BrainBuzz Academy

Why in the News?
On February 9, 2025, a historic event unfolded as Air Chief Marshal A.P. Singh and Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi flew together in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas. This marked the first instance of two service chiefs jointly piloting a military jet, underscoring the spirit of jointness and self-reliance in India's defense capabilities. 
Key Takeaways
Historic Collaboration: The sortie took place at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, a day before the commencement of Aero India 2025. Both chiefs, who were course mates at the National Defence Academy in Pune, flew the twin-seater Tejas trainer aircraft, highlighting the synergy between the Indian Army and Air Force. 
Army Chief's Experience: General Dwivedi described the flight as the "best moment" of his life, reflecting the pride in India's indigenous defense manufacturing capabilities. 
Do You Know?
Tejas Development: The HAL Tejas is an Indian single-engine, delta wing, multirole combat aircraft designed by the Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). It made its first flight in 2001 and entered service with the Indian Air Force in 2015. 
Static Points about Light Combat Aircraft Tejas
Design and Features: Tejas is constructed using aluminium-lithium alloys, carbon-fibre composites, and titanium alloys, contributing to its lightweight and agility. It has a maximum speed of Mach 1.8 and a range of 850 km. 
Armament: The aircraft is equipped with a 23mm twin-barrel GSh-23 cannon and can carry a variety of weapons, including air-to-air missiles, air-to-ground missiles, and precision-guided munitions, with a maximum payload capacity of 4,000 kg. 
Stealth Capabilities: Tejas incorporates several stealth features, such as composite structures and radar-absorbing materials, reducing its radar cross-section and enhancing its survivability in combat scenarios. 
Conclusion
The joint flight of India's top military leaders in the indigenous Tejas aircraft symbolizes a significant milestone in the nation's defense history. It not only showcases the advanced capabilities of India's homegrown military technology but also emphasizes the collaborative spirit between the armed forces, reinforcing the country's commitment to self-reliance in defense.

Why in the News?
In January 2025, a significant outbreak of avian influenza (H5N1), commonly known as bird flu, was confirmed at a poultry farm in Kanuru Agraharam, Peravali mandal, East Godavari district, Andhra Pradesh. The National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal verified the presence of the virus following the deaths of numerous poultry layers. This incident has raised concerns about the spread of the virus to humans and its impact on the poultry industry.
Key Takeaways
Extent of the Outbreak
The first suspected bird flu case was reported on January 13, 2025, in Eluru district.
500,000 poultry layers have perished across three hotspots: Peravali and Undrajavaram mandals in East Godavari district and Unguturu mandal in Eluru district.
In Kanuru Agraharam, 71,000 poultry layers have died, leaving only 3,000 alive in the affected unit.
Containment Measures
All poultry within a one-kilometer radius of the Peravali hotspot are being culled.
Ban on the consumption and transportation of chicken within a 10-km radius.
Police, Transportation, and Medical and Health departments are working together on the culling drive.
Surveillance teams conducting door-to-door surveys to identify potential human cases of bird flu.
Invstigations and Precautionse
Officials are tracing egg distribution from Kanuru Agraharam to prevent further spread.
Forest Department is testing migratory birds suspected of carrying the virus.
No deaths of migratory birds have been reported so far.
Residents advised to avoid consuming chicken temporarily.
Do You Know?
Avian Influenza in India
First detected in Maharashtra in February 2006.
Reported in 24 states and union territories.
Led to the culling of over 9 million birds to control its spread.
Recent Developments
In October 2023, the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) approved India's self-declaration of freedom from HPAI in specific poultry compartments.
This boosts India's export potential for poultry products.
Static Points about Bird Flu
What is Bird Flu?
Avian influenza (bird flu) is a viral illness affecting poultry and some wild birds.
Spreads through infected birds, droppings, or contaminated environments.
H5N1 Bird Flu
A subtype of the influenza A virus causing severe respiratory disease in birds.
Mortality rate in humans is around 60% when infected.
Origin and Spread
The current H5N1 strain originated from a 1996 outbreak in Guangdong, China.
It spread to Europe (2020), Africa, Asia, North America (2021), and South America (2022).
Reached Antarctica in February 2024.
Reasons Behind Large-Scale Spread
Climate change impacts bird migration, increasing virus transmission.
Warmer sea temperatures affect food availability, making birds more vulnerable to disease.
Transmission to Humans
Close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
Human-to-human transmission is rare.
Cause for Concern
If H5N1 mutates to spread easily among humans, it could cause a global health crisis.
Conclusion
The bird flu outbreak in East Godavari highlights the importance of strict monitoring, rapid response, and public cooperation. While containment measures are in place, following biosecurity protocols and raising awareness are crucial to prevent future outbreaks and protect public health.

Why in the News?
On February 9, 2025, N. Biren Singh, the Chief Minister of Manipur, tendered his resignation to Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla in Imphal. This decision followed a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in New Delhi. The resignation comes amid prolonged ethnic tensions and violence in the state, which have resulted in significant loss of life and displacement. 
Key Takeaways
Ethnic Clashes: Manipur has been experiencing ongoing ethnic clashes between the Meitei and Kuki communities over economic benefits and job quotas. The conflict has resulted in at least 250 deaths and displaced 60,000 people. 
Political Pressure: N. Biren Singh, a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), faced mounting pressure from both opposition parties and allies due to his handling of the crisis. The opposition Congress party was expected to move a no-confidence motion against him in the upcoming legislative assembly session. 
Governor's Response: Governor Ajay Kumar Bhalla accepted Singh's resignation and requested him to continue in office until alternative arrangements are made. 
Do You Know?
N.Biren Singh's Background: Before entering politics, N. Biren Singh was a footballer and journalist. He has been serving as the Chief Minister of Manipur since March 2017. 
Static Points about Chief Minister Removal in the Indian Constitution
Tenure and Appointment: The Chief Minister is appointed by the Governor and holds office during the pleasure of the Governor. However, in practice, a Chief Minister's tenure is contingent upon maintaining the confidence of the state's legislative assembly. 
No-Confidence Motion: A Chief Minister can be compelled to resign if they lose the confidence of the legislative assembly, typically demonstrated through a no-confidence motion. If such a motion is passed, the entire council of ministers, including the Chief Minister, must resign. 
President's Rule: If no party or coalition can form a government, or if the state government cannot function according to constitutional provisions, the President of India can impose President's Rule under Article 356. This leads to the dissolution of the state council of ministers, including the Chief Minister, and the state legislature may be either suspended or dissolved. 
Conclusion
The resignation of N. Biren Singh as Manipur's Chief Minister underscores the challenges faced by state leadership amid ethnic tensions and political pressures. It also highlights the constitutional mechanisms in place for the removal or resignation of a Chief Minister in India.