Candidates have a Right to Privacy from Voters: SC

Why in the news? The Supreme Court affirmed a candidate’s right to privacy from voters, stating that candidates need not divulge every aspect of their personal lives and possessions to the electorate. It held that Voters Right to Know about the electors is NOT ABSOLUTE. Right to Privacy in India: The Right to Privacy under… Continue reading

NASA to establish Coordinated Lunar Time

Why in the news? The White House directed NASA to establish a time standard for the Moon, named Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) by the end of 2026. This move aims to facilitate coordination among international bodies and private companies operating on the lunar surface. Timekeeping on the Moon The Moon has its own day and… Continue reading

Invasive Alien Species and their Management

Why in the news? The Andaman and Nicobar Islands administration sought assistance from the Wildlife Institute of India to manage the increasing population of chital (spotted deer) in Ross Island, officially known as the Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island. Chital in Andaman Islands The Chital, originally native to mainland India, were introduced to Ross Island… Continue reading

CDP-SURAKSHA Digital Platform for Horticulture Subsidies

Why in the news? The government has introduced a new platform called CDP-SURAKSHA for disbursing subsidies to horticulture farmers under the Cluster Development Programme (CDP). India’s Horticulture Sector: India’s horticulture sector contributes nearly 1/3rd to the agriculture GVA, making a substantial economic contribution. The total production of horticulture crops has increased, from 240.53 million tonnes… Continue reading

Tribes in news: Jenu Kuruba

Why in the news? This newscard is an excerpt from an articles which delves into the historical and social context of the Jenu Kuruba community, including their displacement from their traditional lands in the Western Ghats due to conservation efforts. About Jenu Kuruba The Jenu Kuruba tribe, numbering around 37,000, resides primarily in the Nilgiris… Continue reading

Air-breathing Magnesium- Copper- Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell

Why in the news? Researchers at the University of Kerala have devised an eco-friendly fuel cell that primarily utilizes air and seawater to generate power. Magnesium – Copper -Cupric Oxide Fuel Cell A semiconducting layer of Cupric Oxide grown over Copper substrate was used in a Magnesium- Sodium Chloride based fuel cell. It breathes air;… Continue reading

International Narcotics Control Board (INCB)

Why in the news? Mrs. Jagjit Pavadia (IRS) India’s nominee has been re-elected for a third term to the INCB for the period of 2025-2030. About International Narcotics Control Board (INCB) Description Establishment Established in 1968 by the Single Convention on Narcotic Drugs of 1961. Headquarters Based in Vienna, Austria, with a Secretariat supporting its… Continue reading

[10 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The climate crisis is not gender neutral

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q) ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC CSE 2017) Q) Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework… Continue reading

What’s behind the latest US-China trade fight?

Why in the news? China’s burgeoning production of electric cars and other green technologies has become a flashpoint in a new US-China trade fight, highlighted by US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen during her five-day visit to China. Context: According to the Paris-based International Energy Agency, China has built a substantial car industry that accounts for… Continue reading

Karnataka Drought Relief: Let there not be a (Centre-state) contest, states coming to court, says SC

Why in the News? Recently, the SC called on the Centre and state governments to refrain from a “contest”, and noted that various state governments were approaching the court to seek relief against the Centre in matters related to the disbursal of funds. The bench was hearing the Karnataka government’s plea seeking a direction to… Continue reading

Health Sector can’t ignore Telemedicine’s Green Gains, study shows

Why in the news? Recently a study by researchers at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Hyderabad, has found that around 70-80% of people who visit an Eye Hospital can benefit from teleconsultations because their problems aren’t serious enough to require attention at a hospital. Key points as report: Telemedicine in High-Income Countries: Studies in… Continue reading

The ‘import restrictions’ on solar PV cells | Explained

Context: The Finance Minister proposed the ₹19,500 crore PLI scheme in the Union Budget of 2022-23. This was to scale domestic manufacturing of the entire solar supply chain — from polysilicon to solar modules. The government also introduced a steep 40% customs duty on PV modules and 25% on PV cells. BACK2BASICS What is the… Continue reading

[pib] IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum

Why in the news? The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Clean Economy Investor Forum is set to be held in Singapore. About IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum The IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum brings together the region’s top investors, philanthropies, financial institutions, innovative companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs. The Forum aims to mobilize investments into… Continue reading

POEM-3: ISRO’s ‘Zero Orbital Debris’ Milestone

Why in the news? The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said its PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission has practically left zero debris in earth’s orbit. About PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) Launched on January 1, 2024, POEM-3 utilized the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle, which initially launched XPoSat. It is a three-axis-altitude controlled platform with… Continue reading

In news: Cantonment Boards

Why in the news? The Centre has reportedly initiated measures to reduce the land jurisdiction of 10 major cantonment boards across five states. In May 2023, the Centre had kicked off a plan to abolish all 62 colonial-era Cantonments across the country. What are Cantonments? Cantonments are Permanent military stations where a group of military… Continue reading

[pib] National Green Hydrogen Mission

Why in the news? The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has unveiled Guidelines for the implementation of an R&D Scheme under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The scheme aims to catalyze advancements in the production, storage, transportation, and utilization of green hydrogen, with a focus on affordability, efficiency, safety, and reliability. Hydrogen Energy: A… Continue reading

India’s Soil Erosion Trends: Insights from a New Study

Why in the news? Titled “Geospatial modelling and mapping of soil erosion in India,” the report marks the first attempt to classify soil erosion on a pan-India basis. The study categorizes soil erosion into six classifications, ranging from “minor” to “catastrophic,” based on the amount of soil eroded per hectare over a year. Soil Erosion… Continue reading

Sangeet Natak Akademi organizes ‘Shakti – Festival of Music and Dance’

Why in the news? Sangeet Natak Akademi is set to host ‘Shakti, a festival of music and dance’ as part of its Kala Pravah series at 7 Shaktipeeths. Shakti – Festival of Music and Dance Events will be held at: Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra Jwalamukhi Temple, Kangada, Himachal Pradesh Tripura Sundari Temple,… Continue reading

[9 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Indian aviation, a case of air safety at a discount

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q) Examine the development of Airports in India through joint ventures under Public – Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard? (UPSC CSE 2017) Q) International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territory. What do… Continue reading

Heat affects India’s aim to move from coal to renewables

Why in the News? The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently said that India will have more than the ‘usual’ number of days with heat waves in this summer. Increasing Temperature in India and its impact as per IMD: Temperature Predictions: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts “above-normal” temperatures for April-June 2024, with a probability of… Continue reading

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