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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

The social sciences, a shelter for the ‘excluded’ student

Why in the news? Persistent exclusion results in some disciplines becoming a last resort for many students with social sciences increasingly becoming a significant reservoir of the excluded in India. Causes of Exclusion in Higher Education: Excessive Competition: Premier institutions have stringent filtering mechanisms due to high demand, which results in significant exclusion of students.… Continue reading The social sciences, a shelter for the ‘excluded’ student

Bihar’s call for Special Category Status | Explained

Why in the News? Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has renewed the State’s persistent call for special category status from the Centre, which would boost the State’s share of tax revenues from the Central government. How does the ‘Special Category’ Status benefit the states like Bihar? Increased Central Funds: States with special category status receive… Continue reading Bihar’s call for Special Category Status | Explained

Expert Explains: What European Parliament election results signify, with the rise of right-wing parties?

Why in the News? The outcomes of the June 6-9 European Parliament elections, where approximately 51% of over 370 million eligible voters across 27 EU nations participated, indicated an increase in support for right-wing and far-right parties, resulting in losses for predominantly left-leaning and liberal parties. What is the European Parliament? The European Parliament is… Continue reading Expert Explains: What European Parliament election results signify, with the rise of right-wing parties?

What are the functions of Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State?

Why in the News? President Droupadi Murmu administered oaths to the Central Council of Ministers (CoM) of the new NDA government, comprising a larger team compared to the previous term. The Council includes 30 cabinet ministers, five Ministers of State (Independent Charge), and 36 Ministers of State, with the Prime Minister leading the team. About… Continue reading What are the functions of Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State?

2025 to be International Year of Quantum Science and Technology

Why in the News? The United Nations has designated 2025 as the ‘International Year of Quantum Science and Technology’ to increase public awareness about the significance of quantum science and its applications. This initiative, led by Mexico and supported by nearly 60 countries, aims to promote activities at all levels to highlight the importance of… Continue reading 2025 to be International Year of Quantum Science and Technology

How SpaceX’s Starship can revolutionise space travel and exploration?

Why in the News? SpaceX’s Starship rocket completed its first fully successful test flight. This test flight brings SpaceX closer to its goal of creating a fully reusable rocket system, a development that could revolutionize space exploration and travel. What is Starship? Starship is a two-stage heavy lift-off vehicle designed for crew and cargo transport… Continue reading How SpaceX’s Starship can revolutionise space travel and exploration?

Portable Optical Atomic Clock for accurate timekeeping at Sea

Why in the News? Atomic clocks power GPS systems, guiding us in navigation, emergencies, and military operations. Scientists are developing optical atomic clocks to enhance timekeeping accuracy for Navies. What are Atomic Clocks? Atomic clocks are accurate timekeeping devices that use the vibrations of atoms as a precise measure of time. They rely on the… Continue reading Portable Optical Atomic Clock for accurate timekeeping at Sea

[11 June 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: From warp speed to reset, the state of India-US ties

PYQ Relevance: Q How will the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (UPSC IAS/2022) Q Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020) Mentors comment: A year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to… Continue reading [11 June 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: From warp speed to reset, the state of India-US ties

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