Distribution: weekly

China’s Artificial Sun creates Record in Fusion Research

Why in the News? China’s Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST), commonly referred to as the Artificial Sun, has set a new world record by sustaining a high-confinement plasma operation for 1066 seconds. The artificial sun reached an extreme temperature of 100 million degrees Celsius, surpassing its own previous record of 403 seconds. What is the… Continue reading China’s Artificial Sun creates Record in Fusion Research

In news: Palar River

Why in the News? The British-era Palar River Anaicut, a masonry check dam built in 1858, is undergoing a major restoration following severe structural damage caused by the 2021 floods. Supreme Court’s Directives: The Supreme Court (SC) has directed that all restoration activities must adhere to environmental protection laws and sustainable development principles. The WRD… Continue reading In news: Palar River

[31st January 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: An opportunity to settle Sri Lanka’s ethnic problem

PYQ Relevance: Q) ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (UPSC CSE 2022)   Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka (2022), and ‘India — Sri Lanka relations… Continue reading [31st January 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: An opportunity to settle Sri Lanka’s ethnic problem

Cabinet approves Mechanism for procurement of ethanol by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) under EBP Programme

Why in the News? The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a revision in the ethanol procurement price for Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2024-25. What is the significance of the Price Revision? The recent revision of the ethanol procurement price for Public Sector Oil Marketing… Continue reading Cabinet approves Mechanism for procurement of ethanol by Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) under EBP Programme

India approves Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSME manufacturers

Why in the News? The government approved a Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme  (MCGS)  for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). What is MCGS-MSME? The Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSMEs (MCGS-MSME) is a government initiative aimed at enhancing financial accessibility for micro, small, and medium enterprises in India. What are the Provisions and Salient Features… Continue reading India approves Mutual Credit Guarantee Scheme for MSME manufacturers

[pib] E-Shram Microsites & Occupational Shortage Index (OSI)

Why in the News? Union Minister for Labour & Employment has launched State and Union Territory Microsites under the e-Shram initiative and the Occupational Shortage Index (OSI). About E-Shram Microsites E-Shram Microsites are state-specific digital platforms integrated with the national e-Shram database. It is aimed at providing unorganised workers seamless access to both Central and… Continue reading [pib] E-Shram Microsites & Occupational Shortage Index (OSI)

Asteroid Bennu Samples hold Secrets of Life’s Origins

Why in the News? NASA’s OSIRIS-REx (Origins, Spectral Interpretation, Resource Identification, Security–Regolith Explorer) mission has delivered samples from asteroid Bennu, revealing amino acids, nucleobases, and signs of ancient saltwater, key components in the origins of life. Key Findings of the Study: 14 out of 20 amino acids essential for proteins on Earth were found. All… Continue reading Asteroid Bennu Samples hold Secrets of Life’s Origins

Places in news: Kurdistan Region

Why in the News? India has dispatched a humanitarian aid consignment to the Kurdistan region of Iraq. What is the Kurdistan Region? The Kurdistan Region refers to areas inhabited by ethnic Kurds, primarily in Iraq, Iran, Syria, and Turkey. The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) administers Iraqi Kurdistan, an autonomous region in northern Iraq. The Kurds,… Continue reading Places in news: Kurdistan Region

[30th January 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Bridge the milk divide for a nutritionally secure India

PYQ Relevance: Q.) How far do you agree with the view that the focus on the lack of availability of food as the main cause of hunger takes the attention away from ineffective human development policies in India? (CS Mains 2018)   Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains has always focused on the main cause of hunger… Continue reading [30th January 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Bridge the milk divide for a nutritionally secure India

Labrys portucalensis F11

Why in the News? A research team has discovered that Labrys portucalensis F11, a strain of aerobic bacteria from the Xanthobacteraceae family, can break down and transform multiple types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of persistent environmental pollutants. About Labrys portucalensis F11 It is a type of bacteria that can break down… Continue reading Labrys portucalensis F11

Organophosphate Poisoning in J&K

Why in the News? A mysterious illness in Jammu & Kashmir has caused 17 deaths, with doctors suspecting organophosphate poisoning from pesticides as the possible cause. What are Organophosphates? Organophosphates (OPs) are a class of chemical compounds primarily used as pesticides and insecticides in agriculture. They work by disrupting the nervous system by inhibiting the… Continue reading Organophosphate Poisoning in J&K

Why meteorologists are comparing Storm Eowyn to a bomb?

Why in the News? Storm Éowyn has hit the British Isles with very strong winds, especially in Ireland and Scotland. What are the meteorological characteristics of Storm Eowyn? Explosive Cyclogenesis: Storm Éowyn qualifies as a “bomb cyclone,” with air pressure at its center dropping 50 millibars within 24 hours, significantly exceeding the 24-millibar threshold for… Continue reading Why meteorologists are comparing Storm Eowyn to a bomb?

Mapping: Lao PDR

Why in the News? The Indian Embassy in Lao PDR has successfully rescued 67 Indian nationals who were trafficked and forced to work in cyber scam centres in the Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ). Golden Triangle Special Economic Zone (GTSEZ) It is a semi-autonomous economic zone located in Bokeo Province, Lao PDR (Laos), near… Continue reading Mapping: Lao PDR

Why Bombay HC said use of loudspeakers is not essential to religion?

Why in the News? The High Court was hearing a petition from two residents’ groups in Mumbai’s Nehru Nagar, Kurla (East), and Chunabhatti areas, complaining about mosques and madrasas using loudspeakers too loudly and at forbidden times. What are the present directions by the Bombay High Court? The Court directed the state to implement a… Continue reading Why Bombay HC said use of loudspeakers is not essential to religion?

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