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What are the standards for awarding death sentence, the President’s ‘Mercy’ power?

Why in the News? The President of India has rejected a Mercy Petition to pardon a Pakistani terrorist. The accused was one among the Lashkar-e-Tayyeba terrorists who attacked the Red Fort in 2000, killing two soldiers and a civilian guard. What is the process of Mercy Petition? Step 1: The convict facing a death sentence… Continue reading What are the standards for awarding death sentence, the President’s ‘Mercy’ power?

In news: Nagarhole Tiger Reserve

Why in the News? Ashwatthama, a 38-year-old elephant, died of electrocution near Karnataka’s Nagarahole Tiger Reserve. The High Court of Karnataka suo motu initiated a PIL petition to inquire about this incident attributed to a lack of care and diligence by concerned authorities. Nagarahole Tiger Reserve Located in the Western Ghats in Karnataka; Spans over… Continue reading In news: Nagarhole Tiger Reserve

India’s growth story has a ‘beneficial ownership’ hurdle

Why in the News? To achieve a $5 trillion economy by 2025-26, India must eliminate obstacles hindering Foreign Investments and facilitate smoother processes for companies and investors. About the Indian Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules FEMA outlines the formalities and procedures for the dealings of all foreign exchange transactions in India. These foreign exchange… Continue reading India’s growth story has a ‘beneficial ownership’ hurdle

Why the Centre has extended the Digital Health Incentive Scheme?

Why in the News? The central government has granted a one-year extension to the Digital Health Incentive Scheme (DHIS), aimed at digitizing patients’ health records and integrating them with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Health Account (ABHA ID). About the Digital Health Incentive Scheme:    The National Health Authority (NHA) launched the Digital Health Incentive Scheme… Continue reading Why the Centre has extended the Digital Health Incentive Scheme?

A comprehensive immunisation schedule for women is ready

Why in the news? FOGSI launched a detailed immunization plan for women in Mumbai, featuring essential vaccines and recommended dosages, presented by women’s health advocate Kajal Aggarwal. About the Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) The Federation of Obstetric and Gynaecological Societies of India (FOGSI) is a prominent professional organization dedicated to… Continue reading A comprehensive immunisation schedule for women is ready

‘Cold Lava’ Rivers flow in Philippines after Mount Canlaon eruption

Why in the News? After Mount Canlaon erupted in the Philippines, cold lava started flowing through streets and rivers. It was followed by ashfall, and dangers like floods and mudflows downstream. What is Cold Lava? Cold lava, also known as “lahar,” is a mixture of water and rock fragments that flows rapidly down the slopes… Continue reading ‘Cold Lava’ Rivers flow in Philippines after Mount Canlaon eruption

Cultural significance of Uttarakhand’s Joshimath and Kosiyakutoli 

Why in the News? The Centre approved the Uttarakhand government’s proposal to rename Joshimath tehsil to Jyotirmath and Kosiyakutoli tehsil to Pargana Shri Kainchi Dham. This decision aims to enhance the religious and cultural significance of these areas, boosting their status as major destinations for religious tourism. About Jyotirmath  Jyotirmath, also known as Jyotir Peeth,… Continue reading Cultural significance of Uttarakhand’s Joshimath and Kosiyakutoli 

Kavli Prize, 2024 Announced

Why in the News?  The winners of the 2024 Kavli Prize were announced, recognising achievements in astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience. About Kavli Prize The Kavli Prize celebrates outstanding achievements in astrophysics, neuroscience, and nanoscience. It is established in honour of Norwegian-American businessman and philanthropist Fred Kavli (1927-2013). Awarded biennially, the prize recognizes researchers whose work… Continue reading Kavli Prize, 2024 Announced

Longitude Prize on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Why in the News? Sysmex Astrego, a Sweden-based diagnostic company, won the £10 million Longitude Prize for developing a high-tech UTI (Urinary Tract Infection) test called the PA-100 AST System.  What is Antimicrobial Resistance? Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites change so that medicines no longer work against them. This makes… Continue reading Longitude Prize on Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)

Scientists back new Alzheimer’s drug: Benefits vs Risks

Why in the News? Donanemab, a new Alzheimer’s disease therapy developed by Eli Lilly, has gained unanimous support from independent scientists advising the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), moving it closer to clinical use. What is Donanemab? Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody, which means it is a laboratory-produced molecule designed to function like antibodies… Continue reading Scientists back new Alzheimer’s drug: Benefits vs Risks

Why heatwaves have not been included as a notified disaster in the Disaster Management Act?

Why in the news? The current period of intense heat in several regions has once more sparked debates about the potential inclusion of heatwaves as officially recognized disasters under the Disaster Management (DM) Act of 2005. What are Notified Disasters? According to the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005, a disaster is defined as a “catastrophe,… Continue reading Why heatwaves have not been included as a notified disaster in the Disaster Management Act?

Gender Gap Report 2024: Key Highlights

Why in the news? India’s new cabinet has only 2 women ministers, down from 10 previously. The Global Gender Gap Report 2024 (by the World Economic Forum)  ranks India third-lowest in South Asia, highlighting significant gender disparity in leadership and representation. Comparison of Indian Ranking with Other Countries: Global Gender Gap Report 2024: India ranked… Continue reading Gender Gap Report 2024: Key Highlights

[13th June 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Britain’s summer of discontent

PYQ Relevance: Q The judicial systems in India and the UK seem to be converging as well as diverging in recent times. Highlight the key points of convergence and divergence between the two nations in terms of their judicial practices. (UPSC IAS/2020) Q Why did the Industrial Revolution first occur in England? Discuss the quality of… Continue reading [13th June 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Britain’s summer of discontent

Lal Crater on Mars

Why in the News? Scientists from Ahmedabad-based Physical Research Laboratory (PRL) have identified three new craters on Mars, situated in the Tharsis volcanic region around 21.0 S, 209 W. The International Astronomical Union (IAU) Working Group for Planetary System Nomenclature approved the naming of the three craters on Mars, based on PRL’s recommendation. Back2Basics: International… Continue reading Lal Crater on Mars

India is the World’s Second Largest emitter of Nitrous Oxide

Why in the News? India ranks as the world’s second-largest contributor (after China) to nitrous oxide (N2O), a potent greenhouse gas (GHG), accounting for approximately 11% of global man-made emissions in 2020 as per data published in the journal Earth System Science Data. The top five country emitters by volume of anthropogenic N2O emissions in… Continue reading India is the World’s Second Largest emitter of Nitrous Oxide

N332-GT5 and eOD-GT8: Advancements in HIV Vaccine Development

Why in the News? Researchers at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute have successfully induced broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) through vaccination for the first time. About HIV/AIDS: Emergence: The first cases of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) were reported in the early 1980s, primarily among gay men in the United States. Discovery… Continue reading N332-GT5 and eOD-GT8: Advancements in HIV Vaccine Development

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