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[pib] MSS+ Technology in Road Construction

Why in the News? The CSIR–Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi, has developed MSS+ (Modified Mix Seal Surfacing Plus) technology for eco-friendly, durable, and low-cost road surfacing. About MSS+ Technology: Developer: Council of Scientific & Industrial Research – Central Road Research Institute (CSIR–CRRI), New Delhi. Year of Development: 2021 (in collaboration with J.M.V.D. Industries). Pilot… Continue reading [pib] MSS+ Technology in Road Construction

Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3)

Why in the News? The 3rd UN Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3) in Awaza, Turkmenistan, adopted the Awaza Declaration to boost investment, address challenges, and promote sustainable growth in 32 landlocked nations. About Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs): Overview: 32 UN-recognized countries with no direct access to the sea, collectively home to over 600 million… Continue reading Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDC3)

In news: Dardanelles Strait

Why in the News? The Dardanelles Strait in northwestern Turkey has been temporarily closed to maritime traffic due to forest fires near Canakkale, prompting evacuations and firefighting operations. About Dardanelles Strait: Location: Northwestern Turkey; separates Gallipoli Peninsula (Europe) from Troad/Biga Peninsula (Asia). Connection: Links Aegean Sea → Sea of Marmara → Bosporus → Black Sea.… Continue reading In news: Dardanelles Strait

Gaza War Impact on IMEC

Why in the News? India’s National Security Council Secretariat recently hosted envoys from the US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, France, Italy, Germany, Israel, Jordan, and the EU to review progress on the India–Middle East–Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). About IMEC Project: Part of the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) for developing connectivity in emerging regions.… Continue reading Gaza War Impact on IMEC

In news: Kerala’s Muthuvan Tribe

Why in the News? The Muthuvan Adivasi Samudaya Sangam organised a convention on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. About Muthuvan Tribe: Location: Indigenous tribe recognized as STs of the Anaimalai Hills (Kerala & Tamil Nadu); concentrated in Idukki, Ernakulam, Thrissur districts. Etymology: Name means “one who carries weight on the back”, linked… Continue reading In news: Kerala’s Muthuvan Tribe

[11th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Language Lessons

[UPSC 2020] National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goals-4 (2030). It intended to restructure and re-orient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement.         Linkage: NEP 2020 broadly supports SDG-4 through its focus on universal access, equity, and quality, but faces implementation challenges due to India’s socio-cultural diversity and… Continue reading [11th August 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Language Lessons

What are the new rules on chemically contaminated sites?

[UPSC 2023] Enumerate the National Water Policy of India. Taking river Ganges as an example, discuss the strategies which may be adopted for river water pollution control and management. What are the legal provisions of management and handling of hazardous wastes in India? Linkage: The National Water Policy emphasises pollution prevention, water quality monitoring, and… Continue reading What are the new rules on chemically contaminated sites?

COCO 4.9 Ocean Circulation Model

Why in the News? Researchers used the COCO (Center for Climate System Research Ocean Component) 4.9 ocean model to predict how tritium from Fukushima’s 30-year wastewater release will spread across the Pacific under current and future climates. Tap to read more about the Fukushima Disaster. About COCO 4.9 Ocean Circulation Model: Purpose: Computer-based ocean simulator… Continue reading COCO 4.9 Ocean Circulation Model

Nominations to J&K Assembly

Why in the News? The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) informed the J&K High Court that the Lieutenant-Governor (L-G) can nominate five members to the J&K Legislative Assembly without the aid and advice of the elected government. About Nominations in State Assemblies: Election Mode: Members are mainly directly elected from single-member constituencies. Assembly Size:… Continue reading Nominations to J&K Assembly

In news: Dard-Shin Tribe

Why in the News? In recent years, community member few activists have emerged documenting and preserving Dard-Shin heritage. About the Dard-Shin Tribe: Origin: Ancient Indo-Aryan group from migrations (2000–1500 BCE). Historical Mentions: Herodotus, Pliny, Ptolemy, Kalhana’s Rajatarangini. Homeland: Dardistan – Chitral, Yasin, Gilgit, Chilas, Bunji, Gurez Valley, Ladakh, N. Afghanistan. Political History: Chak dynasty ruled… Continue reading In news: Dard-Shin Tribe

[9th August 2025] OPED With tariffs, India’s growth rate needs a careful watch

The recent U.S. decision to impose a 25% reciprocal tariff and an additional 25% penal levy on India’s exports marks a sharp turn in bilateral trade relations. While aimed at narrowing the U.S. trade deficit and influencing India’s crude sourcing from Russia, these measures risk slowing India’s GDP growth, widening the Current Account Deficit, and… Continue reading [9th August 2025] OPED With tariffs, India’s growth rate needs a careful watch

Revision of creamy layer income limit ‘need of the hour’:

The Parliamentary Committee on Welfare of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) has reiterated the need to revise the “creamy layer” income ceiling for OBC reservation benefits. It called the revision the “need of the hour”, citing inflation and rising income levels, which have rendered the current ₹8 lakh per annum limit (fixed in 2017) inadequate. The… Continue reading Revision of creamy layer income limit ‘need of the hour’:

Industrial Accidents in India – The Human Cost of Indifference

Industrial accidents in India are neither rare nor accidental; they are recurring human tragedies rooted in systemic negligence, regulatory apathy, and corporate cost-cutting. From chemical plant explosions in Telangana to firecracker unit disasters in Tamil Nadu, these incidents underscore a grim reality, industrial safety in India is still treated as a compliance hurdle rather than… Continue reading Industrial Accidents in India – The Human Cost of Indifference

Government approves MERITE Scheme 

Why in the News? The Union Cabinet has approved the Multidisciplinary Education and Research Improvement in Technical Education (MERITE) Scheme for implementation in 275 technical institutions across India. About MERITE Scheme: Objective: Enhance quality, equity, and governance in technical education across all States and Union Territories, aligned with National Education Policy 2020. Funding: Central Sector… Continue reading Government approves MERITE Scheme 

Mauryan-Era archaeological discoveries at Topra Kalan, Haryana

Why in the News? A Ground Penetrating Radar survey in Topra Kalan, Haryana, has uncovered signs of a 1,500 BCE settlement, with painted grey ware (PGW), stamped pottery, moulded bricks, and a possible Buddhist stupa. About Topra Kalan Excavation: Agencies: Haryana Archaeology and Museums Department with Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur. Method: Ground Penetrating Radar… Continue reading Mauryan-Era archaeological discoveries at Topra Kalan, Haryana

Fifth Session of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)

Why in the News? The second part of the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5.2) on plastic pollution has opened in Geneva, Switzerland. About Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC): Formation: Created by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) in March 2022 to develop a global treaty on plastic pollution. Nature: UN-mandated body with equal… Continue reading Fifth Session of Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC)

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