Diversifying Our Understanding of Religion and Caste in Contemporary India

Central Idea The recent outcome of the Karnataka elections provides an opportunity to broaden our understanding of religion and caste as categories of identity and belief. It is essential to recognize that these identities go beyond mere labels and hold pan-India significance. Amidst the rapid urbanization of Gurugram, the interplay of technology, finance, infrastructure, and… Continue reading

Antarctic Sea Ice Cover at Record Low

Central Idea Sea ice in Antarctica reached its smallest area on record in February for the second consecutive year, continuing a decade-long decline. Ice cover decline: Key data (1) Square km decline The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S) provided the figures, highlighting the significant decrease in Antarctic sea ice. On February 16, the… Continue reading

What is PARAKH Program?

Central Idea The Ministry of Education has organized a workshop in New Delhi to discuss the unification of 60 school examination boards operating across different states and union territories. The key component of this plan is PARAKH, the National Assessment Centre established under the National Council of Educational Research and Training. What is PARAKH? PARAKH… Continue reading

C-20: Preventing the Erosion of Civil Society Independence

Central Idea The civil society process of G-20, known as C-20, which is meant to provide a platform for independent voices and hold governments accountable, has been co-opted by the ruling party in India. Critiques argue that under the guise of civil society representation, C-20 has become a tool to further a politico-religious vision and… Continue reading

Plight of Single-Teacher Schools: A Call for Urgent Action

Central Idea The presence of single-teacher schools in India, particularly in Jharkhand, continues to persist despite the Right to Education Act mandating a minimum of two teachers in every school. The prevalence of such schools poses significant challenges, hampering the quality of education and depriving children of their right to a proper education. The alarming… Continue reading

RBI Surplus Transfer to Govt.

Central Idea The Central Board of Directors of the RBI approved the transfer of ₹87,416 crore as surplus to the Union government for the accounting year 2022-23. This amount is almost three times the ₹30,307 crore transferred in the previous fiscal year. Reserve funds of RBI The RBI has two types of reserves: Currency &… Continue reading

Rasht-Astara Railway Link

Russia and his Iran has signed a deal to finance and build the 162 km Rasht-Astara Iranian railway, the main connection in the emerging North-South Transport Corridor. Rasht-Astara Railway Link The Rash Astra Railway is a 162-kilometer railway connecting Rasht (Iran) and Astara (Azerbaijan) on the border. It is part of the International North-South Transport… Continue reading

25 years of Kudumbashree Scheme

Central Idea: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the silver jubilee celebrations of Kudumbashree. What is Kudumbashree? Kudumbashree is a poverty eradication and women empowerment program implemented by the State Poverty Eradication Mission (SPEM) in Kerala, India. The program was established in 1997 based on recommendations from a task force appointed by the state government. It was… Continue reading

Radiometric Dating using Calcium-41

Central Idea: A recent study has shown that Calcium-41 can be used in a similar way as Carbon-14 in carbon dating, but with several advantages. Carbon Dating and its limitations Carbon-14 is an unstable and weakly radioactive isotope of carbon. It has a half-life of 5,700 years and is used to estimate the age of… Continue reading

Understanding a Human Pangenome Map

Central Idea A study published in the Nature journal presents a pangenome reference map built using genomes from 47 anonymous individuals. The individuals included in the study are from various regions, including Africa, the Caribbean, Americas, East Asia, and Europe. Understanding Genomes and Reference Genomes The genome refers to the collection of all genes and… Continue reading

WHO’s advisory on Non-Sugar Sweeteners

Central Idea: The World Health Organization (WHO) issued new guidelines advising against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) as a healthy alternative to sugar. What are Non-Sugar Sweeteners? NSS are low or no-calorie alternatives to sugar, including aspartame, saccharin, stevia, and others. They are marketed for weight loss and controlling blood glucose in individuals with… Continue reading

In news: Neh Pema Shelphu Shrine

Central Idea The landowner of a disputed area in Arunachal Pradesh has demanded either compensation from Army for a land where Army has built Gurdwara near the Neh Pema Shelphu Shrine. Neh Pema Shelphu Shrine It is a holy shrine located in the Mechukha Valley of Arunachal Pradesh. It holds significant religious importance for the… Continue reading

Tax Collection at Source (TCS) on Foreign Credit Card Payments: Understanding the Intent and Impact is VItal

Central Idea The recent announcement regarding the applicability of tax collection at source (TCS) on foreign payments made through credit cards has sparked a range of emotive reactions and sweeping remarks. However, it is crucial to understand the concept and consequences of this measure and avoid unnecessary panic. What is Tax Collection at Source (TCS)… Continue reading

Bhopal’s Voluntary Local Review: A Step towards Localizing SDG’s in India

Central Idea Bhopal, the capital city of Madhya Pradesh, has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first city in India to join the global movement on localizing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The city’s Voluntary Local Review (VLR), released recently, highlights Bhopal’s commitment to implementing the SDGs at the local level. This move demonstrates… Continue reading

RBI to pull out ₹2000 notes from active circulation

Central Idea The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to withdraw ₹2000 denomination banknotes from circulation as part of its “Clean Note Policy.” The withdrawal is similar to a previous withdrawal of notes in 2013-2014 (and not the demonetization). Legal Tender Status of ₹2,000 Banknotes ₹2000 banknotes will continue to maintain their legal tender… Continue reading

What are Global Depository Receipts (GDRs)?

Central Idea: Tata Consumer Products has announced its decision to delist its global depository receipts (GDRs) from the London Stock Exchange and Luxembourg Stock Exchange. What are GDRs? GDRs are financial instruments used by companies to raise capital from international investors. They represent a bundle of shares in the company and are typically listed and… Continue reading

Arsenic Contamination in India

Central Idea: A recent peer-reviewed study suggests that even low levels of arsenic consumption can affect cognitive function in children, adolescents, and young adults. Arsenic Contamination Arsenic is a highly toxic element naturally present in the environment. Contaminated water, particularly groundwater, is a major source of arsenic exposure. Long-term arsenic exposure can lead to various… Continue reading

National Quantum Mission: Unlocking India’s Potential in Quantum Technology

Central Idea India’s focus on developing a strong technology base is gaining momentum with the upcoming National Quantum Mission. This mission holds the potential to revolutionize various sectors, including defense, energy, environment, healthcare, and civil applications. All you need to know about National Quantum Mission The National Quantum Mission is an ambitious initiative undertaken by… Continue reading

Exploring the Prospects of Integrated Medicine: A Dialogue on Ayush and Modern Healthcare

Central idea In a recent development, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the Ministry of Ayush have agreed to enhance cooperation in health research related to integrated medicine. This collaboration aims to establish Ayush departments within prestigious medical institutions like AIIMS. However, this move has sparked a debate regarding the efficacy and viability… Continue reading

SC backs TN position on Jallikattu

Central Idea The Supreme Court Constitution Bench has upheld the amendments made by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The decision overturns a previous verdict that banned practices such as Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport. Overturning the previous verdict The court rejected the 2014 verdict of the… Continue reading

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