation of India, the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), ISRO, is developing these smart MPKs (ALIMCO). ...

 At Akashvani Bhawan in New Delhi, former vice president M. Venkaiah Naidu published a selection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches. New Delhi :   At Akashvani Bhawan in New Delhi, former vice president M. Venkaiah Naidu published a selection of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speeches. At an event here hosted by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the book "Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Sabka Vishwas" Prime Minister Narendra Modi Speaks (May 2019-May 2020)" was released in the presence of Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan. Former Vice President M. Venkaiah Naidu stated during the book's launch that the book provides readers with a glimpse into Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision for India's future and a clear blueprint of the trip ahead through his talks on many issues of national significance. The book's main idea is this:  The 86 speeches the prime minister gave on a variety of topics are the centre of the book. The book depicts t...

 The action is perceived as the BJP outdoing the Aam Aadmi Party in terms of honouring the slain legend's memory. Chandigarh :   On his monthly radio address "Mann Ki Baat," Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced today that Chandigarh Airport will be renamed in honour of independence fighter Bhagat Singh. The action is perceived as the BJP outdoing the Aam Aadmi Party in the battle for the murdered legend's legacy.             The Chandigarh airport will now be named after Shaheed Bhagat Singh as a tribute to the legendary freedom warrior, according to PM Modi.  Bhagwant Mann, the chief minister of Punjab, welcomed the news and said it satisfied a long-standing yearning of Punjabis.  "Our work finally paid off. We applaud the decision to name the Chandigarh airport after Shaheed Bhagat Singh ji on behalf of the entire Punjab "In Punjabi, Mr. Mann stated in a tweet.                 ...

  Mr. Jaishankar remarked in his speech at the high-level UN General Assembly meeting that anyone who politicises the UNSC 1267 Sanctions regime does so at their own risk. Message to China and Pakistan: In a strong statement on terrorism on Saturday, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar asserted that no rhetoric, no matter how pious, can ever cover-up blood stains. He also stated that countries who defend proclaimed terrorists in the UN do not advance their own interests or their reputation.          Mr. Jaishankar warned individuals who politicise the UNSC 1267 Sanctions system, sometimes even to the point of backing outright terrorists, that they do so at their own risk in his address to the high-level UN General Assembly session.                "India, which has seen decades of cross-border terrorism, vehemently supports a "zero-tolerance" stance. No act of terrorism, whatever of its purpose, is jus...

 Shehbaz Sharif, the prime minister of Pakistan, stated that "India must take credible actions to establish an environment that is conducive to constructive engagement." "We are neighbours and we will always be there; it is our option whether we live in peace or continue to fight," he remarked. New York :   In his address to the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) today, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that "a just and permanent settlement to the Jammu and Kashmir dispute remains a condition for sustainable peace and stability in South Asia." He continued, "We seek peace with all of our neighbours, including India. Speaking at the UNGA in New York, the Pakistani prime minister.     He continued, "India must take credible steps to establish a climate that is conducive to constructive engagement." We have to decide whether to live in peace or continue to fight because we are neighbours and will be there forever, according to ...

  Prime Minister Narendra Modi's journey to London next month to sign a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK is being finalised, according to persons with knowledge of the situation. New Delhi :  Prime Minister Narendra Modi's journey to London next month to sign a bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) between India and the UK is being finalised, according to persons with knowledge of the situation.              There are only a few problems left to be resolved after five rounds of formal negotiations for the FTA between the two parties. The leaders of the two nations have stated that they hope to complete the agreement by Diwali, which is anticipated to be observed on October 24.                         According to an official with knowledge of the situation, India and the UK are hopeful that the FTA would be signed before Diwali by the trade ministers in th...

 After comedian Raju Srivastava passed away, a burial service would be performed at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi on Thursday. New Delhi :   On Wednesday, comedian Raju Srivastava passed away. The 58-year-old comedian passed away at Delhi AIIMS after spending 41 days in the ICU.       On Thursday, the comedian's funeral will be place at Nigam Bodh Ghat in Delhi. Ahsaan Qureshi and Sunil Pal, two stand-up comedians and close friends of Srivastava, have arrived to pay their respects. "He will never be forgotten. He was our instructor "stated Sunil Pal.               Last month, Raju Srivastava had a heart attack while exercising in the gym.  People all throughout the nation expressed their sincere respects after hearing about the tragic death of Srivastava.                The late comedian's family and fans received a condolence message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi through Twitter "Raj...

 According to the Court, the anchor's position is crucial in limiting hate speech during channel debates. New Delhi : The Supreme Court posed the question "Where is our nation headed" orally on Wednesday in response to grave worries over the unchecked spread of hate speech in the media. The Court emphasised the importance of having a strict regulatory framework against hate speech and questioned the Indian government as to "why it is standing as a mute witness while all this is happening."                KM Joseph and Hrishikesh Roy were sitting on a bench hearing a group of eleven writ petitions that asked for guidelines on how to control hate speech. Among the petitions were complaints about the "UPSC Jihad" programme on Sudarshan News TV, statements made at Dharam Sansad meetings, and requests for restrictions on social media posts that spread COVID pandemic information. Center was urged to express its position on the Law Commission's pro...