Taiwan’s Earthquake and the Pacific Ring of Fire

Why in the news? Taiwan was struck by its most powerful earthquake in at least 25 years. Its susceptibility to earthquakes is attributed to its location along the Pacific “Ring of Fire” where a majority of the world’s seismic activity occurs. Taiwan is primarily influenced by the collision of the Philippine Sea Plate and the… Continue reading

Caracals on the brink of extinction in India

Why in the news? With only an estimated 50 individuals remaining, predominantly in western India, the caracal (Caracal caracal schmitzi) is on the verge of extinction in the country. Ranthambhore Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan and Kutch in Gujarat are the last strongholds for caracals in India, hosting around 28 and 20 individuals, respectively. About Caracals… Continue reading

Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)

Why in the news? The Forest Department and a temple authority at Ahobilam have imposed certain restrictions on visitors arriving at a shrine in Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR). About Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve Details Origin of Name Named after Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and Srisailam Dam. Location Situated in the Nallamala hill range, part of the Eastern… Continue reading

OptiDrop platform for studying Single Cells

Why in the news? The Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP) in Bengaluru has unveiled OptiDrop platform designed to simplify and significantly reduce the cost of studying single cells. About C-CAMP C-CAMP Initiative was established in 2009 under the aegis of the Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science, Technology, and Earth Sciences. It stands… Continue reading

Mother of Dragons Comet: A Rare Celestial Phenomenon

Why in the news? The “Mother of Dragons” comet, officially named Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is making a rare appearance in the Northern Hemisphere skies. This Halley-type comet, completing its orbit every 71 years, has emerged marking its first sighting since 1954. What is a Comet? A comet is a celestial object composed primarily of ice,… Continue reading

Nuclear Fusion: KSTAR reaches a temperature of 100 million Celsius

Why in the news? South Korean scientists at the Korea Institute of Fusion Energy (KFE) achieved a significant milestone by producing temperatures of 100 million Celsius for 48 seconds in the Korea Superconducting Tokamak Advanced Research (KSTAR) fusion reactor. KSTAR maintained the high confinement mode (H-mode) for over 100 seconds, demonstrating stability in plasma conditions… Continue reading

[3 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Gaza war needs a smart exit strategy

PYQ Relevance:Mains: Q) Too little cash, too much politics, leaves UNESCO fighting for life.’ Discuss the statement in the light of US withdrawal and its accusation of the cultural body as being ‘anti-Israel bias’. (UPSC CSE 2019) Q) How will the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE, and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (UPSC CSE 2022)… Continue reading

South Asia, India risk squandering demographic dividend: World Bank

Why in the News? Recently, the ‘Job for Resilience Report’ was published by the World Bank. The Report talks about how the South Asia region including India is not making use of its demographic dividend. The pace of job creation in the region fell well short of the growth in the working-age population, even as… Continue reading

Let’s make ₹ a global currency: PM to RBI

Why in the news? PM Modi asked the RBI to prepare a 10-year strategy to make the Indian rupee a globally “accessible and acceptable” currency and to meet the credit needs of every segment of the country What is Global Currency? A global currency refers to a single currency that is used by every country… Continue reading

Why Supreme Court bar unregulated soil extraction for linear projects?

Why in the News? Recently, the SC revoked the notification given by the Environment Ministry to exempt the extraction of ordinary earth for linear projects, such as road and railway construction. It was challenged before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which asked the Ministry to review it within three months. However, the Ministry did not… Continue reading

90 years of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

Why in the news? Recently, the RBI celebrated its 90th year in Mumbai, marking a significant milestone. Dr. Ambedkar’s Role in the Establishment of RBI: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s contributions were particularly notable during the Hilton Young Commission discussions in 1926, where he presented his recommendations based on his book “The Problem of the Rupee –… Continue reading

Negative Leap Second: Climate Change’s Impact on Timekeeping

Why in the news? A recent publication in the science journal Nature highlights how climate change-induced melting of glaciers and ice sheets is altering the Earth’s rotation, potentially disrupting our timekeeping systems. Leap seconds were added almost every year between 1972 and 1999 to adjust for Earth’s slowing rotation. But there have only been four… Continue reading

Paradip Port: India’s Leading Major Port in Cargo Handling

Why in the news? Paradip Port in Odisha has made history by becoming India’s largest major port in terms of cargo volumes, surpassing Deendayal Port Authority in Gujarat during FY24. About Paradip Port Paradip Port is situated at the confluence of the Mahanadi River and the Bay of Bengal in the Jagatsinghpur district of Odisha.… Continue reading

SEBI unveils SCORES 2.0 to Strengthen Investor Redressal

Why in the news? The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) unveiled the upgraded version of the SEBI Complaint Redress System (SCORES 2.0) marking a significant advancement in the investor complaint redressal mechanism in the securities market. About Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) SEBI is the regulatory authority overseeing India’s securities… Continue reading

Kallakkadal: Coastal Flooding Phenomena in Kerala

Why in the news? Coastal areas of Kerala, including Alappuzha, Kollam, and Thiruvananthapuram districts, are grappling with flooding caused by high sea waves, known as swell waves or Kallakkadal in Malayalam. The recent swell surge occurred following a low-pressure system originating in the South Atlantic Ocean, leading to the formation of waves reaching heights of… Continue reading

What is Zero FIR?

Why in the news? The Hyderabad Police have initiated a zero FIR case against former minister for alleged derogatory remarks against Telangana CM. First Information Report (FIR) An FIR is a written document prepared by the police upon receiving information about a cognisable offence. It is when an officer can arrest a suspect without a… Continue reading

[2 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The PMLA — a law that has lost its way

PYQ Relevance:Mains: Q) Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (UPSC CSE/2021) Q) Analyze the complexity and intensity of terrorism, its causes, linkages and obnoxious nexus. Also suggest measures required to be taken to eradicate the menace… Continue reading

Solar surge: Moving away from imported solar panels

Why in the news? The government is finally bringing into effect the policy of an Approved list of Models and Manufacturers (ALMM) that will discourage solar power project developers from relying on imported panels. About Approved Models and Manufacturers of Solar Photovoltaic Modules Order, 2019: Aim: To boost domestic manufacturing of solar panels by registering… Continue reading

Two States: a comparison on access to life-saving C-sections

Why in the News? The study released by IIT Madras highlights the concerns related to high rates of C-section deliveries among women in Tamil Nadu, particularly in private hospitals. This indicates the necessity for corrective measures to address the situation. What is a Caesarean section? It is also known as C-section or cesarean delivery, which… Continue reading

Katchatheevu | What is the controversy all about?

Why in the news? Katchatheevu Island, a disputed stretch in the Palk Strait, was ceded to Sri Lanka during late PM Indira Gandhi, through an agreement. Fifty years later, PM Modi, has mounted an attack on the Congress and DMK for ‘callously’ giving it away to Sri Lanka. About the Katchatheevu Island: Katchatheevu is an… Continue reading

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