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The lesson from a monsoon-battered North India: Time to be prepared

What is the news? Last weekend, parts of North India witnessed heavy rains that triggered flash floods and left a trail of destruction, tragically it resulted in at least 50 reported deaths. Himachal Pradesh was the worst affected. Several places in Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh reported record rainfall. Central idea Last weekend, North India… Continue reading The lesson from a monsoon-battered North India: Time to be prepared

Species in news: Atlantic Menhaden

Central Idea Researchers have discovered that the population of ospreys, a fish-eating bird, is facing a decline due to the decreasing numbers of Atlantic menhaden, their primary food source. The depletion of menhaden, a small silvery fish, is attributed to commercial fishing practices. The decline in osprey reproduction reflects the broader ecological impact of reduced… Continue reading Species in news: Atlantic Menhaden

Urban Deluge due to rising Yamuna Level in Delhi

Central Idea The Yamuna River in Delhi is experiencing it’s highest-ever water levels, causing concerns and necessitating emergency actions. Heavy rainfall in northwest India, including the Yamuna basin states, and increased water release from the upstream Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana are contributing to the unprecedented water levels. Unprecedented Water Levels and Emergency Response Delhi’s Yamuna… Continue reading Urban Deluge due to rising Yamuna Level in Delhi

World past Holocene Epoch: Anthropocene began in 1950

Central Idea AWG’s Proposal: The Anthropocene Working Group (AWG) proposes a new geological epoch called the Anthropocene. Reference Point: The unique reference point for the Anthropocene is Crawford Lake near Toronto in Canada’s Ontario Province. Understanding the Anthropocene Epoch Coined Term: The Anthropocene epoch was first coined by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Paul Crutzen and biology… Continue reading World past Holocene Epoch: Anthropocene began in 1950

Why normative recommendations of finance commissions remain on paper

What is the news? This article critically examines the historical outcomes of the 13th FC and underscores the need for realistic expectations regarding the forthcoming 16th FC Central idea The Finance Commissions (FC) in India play a crucial role in determining the fiscal framework for resource allocation between the Union and state governments. Established under… Continue reading Why normative recommendations of finance commissions remain on paper

Quiet diplomacy could ease South China Sea tensions

What is the news? During the fifth meeting of the Philippines-India Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation in New Delhi on June 29, the Foreign Ministers of India and the Philippines, S. Jaishankar and Enrique Manalo, respectively, discussed enhancing the bilateral partnership between the two countries. The meeting focused on maritime cooperation and addressing the South… Continue reading Quiet diplomacy could ease South China Sea tensions

India sees significant reduction in Multidimensional Poverty

Central Idea The latest update of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) was released. India has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty. What is MPI? The global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is an international measure of acute multidimensional poverty covering over… Continue reading India sees significant reduction in Multidimensional Poverty

Electoral Bonds chief source of donations for parties: Report

Central Idea Electoral bonds have emerged as the primary source of donations for political parties in India, with the BJP securing the majority share. A report by the Association of Democratic Reforms reveals that between 2016-17 and 2021-22, national and regional parties received a total donation of â‚ą9,188.35 crore through electoral bonds. The BJP received… Continue reading Electoral Bonds chief source of donations for parties: Report

In news: GST Council Decisions

Central Idea The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council convened its 50th meeting on July 11, announcing significant revisions and clarifications to tax rates. Additionally, the council discussed the establishment of GST Appellate Tribunals. It sought to address the concerns surrounding inclusion of the GST Network under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). What… Continue reading In news: GST Council Decisions

Why Indian manufacturing’s productivity growth is plummeting and what can be done?

What is the news? According to a recent study Productivity growth in Indian manufacturing has been slowing since the 1990s, with a more pronounced decline in the years leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic. Exploring the causes behind this decline is crucial to develop effective strategies for revitalizing the sector. Central idea India’s manufacturing sector… Continue reading Why Indian manufacturing’s productivity growth is plummeting and what can be done?

Women’s reproductive autonomy as the new catchword

Why is this news? India’s progress in family planning initiatives and achievements in areas such as life expectancy, maternal health, and gender empowerment. Instead of ensuring reproductive autonomy for each woman, society has obsessed with total fertility rates and the ideal population size of a family. Central Idea The theme of this year’s World Population… Continue reading Women’s reproductive autonomy as the new catchword

Quantum Supercomputer using Majorana Zero Modes

Central Idea Microsoft researchers have made significant strides in the creation of Majorana zero modes, a type of particle that could revolutionize quantum computing. Majorana zero modes, which are their own antiparticles, possess unique properties that could make quantum computers more robust and computationally superior. Majorana Fermions: A conceptual backgrounder Fermions and Antiparticles: All subatomic… Continue reading Quantum Supercomputer using Majorana Zero Modes

Foxconn withdraws Chip Manufacturing Deal   

Central Idea Taiwan-based Hon Hai Technology Group, commonly known as Foxconn, has announced its withdrawal from a $19.5 billion semiconductor joint venture with the Vedanta Group. The decision comes as Foxconn aims to explore alternative development opportunities. Background and JV Details The joint venture aimed to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant in Gujarat, India. The… Continue reading Foxconn withdraws Chip Manufacturing Deal   

Global South: Origins and Significance

Central Idea The unwillingness of many leading countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to stand with NATO over the war in Ukraine has brought to the fore once again the term “Global South.” What is Global South? The term “Global South” refers to countries that are often described as ‘developing’, ‘less developed’, or ‘underdeveloped’.… Continue reading Global South: Origins and Significance

Don’t waste the wastewater

What’s the news? A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health has reintroduced wastewater surveillance as a powerful strategy for public health surveillance. Central idea In 1854, during a cholera outbreak in London, physician John Snow traced the epidemic to a contaminated water pump, highlighting the importance of disease prevention. Today, advancements in public… Continue reading Don’t waste the wastewater

LVM-3: the ISRO Rocket

Central Idea ISRO is scheduled to launch the Chandrayaan 3 mission on July 14. The mission will be carried out using the LVM-3 configuration. The GSLV is used for heavier payloads and higher orbits, with the most powerful configuration known as LVM-3. Soon a comprehensive article about Chandrayaan 3 would be released!   LVM3: Unlocking… Continue reading LVM-3: the ISRO Rocket

Turtle Rehabilitation: A Crucial Element in Ganges Conservation

Central Idea Hundreds of turtles will be released into the river as a joint endeavour between the Namami Gange Programme, the Forest and Wildlife Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). These turtles, hatched at a breeding and rehabilitation center in Varanasi, aim to contribute to the cleanliness and rejuvenation of the sacred Ganges.… Continue reading Turtle Rehabilitation: A Crucial Element in Ganges Conservation

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