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What are Deceptive Dark Patterns?

Why in the News? The Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) has released a report highlighting the use of deceptive dark patterns in Indian apps. Key highlights of the ASCI Study: The ASCI report aims to raise awareness among marketers and designers about the ethical implications of these deceptive patterns. The study analyzed 12,000 screens… Continue reading What are Deceptive Dark Patterns?

[pib] Amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019 

Why in the News? The Finance Ministry has issued a notification amending the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019, to simplify Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) rules. Key amendments made by the Finance Ministry: Details Cross-Border Share Swaps Simplifies the process for Indian companies to engage in cross-border share swaps with foreign companies. Clarity on… Continue reading [pib] Amendments to the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019 

Nord Stream Gas Pipeline

Why in the News? The Wall Street Journal has reported that a group of Ukrainian patriots carried out the sabotage of the undersea pipelines(Nord Stream pipelines) in sep,2022 that supplied gas from Russia to Europe.  About Nord Stream Pipeline: Details Overview Natural gas pipeline under the Baltic Sea. Connects Russia and Germany. Purpose Built to… Continue reading Nord Stream Gas Pipeline

[pib] Oeko-Tex Certification for Eri Silk

Why in the News? The North Eastern Handicrafts and Handlooms Development Corporation (NEHHDC), under the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), has achieved the prestigious Oeko-Tex certification for its Eri Silk.   What is Oeko-Tex Certification? Details Establishment Founded in 1992 by the Oeko-Tex Association. Comprises 18 independent textile research and testing institutes. Certification… Continue reading [pib] Oeko-Tex Certification for Eri Silk

ISRO’s SSLV-D3 successfully launches EOS-08 Satellite

Why in the News? Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the EOS-08 Earth Observation Satellite using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV)-D3. This marks the third and final development flight of the SSLV. About EOS-08 Satellite: Details Type Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) Design Platform Built on ISRO’s Microsat/IMS-1 bus, known for its compact and… Continue reading ISRO’s SSLV-D3 successfully launches EOS-08 Satellite

[16th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed:  An obstinate refusal to focus on welfare

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q. 1 Performance of welfare schemes that are implemented for vulnerable sections is not so effective due to absence of their awareness and active involvement at all stages of policy process. Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2014)  Q. 2 Hunger and Poverty are the biggest challenges for good governance in India still today. Evaluate how… Continue reading [16th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed:  An obstinate refusal to focus on welfare

How can traffic which causes air pollution be controlled?    

Why in the News? India has 83 of the world’s 100 most polluted cities. Air pollution caused 2.1 million deaths, with 99% breathing air below WHO standards. Share of Road Transport in India’s CO2 Emissions as per the International Energy Associates Road transport is responsible for approximately 12% of India’s total CO2 emissions. Within this… Continue reading How can traffic which causes air pollution be controlled?    

Jiyo Parsi Scheme

Why in the News? The Minister for Minority Affairs has launched a dedicated portal for Jiyo Parsi Scheme. What is the Jiyo Parsi Scheme? It is a Central Sector Scheme launched in 2013-14 by the Ministry of Minority Affairs. It aims to arrest the population decline of the Parsis, a minority community in India. It… Continue reading Jiyo Parsi Scheme

Indian Astronomers discover new method for Solar Cycle Amplitude Prediction

Why in the News? Astronomers from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) have developed a new method to predict the amplitude of the upcoming solar cycle. This discovery is based on 100 years of solar data from the IIA’s Kodaikanal Solar Observatory. What is Space Weather? Space weather refers to the varying conditions within the… Continue reading Indian Astronomers discover new method for Solar Cycle Amplitude Prediction

Corbett Tiger Reserve

Why in the News? The Jim Corbett National Park and Tiger Reserve authorities have recently concluded an awareness campaign to celebrate World Elephant Day (August 12). About Corbett Tiger Reserve Details Location Situated in the foothills of the Himalayas in Uttarakhand. Spread over Pauri, Nainital, and Almora districts. Establishment Established in 1936 as Hailey National… Continue reading Corbett Tiger Reserve

Freedom from dependence, a new era in health care

Why in the News? India’s healthcare since globalization has improved greatly, and is globally recognized due to skilled professionals, effective policies, and strong institutions which draw patients from over 147 countries. Economic implications of being a preferred Medical Destination: Foreign Exchange Savings: India saves billions in foreign exchange as fewer Indians need to travel abroad… Continue reading Freedom from dependence, a new era in health care

3 more Ramsar Wetland sites now in India, taking total to 85

Why in the News? The Environment Ministry announced the designation of three more wetlands: Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary (TN), Kazhuveli Bird Sanctuary (TN) and Tawa Reservoir (MP) as Ramsar Sites. This makes the total Ramsar sites count in India to 85. About the newly designated Ramsar Sites: Location Geographical Features Key Species Ecosystem Nanjarayan Bird Sanctuary… Continue reading 3 more Ramsar Wetland sites now in India, taking total to 85

What is the drug Captagon?

Why in the News? Captagon, the “poor man’s cocaine,” has become increasingly popular among young adults in the Middle East and North Africa. What is the Drug Captagon? Captagon is a synthetic drug that was originally developed in Germany in the 1960s and 1970s. It was initially created as a pharmaceutical treatment for attention deficit… Continue reading What is the drug Captagon?

Extremophile bacteria have learnt to survive microwaves

Why in the News? Researchers have isolated extremophile bacteria from harsh environments like volcanic vents, permafrost, acid mines, deep-sea hydrothermal vents, and lakes beneath polar ice caps. What are Extremophiles? Extremophiles are microorganisms that thrive in extreme environmental conditions where other life forms typically cannot survive. For example: Volcanic vents, Permafrost, Acid mines, Deep-sea hydrothermal… Continue reading Extremophile bacteria have learnt to survive microwaves

WHO declares Mpox as Public Health Emergency of International Concern

Why in the news? The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared mpox as a “public health emergency of international concern” (PHEIC). What is a PHEIC? A PHEIC is a formal declaration by the WHO under the International Health Regulations (IHR), 2005. It refers to an “extraordinary event” posing a public health risk through the international… Continue reading WHO declares Mpox as Public Health Emergency of International Concern

[14th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The shock-effects of South Asian tumult

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q1 Do you think that BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? What are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation?  (UPSC IAS/2022)  Q2 Critically examine the compulsions which prompted India to play a decisive role in the emergence… Continue reading [14th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The shock-effects of South Asian tumult

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