Places in news: Kadalundi Mudflats

Central Idea Kadalundi’s mudflats are shrinking drastically with sands cover. These mudflats have been a vital source of sustenance for thousands of migrant shorebirds, offering abundant prey like polychaetes and crustaceans. About Kadalundi Mudflats Kadalundi Mudflats are situated in the Kadalundi Bird Sanctuary, which is located in the Kozhikode district of Kerala, along the southwestern… Continue reading

Cultivation of GI-tagged Onattukara Sesame

Context Kerala is taking efforts to expand the cultivation of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Onattukara sesame, a unique and valuable agricultural product. Onattukara sesame was granted the GI tag in January this year. Onattukara Sesame (Ellu ) Description Region of Cultivation Primarily cultivated in the Onattukara region, covering Alappuzha, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta districts in Kerala, India.… Continue reading

GI tag for Sea Buckthorn

Central Idea The Geographical Indication Registry has officially granted the GI tag to ‘Ladakh Sea Buckthorn’. It is the fourth GI tag after Apricot (Raktsey Karpo), Pashmina, and Ladakhi Wood Carving in Ladakh. About Sea Buckthorn Sea buckthorn is a plant that grows in Europe and Asia. In India, it’s found in the Himalayan region,… Continue reading

India’s Global Talent Competitiveness Ranking falls to 103

Central Idea India’s ranking in the Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) has significantly declined from 83 a decade ago to 103 in the latest report released this month. India now finds itself positioned between Algeria (ranked 102) and Guatemala (ranked 104), all classified as lower-middle-income countries. About Global Talent Competitiveness Index (GTCI) The GTCI ranks… Continue reading

Explained: Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA)

Central Idea India and China, historical adversaries who fought a war in 1962, reached their first-ever border agreement, known as the Border Peace and Tranquility Agreement (BPTA), in 1993, following years of border disputes. The BPTA aimed to maintain peace along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and reduce the risk of unplanned confrontations. Why… Continue reading

How the mandatory reporting provision under POCSO works?

Central Idea In a recent decision, the Himachal Pradesh High Court ruled that the failure to report sexual crimes against minors is a bailable offence. This ruling has raised significant legal questions regarding the interpretation of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, particularly with respect to the nature of the offence and… Continue reading

Haryana’s 75% Reservation Law for Private Jobs Declared Unconstitutional

Central Idea In a significant verdict, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has invalidated a law passed by the Haryana government in 2020, which reserved 75% of private sector jobs for residents of the state. The court ruled that discriminating against individuals based on their non-residency in the state is unconstitutional, as it violates fundamental… Continue reading

What is the BDS movement, led by Palestinian groups against Israel?

Central Idea An article in a German newspaper accused Indian poet Ranjit Hoskote of “anti-Semitism” and supporting the BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement. What is BDS Movement? BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) movement was launched in 2005 by over 170 Palestinian groups. It aims to garner international support for Palestinian people’s rights. BDS describes itself as… Continue reading

India-UK Free Trade Agreement: A Strategic Shift in Trade Relations

Central Idea External Affairs Minister recent discussions with British PM have put the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) at the forefront of bilateral negotiations. Why does this FTA matter? The FTA, when finalized, is expected to not only enhance economic ties between India and the UK but also serve as a blueprint for similar agreements… Continue reading

Legacy of B.N. Goswamy in Indian Miniature Paintings

Central Idea N. Goswamy, a Padma Bhushan recipient and former IAS officer, left an indelible mark on the realm of Indian miniature paintings. His groundbreaking work in the field uncovered the rich history and family lineages of artists who contributed significantly to this intricate art form. Indian Miniature Painting: A Rich Tradition Characteristics: Indian miniature… Continue reading

COP28 in Dubai: What to expect from Climate meeting

Central Idea The upcoming COP28, scheduled to be held in Dubai from November 30 to December 12, faces the daunting challenge of addressing the urgent climate crisis. Despite decades of negotiations, current global commitments to combat climate change are deemed insufficient. With temperatures rising at an alarming rate, the need for substantial action has never… Continue reading

Kavro Doma 360: World’s First Rifle-Rated Ballistic Helmet

Central Idea Kanpur-based MKU Limited recently unveiled the Kavro Doma 360, world-first rifle-rated ballistic helmet at Milipol Paris exhibition. About Kavro Doma 360 Description Indigenous Development Developed by MKU Limited in Kanpur, India, through indigenous research and development. Uniform Rifle Protection Provides uniform protection across all five head zones: front, back, left, right, and crown.… Continue reading

FDA Approves World’s First Chikungunya Vaccine: Ixchiq

Central Idea The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the US granted approval for the world’s inaugural vaccine against chikungunya. Ixchiq: The Chikungunya Vaccine Developed by European vaccine manufacturer Valneva, this vaccine will be available under the brand name Ixchiq. It has been authorized for use in individuals aged 18 and above who are at… Continue reading

India’s Growing Influence on the MSCI Emerging Markets Index

Central Idea India’s presence on the MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Index is set to expand with the inclusion of nine new stocks, effective from 30th November. This development will elevate India’s weightage on the index to 16.3%, reaching an all-time high representation of 131 Indian stocks. What is MSCI EM Index? MSCI is a globally… Continue reading

Sub-Categorization among SCs: Legal Aspects and Implications

Central Idea In a recent election rally in Telangana, PM made a commitment to explore the sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes (SCs) to identify and uplift the most marginalized among them. This move is seen as an attempt to garner support from the Madiga community, the largest among the SC communities in the state. SC Sub-Categorization:… Continue reading

Amal Kumar Raychaudhuri and the Raychaudhuri Equation

Central Idea Amal Kumar Raychaudhuri, an Indian physicist, overcame obstacles and restrictions to make a profound contribution to the field of general relativity. A.K. Raychaudhuri: Early Life Born in Barisal, now in Bangladesh, in 1923. Educated in Kolkata. Developed a deep interest in general relativity during his time at the Indian Association of Cultivation… Continue reading

NASA-ISRO NISAR Mission Prepares for Launch

Central Idea The NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, a collaborative effort between NASA and ISRO, is on track for its scheduled launch in the first quarter of 2024. About the NISAR Mission Collaboration: NISAR is a Low Earth Orbit observatory developed jointly by NASA and ISRO, highlighting international collaboration in space exploration. Launch Vehicle:… Continue reading

Debate over Appropriate Age of Admission to Class 1

Central Idea The age at which children should begin formal education has been a topic of debate and discussion, with variations in policies and practices among different states and countries. Understanding the rationale behind these age criteria is crucial for shaping educational policies that align with the needs and development of young learners. NEP 2020… Continue reading

PM-PVTGS Development Mission launched

Central Idea Prime Minister launched Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission worth Rs 24,000 crore for the development of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) during. PM PVTGS Development Mission Objective: This Rs 24,000-crore initiative is dedicated to the holistic development of PVTGs. Focus Areas: It aims to provide essential amenities like road and telecom connectivity, electricity,… Continue reading

FATF Mutual Evaluation of India

Central Idea A team from the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) is currently conducting a mutual evaluation in India. India’s mutual evaluation report is expected to be discussed during the FATF plenary meeting in June 2024. About Financial Action Task Force (FATF) Foundation: FATF was founded in 1989 through the initiative of the G7 nations.… Continue reading

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