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Dubai Consensus for ‘transition away’ from Fossil Fuels

Central Idea The Dubai Consensus, a significant resolution towards reducing fossil fuel dependency, was adopted in COP 28, Dubai. Dubai Consensus Key Clause: The resolution emphasizes transitioning away from fossil fuels to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, aligning with scientific recommendations to limit global temperature rise. Balance between Countries: The text reflects a compromise between… Continue reading Dubai Consensus for ‘transition away’ from Fossil Fuels

Places in news: Kambalakonda WLS

Central Idea The Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre situated along the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary’s periphery, near PM Palem in Visakhapatnam, features a new Nature Interpretation Centre. About Kambalakonda WLS Details Location Visakhapatnam district, Andhra Pradesh, India Establishment Declared in 1970 under the Wildlife Protection Act of India Area Approximately 71 square kilometers (27 square miles) Ecosystem… Continue reading Places in news: Kambalakonda WLS

[pib] Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit

Central Idea The Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit began in New Delhi on December 12, inaugurated by Prime Minister. India, along with 28 member countries, is working towards a consensus on a declaration document focusing on the proper use of AI, establishing guardrails for the technology, and its democratization. GPAI and India Founding… Continue reading [pib] Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI) Summit

[pib] Exercise VINBAX 2023

Central Idea The Indian Armed Forces contingent, consisting of 45 personnel, has arrived in Hanoi, Vietnam, to participate in the fourth edition of the Joint Military Exercise VINBAX-2023. Exercise VINBAX-2023 Inception: VINBAX was established in 2018, with its inaugural edition held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, India. Annual Event: This training event is conducted annually, alternating… Continue reading [pib] Exercise VINBAX 2023

Kidney Transplants in India: Law, Demand and Alleged Rackets

Central Idea The government has initiated an investigation into allegations that poor villagers from Myanmar were coerced into selling their kidneys to wealthy patients, with Delhi’s Apollo hospital implicated in the scheme. India’s Transplant Law and Kidney Scams India’s Transplantation Law: The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994, in India allows organ donations… Continue reading Kidney Transplants in India: Law, Demand and Alleged Rackets

What does Unabated Fossil Fuels mean?

Central Idea At the ongoing COP28 climate summit, the term “unabated” fossil fuels has become a focal point in discussions about climate change mitigation. The draft climate agreement mentions phasing down unabated coal, and US climate envoy John Kerry emphasized the need to phase out all unabated fossil fuels. Understanding ‘Unabated’ Fossil Fuels Definition: “Unabated”… Continue reading What does Unabated Fossil Fuels mean?

Red Sprites: Atmospheric Wonders above Thunderstorms

Central Idea ESA astronauts recorded a red sprite over a thundercloud as part of the Thor-Davis experiment at Danish Technical University. What are Red Sprites? Details Type Transient Luminous Event (TLE) Appearance Reddish-orange flashes, often in clusters, with shapes resembling tendrils, jellyfish, or carrots Altitude Typically occur at altitudes between 50 to 90 kilometers (31… Continue reading Red Sprites: Atmospheric Wonders above Thunderstorms

Legislative Development in Election Commission Appointments

Central Idea The Rajya Sabha passed a bill that revises the process for appointing the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs), replacing the Election Commission (Conditions of Service of Election Commissioners and Transaction of Business) Act, 1991. Election Commission Appointments Bill:Key Features Appointment Process: The President will appoint the CEC and ECs based… Continue reading Legislative Development in Election Commission Appointments

What are Foreigners’ Tribunals?

Central Idea Since 1966, Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) in Assam have identified 32,381 people as foreigners. Foreigners Tribunals in Assam Unique Quasi-Judicial Bodies: FTs are specific to Assam, tasked with determining whether a person is illegally staying as a “foreigner” in India. Backdrop of Assam’s NRC: With the National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam, the… Continue reading What are Foreigners’ Tribunals?

Syama Prasad Mookerjee and his Contributions

Central Idea Following judgment of the Supreme Court upholding the abrogation of Article 370, many invoked Dr Syama Prasad Mookerjee (1901-53), an ardent opponent of Kashmir’s ‘special status’ in the Indian Union. Who was Syama Prasad Mookerjee? Syama Prasad Mookerjee, an eminent Indian politician, barrister, and academician, played a significant role in shaping India’s political… Continue reading Syama Prasad Mookerjee and his Contributions

PM-JANMAN Scheme for PVTGs

Central Idea The Union Tribal Ministry informed the Rajya Sabha that the population of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) is not declining, contrary to earlier data. The Pradhan Mantri-Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN) aims to provide basic facilities to PVTGs, with a significant budget allocation. Who are the PVTGs? Definition and Characteristics: PVTGs, formerly… Continue reading PM-JANMAN Scheme for PVTGs

Controversy over Germany’s Debt Brake Rule

Central Idea On November 15, Germany’s constitutional court declared the government’s reallocation of €60 billion to a “climate and transformation fund” (KTF) as unlawful. Understanding the Debt Brake Rule Definition and Purpose: The debt brake rule caps government borrowing and restricts the federal government’s fiscal deficit to 0.35% of GDP, while prohibiting deficit spending by… Continue reading Controversy over Germany’s Debt Brake Rule

75 Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Central Idea 75th Anniversary: December 10 marked the 75th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted by the UN General Assembly in Paris. Foundation of International Order: Post-World War II, this declaration laid the groundwork for the international order, aiming to prevent future atrocities. Understanding the Universal Declaration of Human Rights Document Structure:… Continue reading 75 Years of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights

Ethics and Compensation in Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS)

Central Idea A recent paper from August 2023 discusses the ethical and financial aspects of Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS), where participants are deliberately infected with pathogens. The paper argues that $20,000 for a six-month hepatitis C virus challenge study in the U.S. is reasonable, based on participant experiences and responses from potential participants. Ethical… Continue reading Ethics and Compensation in Controlled Human Infection Studies (CHIS)

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