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N332-GT5 and eOD-GT8: Advancements in HIV Vaccine Development

Why in the News? Researchers at the Duke Human Vaccine Institute have successfully induced broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) against HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) through vaccination for the first time. About HIV/AIDS: Emergence: The first cases of AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) were reported in the early 1980s, primarily among gay men in the United States. Discovery… Continue reading N332-GT5 and eOD-GT8: Advancements in HIV Vaccine Development

The social sciences, a shelter for the ‘excluded’ student

Why in the news? Persistent exclusion results in some disciplines becoming a last resort for many students with social sciences increasingly becoming a significant reservoir of the excluded in India. Causes of Exclusion in Higher Education: Excessive Competition: Premier institutions have stringent filtering mechanisms due to high demand, which results in significant exclusion of students.… Continue reading The social sciences, a shelter for the ‘excluded’ student

Bihar’s call for Special Category Status | Explained

Why in the News? Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has renewed the State’s persistent call for special category status from the Centre, which would boost the State’s share of tax revenues from the Central government. How does the ‘Special Category’ Status benefit the states like Bihar? Increased Central Funds: States with special category status receive… Continue reading Bihar’s call for Special Category Status | Explained

Expert Explains: What European Parliament election results signify, with the rise of right-wing parties?

Why in the News? The outcomes of the June 6-9 European Parliament elections, where approximately 51% of over 370 million eligible voters across 27 EU nations participated, indicated an increase in support for right-wing and far-right parties, resulting in losses for predominantly left-leaning and liberal parties. What is the European Parliament? The European Parliament is… Continue reading Expert Explains: What European Parliament election results signify, with the rise of right-wing parties?

What are the functions of Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State?

Why in the News? President Droupadi Murmu administered oaths to the Central Council of Ministers (CoM) of the new NDA government, comprising a larger team compared to the previous term. The Council includes 30 cabinet ministers, five Ministers of State (Independent Charge), and 36 Ministers of State, with the Prime Minister leading the team. About… Continue reading What are the functions of Cabinet Ministers and Ministers of State?

2025 to be International Year of Quantum Science and Technology

Why in the News? The United Nations has designated 2025 as the ‘International Year of Quantum Science and Technology’ to increase public awareness about the significance of quantum science and its applications. This initiative, led by Mexico and supported by nearly 60 countries, aims to promote activities at all levels to highlight the importance of… Continue reading 2025 to be International Year of Quantum Science and Technology

How SpaceX’s Starship can revolutionise space travel and exploration?

Why in the News? SpaceX’s Starship rocket completed its first fully successful test flight. This test flight brings SpaceX closer to its goal of creating a fully reusable rocket system, a development that could revolutionize space exploration and travel. What is Starship? Starship is a two-stage heavy lift-off vehicle designed for crew and cargo transport… Continue reading How SpaceX’s Starship can revolutionise space travel and exploration?

Portable Optical Atomic Clock for accurate timekeeping at Sea

Why in the News? Atomic clocks power GPS systems, guiding us in navigation, emergencies, and military operations. Scientists are developing optical atomic clocks to enhance timekeeping accuracy for Navies. What are Atomic Clocks? Atomic clocks are accurate timekeeping devices that use the vibrations of atoms as a precise measure of time. They rely on the… Continue reading Portable Optical Atomic Clock for accurate timekeeping at Sea

[11 June 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: From warp speed to reset, the state of India-US ties

PYQ Relevance: Q How will the I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics? (UPSC IAS/2022) Q Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (UPSC IAS/2020) Mentors comment: A year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to… Continue reading [11 June 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: From warp speed to reset, the state of India-US ties

IRDAI’s new health insurance rules   

Why in the news? Recently, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) introduced a set of reforms in the health insurance sector aimed at significantly enhancing service standards for policyholders. The recent rules highlighted by IRDAI (Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India) include: Cashless processing: Insurers are mandated to accept or reject cashless claims… Continue reading IRDAI’s new health insurance rules   

Settling trade disputes through ‘litigotiation’ 

Why in the News? In March, India and the U.S. settled their last lingering WTO poultry dispute, marking the end of seven trade disputes resolved since Prime Minister Modi’s U.S. visit. What is ‘Litigotiation’? ‘Litigotiation’ is a blend of “litigation” and “negotiation,” referring to a strategic process where legal disputes are managed through a combination… Continue reading Settling trade disputes through ‘litigotiation’ 

Bonn Climate Conference 2024: 3rd Glasgow dialogue flags need for loss & damage cooperation

Why in the News? This week, the Third Glasgow Dialogue on Loss and Damage occurred during the 60th Session of the Subsidiary Bodies (SB60) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn, Germany. Key highlights of the Conference: Dialogue on Loss and Damage (L&D): The conference focused on discussions around the… Continue reading Bonn Climate Conference 2024: 3rd Glasgow dialogue flags need for loss & damage cooperation

Is it time for Proportional Representation?     

Why in the News? India should contemplate proportional representation to ensure fairer political outcomes, given NDA’s 293 seats (43.3%) compared to INDIA bloc’s 234 seats (41.6%). First Past the Post (FPTP) System First Past the Post (FPTP) is a voting system where the candidate with the most votes in each constituency wins, regardless of whether… Continue reading Is it time for Proportional Representation?     

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