Global Cooling Pledge at COP28

Central Idea At the COP28 climate summit on November 6, 63 countries, including the US, Canada, and Kenya, signed the world’s first pledge to reduce cooling emissions. Global Cooling Pledge Term: This pledge aims to cut cooling emissions by at least 68% by 2050, addressing a significant source of greenhouse gases. Current Contribution to Global… Continue reading

Supreme Court makes video on Kesavananda Bharati Verdict

Central Idea The Supreme Court of India released a video in 10 Indian languages, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Kesavananda Bharati judgment delivered on April 24, 1973. The Kesavananda Bharati vs. State of Kerala case is a cornerstone in Indian constitutional law, redefining the relationship between Parliament and the Constitution. Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973)… Continue reading

Centre’s Ethanol Policy Shift: Impact on Sugar and Ethanol Industries

Central Idea The Centre has taken significant steps to increase domestic sugar availability, including banning sugar exports and restricting the diversion of sugar for ethanol production. On December 7, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution directed mills and distilleries not to use sugarcane juice/syrup for ethanol production. Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme… Continue reading

Garba makes it to UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list

Central Idea Garba, a traditional dance form from Gujarat, was included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This recognition makes Garba the 15th cultural item from India to be featured on the UNESCO list, following Kolkata’s Durga Puja, which was added two years ago. About Garba What is it? Garba is a traditional… Continue reading

[pib] Panchayat Development Index (PDI)

Central Idea The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is leading the effort to localize Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. A report on the Panchayat Development Index (PDI) has been released to evaluate the progress of grassroots institutions in achieving Localized SDGs (LSDGs). About Panchayat Development Index (PDI) PDI… Continue reading

Strategic Auction of Critical Mineral Blocks

Central Idea The Centre is auctioning twenty blocks of critical minerals for commercial mining by the private sector. These blocks contain lithium ore and 10 of the 30 minerals declared as “critical” by the government in July. What are Critical Minerals? Critical minerals are elements that are crucial to modern-day technologies and are at risk… Continue reading

Species in news: Doubled-humped Camels

Central Idea Indian Army has inducted double-humped camels for patrolling and logistical support along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh. About Double-Humped Camels The Bactrian camel (Camelus bactrianus), is also known as the Mongolian camel, domestic Bactrian camel or two-humped camel. Their name comes from the ancient historical region of Bactria. It… Continue reading

INC-3: Global Efforts to Combat Plastic Pollution

Central Idea The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) met in Nairobi for its third round of negotiations under the UN Environment Programme. About Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) INC is a committee that aims to develop a legally binding international instrument to end plastic pollution by 2025, as mandated by UNEA Resolution 5/14. It began working in… Continue reading

Places in news: Mount Merapi

Central Idea Mount Merapi in Indonesia has erupted yet again this year, spewing an ash tower 3,000 metres into the sky. Merapi Volcano: A Brief Overview Location: Situated in Central Java, Indonesia, Merapi is aptly named “Mountain of Fire” in Javanese. Activity: It ranks among the world’s most active and perilous volcanoes, known for… Continue reading

New species: Abelmoschus Odishae

Central Idea A scientist from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) recently discovered a new plant species of ‘wild okra’ named ‘Abelmoschus Odishae’. Wild Okra (Abelmoschus Odishae) Its discovery occurred in a humid deciduous forest within the Banspal block of Keonjhar district, in Odisha. This plant holds potential for use in hybridization to develop… Continue reading

Rajya Sabha passes Post Office Bill

Central Idea Rajya Sabha passed the Post Office Bill, which repeals and replaces the Post Office Act of 1898. The 1898 Act has seen significant amendment proposals over the years, including the 1986 Bill for aligning interception grounds with constitutional restrictions, which was not assented to by the President. Post Office Bill, 2023: Key Features… Continue reading

How to read the NCRB 2022 Report on Crime in India?

Central Idea The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) released its annual report on crime in India for the year 2022. Background of NCRB Reports Origin: The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) was established in January 1986 under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. Purpose: NCRB’s primary role is to compile and maintain national crime statistics,… Continue reading

Cyclone Michaung makes landfall

Central Idea Cyclone Michaung (name suggested by Myanmar) makes landfall in Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. Michaung is the fourth tropical cyclone over the Bay of Bengal this year. About Cyclone Michaung Uncommon Intensity: December cyclones in the North Indian Ocean typically do not reach high intensities. Michaung, with its severe storm classification, is an… Continue reading

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Naval Legacy

Central Idea On Navy Day, December 4, PM Modi highlighted Chhatrapati Shivaji’s understanding of naval power and announced the incorporation of his emblem on naval officers’ epaulettes. Indian Navy’s Acknowledgment of Maratha Heritage Training Establishment: The Indian Navy’s training facility in Lonavla is named INS Shivaji. Administrative Hub: The Western Naval Command’s logistics and administrative… Continue reading

Places in news: Julian Felipe Reef

Central Idea The Philippines confirmed that more than 135 Chinese vessels made incursion on Julian Felipe Reef (also known as Whitsun Reef), a place off its coast. About Julian Felipe Reef Julian Felipe Reef is part of the Spratly Islands, located in the West Philippine Sea, a portion of the South China Sea. It lies… Continue reading

Vaishali Rameshbabu: India’s New Chess Grandmaster

Central Idea Grandmaster Title: Indian chess player Vaishali Rameshbabu ( Pragnananda’s sister) has achieved the Grandmaster title by crossing 2,500 FIDE ranking points at the IV El Llobregat Open in Spain. Significance: She becomes only the third Indian woman player to earn this title, joining the ranks of Koneru Humpy and Harika Dronavalli. Understanding the… Continue reading

Centre approves fourth phase roll-out of GIAN Scheme

Central Idea The Ministry of Education is preparing to restart the fourth phase of Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) scheme. Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN) The GIAN was initiated in 2015. It is a project under the Ministry of Education. Coordinating Body: IIT Kharagpur Purpose: To harness the expertise of international scientists and… Continue reading

What is Vo5G (Voice over 5G)?

Central Idea India witnessed a significant improvement in call quality with the introduction of VoLTE (Voice over Long-Term Evolution) in 2016, offering clearer voice calls compared to 3G/2G networks. With the advent of 5G in India, there’s growing anticipation for a new calling standard, Vo5G (Voice over 5G), already deployed in several countries. What is… Continue reading

Population-Level Genome Sequencing and Its Impact

Central Idea The UK recently completed sequencing half a million whole genomes, nearly 0.7% of its population, under ‘deCODE’ Initiative. Various countries have launched large-scale genome projects, with some focusing on specific populations like African ancestry. About ‘deCODE’ Initiative Inception: Launched in Iceland in 1996, deCODE genomics enrolled most of the Icelandic population for genetic… Continue reading

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