NGT Intervention to prevent Stubble Burning

Why in the news? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Punjab government to devise a comprehensive strategy for managing the estimated 19.52 million tonnes of paddy stubble in the state. About National Green Tribunal (NGT) Description Establishment Formed in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act as a statutory body. Objective To… Continue reading

Microbial Formulations for Enhanced Agricultural Productivity

Why in the news? The Indian Institute of Spices Research (IISR), located in Kozhikode, has introduced and validated three new microbial formulations (Bactolime, Bactogypsum, and Trichogypsum) aimed at improving agricultural productivity. IISR Microbial Formulations It leverages granular lime and gypsum to address soil pH issues while simultaneously delivering beneficial microorganisms. These are developed using IISR’s… Continue reading

[11 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Katchatheevu demands thinking outside the box

PYQ Relevance:Mains: Q) ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in light of the preceding statement. (UPSC CSE 2022) Q) In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (UPSC CSE 2013) Note4Students: Prelims: Places in News; India and Sri… Continue reading

On Unemployment in Indian States

Why in the news? A recent report by the International Labour Organization (ILO) and the Institute for Human Development (IHD) revealed that two out of every three unemployed individuals were young graduates. Unemployment across Indian States: Highest Unemployment Rate: At almost 10%, Goa’s unemployment rate is more than three times the national average of 3.17%.… Continue reading

The advent of a holistic approach to ‘one health’

Why in the news? In the past, we have seen that there is interdependence between humans, animals, and the environment has been made increasingly evident with the emergence of pandemics such as COVID-19. It is not just humans who are affected by pandemics but also livestock — an example being the outbreak of lumpy skin… Continue reading

Corruption has risen over the past five years, say 55% of respondents

Why in the news? In the run-up to elections, political parties make allegations of corruption against their rivals to reach out to voters and influence voting patterns. So, let’s see about the corruption trend in India. What is Corruption? Corruption refers to dishonest or unethical conduct by individuals or institutions, often involving the misuse of… Continue reading

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

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