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In news: Gumti River

Why in the News? India has refuted allegations that the recent floods in eastern Bangladesh were caused by the opening of the Dumbur dam over Gumti River in Tripura. About Gumti River Details Origin Dumboor Lake, Tripura, India Length Approximately 150 kilometers Course Flows southward through Tripura, India, and then into Bangladesh; Joins the Meghna… Continue reading In news: Gumti River

Why has Malaysia tweaked its ‘Orangutan Diplomacy’?

Why in the News? Malaysia, after initially introducing its version of soft power called “Orangutan Diplomacy” following China’s successful “panda diplomacy,” has now reversed its decision. What is Orangutan Diplomacy? It is a Malaysian strategy that seeks to use orangutan conservation as a tool of soft power, inspired by China’s “panda diplomacy.” It had first… Continue reading Why has Malaysia tweaked its ‘Orangutan Diplomacy’?

Centre directs UPSC to withdraw ad for lateral entry into bureaucracy: Why has the policy been criticized?

Why in the News? The Central government asked the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Tuesday, August 20, to cancel an advertisement from three days earlier that called for applications to fill senior government positions through lateral recruitment. What is ‘Lateral Entry’ into the Bureaucracy? Definition: Lateral entry refers to the recruitment of personnel from… Continue reading Centre directs UPSC to withdraw ad for lateral entry into bureaucracy: Why has the policy been criticized?

Imports weaken Indian pharma

Why in the News? The government has introduced two import-based initiatives to meet domestic needs, which could potentially dampen the growth of the domestic industry. New medicines are generally under patent protection, preventing Indian companies from producing affordable generics/biosimilars. Impact of two initiatives on Domestic Industry: Global Tendering for 120 Medicines: The Department of Expenditure… Continue reading Imports weaken Indian pharma

What is Tera Hertz Spectrum?

Why in the News? The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its recommendations on the Tera Hertz Spectrum. About Tera Hertz (THz) Spectrum The THz Spectrum refers to a range of electromagnetic waves with frequencies between 100 GHz (gigahertz) and 10 THz (terahertz).  This spectrum lies between microwaves and infrared light. It is known… Continue reading What is Tera Hertz Spectrum?

Shiveluch Volcano

Why in the News? The Shiveluch Volcano in Russia erupted following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the country’s eastern coast. About Shiveluch Volcano Details Location Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Approximately 56°39′N 161°21′E Stratovolcano (Composite Volcano) Approximately 3,283 meters (10,771 feet) Geological Features Large actively growing lava dome, andesitic to dacitic lava Eruption History Frequent eruptions; significant… Continue reading Shiveluch Volcano

[21st August 2024] India’s Ethanol Blending Target: Progress, Challenges, and Regional Dynamics

Why in the News?  India is on track to achieve its ambitious goal of blending 20% ethanol with petrol by 2025-26. While significant progress has been made in increasing ethanol production, the initiative is not without its challenges. The food versus fuel debate and concerns about fuel efficiency in existing vehicles continue to loom large… Continue reading [21st August 2024] India’s Ethanol Blending Target: Progress, Challenges, and Regional Dynamics

India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Why in the News? India and Malaysia have elevated their relationship to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ following talks between Prime Ministers Modi and Ibrahim, aiming to overcome past tensions. What is a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)? The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) represents a deepened level of engagement between two nations, encompassing a broad spectrum of… Continue reading India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

What is Quantum Non-Locality?

Why in the News? A recent study published in Physical Review Letters by Indian researchers has revealed that a universal standard for measuring quantum non-locality is impossible. What is Quantum Nonlocality? Quantum Nonlocality is a mysterious connection between distant objects that challenges the classical idea of local realism, where no faster-than-light communication is allowed. It’s… Continue reading What is Quantum Non-Locality?

What is the Hayflick Limit?

Why in the News? Leonard Hayflick, the renowned biomedical researcher who made a discovery about the limits of cell division in somatic cells (Hayflick Limit) has passed away at 98. What is the Hayflick Limit? In the early 1960s, Hayflick discovered that somatic (non-reproductive) cells have a finite number of divisions, typically between 40-60 times.… Continue reading What is the Hayflick Limit?

What is a Waterspout?

Why in the News? A yacht sank off the coast of Sicily, Italy after being hit by a Waterspout. What are Waterspouts? A waterspout is a rotating column of air and mist over a water body. It is a weaker relative of tornadoes and typically lasts for about five minutes, although it can occasionally last… Continue reading What is a Waterspout?

[20th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘livery of India’s freedom’ is under threat

PYQ Relevance:Mains:Q.1 Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (UPSC IAS/2021) Q.2 Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (UPSC IAS/2019)  Note4Students:  Prelims: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC); Mains: Challenges related to khadi industry; Mentor comments:  The khadi industry in India… Continue reading [20th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘livery of India’s freedom’ is under threat

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