Balsams blossom in Munnar

Central Idea The genus Impatiens, locally known as Kasithumba and Onappovu, is currently enchanting tourists with its vibrant pink blooms in Munnar. What are Balsams? Distinctive Feature: Balsams are commonly referred to as ‘touch-me-not’ due to the unique behavior of their mature seeds bursting open upon touch and distributing seeds. Sign of Active Micro-Climate: Botanists… Continue reading

Extension to the RoDTEP Scheme

Central Idea In light of a continuous seven-month decline in goods exports until August, the government has taken action to bolster outbound shipments. The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme’s applicability has been extended for nine more months, now in effect until June 30, 2024. About RoDTEP Scheme Objective To refund… Continue reading

Centre seeks to ease Angel Tax Provisions

Central Idea The government has introduced revisions to the angel tax provisions that were initially implemented in this year’s Budget, primarily targeting investments by non-resident investors into startups at a premium over their fair market value. Key changes introduced The Central Board of Direct Taxes issued a notification, amending Rule 11UA under the Income Tax… Continue reading

Nepal refuses to join China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI)

Central Idea Nepal has declined China’s invitation to join President Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative (GSI). About Global Security Initiative (GSI) The GSI aims to contribute to global peace and stability by promoting fairness and justice among nations. It was launched in April 2022. Six key principles: Commitment to Comprehensive Security: Emphasizing cooperation for maintaining… Continue reading

Challenge of Phosphorus Scarcity and Pollution: A Need for Innovative Solutions

Central Idea Phosphorus scarcity poses a growing challenge to global agriculture, with critical implications for food production and environmental sustainability. While the history of land fertilization dates back to ancient agricultural practices, the advent of synthetic fertilizers in the 19th century transformed modern agriculture. However, today’s reliance on synthetic fertilizers, particularly phosphorus, raises concerns about… Continue reading

Climate Change and Infectious Diseases

What’s the news? The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), released in March, serves as a stark reminder of the escalating global risk posed by infectious diseases. Central idea The intricate relationship between climate and disease becomes more evident with each passing year. Recent analysis in Nature Climate Change (2022) warns… Continue reading

Southwest Monsoon begins early Withdrawal/Retreat

Central Idea India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced withdrawal of the monsoon. What is Monsoon Withdrawal/Retreat? In India, retreating monsoon is the withdrawal of south-west monsoon winds from North India. The withdrawal is gradual and takes about three months. With the retreat of the monsoons, the clouds disappear and the sky becomes clear. The day… Continue reading

How Indians and their Boats fared in the Deep Sea?

Central Idea A groundbreaking 21-meter-long ship, constructed using an age-old technique of stitching wooden planks with ropes, cords, coconut fibers, natural resins, and oils, is scheduled to embark ‘Baliyatra’ from Odisha to Bali, Indonesia. The initiative, led by the Govt. of India, aims to rekindle the nation’s rich maritime tradition and heritage. This remarkable journey… Continue reading

Tobacco Warnings on OTT Platforms: A Closer Look at the Debate

Central Idea The Central government’s regulations mandated long-duration smoking warnings for films and TV series on OTT platforms like Hotstar, Amazon, and Netflix. Streaming websites voiced objections, raising concerns about user experience. Recent Development According to a recent report, the government has agreed to find “pragmatic solutions” for stricter tobacco warnings on OTT platforms. A… Continue reading

RBI asks for SARFAESI Act Compliance

Central Idea The RBI has issued a directive requiring commercial banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), collectively referred to as Regulated Entities (REs), to disclose borrower information. This disclosure pertains to borrowers whose secured assets have been repossessed under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act).… Continue reading

Parliamentary Panel findings on the New Education Policy, 2020

Central Idea The Parliament Standing Committee on Education presented a report during a special parliamentary session focused on the “Implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020 in Higher Education.” Report Highlights Salient NEP Features: The report examined the key aspects of NEP’s application in higher education and assessed the progress achieved thus far. The… Continue reading

India-France Relations

What’s the news? In a recent development, the Indo-French partnership, celebrating its 25th anniversary, reaffirmed its commitment to tackling sustainable development challenges in the Indo-Pacific through innovative strategies and regional collaboration. Central idea The Indo-Pacific region has emerged as a critical geographic hotspot for sustainable development in the 21st century. India and France, as resident… Continue reading

What’s the link between GDP growth and employment in India

What’s the news? A recent report, SWI 2023, has brought to light the disconcerting disparity between India’s relentless pursuit of GDP growth and the stark reality of inadequate job creation. Central idea In the realm of policy decisions, a fundamental question often arises: Should the focus be on accelerating economic growth or ensuring widespread employment… Continue reading

Places in news: Gurez Valley

Central Idea The high-altitude passes within the Gurez valley, located in northern Kashmir, are now linked to the Mushkoh valley in the Drass Sector of Kargil, Ladakh. This region was a significant site during the 1999 war. The newly established 130-kilometer road has been opened to tourists, and one of its highest passes, Kaobal Gali,… Continue reading

How the Sikh migration to Canada began?

Central Idea Canadian PM recently shared evidence with India, alleging the involvement of Indian agents in the killing of pro-Khalistan leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This claim triggered a diplomatic stand-off between Canada and India, with India accusing Canada of sheltering Khalistani terrorists and extremists. Sikh Diaspora in Canada Significant Population: According to the 2021 Canadian… Continue reading

Species in news: Nilgiri Tahr

Central Idea In a continued effort to conserve the Nilgiri Tahr, Tamil Nadu launched Project Nilgiri Tahr last year. Now, the state is focusing on establishing a standardized protocol with Kerala for counting the population of this endangered species. About Nilgiri Tahr IUCN Conservation Status: Endangered Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Schedule I It… Continue reading

What are the Reasons for Rise in Global Debt?

Central Idea Record High: The Institute of International Finance (IIF) reported that global debt reached an all-time high of $307 trillion by the end of June 2023, marking an increase of about $100 trillion over the last decade. Debt-GDP Ratio: After seven consecutive quarters of decline, global debt as a share of gross domestic product… Continue reading

OSIRIS-REx Mission Returns to Earth with Asteroid Samples

Central Idea The NASA OSIRIS-REx mission has achieved a significant milestone by successfully returning to Earth with an estimated 250 grams (8.8 ounces) of material gathered from the surface of an asteroid. These precious samples hold the potential to provide critical insights into differentiating authentic asteroid-origin materials from potential terrestrial contaminants or alterations across various… Continue reading

Draft Patent Amendment Rules and Issues

Central Idea On August 23, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade in India unveiled draft patent amendment rules. These changes, if enacted, may have significant implications for pharmaceutical companies and patients, particularly in the global South. Draft Patent Amendment Rules: Key takeaways Financial Burden: A notable modification is the introduction of variable… Continue reading

Documented Tripitaka: Tracing Buddhism’s Sri Lanka Connection

Central Idea A team from Buddhavanam Theme Park in Hyderabad embarked on a significant visit to Sri Lanka. Their destination: the third-century BC Buddhist rock-cut caves at Mathale, situated on the Colombo-Kandy route. Why such move? The team noted that the teachings of Lord Buddha, known as Tripitaka (Sutra, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma pitakas), were originally… Continue reading

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