Fernarium at Eravikulam National Park

Eravikulam National Park, located in Munnar, India, is known for its natural habitat of Nilgiri Tahr, and has recently introduced a new attraction – a Fernarium. What are Ferns? Ferns are a type of vascular plant that reproduces via spores, rather than seeds. They have distinctive leaves, called fronds, which are often intricately divided into… Continue reading

Autism Spectrum Disorders: Prevalence in India and Way Ahead

Central Idea In India, the prevalence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) is a widely debated issue due to a lack of systematic estimates. Most estimates have been derived from studies based on school children, revealing that over one crore Indians may be on the autism spectrum. However, there are notable cultural differences in diagnosing autism… Continue reading

India and Malaysia to settle trade in INR

India and Malaysia have agreed to settle their trade in Indian rupees instead of the US dollar. What is the move? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had allowed the settlement of international trade in the Indian rupee in July 2022. Malaysia was one of the eighteen countries that were permitted to open Special Rupee… Continue reading

Bharat 6G project: India plans to roll out high-speed internet by 2030

Central idea: Despite over 45,000 Indian villages lacking 4G connectivity and ongoing efforts to build out 5G networks, the Indian government has set its sights on 6G. Why in news? On March 22, PM Modi unveiled the Bharat 6G Vision Document, aimed at gearing up policymakers and the industry for the next generation of telecommunications.… Continue reading

UN allows Deep Sea Mining operations from July

Central idea: The International Seabed Authority has announced that it will start accepting applications from companies for deep sea mining from July. Why in news? This decision was made in the absence of a mining code that has not been put in place yet. What is Deep Sea Mining? Deep-sea mining is the process of… Continue reading

IIT Mandi’s novel catalyst to make Hydrogen more viable fuel

Scientists at IIT Mandi have created an innovative carbon-based catalyst that can enhance the efficiency of water electrolysis to generate green hydrogen. Water electrolysis and its Challenges Water electrolysis is the process of splitting water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen using electricity inside an electrolyser. However, this process consumes a lot of electrical energy. A… Continue reading

Novel compound to treat Kala-Azar Infection

Central idea: The Kolkata-based Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) have established the potential of quinoline derivatives to treat drug-resistant leishmaniasis, which is also called kala-azar or black fever. What is Kala Azar? Kala-Azar is a vector-borne (sandfly) neglected tropical disease caused by the protozoan parasites of the genus leishmania. It afflicts the… Continue reading

Bandipur completes 50 years as Project Tiger Reserve

Central idea: Bandipur completed 50 years as a Project Tiger Reserve on April 1, 2023. Bandipur Tiger Reserve The reserve is located in the Indian state of Karnataka and is spread over an area of 912.04 sq. km. It is recognized as one of the prime tiger habitats in the world and is an important… Continue reading

India’s Semiconductor Dreams: A Strategic Shift in Focus and Incentives

Central Idea India’s semiconductor policy should shift focus from attracting global giants like Intel to leveraging existing facilities and developing domestic solutions for electronics markets. Background The US Department of Commerce and India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry recently signed a memorandum of understanding to ensure subsidies do not hinder India’s semiconductor ambitions.… Continue reading

Taiwan- China: India in the Event of a Cross-Strait Conflict

Central Idea India needs to proactively consider its military, diplomatic, and economic responses to a potential cross-strait conflict between China and Taiwan. Background PLA’s frequent military exercises near Taiwan: The People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is conducting frequent military exercises near Taiwan, increasing the risk of escalation in the Taiwan Strait. Forceful reunification:… Continue reading

UK to join Asia-Pacific Trade Treaty

UK has agreed to join the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a trade pact based around the Pacific Rim, as it seeks to build ties around the world after leaving the European Union. Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) CPTPP is a free trade agreement (FTA) that was agreed in… Continue reading

In news: Formation story of Rajasthan

Rajasthan Day is celebrated on March 30, marking the day the state was created by unifying 22 princely states and chiefships. Rajasthan’s story of foundation is intriguing. Formation of Rajasthan At the time of Independence, Rajasthan was almost wholly contained in the Rajputana Agency, a political office of the British Indian Empire. The Rajputana Agency… Continue reading

Competition (Amendment) Bill passed in Lok Sabha

The Lok Sabha passed the Competition (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which could pose new challenges for global technology companies. About Competition Act, 2022 The Competition Act, 2002 was passed by the Parliament in the year 2002, to which the President accorded assent in January, 2003. It was subsequently amended by the Competition (Amendment) Act, 2007. In… Continue reading

Climate Justice and Accountability: Can Countries be Sued for Failing to Avert Climate Emergencies

Central Idea The UN General Assembly has asked the International Court of Justice to weigh in on whether countries can be sued under international law for failing to avert climate emergencies, reflecting the frustration of the international community with global climate agencies and the need for more effective climate action. Background Resolution by Vanuatu: The… Continue reading

Vaikom: A Symbol of Social Justice and Eradication of Caste Barriers

Central Idea Vaikom is a town in Kerala, India, that became a symbol of social justice due to the temple entry movement launched in 1924, aiming to end the prohibition imposed on backward communities in using the roads around the Vaikom Mahadeva temple. The Kerala government has organized various cultural events to commemorate the movement… Continue reading

GPT-4: AI Breakthrough or Pandora’s Box?

Central Idea OpenAI’s GPT-4, the latest AI model, is creating shock waves around the world. It has incredible capabilities, but also raises ethical questions and concerns about its potential misuse. Capabilities of GPT-4 Enhanced abilities: GPT-4 is a considerable improvement over its predecessor, GPT-3.5, with enhanced conversational and creative abilities that allow it to understand… Continue reading

New India Literacy Program (NLIP)

Central idea: 22.7 lakh adults from 10 states and union territories in India became qualified as literate adults in 2022-23 by passing an assessment test conducted under New India Literacy Program (NLIP). What is New India Literacy Program (NLIP)? The NLIP/ Nav Bharat Saksharta Abhiyan is aimed at providing literacy to non-literates in the age… Continue reading

Issues with new Quality Control Orders for fibres

Central idea Quality Control Orders (QCO) have been issued for fibres like cotton, polyester, and viscose to control the import of sub-quality and cheaper items and to ensure that customers get quality products. The QCOs are made mandatory for some and yet to be finalized for others. What is the move? The Bureau of Indian… Continue reading

Scientists spot Piezoelectric Effect in Liquids

Central idea: Scientists have recently discovered evidence of the piezoelectric effect in liquids for the first time. This effect has only been observed in solids for the past 143 years. This new finding challenges the theory that describes this effect and opens doors to previously unanticipated applications in electronic and mechanical systems. What is Piezoelectric… Continue reading

Duty exemption for drugs for Rare Diseases

Central idea: The Centre has exempted all drugs and food for special medical purposes, imported for personal use, for the treatment of rare diseases listed under the National Policy for Rare Diseases 2021 from basic customs duty. What are Rare Diseases? Rare diseases are those medical conditions that affect a small percentage of the population.… Continue reading

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