Today in History (May 8th, 1980)
The World Health Organization (WHO) declared smallpox eradicated on May 8, 1980. It marked the first time in human history that a disease was eradicated through a coordinated global effort. It was a highly contagious and often deadly disease that caused disfiguring skin lesions and could lead to blindness, deafness, and death. Edward Jenner developed the vaccine for smallpox in 1796.
Summary of Today’s News
Bluesky
Bluesky is a micro-blogging platform and social website built on the AT Protocol (Authenticated Transport Protocol), which enables users to move between the platforms without losing their followers, media, work, and data. It was launched in 2019 by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey. Jay Graber is the current CEO of Bluesky.
START
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has introduced a Space Science and Technology Awareness Training (START) program to train students to become space and science technology professionals. The student is aimed at post-graduate and final-year undergraduate physical sciences and technology students. The program will cover various space science domains such as astronomy and astrophysics, heliophysics and sun-earth interaction, instrumentation, and aeronomy.
Arab League re-admits Syria.
Syria was re-admitted to the Arab League, ending a more than decade-long isolation. Its membership in the Arab League was suspended in 2011 over the crackdown on peaceful protests, which turned into a civil war, killing more than five lakh people and displacing millions. Arab League was established in 1945 to promote cooperation between 22 Arab countries. It is headquartered in Cairo, Egypt.
Madrid Open 2023
Aryna Sabalenka, a professional tennis player from Belarus, defeated Iga Swiatek from Poland to win the Madrid Open 2023 for a second time. She has also won the Australia Open 2023 after defeating Elena Rybakina.
Criminalization of Politics
As per the report of the Association for Democratic Reforms, 44% of Lok Sabha members, 31% of Rajya Sabha members, and 43% of State Legislators have criminal cases against them. Also, 5097 cases against lawmakers are pending in the country. An amicus curiae report of the Hon’ble Supreme Court has recommended holding day-to-day and exclusive criminal trial of MPs and MLAs.
