Quad meet launches maritime and health initiatives

Why in the News? The recent summit of the Quad leaders resulted in several significant initiatives aimed at enhancing cooperation among the member countries—India, the United States, Australia, and Japan. What are the initiatives taken by QUAD? Quad Cancer Moonshot: This initiative focuses on combating cervical cancer, with India committing $10 million for screening efforts.… Continue reading

Assam records 86% drop in Rhino Poaching since 2016

Why in the News? Kaziranga National Park and other protected habitats of the one-horned rhinoceros in Assam have witnessed an 86% drop in poaching since 2016. Reduction in Rhino Poaching From 2000 to 2021, poachers killed 190 rhinos in Assam, with a significant drop occurring after 2016. The announcement was made in a statement marking… Continue reading

India, USA signed pact to set up Semiconductor Pact for National Security

Why in the News? India and the US have entered into an agreement to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant aimed at producing chips for national security, next-generation telecommunications, and green energy applications. Key Features of the Semiconductor Fabrication Plant The semiconductor fab will focus on advanced sensing, communication, and power electronics. The India Semiconductor Mission… Continue reading

Global Cybersecurity Index, 2024

Why in the News? India has achieved Tier 1 status in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024, published by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). With a score of 98.49 out of 100, India is now among the top nations demonstrating role-model cybersecurity practices. About Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI): Details Launch 2015, by the International Telecommunication… Continue reading

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)

Why in the News? In 2019, MRSA caused over 100,000 deaths, and although vancomycin has been the main treatment for 40 years, a new study shows it may not stay effective for long. About Vancomycin Vancomycin is an antibiotic that has been a cornerstone in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections for over… Continue reading

Bombay HC strikes down amended IT rules

Why in the News? The Bombay High Court on Friday struck down the amended IT Rules, 2023, which allowed the Centre to establish a fact-check unit for monitoring government-related misinformation. Background of the Case In April 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MEiTY) amended the Information Technology (IT) Rules, 2021, to establish a Fact… Continue reading

Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR)

Why in the News? The Supreme Court has dismissed the curative petitions filed by major telecom service providers, seeking relief from the 2019 judgment regarding Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR) dues. What is Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR)? AGR is the usage and licensing fee that telecom operators are charged by the Department of Telecommunications (DoT). It… Continue reading

Bio-RIDE Scheme

Why in the News? The Union Cabinet has approved the “Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme” to support cutting-edge research and development in biotechnology. About Bio-RIDE Scheme Details Objective To support cutting-edge research, bio-entrepreneurship, and bio-manufacturing in biotechnology. Total Outlay ₹9,197 crore for the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26). Components Merges… Continue reading

[21st September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The stakes in Sri Lanka’s ninth Presidential election

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)Q). In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (UPSC CSE 2013) Mentor’s Comment: The preference for leftist… Continue reading

Nagaland’s King Chilli Festival

Why in the News? The village of Seiyhama in Nagaland hosted the 3rd edition of the Naga King Chilli Festival, celebrating the importance of the Naga king chilli, one of the world’s hottest chillies. About Naga King Chilli The Naga King Chilli, also known as Raja Mircha or Bhut Jolokia, is one of the world’s… Continue reading

Square Kilometer Array (SKA) becomes partially functional

Why in the News? The Square Kilometer Array (SKA), the world’s largest radio telescope, has carried out its first observations, marking a major milestone. About Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Project: Details Project Overview SKA is a global project aimed at building the world’s largest radio telescope network to explore the universe, galaxies, dark matter, and… Continue reading

[20th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Acclamation for an Indian leadership that still endures

PYQ Relevance: Q) Do you think BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? Waht are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? (UPSC CSE 2022) Q) The Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in the South-East Asian country’s economy and… Continue reading

White Revolution 2.0

Why in the News? The Ministry of Cooperation unveiled White Revolution 2.0, focusing on empowering women farmers and creating job opportunities in the dairy cooperative sector. What is White Revolution 2.0? Details Objective Transforming India’s dairy sector by empowering women farmers, increasing milk production, and modernizing dairy infrastructure. Target Increase procurement from the current 660… Continue reading

100 Years of Harappan Civilization

Why in the News? It has been 100 years since the discovery of the Harappan Civilization, announced by John Marshall on September 20, 1924. Harappa: Remains of a Civilization The Harappan Civilization, also known as the Indus Valley Civilization, flourished between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE, with earlier settlements dating back to 3200 BCE. The… Continue reading

Why Earth will temporarily get a ‘Mini-Moon’ in September?

Why in the News? In a rare celestial event, Earth’s gravitational field will witness a small asteroid, 2024 PT5, creating a “mini-moon” for two months. What is Mini-Moon? A mini-moon is a small asteroid temporarily captured by Earth’s gravitational field, orbiting the planet for a short period before escaping back into space. Unlike Earth’s permanent… Continue reading

[pib] A poem on ‘National War Memorial’ and a chapter on ‘Veer Abdul Hameed’ included in NCERT

Why in the News? A poem on National War Memorial and a chapter about Veer Abdul Hameed (PVC) introduced by the Ministries of Defence and Education has been included in the NCERT Class VI curriculum. About National War Memorial The National War Memorial was unveiled on 25th February 2019 to honor Indian soldiers who sacrificed… Continue reading

[19th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: In Wilmington, juxtaposing immediacy with legacy

PYQ Relevance: Q Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (UPSC CSE 2020) Q The new tri-nation partnership AUKUS is aimed at countering China’s ambitions in the Indo-Pacific region. Is it going to supersede the existing partnerships in the region? Discuss the strength… Continue reading

INCOIS Launches Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas

Why in the News? INCOIS unveiled an ‘Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas’ for India’s EEZ, highlighting vast marine energy potential from solar, wind, waves, tides, currents, and thermal resources. About INCOIS: The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is an autonomous body established in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) in India.… Continue reading

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