💥UPSC 2026, 2027 UAP Mentorship (Dec Batch) + Access To XFactor Notes & Microthemes PDF

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 ₹9,188.35 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?

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

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

JOIN THE COMMUNITY

Join us across Social Media platforms.