[2nd November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Nilgiris as a shared wilderness

PYQ Relevance: Q) How does biodiversity vary in India? How is the Biological Diversity Act,2002 helpful in conservation of flora and fauna? (UPSC CSE 2018) Q) How can the mountain ecosystem be restored from the negative impact of development initiatives and tourism? (UPSC CSE 2019) Q) Examine the status of forest resources of India and… Continue reading

How remote sensing system LiDAR helped discover a lost Mayan city?

Why in the News? Scientists have used LiDAR technology to find an ancient Mayan city hidden for centuries under a thick jungle in Mexico. What is LiDAR? LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) is a remote sensing technology that uses laser light pulses to measure distances between a sensor (often airborne) and Earth’s surface. It produces… Continue reading

How the United States’ electoral college works?

Why in the News? In the US system, when people vote for a presidential candidate, they are actually voting to choose that candidate’s “electors,” who will then cast their votes for the President. What is the structure and function of the Electoral College? Composition: The Electoral College consists of 538 electors. A candidate needs a… Continue reading

[pib] Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24

Why in the News? The Indian Army contingent has departed for Cijantung, Jakarta, Indonesia to take part in the 9th edition of India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise GARUD SHAKTI 24. Note: Exercise Garuda is a bilateral air force exercise between the Indian Air Force and the French Air and Space Force. Exercise Shakti is a… Continue reading

[pib] Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR

Why in the News? The Indian Army contingent departed today for the 15th edition of VAJRA PRAHAR, a joint Special Forces exercise with the US Army. About Exercise VAJRA PRAHAR: Details What is it? A joint Special Forces exercise between India and the US aimed at enhancing military cooperation. Inception Started in 2010 as part… Continue reading

What is Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)?

Why in the News? A case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) was confirmed in the US. About Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) CWD is a fatal, transmissible disease that affects the brain and central nervous system of deer, elk, and moose. First identified in 1967, CWD is a prion disease where normal proteins misfold, leading to… Continue reading

Mount Fuji

Why in the News? Japan’s iconic Mount Fuji has set a new record for the longest delay in snowfall since records began in 1894. Why delay in snowfall at Mount Fuji? Higher Temperatures: Japan’s hottest summer on record and above-average October temperatures have delayed the cooling needed for snow. Heatwave: Japan experienced numerous “extremely hot”… Continue reading

Who were Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal?

Why in the News? Superstar Thalapathy Vijay launched his new party with speech highlighting his inspirations from Rani Velu Nachiyar and Anjalai Ammal. Contributions of Velu Nachiyar (1730-1796) Born in 1730 to King Chellamuthu Sethupathy and Queen Sakandhimuthal of the Ramnad kingdom (now Tamil Nadu). Trained in horse riding, archery, kalaripayattu, and silambam (South Indian… Continue reading

What is DANA?

Why in the News? The extreme conditions in eastern Spain which saw Valencia get a year’s worth of rain in just 8 hours can be blamed on an event locally known as Depresion Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA). What is DANA? Depresion Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA), is commonly referred to as the “cold drop”… Continue reading

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)

Why in the News? Two earthquakes struck Iran sparking rumours of a nuclear test. However, the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) in Vienna swiftly refuted these claims using its International Monitoring System (IMS) designed to detect nuclear tests. About International Monitoring System (IMS): IMS is a global monitoring network established by the CTBTO to detect… Continue reading

A collective effort towards peace in Myanmar

Why in the News? The 44th ASEAN Summit in Vientiane highlighted growing regional issues, especially Myanmar’s crisis. Despite ASEAN’s peace efforts, Myanmar’s turmoil persists, testing the group’s commitment to stability. What are the key challenges facing ASEAN and India in their efforts to stabilize Myanmar? Lack of Consensus within ASEAN: ASEAN’s principle of consensus-based decision-making… Continue reading

[pib] Four replicas of Konark Wheels at Rashtrapati Bhavan

Why in the News? Four replicas of the Konark wheels, made of sandstone, have been installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan. About Konark Wheels Details Design The temple is designed in the shape of a huge chariot drawn by 7 horses and features 24 wheels. Dimensions of Wheels Each wheel has a… Continue reading

United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)

Why in the News? Israel’s Knesset has banned the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from operating within its borders, citing alleged ties between UNRWA staff and Hamas. What is Israel’s Knesset? The Knesset is Israel’s unicameral parliament, established in 1949. It consists of 120 members, elected every four years through proportional representation, and… Continue reading

TN declares Heatwaves a State-specific Disaster

Why in the News? The Tamil Nadu government has officially declared heatwaves a State-specific disaster. It announced an ex-gratia payment of ₹4 lakh for families of individuals who die from heat-related causes, including those involved in relief operations. Key Details of the Declaration Purpose: This declaration allows the government to provide immediate relief to those… Continue reading

[pib] Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)

Why in the News? The Centre has doubled the limit of Mudra loan amount under the PMMY to Rs 20 lakh from Rs 10 lakh under a new ‘Tarun Plus’ category to promote entrepreneurship in the country. This higher loan limit is available to entrepreneurs who have previously taken and successfully repaid loans under the… Continue reading

[29th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The under-representation of women in the judiciary

PYQ Relevance: Q) Discuss the desirability of greater representation to women in the higher judiciary to ensure diversity, equity and inclusiveness. (UPSC CSE 2021)Q) Critically examine the Supreme Court’s judgment on ‘The National Judicial Appointments Commission Act, 2014’ with reference to the appointment of judges of higher judiciary in India. (UPSC CSE 2017) Mentor’s Comment:… Continue reading

9th National Ayurveda Day

Why in the News? On the occasion of the 9th Ayurveda Day, Prime Minister will launch several healthcare projects valued at Rs 12,850 crore. The focal theme for Ayurveda day-2024 has been decided as ‘Ayurveda Innovations for Global Health’. About Ayurveda: Details Origins • Rooted in four Vedas (5000–1000 BCE). • References in Ramayana and… Continue reading

Similipal Tiger Reserve

Why in the News? The Odisha government has translocated a female tiger from Maharashtra’s Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve to Similipal Tiger Reserve, the State’s largest, to enhance the genetic diversity of its tiger population. Why discuss this? The All Odisha Tiger Estimation (AOTE-2023-24) says a total of 30 tigers were found in Odisha. Similipal has 27… Continue reading

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.

Your better version awaits you!