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Why is China limiting exports of raw materials?

Central Idea China’s Ministry of Commerce recently announced export controls on gallium and germanium, citing national security interests. The move has raised concerns due to the crucial role of these raw materials in semiconductor manufacturing and various other industries. Why read this? The restrictions imposed by China have prompted responses from other countries, highlighting the… Continue reading Why is China limiting exports of raw materials?

India-Russia Trade Payments Crisis

Central Idea India’s increasing reliance on oil imports from Russia has presented challenges in making payments due to various factors. The breach of the oil price cap imposed by the US and European nations, lower discounts offered by Russia, and geopolitical ramifications of using alternative currencies have complicated the payment process. Oil Imports from Russia… Continue reading India-Russia Trade Payments Crisis

Nari Adalat: Women-only Courts

Central Idea The government is launching a unique initiative ‘Nari Adalat’ to establish women-only courts at the village level. Nari Adalat Nari Adalat aims to provide an alternative dispute resolution forum for issues such as domestic violence, property rights, and countering patriarchal norms. The pilot project will commence in 50 villages each in Assam and… Continue reading Nari Adalat: Women-only Courts

In news: Dadabhai Naoroji (1825-1917)

Central Idea Dadabhai Naoroji, the first Indian member of the British Parliament, played a significant role in India’s anti-colonial struggle. His scholarly work exposed the economic exploitation of India under British rule, emphasizing the drain theory. Who was Dadabhai Naoroji? Early Life: Naoroji was born in Navsari, Gujarat, into a Parsi Zoroastrian family. He received… Continue reading In news: Dadabhai Naoroji (1825-1917)

Evidence of High Rainfall during Deccan Traps Volcanism

Central Idea A team of scientists from IIT Kharagpur has discovered evidence of exceptionally high annual rainfall during the volcanic activity that formed the Deccan Traps in India around 66 million years ago. Using a new technique called Nanoscale Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (NanoSIMS), the researchers analyzed the isotopic composition of fossil trees from the… Continue reading Evidence of High Rainfall during Deccan Traps Volcanism

The challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and how to confront it effectively

What’s the news? Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is today reckoned among the most ominous threats confronting Global Public Health. There is an urgent need for a collective and comprehensive approach to address the global threat of AMR and the role of various stakeholders in prevention, control, and surveillance efforts is crucial. Definition Antimicrobial resistance, means that… Continue reading The challenge of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR), and how to confront it effectively

Why TRAI wants to regulate WhatsApp, similar services

Central Idea In a surprising move, the TRAI is reconsidering its previous stance on regulating OTT communication services such as WhatsApp, Zoom, and Google Meet. Almost three years after advising against a specific regulatory framework for these services, TRAI has released a consultation paper, inviting stakeholders to provide suggestions on regulating OTT services. What is… Continue reading Why TRAI wants to regulate WhatsApp, similar services

Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023

Central Idea A parliamentary committee has given its endorsement to the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, which seeks to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The proposed amendments have attracted objections and controversies, raising concerns about dilution of forest protection and potential impacts on biodiversity, forest rights, and national security. Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023: An… Continue reading Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023

The abolition of cantonments: What does it entail for urban local bodies?

Central Idea Recently, the Ministry of Defence took a significant step towards disbanding cantonments in India with the notification for the abolition of Yol Cantonment in Himachal Pradesh. This move is part of a larger plan to convert military areas into exclusive military stations, while merging civilian areas with neighboring urban local bodies (ULBs). Historical… Continue reading The abolition of cantonments: What does it entail for urban local bodies?

Gravity Hole in the Indian Ocean

Central Idea One intriguing phenomenon recently discovered is the presence of a significant “gravity hole” in the Indian Ocean, where the gravitational pull is notably weaker. Recent research sheds light on the possible causes behind this anomaly. What is a Gravity Hole? A “gravity hole” refers to a region on Earth where the gravitational pull… Continue reading Gravity Hole in the Indian Ocean

Places in news: Ubinas Volcano

Central Idea Peru declared a state of emergency for sixty days in areas around the Ubinas volcano. The volcano has been spewing ash and gas and is probably set to erupt. Ubinas Volcano Ubinas is an active stratovolcano located in the Moquegua Region of southern Peru, approximately 60 kilometers east of the city of Arequipa.… Continue reading Places in news: Ubinas Volcano

Solar Shooting Stars: Discovering Fiery Rain on the Sun

Central Idea Astronomers have made a remarkable discovery of meteor-like streaks on the surface of the Sun, differentiating them from the shooting stars witnessed on Earth. These solar shooting stars, observed during a phenomenon known as coronal rain, offer valuable insights into the Sun’s complex dynamics. Observing Coronal Rain and Solar Shooting Stars Distinction from… Continue reading Solar Shooting Stars: Discovering Fiery Rain on the Sun

Global Peace Index, 2023

Central Idea: The 17th edition of the Global Peace Index (GPI), ranking 163 independent states and territories based on their level of peacefulness was released. What is Global Peace Index? Released by: Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) since May 2009. Extensive Coverage: The GPI covers 163 countries, representing 99.7% of the world’s population, utilizing… Continue reading Global Peace Index, 2023

[pib] Exercise SALVEX

Central Idea The Indian Navy and the US Navy recently concluded the seventh edition of the Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) exercise, known as SALVEX. Exercise SALVEX Since its inception in 2005, SALVEX has facilitated the exchange of expertise and the enhancement of capabilities in maritime salvage and EOD operations. The IN-USN SALVEX exercise… Continue reading [pib] Exercise SALVEX

Annapurti: The grain ATM

Central Idea The recent demonstration of the Automated Multi-Commodity Grain Dispensing Machine, Annapurti, during the ‘National Conference of Food Ministers of States/UTs,’ showcased an innovative solution developed by the World Food Programme (WFP) India. What is Annapurti? Annapurti, also known as the Grain ATM, offers a fast, clean, and precise method of providing subsidized grains… Continue reading Annapurti: The grain ATM

What is High Seas Treaty?

Central Idea The Marine Biodiversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) or the High Seas Treaty was adopted by the UN on June 19. It became the third agreement under UNCLOS, following the establishment of the International Seabed Authority (ISB) and the Fish Stocks Agreement (FSA). BBNJ/ High Seas Treaty The idea of protecting the… Continue reading What is High Seas Treaty?

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