💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship September Batch
Talk to Mentor

Distribution: weekly

38% Indians consume fried snacks and processed foods, only 28% consume healthy food

Why in the news? A global report highlights a significant rise in unhealthy food consumption in India, surpassing intake of vegetables, fruits, and other nutritious foods. Global Food Policy Report 2024: Food Systems for Healthy Diets and Nutrition was released by “the International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI)”. About CGIAR: CGIAR (formerly the Consultative Group… Continue reading 38% Indians consume fried snacks and processed foods, only 28% consume healthy food

Is climate change behind more frequent and severe turbulence faced by aircraft?

Why in the news? On May 21, severe turbulence over Myanmar caused one death and 70 injuries on a Singapore Airlines flight. Qatar Airways had 12 minor injuries on May 26. What is Turbulence? Turbulence, unpredictable air motion caused by eddies and vertical currents, ranges from minor bumps to severe disruptions, often associated with fronts… Continue reading Is climate change behind more frequent and severe turbulence faced by aircraft?

Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz: Protecting Kerala’s Frog Species

Why in the News? The Centre for Citizen Science and Biodiversity Informatics, Kerala Forest Research Institute (KFRI), has organised the event “Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz 2024”. About Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz, 2024:  This program aims to document Kerala’s frog species during the monsoon season. Objective: Cultivate scientific curiosity among the public and raise awareness about frog conservation… Continue reading Monsoon Croaks Bioblitz: Protecting Kerala’s Frog Species

299th Birth Anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar (1725 –1795)

Why in the News? The 299th birth anniversary of legendary ruler Ahilyabai Holkar was celebrated on 30th May. About Ahilyabai Holkar Details Birth May 31, 1725; Chaundi village, Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra, India Family Daughter of Mankoji Shinde, a respected Dhangar family member Education Despite societal norms, her father taught her to read and write Marriage… Continue reading 299th Birth Anniversary of Ahilyabai Holkar (1725 –1795)

Surge in Indian Companies’ External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)

Why in the News? Indian companies “external commercial borrowings” nearly doubled in FY24, reaching $49.2 billion, according to RBI data. Key Statistics: Disbursements: ECB disbursements stood at $38.4 billion in FY24, a significant increase from $23.8 billion in FY23, underscoring the growing reliance on overseas markets for funding. Domestic Pressure: High interest rates in the… Continue reading Surge in Indian Companies’ External Commercial Borrowings (ECBs)

NIMHANS bags WHO’s Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024

Why in the News? The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India’s premier mental health institution, has been honoured with the “Nelson Mandela Award” for Health Promotion by the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2024. About National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) Details Location Bangalore, India Affiliation Autonomous institute… Continue reading NIMHANS bags WHO’s Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024

The Tobacco Epidemic in India

Why in the News? Tobacco is a leading preventable cause of disease which affects nearly 26 crore Indians and 60 lakh industry workers, posing significant health risks. Reports on Tobacco Consumption in India According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), there is a general decline in tobacco use, except for an increase in women… Continue reading The Tobacco Epidemic in India

K-9 Vajra Howitzers and Su-30 MKI Fighter Aircraft Engines                                  

Why in the news? Several critical ‘Make in India’ defence projects, including acquisitions of K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers and Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft engines, are pending final approval from the Centre post-elections. About K-9 Vajra Self-Propelled Howitzers: It is a self-propelled howitzer. Technology: It incorporates technology transferred from South Korean defence major Hanwha Defense based… Continue reading K-9 Vajra Howitzers and Su-30 MKI Fighter Aircraft Engines                                  

Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD)

Why in the News? Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, a space start-up from Chennai, made history by launching the world’s first rocket with a single-piece 3D-printed engine, named Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), from Sriharikota. About 3D Printed PS4 Engine The PS4 engine, which forms the uppermost stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV),… Continue reading Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD)

[pib] India Hosts Digital Health Side Event at World Health Assembly

Why in the News? India hosted a side event on Digital Health during the 77th World Health Assembly.The event saw participation from Quad countries (Australia, Japan, and the United States of America) and delegates from over 100 countries. Key Highlights of the 7th WHA: Transformative Role: India highlighted digital health’s role in ensuring equitable and… Continue reading [pib] India Hosts Digital Health Side Event at World Health Assembly

What is Golden Rice?

Why in the News? The Court of Appeals in the Philippines revoked biosafety permits for GM Golden Rice and BT eggplant, citing safety violations and ordering a halt until issues are resolved. Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant in the Philippines  What is Golden Rice?  Golden Rice is a variety of rice (Oryza sativa) developed through… Continue reading What is Golden Rice?

RBI launches PRAVAAH, Retail Direct mobile app and FinTech Repository

Why in the News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently introduced three significant initiatives: the PRAVAAH portal, the RBI Retail Direct mobile application, and the FinTech Repository. These initiatives aim to streamline regulatory processes, empower retail investors, and provide insights into the fintech sector. 1. PRAVAAH Portal: The PRAVAAH portal (Platform for Regulatory Application,… Continue reading RBI launches PRAVAAH, Retail Direct mobile app and FinTech Repository

Kanyakumari’s Vivekananda Rock

Why in the News? Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his plan to visit and meditate at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu marking the culmination of the Lok Sabha election campaign. About Vivekananda Rock: Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located in Kanyakumari’s Vavathurai beach, Tamil Nadu. It is situated on a rock island at… Continue reading Kanyakumari’s Vivekananda Rock

In news: Sharavathi River

Why in the News? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the mines and geology department to stop any unlawful/illegal sand mining in the Sharavathi River coastal zone. About National Green Tribunal (NGT) Description Establishment Formed in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act as a statutory… Continue reading In news: Sharavathi River

[29 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Constitution, a surprise entrant in poll battlefield

PYQ Relevance: Mains:  Q. Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances stances? (UPSC IAS/2016)Q. ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (UPSC IAS/2021)… Continue reading [29 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Constitution, a surprise entrant in poll battlefield

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.