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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

An overview of governance in Delhi

Why in the News? The Supreme Court ruled that Delhi’s LG can independently nominate 10 aldermen to the MCD which escalates tensions between the Union, Delhi, and local governments. How did the Delhi government evolve? At the commencement of the Constitution in 1950, Delhi was classified as a Part C State. Following the state reorganisation… Continue reading An overview of governance in Delhi

Hints of the corporatization of science research in India 

Why in the News? The establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation and its funding structure clearly signals the government’s intended direction. Research Policy in India Shift Towards Corporatisation: The Indian government’s approach encourages research institutions to generate revenue through external sources, moving away from reliance on public funding. This trend aligns with the 2015… Continue reading Hints of the corporatization of science research in India 

[pib] Exercise Udara Shakti, 2024

Why in the News? The recent edition of Exercise Udara Shakti was recently concluded in Malaysia. About Exercise Udara Shakti Udara Shakti is a bilateral air force exercise conducted between India and Malaysia. The primary objective of this exercise is to enhance military cooperation, improve mutual understanding, and share operational expertise. Features of the Exercise  … Continue reading [pib] Exercise Udara Shakti, 2024

St Martin’s Island

Why in the News? The ousted Bangladeshi PM Sheikh Hasina claimed she could have stayed in power if she had given up St. Martin’s Island and parts of the Bay of Bengal to the United States. About St Martin’s Island St. Martin’s Island is located in the northeastern region of the Bay of Bengal, near… Continue reading St Martin’s Island

On the allegations against the SEBI chief      

Why in the News? Hindenburg Research has alleged SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch and her husband held stakes in Adani-linked offshore funds, implying bias in SEBI’s Adani investigation. Accusations Against SEBI Chairman Madhabi Puri Buch  Hindenburg Research has accused SEBI Chairman Madhabi Puri Buch of conflicts of interest related to offshore funds tied to the… Continue reading On the allegations against the SEBI chief      

[pib] Operational Guidelines for Implementation of ‘Model Solar Village’

Why in the news? The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has issued operational guidelines for the Implementation of ‘Model Solar Village’ under PM-Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. The centre recently allocated ₹800 crore for the same. About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Description Purpose To provide 300 units of free electricity per month… Continue reading [pib] Operational Guidelines for Implementation of ‘Model Solar Village’

[12th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Parties, serious crimes and the need for judicial clarity

PYQ Relevance:Mains:  Q) Money laundering poses a serious security threat to a country’s economic sovereignty. What is its significance for India and what steps are required to be taken to control this menace? (2013) Q) Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both… Continue reading [12th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Parties, serious crimes and the need for judicial clarity

What is the Google ‘monopoly’ antitrust case and how does it affect consumers?     

Why in the news? US Federal court ruled Google’s $26 billion payments to default on smartphone browsers violated US antitrust law, blocking competitors and benefiting the Justice Department. About Google’s Antitrust Case The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) brought an antitrust case against Google, accusing it of maintaining a monopoly in the online search and… Continue reading What is the Google ‘monopoly’ antitrust case and how does it affect consumers?     

Cold War nuke tests light up a bug in present-day climate models  

Why in the News? A new calculation suggests that climate models might be overestimating how long plants keep carbon before releasing it as per the recent study published in Science by an international research team. Study by an International Team of Researchers: A recent study published in Science by an international research team suggests that… Continue reading Cold War nuke tests light up a bug in present-day climate models  

What is the Nankai Trough?  

Why on the News? Japanese authorities have warned its citizens of a ‘megaquake’ and large tsunamis along the Nankai Trough. What is the Nankai Trough? The Nankai Trough is an extensive subduction zone, nearly 900 km long. It is the place of collision of the Eurasian Plate over the Philippine Sea Plate. This trough has… Continue reading What is the Nankai Trough?  

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