How are Zebrafishes able to repair damaged hearts?

Why in the News? A recent research revealed that the Zebrafish (a popular aquarium fish) can regenerate damaged heart muscle within 60 days, a capability absent in humans. The Hmga1 protein plays a key role in this process, offering potential insights for heart repair in mammals. Discovery of Hmga1’s Role in Zebrafish Heart Regeneration: In… Continue reading

Chhattisgarh first state to link Forest Ecosystem with Green GDP

Why in the News? For the first time in India, Chhattisgarh has introduced an innovative framework that integrates the ecosystem services of its forests into the calculation of Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP). This initiative highlights the critical role forests play in supporting both environmental sustainability and economic growth. Highlights of the Chhattisgarh’s Plan… Continue reading

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)

Why in the News? The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has introduced amendments to the rules governing the selection of experts in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). Key Highlights of the Revised GEAC Rules: Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Expert members must disclose any direct or indirect interests that may conflict with… Continue reading

India’s emissions inventory & efforts at mitigation

Why in the News? India recently shared a report about its efforts to fight climate change. The report includes details about how much greenhouse gases (GHG) the country produces and the steps it has taken to reduce these emissions as part of its global climate promises. What is the Biennial Update Report (BUR)? The Biennial… Continue reading

India, cross-border insolvency and legal reform

Why in the News? The current state of cross-border insolvency laws is poor, with rules that cannot be enforced and slow progress in making necessary changes. This situation needs to be fixed. How did the evolution of the cross-border insolvency framework in India? Post-Independence Legal Framework: After Independence, India’s insolvency laws focused on domestic cases… Continue reading

What is KM3NeT Project?

Why in the News? Scientists are deploying two advanced telescopes under the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT) project. What is KM3NeT Project? The KM3NeT is a European research initiative launched in 2012 and located in the Mediterranean Sea. It uses advanced water Cherenkov detectors to study high-energy neutrinos and… Continue reading

Banana Cultivation in India

Why in the News? India has seen a 10x increase in banana exports over the past decade and now targets $1 billion in exports within the next five years. In the fiscal year 2022-23, India’s banana production was estimated at around 34.9 million metric tons. Do you know? Banana is the second most important fruit… Continue reading

In news: Trinidad and Tobago

Why in the News? The government of Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency on December 30, 2024, in response to escalating violence in the Caribbean nation. About Trinidad and Tobago Geography: Located in the southern Caribbean, near Venezuela. A dual-island nation consisting of Trinidad (4,768 sq. km) and Tobago (300 sq. km). Total… Continue reading

[3rd January 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Reflections as the world grows more ‘polarised’

PYQ Relevance: Q) Hatred is destructive of a person’s wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation’s spirit. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (UPSC CSE 2020) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on ‘tolerance, assimilation and pluralism’ (2022) and ‘spirit and tolerance’ (2017). In the book Polarization: What Everyone Needs… Continue reading

Ukraine ends supply of Russian gas to Europe

Why in the News? For over 40 years, Russian gas has been transported to Europe through Ukraine, but these supplies are set to cease on January 1, following Ukraine’s Naftogaz decision not to renew its most recent five-year transit agreement with Russia’s Gazprom. Note: Student you can use this content in Prelims for facts related… Continue reading

Annual Ground Water Quality Report – 2024

Why in the News? The Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 was released by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti. Conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the report provides a scientific baseline for groundwater quality across India. Annual Groundwater Quality Report, 2024: Key Highlights Monitoring Scale Data collected from 15,200 locations and 4,982 trend… Continue reading

US imposes sanctions on entities in Iran, Russia

Why in the News? The United States has imposed sanctions on entities in Iran and Russia, accusing them of attempting to interfere in the 2024 US presidential election. Understanding Sanctions: Purpose, Application, and Impact Sanctions are strategic tools used to influence behavior, deter aggression, and enforce compliance with international norms. Sanctions are commonly used to… Continue reading

[2nd January 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The sorry state of India’s parliamentary proceedings

PYQ Relevance:Q) To what extent, in your view, the Parliament can ensure accountability of the executive in India? (UPSC CSE 2021) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on Parliamentary Sessions (2017 & 2018) and Parliamentary Powers (2021). The recently concluded Winter Session of Parliament has been criticized for lacking productivity due to frequent disruptions.… Continue reading

The nature of dissent in the Indian judiciary

Why in the News? In the U.S. Supreme Court, dissenting opinions often reflect the political views of judges, as they are appointed by the President and approved by the Senate. In contrast, dissenting opinions in the Indian judiciary cover a wider range, including political, social, and purely intellectual disagreements What is the significance of dissenting… Continue reading

Google Quantum AI’s Chip ‘Willow’

Why in the News? Google has unveiled its latest quantum processor, ‘Willow’, which has sparked excitement about the potential of quantum computers to solve practical problems. About Willow Quantum Processor: Google’s team of researchers developed Willow and shared their results in the scientific journal Nature. Willow has 105 qubits, which are the basic units of… Continue reading

In news: Similipal Tiger Reserve

Why in the News? Tigress Zeenat, originally from Maharashtra’s Tadoba, was relocated to Odisha’s Similipal Tiger Reserve after straying through Jharkhand into West Bengal, complicating tracking efforts. About Similipal Tiger Reserve (STR) Details Geographical Features Situated in the Mayurbhanj District, Northern Odisha, surrounded by high plateaus and hills. Twin peaks Khairiburu and Meghashini, rising to… Continue reading

What is Coastal Security Scheme (CSS)?

Why in the News? Non-operational patrolling boats, insufficient funds for training, and manpower shortages are among the challenges highlighted by 13 coastal states and Union Territories during a review of the Coastal Security Scheme (CSS) phases I and II. What is the Coastal Security Scheme? CSS was launched to strengthen security across India’s 7,516.6 km… Continue reading

[pib] CPGRAMS 3 Years, 70 Lakh Grievances Solved

Why in the News? According to the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG), the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) resolved over 70 lakh grievances from 2022 to 2024. About Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) CPGRAMS is an online platform that allows citizens to register grievances related to… Continue reading

On India’s obligations towards the Rohingya

Why in the News? A recent study by The Azadi Project and Refugees International has found that Rohingya refugees detained in India face serious violations of their basic rights. It also criticizes India for not meeting its responsibilities under international human rights agreements. What has a recent report said about India’s refugee policy for the… Continue reading

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