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Distribution: weekly

An Overview of the Smart Cities Mission | Explained

Why in the news?  The Smart Cities Mission (SCM), a key initiative of the previous NDA-1 government, has received less emphasis in this year’s lineup of electoral pledges and accomplishments. How are smart cities defined by the government?  Since 2009, following the significant financial crash, the term ‘Smart City’ has gained widespread usage. Urban practitioners… Continue reading An Overview of the Smart Cities Mission | Explained

[pib] Exercise Shakti

Why in the news? The 7th edition of the India-France Joint Military Exercise SHAKTI begins at Umroi, Meghalaya, signalling the start of a biennial training event aimed at enhancing bilateral military cooperation. About Exercise Shakti Shakti Exercise is a joint military exercise between the armies of India and France. It is a biennial training event… Continue reading [pib] Exercise Shakti

[pib] Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayaloka-Locana enter ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific regional register’

Why in the news? The Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra and Sahrdayaloka-Locana have been included in ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific regional register’. About UNESCO’s ‘Memory of the World (MOW) Asia-Pacific regional register’ Details History and Establishment Initiated in 1992 by UNESCO. Asia-Pacific Regional Committee (MOWCAP) was set up in 1998. Parent Organization Overseen by UNESCO (United… Continue reading [pib] Ramcharitmanas, Panchatantra, and Sahrdayaloka-Locana enter ‘UNESCO’s Memory of the World Asia-Pacific regional register’

Supreme Court cautions on ‘history sheets’: All you need to know about the practice

Why in the News? On May 7, a Bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and K V Viswanathan warned against the presence of “unfair, prejudicial, and atrocious mindsets” that perpetuate and validate caste prejudices. It also directed all states and union territories to ensure that the ‘history sheets‘ maintained by their police forces are free from… Continue reading Supreme Court cautions on ‘history sheets’: All you need to know about the practice

Explained: Behind the 20-year delay in Nagaland’s Urban Local Body Elections

Why in the News? For the first time (since 2004), Nagaland is scheduled to conduct Urban Local Body elections. Context:  The state cabinet approved on April 26 for conducting Urban Local Body polls for Nagaland’s 3 Municipal Councils and 36 Town Councils. Further, the State Election Commission (SEC) released the election schedule, with voting slated… Continue reading Explained: Behind the 20-year delay in Nagaland’s Urban Local Body Elections

[13 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A well-intentioned study and a demographic myth

PYQ Relevance: Mains:  Q Analyse the salience of ‘sect’ in Indian society vis-a-vis caste, region, and religion.(UPSC IAS/2022)Q Discuss the main objectives of Population Education and point out the measures to achieve them in India in detail. (UPSC IAS/2021)Q “Empowering women is the key to controlling the population growth.” Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2019) Prelims:India is regarded… Continue reading [13 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A well-intentioned study and a demographic myth

Species in news: Himalayan Magpies 

Why in the news? Blue magpie species are frequently observed from Kashmir to Myanmar. About Himalayan Magpies Magpies belong to the Corvidae family, which also includes crows, jays, and ravens. These birds are typically noisy and inquisitive, often featured as omens in folklore around the world. Species Distribution and Habitat: Gold-billed Magpie (Urocissa flavirostris): Also… Continue reading Species in news: Himalayan Magpies 

Decoding C. Elegans Worm: A Remarkable Discovery

Why in the news? Researchers at Princeton University found that Caenorhabditis elegans can inherit the ‘knowledge’ to avoid a disease-causing bacterium, Pseudomonas vranovensis, across several generations after initially consuming it. C. Elegans: Breakthrough made in Scientific Research C. elegans can inherit the ‘knowledge’ to avoid a disease-causing bacterium, Pseudomonas vranovensis, across several generations after by… Continue reading Decoding C. Elegans Worm: A Remarkable Discovery

Aurora Borealis: What are Northern and Southern lights? Why do they occur?

Why in the news? In a rare event, the night sky over Hanle village in Ladakh was illuminated by the northern lights or aurora borealis. Concurrently, the southern lights, or aurora australis, were observed in New Zealand and Australia. What are Auroras? Auroras are natural light displays that appear as bright, swirling curtains in the… Continue reading Aurora Borealis: What are Northern and Southern lights? Why do they occur?

[11 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Freshwater Quest, the Likely New Gold Hunt

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q  India is well endowed with fresh water resources. Critically examine why it still suffers from water scarcity. (UPSC IAS/2015) Q What are the maritime security challenges in India? Discuss the organizational, technical, and procedural initiatives taken to improve maritime security. (UPSC IAS/2022) Q ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will… Continue reading [11 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Freshwater Quest, the Likely New Gold Hunt

19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York

Why in the news?  Recently, during the 19th Session (10th May 2024) of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York, a significant report titled “International Forest Governance” was published. About International Forest Governance:  The report “Critical Review of Trends, Drawbacks, and New Approaches” authored by the Science-Policy Programme (SciPol) of the International… Continue reading 19th Session of the United Nations Forum on Forests (UNFF19) in New York

What is Interim Bail?

Why in the news? The Supreme Court has granted interim bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in the liquor policy case till to campaign for the Lok Sabha elections. What is Interim Bail? Interim bail in India is a temporary release granted to an accused person from custody under Section 439 Cr. It can… Continue reading What is Interim Bail?

Reservation within Constitutional bounds

Why in the news? There’s a big argument between political parties about reservation. The BJP said some exaggerated things about the Congress wanting a caste census, suggesting it’s connected to religion. Current debates on Reservation and Sub-categorization: Constitutional Provisions: The Constituent Assembly opposed reservation solely based on religion, and the Constitution guarantees prohibition of discrimination… Continue reading Reservation within Constitutional bounds

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