Iron Dome: Israel’s guardian against surprise Terror Attacks

Central Idea In the wake of the recent Hamas attack on Israel, the world witnessed the effectiveness of Israel’s Iron Dome, a remarkable air defense system that intercepts rockets and missiles aimed at Israeli targets. What is Iron Dome? Hezbollah’s Rocket Attacks: The development of the Iron Dome traces back to the 2006 Israeli-Lebanon war… Continue reading

RBI to unveil Card-on-File Tokenisation (CoFT)

Central Idea The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has embarked on a mission to revolutionize digital payments in the country by proposing the introduction of Card-on-File Tokenisation (CoFT). This move, aimed at enhancing convenience for cardholders, is set to redefine the way Indians engage in online transactions. Card-on-File Tokenisation (CoFT) Card-on-file tokenisation involves replacing actual… Continue reading

Watermeal: Tiny Plant for Space Nutrition

Central Idea Scientists from Thailand are conducting groundbreaking research into the potential of watermeal, the world’s smallest flowering plant, as a source of nutrition and oxygen for astronauts. What are Watermeal? Watermeal, a member of the Araceae family, stands out as the smallest flowering plant globally. It manifests as minuscule green seeds. Watermeal thrives in… Continue reading

NASA’s APEP Mission: Studying Solar Eclipse’s Impact on Earth’s Ionosphere

Central Idea NASA is set to launch on a groundbreaking mission known as Atmospheric Perturbations around the Eclipse Path (APEP). The project is spearheaded by an Indian-origin engineering physics professor. Exploring the APEP Mission Triple Rocket Launch: The APEP mission involves the deployment of three meticulously equipped rockets, each armed with an array of cutting-edge… Continue reading

Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT): Russia to pull Out

Central Idea Russia has indicated that it may revoke the ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The CTBT, a landmark multilateral agreement, stands at the crossroads of global nuclear security, aiming to curtail nuclear weapons testing and the dangers associated with it. Genesis of CTBT: Nuclear Arms Race: The nuclear arms race… Continue reading

Novel R21/Matrix-M Vaccine for Malaria

Central Idea In a momentous development in the fight against malaria, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a recommendation for the R21/Matrix-M malaria vaccine on October 2. This pioneering vaccine, developed by the University of Oxford and manufactured by India’s Serum Institute, has already gained approval for use in children under 36 months in Nigeria,… Continue reading

Advancements in Xenotransplantation

Central Idea A groundbreaking study published in Nature showcases a remarkable feat by successfully modifying pig genomes and transplanting kidney grafts from these genetically engineered pigs into non-human primates. This preclinical achievement holds great promise, potentially advancing the prospects of using genetically modified pig kidneys for human transplantation. About Xenotransplantation Xenotransplantation Potential: The concept of… Continue reading

Israel-Hamas War

What’s the news? The recent escalation of violence between Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist group, and Israel has resulted in a significant loss of life and raised concerns internationally. At the heart of this conflict is Operation Al-Aqsa Deluge, initiated by Hamas, which has led to a series of events with far-reaching implications for the region.… Continue reading

India’s National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS)

What’s the news? India is embarking on a significant endeavor to launch its maiden national-level framework for providing climate services and information. Central idea Spearheaded by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) aims to create a seamless platform for users of climate information and services. It will play a… Continue reading

Money Bill: SC to hear challenge

What’s the news? In recent years, some major legislations have been passed via the money bill route. Now a seven-judge SC bench will hear a challenge to the Centre’s use of money bills for passing important laws. Central idea In a significant development, the Chief Justice of India announced that a seven-judge bench will be… Continue reading

Indian-Built ARTIP Technology Revolutionizes Astronomy

Central Idea India’s Automated Radio Telescope Image Processing Pipeline (ARTIP) technology has been instrumental in facilitating remarkable discoveries from distant galaxies observed by South Africa’s MeerKAT Telescope. MeerKAT acts as a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Telescope, known for its outstanding sensitivity and sky survey capabilities. ARTIP’s cutting-edge image data processing is vital… Continue reading

PUSA-44 Paddy Variety Ban in Punjab

Central Idea Punjab CM recently announced the state’s decision to ban the cultivation of the PUSA-44 paddy variety starting from the next agricultural season. This move has raised questions about why such a popular paddy variety is facing a ban and what implications it holds for the state’s agriculture. About PUSA-44 Origin: Developed in 1993… Continue reading

TRAI can’t regulate OTT platforms: TDSAT

Central Idea The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has issued an interim order clarifying that Over the Top (OTT) platforms, such as Hotstar, fall outside the jurisdiction of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Instead, they are governed by the Information Technology Rules, 2021, established by the Ministry of Electronics and Information… Continue reading

Tribes in news: Hakki- Pikki

Central idea: Thirty-one tribals belonging to the ‘Hakki-Pikki’ community from Karnataka are stranded in Sudan due to violent clashes between a paramilitary force and the country’s armed forces. Who are the Hakki-Pikkis? Description Origin Migrated from northern India to Karnataka. Traditional Occupation Traditionally known for bird hunting, which was later outlawed. Language Indo-Aryan language called… Continue reading

Battle of Colachel: How an accidental shot ended Dutch plans for India

Central Idea The Battle of Colachel in 1741, where King Marthanda Varma led the Travancore army against the Dutch East India Company, marked a significant turning point in India’s history. It was the first instance of an Asian kingdom defeating a European power, effectively halting Dutch colonial ambitions in India. This battle also had profound… Continue reading

Global Internet Freedom Decline in 2023

Central Idea Freedom House’s latest report highlights the 13th consecutive year of declining global Internet freedom. This decline has seen deteriorations in the human rights online situation in 29 countries, with only 20 countries registering improvements. Report: ‘Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence’ Key Concerns: The report underscores the escalating… Continue reading

Go First crisis: What is Cape Town Convention?

Central Idea The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) issued a notification exempting aircraft-related transactions from certain sections of the IBC, aligning Indian regulations with the Cape Town Convention (CTC). The notification eliminates the automatic moratorium on aircraft, engines, airframes, and helicopters, allowing lessors to repossess planes during airline insolvency. Understanding the Go First Crisis Bankruptcy:… Continue reading

India-Japan Fund for Climate and Environment Projects

Central Idea India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) have jointly established a $600 million fund dedicated to climate and environment projects. India-Japan Fund The Indian government will contribute 49% of the fund’s target corpus, marking NIIF’s inaugural bilateral fund, while JBIC will provide the remaining 51%, according… Continue reading

Centre hikes LPG Subsidy for Ujjwala Beneficiaries to ₹300 per Cylinder

Central Idea The Union Cabinet has approved an increase in the subsidy provided on LPG cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme, raising it from ₹200 to ₹300. The subsidy increase applies to up to 12 refills per year for beneficiaries. Why such move? The decision to enhance the subsidy comes ahead of crucial Assembly elections in… Continue reading

[pib] Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) and Swavlamban 2.0

Central Idea Defence Minister unveiled the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) consisting of 98 items to be procured by the armed services from domestic suppliers over specified timelines. Additionally, he launched the Indian Navy’s updated indigenisation roadmap, known as Swavlamban 2.0. What is Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)? The Positive Indigenisation List consists of items that… Continue reading

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