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India fighting pressure at WTO to allow ‘plurilateral pact’ on investment facilitation

Why in the News? An official stated on Tuesday that India opposes a China-led proposal on investment facilitation at the WTO, arguing that it is a ‘non-trade’ issue beyond the global trade body’s mandate. About Plurilateral Agreement/Pact: A plurilateral agreement is a trade agreement between more than two countries, but not necessarily encompass all members… Continue reading India fighting pressure at WTO to allow ‘plurilateral pact’ on investment facilitation

Oldest Known Human Viruses Discovered In 50,000-Year-Old Neanderthal Bones

Why in the News? Researchers found traces of many present-day viruses in the bones of two Neanderthals who lived 50,000 years ago, providing a new perspective on their extinction. Breakthrough Study on Neanderthals  Ancient viruses in Neanderthal DNA samples from skeletons found in Russia’s Chagyrskaya cave. The study detected fragments resembling three modern viruses: adenovirus… Continue reading Oldest Known Human Viruses Discovered In 50,000-Year-Old Neanderthal Bones

Cyclone Remal to make landfall

Why in the News? Cyclone Remal is forecasted to make landfall between Sagar Island in West Bengal and Bangladesh’s Khepupara on Sunday midnight. The name ‘Remal’ originates from Oman and means ‘sand’ in Arabic. What are Cyclones? Cyclones are wind systems rotating inwardly towards an area of low atmospheric pressure. They are categorised into Tropical… Continue reading Cyclone Remal to make landfall

Arab League demands UN Peacekeepers in Palestine

Why in the News? The Arab League called for UN peacekeeping forces in the Palestinian territories during a summit in Bahrain’s Manama. The “Manama Declaration” issued by the league sought UNPKF in the occupied Palestinian territories” until a two-state solution is implemented. Back2Basics: United Nations Peacekeeping UN Peacekeeping is a collective effort by the international… Continue reading Arab League demands UN Peacekeepers in Palestine

Southeast Asia origin of at least 45% cyber frauds targeting Indians

Why in the News? Over 5,000 unemployed/employed Indians are reportedly trapped in Cambodia and forced to work into cyber fraud, resulting in an estimated Rs 500 crore loss in India over six months. Present Cybersecurity Status of India: India has secured 10th rank in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2020 by ITU (International Telecommunication Union)… Continue reading Southeast Asia origin of at least 45% cyber frauds targeting Indians

BIMSTEC acquires ‘legal personality’ after charter comes into force

Why in the News? The Ministry of External Affairs has announced that with the establishment of its inaugural charter on May 20th, the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) will now accept new members and observers. About BIMSTEC:  The Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC)… Continue reading BIMSTEC acquires ‘legal personality’ after charter comes into force

Xenotransplantation: Prospects and Challenges

Why in the News? The recent passing away of Richard Slayman, the first recipient of a modified pig kidney transplant, has drawn attention to xenotransplantation—an innovative medical procedure with the potential to revolutionise organ transplantation. What is Xenotransplantation? It involves transplanting live cells, tissues, or organs from nonhuman animal sources into human recipients. It seeks… Continue reading Xenotransplantation: Prospects and Challenges

India rises to 39th position in WEF Index for travel, tourism development

Why in the News?  India has moved up to the 39th position in the World Economic Forum’s latest “Travel & Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024, a significant climb from 54th in 2021. The United States tops the index, followed by Spain, Japan, France, and Australia. Pakistan is ranked 101st. India’s Performance and Ranking Price Competitiveness:… Continue reading India rises to 39th position in WEF Index for travel, tourism development

Expert Explains: Why the ICC Prosecutor has asked for an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, and what could happen now

Why in the News? On 20 May 2024, the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) requested arrest warrants against leaders of Hamas and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel about the events of October 7, 2023, and the conflict in Palestine. What is the International Criminal Court? The International Criminal Court formed in 2002,… Continue reading Expert Explains: Why the ICC Prosecutor has asked for an arrest warrant against Netanyahu, and what could happen now

‘Silent demise’ of vast ‘Rangelands’ threatens climate, food, wellbeing of billions: UNCCD 

Why in the News? The UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) recently published the “Global Land Outlook Thematic Report” on Rangelands and Pastoralists, revealing that up to 50% of Rangelands are degraded. About UNCCD: UNCCD adopted in 1994 (effectively from 1996),  is a legally binding agreement that aims to protect and restore land and combat… Continue reading ‘Silent demise’ of vast ‘Rangelands’ threatens climate, food, wellbeing of billions: UNCCD 

SC to reconsider its 1995 judgement to include the medical profession under the Consumer Protection Act

Why in the news? Recently, the apex court held that lawyers as ‘professionals’ could not be subjected to legal proceedings for providing faulty ‘service’ under the Consumer Protection Act 2019 (CPA). A similar case applies to Medical practitioners which is in high controversy. What is the Consumer Protection Act (CPA)?   Consumer Protection Act, 1986… Continue reading SC to reconsider its 1995 judgement to include the medical profession under the Consumer Protection Act

A vegetable triumvirate, inflation, and the takeaway

Why in the News? The price fluctuations and Inflation trends in recent market underscore the necessity for Targeted Policy Interventions and a comprehensive grasp of Agricultural Supply Chains. The Significance of Vegetable Triumvirate (trio): Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) aren’t just statistical entities but essential ingredients in Indian cuisine, forming the backbone of many dishes.… Continue reading A vegetable triumvirate, inflation, and the takeaway

Blue Sheep (Bharal) and Himalayan Ibex (Tangor) Census in Himachal

Why in the News? Wildlife authorities in Himachal Pradesh’s Lahaul & Spiti district have initiated surveys to estimate the population of Blue Sheep (bharal) and Himalayan Ibex (Tangor), vital prey species for the iconic snow leopard. This move aims to assess the region’s biodiversity and promote conservation efforts. About the Species Mentioned Bharal (Blue Sheep)… Continue reading Blue Sheep (Bharal) and Himalayan Ibex (Tangor) Census in Himachal

[23 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A ‘No-Limit’ bromance that is not just a bilateral matter

PYQ Relevance:Mains: Q) What is the significance of Indo-US defense deals over Indo-Russian defense deals? Discuss with reference to stability in the Indo-Pacific region. (UPSC CSE 2020) Q) The new tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the… Continue reading [23 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A ‘No-Limit’ bromance that is not just a bilateral matter

After Ebrahim Raisi’s death, why India will be watching Iran’s succession plan unfold

Why in the News? The sudden demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi in a helicopter crash has sent shockwaves through the Islamic Republic, grappling with the implications for the country’s future leadership. India is closely monitoring the unfolding of Iran’s succession plan, given the significant geopolitical and economic stakes involved. India and Iran have recently… Continue reading After Ebrahim Raisi’s death, why India will be watching Iran’s succession plan unfold

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