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Global Spread of H5N1 Bird Flu

Why in the news? Since 2020, the highly pathogenic H5N1 bird flu has been spreading globally, posing a significant threat to both birds and mammals. H5N1 Bird Flu: Details H5N1 originated from a virus outbreak on a goose farm in China in 1996 and has since evolved into a highly pathogenic strain. The virus quickly… Continue reading Global Spread of H5N1 Bird Flu

South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA) Ecoregion

Why in the news? A recent study has revealed about undocumented biodiversity in the newly recognized South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA) Ecoregion. What is SEAMA Ecoregion? The SEAMA is a recently recognized ecoregion located in Southern Africa. It spans across northern Mozambique and incorporating Mount Mulanje in Malawi. SEAMA is distinguished by its mountainous… Continue reading South East Africa Montane Archipelago (SEAMA) Ecoregion

UNEP Food Waste Index Report, 2024

Why in the news? The Food Waste Index Report, 2024 was recently released by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and Waste & Resources Action Programme (WRAP), a UK based non-profit organization. Food Waste Index Report: It tracks the global and national generation of food and inedible parts wasted at the retail and consumer (household… Continue reading UNEP Food Waste Index Report, 2024

Archaeological Survey of India will ‘Delist’ some ‘Lost’ monuments. What’s happening, and why?

Why in the news? Recently, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has decided to delist 18 “centrally protected monuments” because according to them, they lag in National Importance.   What does the “Delisting” of monuments mean? Delisting means that the monument will no longer be protected, conserved, or maintained by the Archaeological Survey of India… Continue reading Archaeological Survey of India will ‘Delist’ some ‘Lost’ monuments. What’s happening, and why?

What explains the frequent disagreements between state governments and Governors?

 Why in the news?  Allegations by the regional government (Recently Kerala govt.) on the Centre using the Governor’s position to destabilize state governments have been made since the 1950s. This calls for Governor-state relations. What is the law on Governor-state relations? The Governor, although meant to be apolitical and act on the advice of the… Continue reading What explains the frequent disagreements between state governments and Governors?

[29 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Understanding India’s coal imports

PYQ Relevance: Mains:  Q) “Despite the adverse environmental impact, coal mining is still inevitable for Development”. Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2017)  Q) What are the consequences of Illegal mining? Discuss the Ministry of Environment and Forest’s concept of GO AND NO GO zones for the coal mining sector. (UPSC CSE 2013)  Prelims: Q) Despite having large… Continue reading [29 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Understanding India’s coal imports

Advisory boards under preventive detention laws are not rubber stamps for the government: Supreme Court

Why in the news?  Recently  SCt said that advisory boards should act like a safety net, protecting people’s freedom from the government’s arbitrary use of power.  They need to make sure there’s a balance between the government’s actions and people’s right to be free. About Advisory Board: Article 22 of the Constitution makes it mandatory… Continue reading Advisory boards under preventive detention laws are not rubber stamps for the government: Supreme Court

Tech giants facing EU scrutiny

Why in the news?  The European Commission has initiated investigations into major tech companies like Apple, Meta, Google’s parent Alphabet, and Amazon to enforce fair and competitive markets in the digital industry, following the regulations of the Digital Markets Act (DMA).   What is the European Commission?  The European Commission is the executive arm of… Continue reading Tech giants facing EU scrutiny

The countdown to a pandemic treaty

Why in the news? In March 2021, a call for a pandemic treaty by 25 heads of government and international agencies marked a pivotal moment. The WHO Pandemic Agreement’s final negotiations began last week. With approval pending in May, its fate remains uncertain amid debates. Key features of Pandemic Agreement Aim of the Pandemic Agreement:… Continue reading The countdown to a pandemic treaty

Why are Rohingya refugees risking their lives at sea? | Explained

Why in the news? The recent incident involving a wooden boat carrying nearly 150 Rohingya refugees capsizing off the Indonesian coast last week has once more spotlighted the dire situation faced by these refugees. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), more than 4,500 Rohingya refugees started risky trips across the Bay… Continue reading Why are Rohingya refugees risking their lives at sea? | Explained

Discovery of Amino Acid unveils How Light makes Stomata Open in Plants

Why in the news? Scientists from Nagoya University have made a discovery about the regulation of Stomatal opening in plants, a process vital for efficient photosynthesis by a type of amino acid threonine (Thr881). What are Stomatal Openings? Stomata are microscopic pores on plant leaves crucial for gas exchange. They particularly uptake carbon dioxide necessary… Continue reading Discovery of Amino Acid unveils How Light makes Stomata Open in Plants

Places in news: Afanasy Nikitin Seamount

Why in the news? India has applied to the International Seabed Authority (ISBA) for exploration rights in the Afanasy Nikitin (AN) Seamount in the Indian Ocean outside its jurisdiction. India’s application is motivated by reports of Chinese vessels conducting reconnaissance in the same region, raising concerns about strategic interests and resource competition. About International Seabed… Continue reading Places in news: Afanasy Nikitin Seamount

[28 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: WTO’s investment facilitation negotiations are not illegal

PYQ Relevance:Mains: Q) What are the key areas of reform if the WTO has to survive in the present context of the ‘Trade War’, especially keeping in mind the interest of India? (UPSC CSE 2018)  Q) “The broader aims and objectives of WTO are to manage and promote international trade in the era of globalization. But… Continue reading [28 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: WTO’s investment facilitation negotiations are not illegal

Preventing a China-Taiwan conflict

Why in the News? India, with growing national interests, faces entanglements in disputes like Taiwan. While China claims Taiwan, India is unlikely to engage militarily, focusing on safeguarding its economic and security interests. Context: The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) recently achieved an unprecedented third consecutive term in Taiwan’s legislative elections, defying China’s threats and hostilities.… Continue reading Preventing a China-Taiwan conflict

Artform in news: Mohiniyattam Danceform

Why in the news? The Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university for arts and culture, has unanimously lifted gender restrictions allowing boys for learning Mohiniyattam, a classical dance form. About Mohiniyattam Description Name Meaning Mohini – female enchantress avatar of Vishnu; Aattam – rhythmic motion or dance (Malayalam) Roots Natya Shastra, ancient Hindu Sanskrit text on… Continue reading Artform in news: Mohiniyattam Danceform

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