Open access is crucial for self-reliance in science

Why in the News? As per Nature Index” India’s scientific prowess is rising but lacks essential research infrastructure. Initiatives like I-STEM aim to bridge this gap by democratizing access to advanced facilities. The Indian Science Ecosystem: Growth in Research: India ranks third globally in research output and eleventh in research quality according to the “Nature… Continue reading

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

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

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

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

[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

Explained: The challenges in curbing cultivation of a banned rice variety in Punjab

Why in the News? Punjab’s paddy farmers have begun sowing seeds for this year’s kharif season, despite the ban on variety PUSA-44 that was implemented last year. About the Cultivation of Paddy Varieties like PUSA-44: Pusa-44 is a long-duration paddy variety bred by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and has been a key contributor… Continue reading

Genetic Mysteries of Microcephaly: The Role of SASS6 Gene

Why in the News? A gene called SASS6 (Spindle Assembly Abnormal Protein 6) and its variants have been found to play a key role in a developmental process that causes “Microcephaly”. What is Microcephaly? Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than normal. It is associated with a smaller brain, poor… Continue reading

NASA’s PREFIRE Mission to study Earth’s Polar Regions

Why in the News? NASA launched the ” PREFIRE mission”, deploying twin CubeSats to study heat emissions in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, aiming to enhance climate research. What are CubeSats? CubeSats are essentially miniature satellites whose basic design is a 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm (which makes up for “one unit”… Continue reading

Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC)

Why in the News? India as a member of FIPIC, has pledged $1 million for relief efforts in flood-hit “Papua New Guinea” showcasing solidarity with the affected nation. What is the Forum for India–Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC)? The Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC) is a multilateral platform established by India to enhance cooperation with… Continue reading

In news: Campi Flegrei Super Volcano

Why in the News? A 4.4 magnitude earthquake struck Italy’s Campi Flegrei super volcano, with Pozzuoli as the epicentre. Felt as far as Naples, it’s the strongest tremor in 40 years Bradyseism Concerns near Campi Flegrei: Campi Flegrei is prone to bradyseism, where ground elevation changes due to subsurface pressure. The area, located 50 kilometres… Continue reading

[28 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Playing to the gallery can be injurious to Rail safety

PYQ Relevance:Mains: Q) The setting up of a Rail Tariff Authority to regulate fares will subject the cash-strapped Indian Railways to demand subsidy for obligation to operate non-profitable routes and services. Taking into account the experience in the power sector, discuss if the proposed reform is expected to benefit the consumers, the Indian Railways or the… Continue reading

Where animals are dying by a thousand cuts

Why in the News? In the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh, the farmers are using razor wire and electric fencing to defend their farms against stray cattle. About the Wildlife Populations in the Biodiverse Terai Areas of Uttar Pradesh The Terai region in the U.P., encompassing districts like Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri, and Bahraich, is known… Continue reading

China’s share in India’s industrial goods imports jump to 30% from 21% in last 15 years: GTRI

Why in the News? India’s imports from China crossed $101 billion in 2023-24 from about $70 billion in 2018-19, and the country’s share of India’s industrial goods imports has risen from 21% to 30% over 15 years, according to a report by the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI). The data shows, it’s resulting in a… Continue reading

Menstrual hygiene in Indian prisons | Explained

Why in the News? Despite improvements in menstrual hygiene, female prisoners in India face neglect, highlighting systemic biases and unmet basic needs like sanitary products and proper facilities. About NFHS Recently Conducted Survey: The 5th round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS 2019-2020) revealed that approximately 80% of young women aged 15-24 years are… Continue reading

The controversy over eucalyptus planting in Kerala | Explained

Why in the news? The Kerala state government permitted Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) to plant eucalyptus for financial reasons in 2024-2025. Environmentalists objected, citing forest impact and potential human-animal conflicts. Reasons for Allowing KFDC to Plant Eucalyptus Trees: Financial Sustenance: KFDC was permitted to plant eucalyptus trees to support its financial viability. Existing Plantations:… Continue reading

What is Zero Debris Charter?

Why in the News? The Zero Debris Charter was signed by twelve nations and the European Space Agency (ESA) at the ESA/EU Space Council. Zero Debris Charter The Zero Debris Charter was unveiled at the ESA Space Summit in Seville, Spain, in November 2023. The Charter was facilitated by ESA’s “Protection of Space Assets” Accelerator… Continue reading

Small Island Developing States (SIDS)

Why in the News? The 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4) is underway in Antigua and Barbuda. What are Small Island Developing States (SIDS)? SIDS encompass 39 States and 18 Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions, facing unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities. SIDS are situated across three regions: the Caribbean,… Continue reading

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