Raisina Dialogue and its Significance

Central Idea Foreign Secretary has told a Parliament committee that the Raisina Dialogue is now among the most significant global level think tank events in the world. What is Raisina Dialogue? Flagship Geopolitical Conference: The Raisina Dialogue, founded in 2016, emerged as India’s flagship conference for discussions on global geopolitics and geo-economics. Hosted by ORF:… Continue reading

Small Modular Reactors

What’s the news? The rise of coal consumption in Europe, despite increased solar and wind power, underscores the need for reliable, low-carbon electricity sources. Central idea The global pursuit of decarbonization aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to provide affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all. With fossil fuels still accounting… Continue reading

Species in news: Tharosaurus Indicus

Central Idea The fossilized remains of an ancient, plant-eating dicraeosaurid dinosaur named ‘Tharosaurus Indicus’ were recently recovered near Jaisalmer. Tharosaurus Indicus Tharosaurus indicus is the name given to an ancient species of dinosaur discovered in the Thar Desert region of Jaisalmer, India. It is a type of dicraeosaurid dinosaur, which was a group of long-necked,… Continue reading

Perseid Meteor Shower to be visible soon

Central Idea The Perseid meteor shower is anticipated to peak around August 13. Perseid Meteor Shower Origin of Phenomenon: The Perseid meteor shower originates from Earth’s passage through debris consisting of ice, rock, and dust, shed by Comet Swift-Tuttle. Orbital details: This comet, with an orbital period of 133 years, last illuminated the skies in… Continue reading

Smartphone Use among Schoolchildren

Central Idea The report, titled “State of Elementary Education in Rural India” was recently released. It highlights the prevailing digital landscape in rural communities regarding Education. State of Elementary Education in India It is a comprehensive survey conducted across 21 Indian States, encompassing 6,229 parents of rural schoolchildren aged 6 to 16. It is released… Continue reading

ECOWAS and Niger Coup: Challenges and Potential Responses

Central Idea The recent coup in Niger has brought the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) into the spotlight as it grapples with responding to the political crisis in the region. As Niger faces economic hardships and military intervention by regional players looms, the role of ECOWAS is under scrutiny. Understanding ECOWAS Formation and… Continue reading

Learning from the CHIPS Act of the U.S.

What’s the news? The United States’ CHIPS Act, which authorizes substantial funding over five years to boost its semiconductor industry, celebrates its one-year anniversary. Central idea Industrial policies have become pivotal tools for nations to secure competitiveness, innovation, and national security. The CHIPS Act exemplifies such an endeavor, allocating $52.7 billion to bolster the American… Continue reading

Centre to probe Havana Syndrome Cases in India

Central Idea Havana Syndrome, a mysterious set of mental health symptoms experienced by US intelligence and embassy officials in India, has caught the attention of authorities. What is Havana Syndrome? Cuban Incident: The term “Havana Syndrome” originated in Cuba in late 2016 when US officials at the newly opened US embassy in Havana reported symptoms… Continue reading

Mines and Minerals Bill 2023

Central Idea India’s Parliament recently passed the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2023. This bill aims to encourage private sector participation in mineral exploration and mining, thus addressing import dependencies and supply chain vulnerabilities. Provisions of the Mines and Minerals Bill 2023 Expanding Exploration Rights: The Bill allows private sector engagement in… Continue reading

Explained: Delhi Services Bill, 2023

Central Idea The Rajya Sabha passed the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 four days after the Lok Sabha cleared the Bill. It will promulgate into law once signed by the President of India. Delhi Services Bill, 2023: A Backgrounder In May 2023, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of the… Continue reading

India-Srilanka Relations

What’s the news? Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe made an official visit to India last month. It was his first trip to India since taking over as president of the Indian Ocean Island state. Wickremesinghe came to power amid social and political upheaval as Sri Lanka went through its worst economic crisis last year. Central… Continue reading

Cybersecurity threats from online gaming

What’s the news? The video gaming industry has come a long way from Pong in 1972 to the release of Hogwarts Legacy in 2023. The recent surge has been a result of COVID-19, when the market expanded by about 26 percent between 2019 and 2021. However, this popular form of recreation has also imperiled cybersecurity.… Continue reading

Justice Rohini Panel on OBC Sub-Categorisation

Central Idea The Justice G. Rohini-headed Commission for the sub-categorisation of Other Backward Classes (OBC) caste groups on July 31 submitted its report on the issue to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This is nearly 6 years after the Union government first assigned the task to it — a task that was initially… Continue reading

ISRO Rocket Debris on Australian Shore

Central Idea A couple of weeks ago, a large object discovered on the shores of Western Australia has been confirmed to be the debris of an ISRO rocket used for IRNSS constellation. The incident raises concerns about space debris and its potential impact on Earth and its inhabitants. Frequency and Risks of Space Junk Common… Continue reading

Cabinet approves ₹1.39 lakh crore for BharatNet project

Central Idea The Cabinet has given its approval for an outlay of ₹1.39 lakh crore for the BharatNet project, aimed at providing last-mile connectivity to around 6.4 lakh villages across India. About BharatNet Project Objectives: The project aims to connect 6.4 lakh villages, covering all gram panchayats in the country, with last-mile broadband connectivity through… Continue reading

Species in news: Indian Eagle Owl

Central Idea The Indian eagle owl was recently classified species distinct from the Eurasian eagle owl. Indian Eagle-Owl The Indian eagle-owl or rock eagle-owl, is a large horned owl species native to hilly and rocky scrub forests in the Indian Subcontinent. It is splashed with brown and grey, and has a white throat patch with… Continue reading

Species in news: Clouded Leopards

Central Idea International Clouded Leopard Day has been celebrated on 4th August since 2018. Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have conducted a study on clouded leopards in Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve in western Assam. About Clouded Leopard The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a wild cat found in dense forests… Continue reading

Perucetus Colossus Whale: Heaviest Animal that Ever Lived

Central Idea Scientists have unearthed fossils of an ancient giant whale species named Perucetus colossus in Peru. With each vertebra weighing over 100 kgs and ribs measuring nearly 5 feet long, this colossal whale poses a potential contender for the title of the heaviest animal to have ever lived. About Perucetus Colossus Whale Discovery: Fossils… Continue reading

Lowering the Minimum Age for Contesting Elections

Central Idea A Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended lowering the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections to 18 years, aligning it with the minimum age for voting in India. The Committee believes that young individuals can be responsible political participants, supported by global practices and increasing political consciousness among youth. Current Minimum… Continue reading

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