Understanding the Delimitation Exercise

Introduction The impending delimitation exercise for Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, based on the first Census after 2026, has sparked discussions and raised pertinent questions. Understanding Delimitation Definition: Delimitation entails fixing the number of seats and boundaries of territorial constituencies, including the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), based… Continue reading

Interplanetary Dust damage NASA’s Juno Mission

Introduction Juno, a spacecraft launched by NASA in 2011, embarked on a mission to unravel the secrets of Jupiter and its moons. En route to Jupiter, Juno encountered fast-moving dust particles, resulting in significant damage to its solar panels. About NASA’s Juno Mission Description Launch Year 2011 Mission Objective Study Jupiter, the largest planet in… Continue reading

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024

Introduction The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 was tabled in the Rajya Sabha on February 5, 2024, aiming to amend the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. This legislation, instrumental in establishing central and state pollution control boards (CPCB and SPCBs), undergoes significant modifications under the proposed Bill, primarily… Continue reading

Book Review: How India ignored its Aqua-Geography of Histories

Introduction India’s coastal geography, often overshadowed in educational curricula, holds profound historical and cultural significance. While India’s connection with its southern seas is acknowledged, the broader implications of its maritime heritage remain underexplored. Irony of India’s Maritime Geography Distance from the Sea: While some might remember that India is bound by sea all along the… Continue reading

Visa-Free Travel to Iran for Indians

Introduction The recent announcement of visa-free travel to Iran for Indian passport holders has garnered significant attention, marking a significant milestone in bilateral travel facilitation. Iran’s Visa-Free Regime for India Tourism Purposes: Indian citizens holding ordinary passports can avail of the visa-free travel privilege but must intend to visit Iran solely for tourism purposes. Mode… Continue reading

Fate of Indian Projects in Myanmar

Introduction The Arakan Army captured Paletwa in the Chin State, near Bangladesh and India. This has cast aspersions about the development of key Indian projects in Myanmar. Myanmar Coup: A quick recap Myanmar’s military ousted Aung San Suu Kyi’s elected government in February 2021. The military expected resistance to subside quickly. After three years, opposition… Continue reading

Alarm Bells for Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Region

Introduction The International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) called for ‘bold action’ and ‘urgent finance’ to prevent collapse of Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH). About Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) Description Geographic Location South Asia, spanning Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, Nepal, and Pakistan. Area Approximately 3,500,000 square kilometers “Water Tower of Asia” At least… Continue reading

Floor Test in Jharkhand Assembly

Introduction The new government has won the trust vote on the floor of the Jharkhand Assembly. A floor test serves as a pivotal check to determine if the executive enjoys the confidence of the legislature. What is Floor Test? Definition: A floor test is a constitutional measure employed to ascertain whether the Chief Minister, appointed… Continue reading

Tackling Unfair Means in Public Examinations: The 2024 Bill

Introduction The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, introduced in Lok Sabha, seeks to combat “unfair means” in public examinations and enhance transparency and credibility in the examination system. This comprehensive legislation addresses various aspects of unfair practices in public exams and outlines stringent penalties for violations. “Unfair Means” in Examinations Enumerating Offenses:… Continue reading

Unusual Cabbage Mutation that Could Boost Crop Yield

Introduction A recent paper sheds light on the remarkable ability to induce sterility in a diverse range of plants, including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, tomato, and rice. This sterility is achieved through a minute genetic deletion. This deletion holds the promise of significantly boosting crop yields through a phenomenon known as heterosis. Unveiling Genetics DNA Structure:… Continue reading

Ergosphere: A Unique Feature of Rotating Black Holes

Introduction Rotating black holes, also known as Kerr black holes, possess a fascinating region called the ergosphere, which sets them apart from their non-rotating counterparts. Formation of Black Holes Origin: Black holes are born from massive stars that exhaust their nuclear fuel and undergo a supernova explosion. The remaining core collapses under its own gravitational… Continue reading

Kalaripayattu gains popularity in Haryana

Introduction The introduction of Kalaripayattu, a southern Indian martial arts form, into the Khelo India games in 2021 has led to its growing popularity among boys and girls in Haryana. About Kalaripayattu Originates from ancient knowledge of the human body. Originated in Kerala during the 3rd century BC, lasting until the 2nd century AD; currently… Continue reading

GST Appellate Tribunals to be set around July or August

Introduction The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Appellate Tribunals, eagerly anticipated to address taxpayer disputes within the six-and-a-half-year-old indirect tax regime, are set to commence operations around July or August. What is GST Appellate Tribunal? The GST Appellate Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body proposed to be established to resolve disputes related to the Goods and… Continue reading

Places of Worship Act and Ongoing Disputes: Explained

Introduction The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, has once again come into focus due to ongoing civil suits challenging the religious character of mosques in Varanasi and Mathura. Enactment of the Places of Worship Act Background: The Act was enacted in September 1991, during the Babri-Masjid Ram Janmabhoomi dispute, to address issues related… Continue reading

Four issues that CJI highlighted within Legal Profession

Introduction During the Supreme Court’s 75th-year Foundation Day address, the Chief Justice of India (CJI) highlighted four crucial issues within the judiciary that require “difficult conversations.” This article delves into these issues and their historical context. Major Issues with Legal Profession [1] Problem of “Adjournment Culture” Definition: Adjournment culture refers to the practice of lawyers… Continue reading

Why is Fiscal Consolidation So Important?

Introduction In her Budget speech, FM revealed the government’s plans to reduce the fiscal deficit to 5.1% of GDP in 2024-25 and below 4.5% by 2025-26, surprising many analysts who expected slightly higher deficit targets. This article explains fiscal deficit, its significance, how the government funds it, and the implications of reducing the deficit. What… Continue reading

Stricter Rules for Indian Students Pursuing Higher Education Abroad

Introduction Indian students aspiring to pursue higher education in English-speaking countries, notably Canada and the U.K., are facing increased difficulties due to tightening immigration rules. This shift in regulations is affecting various aspects of the admission process and has raised concerns among higher education experts. Recent Policy Changes [1] Canada’s Revised Requirements: The Canadian government,… Continue reading

Rare Dusted Apollo Butterfly Spotted in Himachal Pradesh

Introduction In a remarkable discovery, the elusive Dusted Apollo butterfly (Parnassius stenosemus) was sighted and photographed for the first time in Himachal Pradesh. Dusted Apollo Historical Rarity: Dusted Apollo is a rare high-altitude butterfly, initially discovered in 1890. Sighting Details: The butterfly was spotted and photographed in September 2023 during a trek to Manimahesh Lake… Continue reading

Moh-Juj: Traditional Animal Fights in Assam

Introduction The Assam government’s bid to revive traditional ‘Moh-Juj’ buffalo and bulbul (songbird) fighting during Magh Bihu has encountered a legal challenge from People for Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) in the Gauhati High Court. PETA India seeks to ban these activities. Buffalo and bulbul fights: Age-Old Tradition Folk Culture: Buffalo and bulbul fights are… Continue reading

Ammonia Emission Reductions in Agriculture

Introduction Researchers have harnessed machine learning to provide precise estimates of ammonia emissions stemming from rice, wheat, and maize crops. Their dataset allows for a crop-specific assessment of emission reduction potential, suggesting that effective fertilizer management in these crops could decrease atmospheric ammonia emissions from agriculture by up to 38%. Ammonia Emissions in Agriculture Ammonia… Continue reading

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