Dr. Jane Goodall revolutionized science by discovering in 1960 that chimpanzees make and use tools, a trait previously believed to be unique to humans, fundamentally changing our understanding of animal intelligence and human evolution.
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Sarah Mullally has become the first woman appointed as Archbishop of Canterbury, making history as the leader of the Church of England in its 1,400-year existence. At 63, she is a former nurse and was the first female Bishop of London. Her appointment marks a major milestone for the Church, which she will lead spiritually for approximately 85 million Anglicans worldwide.
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Thayil Jacob Sony George, widely known as TJS, passed away at the age of 97 in Bengaluru. A Padma Bhushan awardee, he was acclaimed for his incisive, satirical, and fearless journalism over six decades. TJS contributed around 1300 columns for The New Indian Express through his popular weekly column "Point of View," which he wrote for 25 years until 2022. He was also the founding editor of Asiaweek magazine and known for his sharp critique of social and political issues, including being charged with sedition in 1965 for opposing Bihar's then CM. His legacy endures as a truth-seeker and public intellectual who enriched Indian journalism.
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In modern journalism, unnamed 'sources' have traditionally revealed information challenging official narratives, but increasingly, some sources now amplify official narratives instead, reflecting a systemic crisis in media transparency and the growing influence of state power in information control. This shift challenges journalism’s role as a public accountability instrument in an era where executives claim unprecedented power citing national security, and social media allows principals to communicate directly with the public, bypassing traditional media.
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Democrats have said they will continue the government shutdown until Republicans agree to restore funding for expiring health insurance subsidies, specifically the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) tax credits, and to reverse recent cuts to Medicaid, which supports senior citizens, disabled individuals, and low-income families. They have also opposed proposed reductions in funding for key government health agencies such as the CDC and NIH. The central point of contention is the Democrats’ demand to protect and expand affordable health coverage for millions of Americans, which Republicans have so far refused to include in any short-term funding bill.
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The plan to end the war in Gaza announced by President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu was developed with key contributions from former British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Blair participated in critical strategy meetings at the White House and is expected to help oversee the transitional governance phase in Gaza if the proposal is accepted. Jared Kushner, President Trump's son-in-law, also played a significant role in shaping the plan alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff.
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Jane Goodall famously witnessed the chimpanzee David Greybeard using a stiff piece of grass to fish termites out of a termite mound. This historic observation revealed that chimpanzees use tools, a discovery that fundamentally changed scientific understanding of both animal intelligence and human uniqueness.
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched the 'Swadeshi Campaign' to promote Indian-made products and reduce dependence on foreign goods, aligning with the larger vision of 'Atmanirbhar Bharat.' The campaign aims to boost domestic demand for Indian textiles, handloom, and handicrafts, with the textile market projected to reach $250 billion by 2030.
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Max Weber's concept of charismatic authority refers to a form of leadership where legitimacy and authority stem from a leader's exceptional personal qualities or charisma. This authority rests on the devotion and recognition of followers who see the leader as possessing extraordinary, almost supernatural, qualities that inspire loyalty and obedience. Unlike legal-rational or traditional authority, charismatic authority is unstable and tied closely to the presence and perceived legitimacy of the leader, often leading to personality cults and potential challenges to democratic norms.
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Sabarmati Ashram, located on the banks of the Sabarmati River in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, was established by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 as a center for his experiments with truth, nonviolence, and self-sufficiency. It served as Gandhi’s residence and the headquarters for key activities in India’s struggle for independence, most notably from where he launched the historic Dandi March (Salt Satyagraha) in 1930. Today, the Ashram stands as a museum and symbol of Gandhi’s principles of peace, nonviolence, and social reform.
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