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PCS ParikshanUttar Pradesh Switch to Hindi
Divya Singh Becomes First Indian Woman to Cycle to Everest Base Camp
Why in News?
Divya Singh, a 28-year-old teacher from Gorakhpur, created history by becoming the first Indian woman to cycle to the Everest Base Camp.
Key Points
- Historic Achievement: Divya Singh became the first Indian woman and the second woman globally to reach Everest Base Camp by bicycle.
- She is a school teacher by profession.
- She completed the challenging expedition in 14 days, cycling through rugged Himalayan terrain from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp.
- Altitude: The base camp is located at an altitude of about 17,560 feet (5,364 metres) above sea level.
- Challenges: During the journey, she faced extreme cold (around −12°C), low oxygen levels, strong winds, and steep mountain trails, often cycling for 10–12 hours daily.
- Route: Her journey passed through difficult Himalayan locations such as Saleri, Surke, Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Lobuche, and Gorakshep.
| Read More: Mount Everest |
National Current Affairs Switch to Hindi
Menaka Guruswamy Becomes India’s First Openly Queer MP
Why in News?
Senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy has made history by becoming India’s first openly queer Member of Parliament after taking oath in the Rajya Sabha, marking a major milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in Indian politics.
Key Points
- Historic Achievement: Menaka Guruswamy became the first openly queer MP in India after being sworn in as a member of the Rajya Sabha.
- She was elected to the Rajya Sabha as a candidate of the All India Trinamool Congress from the state of West Bengal.
- Legal Background: She is a renowned constitutional law expert and senior advocate of the Supreme Court of India.
- She has been a prominent voice for civil liberties, constitutional rights, and LGBTQ+ equality in India.
- Landmark Case: She was one of the lawyers involved in the historic Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India case.
- The case led to the decriminalisation of homosexuality by reading down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code in 2018.
- Significance: Her entry into Parliament is viewed as a milestone for LGBTQ+ representation in governance and reflects increasing visibility and acceptance of queer voices in Indian politics.
| Read More: Rajya Sabha, Supreme Court, LGBTQ+, Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India |
