1.What is Silicosis?

Nearly 600 workers in California’s engineered-stone countertop industry have been diagnosed with silicosis since 2019, due to the health risks posed by exposure to respirable crystalline silica during the cutting, grinding and polishing of artificial-stone slabs.

About Silicosis:

It is a respiratory disease which causes a hardening of the lungs.

Causes:

It is caused by silica dust or silica crystals, which are found in soil, sand, concrete, mortar, granite, and artificial stone.

It is common in construction, mining, oil and gas extraction, kitchen engineering, dentistry, pottery, and sculpting.

People working in these industries are often exposed to silica every day and are at higher risk of developing silicosis as a result.

The main symptoms of silicosis are: a persistent cough, persistent shortness of breath weakness, and tiredness, etc.

Types of Silicosis:

Chronic silicosis results from long-term exposure (more than 20 years) to low amounts of silica dust.

The silica dust causes swelling in the lungs and chest lymph nodes. This disease may cause people to have trouble breathing.

This is the most common form of silicosis.

Accelerated silicosis occurs after exposure to larger amounts of silica over a shorter period of time (3 to 10 years).

Swelling in the lungs and symptoms occur faster than in simple silicosis.

Acute silicosis results from short-term exposure to very large amounts of silica.

The lungs become very inflamed and can fill with fluid, causing severe shortness of breath and a low blood oxygen level.

Treatment: Silicosis is a progressive disease and has no cure.

Source : Nearly 600 California workers have developed an incurable lung disease while making ‘quartz’ countertops since 2019; 65 needed lung transplants and 31 died

2.Key Facts about Petermann Glacier

An international research team reports that Petermann Glacier in northwest Greenland calved a 76.4 km² ice island on Aug. 4, 2026, marking the glacier's largest loss of floating ice since 2012 and the largest Arctic calving event since 2020.

About Petermann Glacier:

It is a large glacier located in North-West Greenland to the east of Nares Strait.

Nares Strait is a narrow sea passage between Greenland and Ellesmere Island (Canada) in the far north of the Arctic.

It is one of the largest glaciers connecting the Greenland ice sheet with the Arctic Ocean.

The glacier and its fjord are named after German cartographer August Heinrich Petermann.

Like most glaciers that discharge ice into the ocean, Petermann periodically sheds large icebergs.

Land-based glaciers in Greenland are a major contributor to global sea-level rise, and as global temperatures warm, more ice is expected to melt into the oceans.

Scientists estimate that if Petermann collapses completely, the sea level would rise by about 30 cm.

Source : Greenland glacier break creates new ice island

3. AH-64E Apache Helicopter

Two US Army soldiers were killed recently after an AH-64E Apache attack helicopter crashed into an open field near Salado, Texas, during what officials described as routine operations.

About AH-64E Apache Helicopter:

It is the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopter.

It is widely used for advanced reconnaissance, precision strikes, and close air support missions

Country of Origin: United States

Manufacturer: Boeing

It is also known as the Apache Guardian.

The AH-64E attack helicopter is the latest version of the Apache used by the US Army.

Other purchasers: India, Egypt, Greece, Indonesia, Israel, Japan, South Korea, Kuwait, Netherlands, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, UAE, and UK.

Features:

Max Speed: 300 kph

It has a maximum operating weight of 10,432 kg and can climb up to more than 2,800 feet per minute.

It is a heavily armed, twin-engine ground-attack helicopter.

Armed with Hellfire missiles, 70 mm rockets, and a 30 mm chain gun, the helicopter can engage tanks, vehicles, troop concentrations, communications and logistics centres, etc.

It can also fire short-range air-to-air missiles like the Stinger.

The AH-64E includes a new integrated infrared laser that allows for easier target designation and enhanced infrared imagery that blends infrared and night vision capabilities.

It can track up to 128 targets per minute and prioritise threat levels.

Source : Texas helicopter crash: Two US Army soldiers killed after Apache goes down near Fort Hood

4. Srikalahasti Temple

Temple authorities have submitted a Rs 114.06 crore proposal to the Centre under the PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme to improve pilgrim and tourist amenities at the famous Srikalahasteeswara Temple.

About Srikalahasti Temple:

Srikalahasti Temple, also known as Srikalahasteeswara Temple, is a Hindu temple located in the town of Srikalahasti in the Tirupati district of Andhra Pradesh.

It is built adjoining a hill and on the banks of the river Swarnamukhi.

It is also called as “Dakshina Kailasam” meaning the Southern abode of Shiva.

History:

The origin of the Srikalahasti Temple dates back to the 5th century when the inner temple was constructed.

The outer temple and its main structure were built in the 11th century by the Chola emperor, Rajendra Chola I.

The magnificent Gopurams at the entrance were constructed by Kulottunga Chola I during the 11th

Significant renovations were made throughout the rule of the Chola dynasty, with engravings of the various Chola emperors noticeable within the temple.

The Vijayanagara Empire also made contributions to the renovations of the temple.

The temple showcases the Dravidian architectural style with its heavy carvings and sculptures.

Key Facts about PRASAD (Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive) scheme:

It was launched by the Ministry of Tourism as a Central Sector Scheme with the objective of integrated development of identified pilgrimage destinations.

The primary objective of the scheme is to develop tourism infrastructure at pilgrimage and heritage sites, ensuring a more enriching experience for pilgrims and heritage enthusiasts.

In view of the decision taken by the government for closure of the National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY) scheme of the ministry of housing and urban development and for inclusion of projects for development of heritage destinations in PRASAD, the scheme guidelines have been modified and the nomenclature of the scheme has also been changed from PRASAD to ‘National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive’ (PRASHAD) in October 2017.

Under the scheme, the ministry provides financial assistance to state governments and Union Territory administrations for the development of tourism infrastructure at these sites.

The scheme aims infrastructure development such as entry points (road, rail, and water transport); last mile connectivity, basic tourism facilities like information/interpretation centers, ATM/money exchange, eco-friendly modes of transport, area lighting and illumination with renewable sources of energy, parking, drinking water, toilets, cloak room, waiting rooms, first aid centers, craft bazars/haats/souvenir shops/cafeteria, rain shelters, telecom facilities, internet connectivity, etc.

Source : Rs 114-crore Srikalahasti temple upgrade plan awaits Centre’s nod

5. What is Gangaichthys indonepalicus?

A short video posted on social media in 2024 helped scientists identify Gangaichthys indonepalicus, a tiny, colourless earthworm eel found beneath the Indo-Gangetic Plain in Bihar.

About Gangaichthys indonepalicus:

It is a new species of earthworm eel.

It is a tiny, colourless underground fish found living beneath the Indo-Gangetic Plain in Bihar.

It appears to have evolved several adaptations to survive in complete darkness.

It is the first subterranean, or stygobitic (living underground, beneath the surface of the soil or rock), fish recorded from the Gangetic Basin.

Source : Scientists discover first subterranean fish from Gangetic Basin in Bihar