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Indian Virtual Herbarium, biggest database of country’s flora, is a global hit

With details of about one lakh plant specimens, the Indian Virtual Herbarium, the biggest virtual database of flora in the country, is generating a lot of interest and turning out to be an eye-catching endeavour. Indian Virtual Herbarium A herbarium specimen is consists of dried plant parts with labelled information on Scientific name and collection… Continue reading Indian Virtual Herbarium, biggest database of country’s flora, is a global hit

What is Genome Sequencing?

Researchers from across the world have made available over 650 complete genome sequences of monkeypox isolates to date in public domain databases including GISAID and GenBank. What is Genome Sequencing? Genome sequence is the unique code of genetic material of any organism, and determines the characteristic of any organism. Whole genome sequencing is the process of determining… Continue reading What is Genome Sequencing?

What is Taiwan’s ‘Porcupine Strategy’ to protect itself if China attacks?

As the long-range, live-fire drills began with China’s Eastern Theatre Command firing several ballistic missiles, Taiwan said that it was “preparing for war without seeking war”. What is Taiwan’s strategy to fight back in case China attempts to occupy it by force? What is a Military Doctrine? Military doctrine is the expression of how military… Continue reading What is Taiwan’s ‘Porcupine Strategy’ to protect itself if China attacks?

Centre launches ‘Ration Mitra’ Portal to register for Rations

The Centre has launched a common facility to register names in ration cards on a pilot basis for 11 States and Union Territories. Ration Mitra Ration Mitra’ Portal aims to enable these States to identify and verify the eligible beneficiaries for coverage under the National Food Security Act. Named as Ration Mitr, this software developed… Continue reading Centre launches ‘Ration Mitra’ Portal to register for Rations

When pharma companies cross red lines

Marketing practices of pharma companies are under scrutiny after tax officials searched the premises of a drugmaker, and an association of medical representatives moved the Supreme Court alleging unethical marketing practices by drugmakers. The Dolo controversy Bengaluru-based pharmaceuticals company Micro Labs Ltd came under the spotlight recently over the promotion of its anti-fever drug Dolo… Continue reading When pharma companies cross red lines

Who was Vannuramma?

The fort of legendry Vannuramma in Nallamala forest in the present day Mydukur mandal of Kadapa district is trending due to its rundown condition. Who was Vannuramma? Vannuramma ruled five ‘Durgams’ (under fiefdom) between 1781 and 1796 with Sakarlapadu as the administrative headquarters. According to historical accounts, she was born in Pathimadugu Rekulakunta, now in… Continue reading Who was Vannuramma?

India and Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)

India is aspiring to join the 11-member US-led partnership for critical mineral supply chains called ‘Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)’. Why in news? A group of western nations are cooperating to develop alternatives to China to ensure key industrial supplies. This is a part of a global ‘China-plus-one’ strategy adopted post pandemic that caused massive supply-chain… Continue reading India and Minerals Security Partnership (MSP)

Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Plant in Lakshadweep

The National Institute of Ocean Technology is establishing an Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC) plant with a capacity of 65 kilowatts (kW) in Kavaratti, the capital of Lakshadweep. What is OTEC Plant? Ocean thermal energy conversion (OTEC) is a process or technology for producing energy by harnessing the temperature differences (thermal gradients) between ocean surface… Continue reading Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion Plant in Lakshadweep

Demographic dividend

Context The UN report, World Population Prospects 2022, forecasts that the world’s population will touch eight billion this year and rise to 9.8 billion in 2050. What is of immediate interest to India is that its population will surpass China’s by 2023 and continue to surge. India’s potential workforce and growth as projected by consulting firms… Continue reading Demographic dividend

Govt withdraws Data Protection Bill

The government has withdrawn the Personal Data Protection Bill from Parliament after several amendments were proposed by the Joint-Parliamentary Committee. What is Personal Data? Data can be broadly classified into two types: personal and non-personal data. Personal data pertains to characteristics, traits or attributes of identity, which can be used to identify an individual. Non-personal… Continue reading Govt withdraws Data Protection Bill

Making sense of the ‘freebies’ issue

Context Concern over ‘freebies’ in Indian politics has recently been expressed by those in the highest offices in the country. Issue of irrational freebies Challenge in defining freebies: There is often confusion on what constitutes ‘freebies’, with a number of services that the Government provides to meet its constitutional obligations towards citizens also being clubbed… Continue reading Making sense of the ‘freebies’ issue

RTI Act

Context Amidst renewed concern over its functioning across states, the Right to Information Act (RTI) is set to complete 17 years this October. Issues facing RTI Backlog of appeals: Issues include a huge backlog of second appeals, lengthy wait time for hearings, hesitancy in posting penalties and increasing opacity in the working of the commissions.… Continue reading RTI Act

Taiwan Crisis

As US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi arrived upsetting China, India was keenly watching the developments, although it has not yet commented on it. What is the ‘One China’ policy? It is the diplomatic acknowledgment of China’s position that there is only one Chinese government. Taiwan’s government was set up by the Kuomintang, whose party logo… Continue reading Taiwan Crisis

What is the New START treaty?

Russia is ready for talks with the United States on nuclear arms control even as Moscow and Washington have remained locked in a tense stand-off over Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The New START, INF and the Open Skies …. Be clear about the differences of these treaties. For example- to check if their inception was… Continue reading What is the New START treaty?

Wildlife Protection Bill gets LS nod

The Lok Sabha passed the Wildlife (Protection), Amendment Bill, with no significant modifications to the version of the Bill presented in the House for discussion. What is the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972? WPA provides for the protection of the country’s wild animals, birds and plant species, in order to ensure environmental and ecological security. It… Continue reading Wildlife Protection Bill gets LS nod

5G

The much-awaited auction for telecom spectrum, including for 5G airwaves, will begin tomorrow. Spectrums for auctions A total of 72,097.85 MHz (or 72 Ghz) of spectrum with a validity period of 20 years will be put on the block. Airwaves across low (600 MHz, 700 MHz, 800 MHz, 900 MHz, 1800 MHz, 2100 MHz, 2300… Continue reading 5G

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