Defence funds decline, BRO gets backing

Why in the News? Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has allocated ₹6.22 lakh crore for the Defence Ministry for 2024-25, matching the amount presented in the interim Budget in February. Budgetary allocation for different sectors Border Roads Organisation (BRO): The BRO received a significant increase in funding, with an allocation of ₹6,500 crore, aimed at… Continue reading

[pib] Birth Anniversary of Chandrashekhar Azad and Lokmanya Tilak

Why in the News? Prime Minister paid his tributes to legendary freedom fighters Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Chandra Shekhar Azad on their birth anniversaries. About Chandrashekhar Azad and Lokmanya Tilak [1] Chandrashekhar Azad: Details: Born Chandra Shekhar Tiwari on 23 July 1906; Indian revolutionary leader of HSRA; Died 27 February 1931. Early Life From Bardarka,… Continue reading

What is a Climate Finance Taxonomy, announced by FM Sitharaman?

Why in the News? The 2024 Union Budget, presented by Finance Minister, includes developing a taxonomy for climate finance. The aim is to enhance the availability of capital for climate adaptation and mitigation. What is a Climate Finance Taxonomy? A climate finance taxonomy is a classification system that identifies which economic activities can be marketed… Continue reading

What is Angel Tax that was scrapped in Budget 2024?

Why in the News? Finance Minister announced the abolition of the angel tax, aiming to strengthen the startup ecosystem and support innovation in India. What is Angel Investment? An angel investor is an individual who provides financial backing to early-stage startups or entrepreneurs, typically in exchange for equity in the company. Angel investors are typically… Continue reading

Bihar’s Vishnupad and Mahabodhi Temples

Why in the News? Finance Minister announced during her Union Budget speech that corridor projects will be built for the Vishnupad Temple at Gaya and the Mahabodhi Temple at Bodh Gaya in Bihar. These will be modelled on the Kashi Vishwanath Temple Corridor, to transform them into world-class pilgrim and tourist destinations. About the Vishnupad… Continue reading

How children win with U-WIN, govt’s new online vaccine portal?

Why in the News? The government plans to roll out U-WIN, an online vaccine management portal for childhood vaccination, across the country. Similar to CoWIN used during the Covid-19 pandemic, U-WIN aims to digitize and individualize immunization records from birth. What is U-WIN? Children up to 6 years old and pregnant mothers are registered on… Continue reading

What are Rogue Waves and how can AI help predict them?

Why in the News? Rogue waves, unusually large waves compared to those before and after them, pose significant threats to ships, coastal and offshore infrastructure, and human lives. Until now, there has been no method to forecast rogue waves. What Are Rogue Waves? Rogue waves are unusually large and unpredictable waves that are much larger… Continue reading

What is Governor’s immunity under Article 361, set to be reviewed by Supreme Court?

Why in the News? The Supreme Court has agreed to hear a plea seeking to redefine the constitutional immunity of state Governors. Article 361 of the Constitution shields the President and Governors from criminal prosecution and judicial scrutiny. The Supreme Court will interpret whether the immunity includes the registration of an FIR, initiation of a… Continue reading

National Flag Day, 2024

Why in the News? On 22nd July in 1947, the Constituent Assembly of India adopted the National Flag. About the National Flag Day The Constituent Assembly met in New Delhi at 10 o’clock, chaired by Dr. Rajendra Prasad. The Assembly had been meeting since December 9, 1946, discussing various subjects. The Chair announced the first… Continue reading

What is the Dyson Sphere?

Why in the News? Recently, astronomers have made progress in finding possible candidates as Dyson Sphere, sparking new excitement and debate about extraterrestrial life. What is a Dyson Sphere? Imagine you are an astronomer looking for extraterrestrial life and you find a star covered by solar panels. This structure, collecting massive amounts of solar energy,… Continue reading

New Asset Class proposed by SEBI

Why in the News? The markets regulator, SEBI, has proposed a new asset class designed to offer investment products positioned between mutual funds (MFs) and portfolio management services (PMS). This new category aims to fill an opportunity gap for investors and offer greater flexibility in portfolio construction. Note: PMS provides customized investment solutions to high… Continue reading

CPCB plans to check violations in Plastic Waste Trading Regime

Why in the News? The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has started a national audit of about 800 plastic-waste recyclers across India. This action follows the discovery that four firms in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Gujarat issued nearly 600,000 fake certificates under the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) programme. About Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Overview The… Continue reading

What is the International Centre for Audit of Local Governance?

Why in the news? On July 18, CAG Girish Chandra Murmu inaugurated the International Centre for Audit of Local Governance (iCAL) in Rajkot, marking India’s first institute to set global standards for auditing local governance. How will iCAL work? iCAL will serve as a platform for policymakers, administrators, and auditors connected with local governments to… Continue reading

The Green Revolution in Maize

Why in the news? Over the past two decades, India’s maize production has more than tripled, emerging as a private sector-driven green revolution success story. Maize has transitioned from being primarily a feed crop to also serving as a fuel crop. What was the Green Revolution? Began in 1968 with the introduction of high-yielding variety… Continue reading

Bombay HC quashes Exemption from RTE Quota for Private Schools

Why in the News? The Bombay High Court has cancelled the Maharashtra government’s new rule that allowed private schools within 1 kilometer of government or government-aided schools to avoid reserving 25% of their seats for students from weaker sections and disadvantaged groups. Right to Education (RTE) Act: Overview The Right to Education (RTE) Act, 2009… Continue reading

Bhil Tribe have again demanded a separate ‘Bhil Pradesh’

Why in the News? A large number of people from the Bhil tribe recently gathered at a rally in Rajasthan’s Mangarh Dham to raise the demand for an independent ‘Bhil state’. Background of the Bhil Pradesh Demand The idea of a tribal state, comprising parts of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, has been discussed… Continue reading

Sighting of Peru’s uncontacted Mashko Piro people

Why in the News? An NGO has released rare photographs of the Mashco Piro tribespeople, one of the world’s 100-odd uncontacted tribes. Who are the Mashko Piro people? The Mashco Piro tribe, possibly numbering over 750, are nomadic hunter-gatherers. They live in the Amazon jungles of the Madre de Dios Region, near Peru’s border with… Continue reading

How do Assam’s Foreigners Tribunals function?

Why in the news? On July 5, the Assam government instructed the Border wing of the State police not to refer cases of non-Muslims who entered India illegally before 2014 to the Foreigners Tribunals (FTs). About Foreigners Tribunals: Foreigners Tribunals are quasi-judicial bodies established to determine if a person staying illegally in India is a… Continue reading

What is OpenAI’s secret Project ‘Strawberry’?

Why in the News? US-based OpenAI emerged as a major player with its AI chatbot ChatGPT, capable of answering questions and processing images. OpenAI is now reportedly developing a new AI model with improved reasoning capabilities, potentially changing the AI landscape. What is Project Strawberry? Nearly six months ago, OpenAI’s secretive Project Q* (Q-Star) gained… Continue reading

Places in News: Niger, Ivory Coast and Pacific Island States

Why in the News? Details Niger Turkish delegation visited to strengthen military cooperation with the junta, shifting alliances to Turkey and Russia. Geography: Landlocked in West Africa, bordered by Algeria, Libya, Chad, Nigeria, Benin, Burkina Faso, and Mali. Population ~26.3 million; capital Niamey. Key Points: Gained independence from France in 1960. Political instability with coups… Continue reading

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