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Surprising ‘Dark Oxygen’ discovery could ensnarl deep-sea mining    

Why in the News? Scientists reported on July 22 in Nature Geoscience that an unknown process is generating oxygen in the deep oceans, where photosynthesis is not possible due to the lack of light. About the recent study: Discovery of Oxygen: Scientists reported an unknown process producing oxygen in the deep ocean, specifically in the… Continue reading Surprising ‘Dark Oxygen’ discovery could ensnarl deep-sea mining    

SC to examine acquitted man’s ‘Right to be Forgotten’: What is this right, and how have courts ruled earlier?    

Why in the News? Last week, the Supreme Court agreed to hear a case that could define the scope of the “Right to be Forgotten” referred to in European privacy law as the “Right to Erasure” in India. What is the ‘Right to be Forgotten’? The right to be forgotten allows individuals to remove or… Continue reading SC to examine acquitted man’s ‘Right to be Forgotten’: What is this right, and how have courts ruled earlier?    

Why AI’s present and future bring some serious environmental concerns?

Why in the News?  Google is in the news due to its recent annual environment report, which revealed a 13% increase in its emissions footprint for 2023 compared to the previous year. Why Emissions are higher? Increased Electricity Consumption: Google reported a 13% increase in its emissions footprint in 2023, primarily due to a 17%… Continue reading Why AI’s present and future bring some serious environmental concerns?

Assam’s Charaideo Moidam included in UNESCO World Heritage List

Why in the News? The Charaideo Moidams, a unique 700-year-old mound-burial system of the Ahom dynasty from Assam, has been added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. About Charaideo Moidams The Charaideo moidams represents the late medieval (13th-19th century CE) mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahom community in Assam. Charaideo, more than 400 km… Continue reading Assam’s Charaideo Moidam included in UNESCO World Heritage List

[26th July 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘geo-calculus’ of the Moscow visit

PYQ Relevance:Mains:Q1 Critically examine the aims and objectives of SCO. What importance does it hold for India? (UPSC IAS/2021) Q2 How is the S-400 air defence system technically superior to any other system presently available in the world?  (UPSC IAS/2021)  Prelims: Q Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of cooperation… Continue reading [26th July 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘geo-calculus’ of the Moscow visit

States have the unlimited right to tax mineral-rich lands    

Why in the News? The Supreme Court delivered a significant 8:1 judgment affirming that State Legislatures have the power to tax mining lands and quarries, independent of the Parliament’s Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957 (MMDR Act). About the verdict given by SC       Judgment Overview: The majority opinion, authored by Chief Justice… Continue reading States have the unlimited right to tax mineral-rich lands    

India’s illegal coal mining problem      

Why in the News? On July 13, three workers died of asphyxiation inside an illegal coal mine in Gujarat’s Surendranagar district. How Prevalent is Illegal Coal Mining in India? Illegal coal mining has led to multiple fatalities, including recent incidents in Gujarat, Jharkhand, and West Bengal, highlighting its prevalence and dangers. There are 10 workers… Continue reading India’s illegal coal mining problem      

The panel will look into issues stalling Bill, NE tribal councils told    

Why in the News? The Union government will set up a committee led by MoS Home Nityanand Rai to address concerns and expedite the 125th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which aims to empower tribal autonomous councils in northeastern states. What is the Controversy over the 125th Amendment Bill?  The Constitution (125th Amendment) Bill, 2019 aims to… Continue reading The panel will look into issues stalling Bill, NE tribal councils told    

NASA’s Cassini-Huygens Mission

Why in the News? US space agency NASA’s Cassini-Huygens spacecraft launched in October 1997. Using Cassini’s radar data, scientists from Cornell University have discovered new information about the liquid ocean on Titan, Saturn’s largest moon. Observations made about Titan Titan is composed of hydrocarbons – organic chemicals consisting of carbon and hydrogen. The astronomers have… Continue reading NASA’s Cassini-Huygens Mission

What is the Hema Commission Report?

Why in the News? A single bench of the Kerala High Court has stayed the release of the Justice Hema Commission report. The report investigated women’s working conditions in the Malayalam film industry. About the Assault that Exposed the Deep Gender Divide       On February 17, 2017, a leading Malayalam film actress was abducted and sexually… Continue reading What is the Hema Commission Report?

[25th July 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: An outlining of urban transformation strategies

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q1 What are ‘Smart Cities’? examine their relevance for urban development in India. Will it increase rural-urban differences? Give arguments for ‘Smart Villages’ in the light of PURA and RURBAN Mission. (UPSC IAS/2016)  Q2 The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons… Continue reading [25th July 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: An outlining of urban transformation strategies

Why SC couldn’t agree on the environmental release of GM mustard? 

Why in the news? A two-judge Bench of the Supreme Court delivered a split verdict on Tuesday, July 23, regarding the “environmental release” of Genetically Modified (GM) mustard. About GM Mustard Crop  Development and Approval Process: On September 15, 2015, the Centre for Genetic Manipulation of Crop Plants (CGMCP) at Delhi University sought approval from… Continue reading Why SC couldn’t agree on the environmental release of GM mustard? 

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