NIMHANS bags WHO’s Nelson Mandela Award for Health Promotion for 2024

Why in the News? The National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru, India’s premier mental health institution, has been honoured with the “Nelson Mandela Award” for Health Promotion by the World Health Organization (WHO) for 2024. About National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro-Sciences (NIMHANS) Details Location Bangalore, India Affiliation Autonomous institute… Continue reading

Blaming court vacation for pendency misses the real problem

Why in the news? A casual remark from a member of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council has reignited the debate on judges’ working hours and vacations. Reports on Case Pendencies: According to the “India Justice Report”, as of June 2020, cases remain pending for an average of three years in subordinate courts and five… Continue reading

KAZA Summit 2024: Delegates renew calls to leave CITES

Why in the news? At the KAZA 2024 Summit in Livingstone, Zambia, delegates reiterated the urge for member states to withdraw from CITES because they seek approval to trade their plentiful ivory and wildlife items. About the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES): It is an international agreement… Continue reading

The Tobacco Epidemic in India

Why in the News? Tobacco is a leading preventable cause of disease which affects nearly 26 crore Indians and 60 lakh industry workers, posing significant health risks. Reports on Tobacco Consumption in India According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS), there is a general decline in tobacco use, except for an increase in women… Continue reading

40 Years since Operation Blue Star

Why in the News? June 1, the day Punjab votes in the last phase of the Lok Sabha election, happens to be the anniversary of “Operation Blue Star” which has influenced the recent history and politics of the state. Operation Blue Star Operation Blue Star was a military operation carried out by the Indian Army… Continue reading

K-9 Vajra Howitzers and Su-30 MKI Fighter Aircraft Engines

Why in the news? Several critical ‘Make in India’ defence projects, including acquisitions of K-9 Vajra self-propelled howitzers and Su-30 MKI fighter aircraft engines, are pending final approval from the Centre post-elections. About K-9 Vajra Self-Propelled Howitzers: It is a self-propelled howitzer. Technology: It incorporates technology transferred from South Korean defence major Hanwha Defense based… Continue reading

Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD)

Why in the News? Agnikul Cosmos Private Limited, a space start-up from Chennai, made history by launching the world’s first rocket with a single-piece 3D-printed engine, named Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), from Sriharikota. About 3D Printed PS4 Engine The PS4 engine, which forms the uppermost stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV),… Continue reading

[pib] India Hosts Digital Health Side Event at World Health Assembly

Why in the News? India hosted a side event on Digital Health during the 77th World Health Assembly.The event saw participation from Quad countries (Australia, Japan, and the United States of America) and delegates from over 100 countries. Key Highlights of the 7th WHA: Transformative Role: India highlighted digital health’s role in ensuring equitable and… Continue reading

An overview of the AMRUT scheme | Explained

Why in the News? By 2047, over 50% of India’s population will be urban. The AMRUT scheme launched in 2015 and updated in 2021, addresses urban infrastructure needs. About Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation -AMRUT: It is a flagship urban development scheme launched by the Government of India in June 2015. The mission… Continue reading

Open access is crucial for self-reliance in science

Why in the News? As per Nature Index” India’s scientific prowess is rising but lacks essential research infrastructure. Initiatives like I-STEM aim to bridge this gap by democratizing access to advanced facilities. The Indian Science Ecosystem: Growth in Research: India ranks third globally in research output and eleventh in research quality according to the “Nature… Continue reading

What is Golden Rice?

Why in the News? The Court of Appeals in the Philippines revoked biosafety permits for GM Golden Rice and BT eggplant, citing safety violations and ordering a halt until issues are resolved. Golden Rice and Bt Eggplant in the Philippines What is Golden Rice? Golden Rice is a variety of rice (Oryza sativa) developed through… Continue reading

RBI launches PRAVAAH, Retail Direct mobile app and FinTech Repository

Why in the News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently introduced three significant initiatives: the PRAVAAH portal, the RBI Retail Direct mobile application, and the FinTech Repository. These initiatives aim to streamline regulatory processes, empower retail investors, and provide insights into the fintech sector. 1. PRAVAAH Portal: The PRAVAAH portal (Platform for Regulatory Application,… Continue reading

Kanyakumari’s Vivekananda Rock

Why in the News? Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced his plan to visit and meditate at the Vivekananda Rock Memorial in Kanyakumari, Tamil Nadu marking the culmination of the Lok Sabha election campaign. About Vivekananda Rock: Vivekananda Rock Memorial is located in Kanyakumari’s Vavathurai beach, Tamil Nadu. It is situated on a rock island at… Continue reading

In news: Sharavathi River

Why in the News? The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the State Environment Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA) and the mines and geology department to stop any unlawful/illegal sand mining in the Sharavathi River coastal zone. About National Green Tribunal (NGT) Description Establishment Formed in 2010 under the National Green Tribunal Act as a statutory… Continue reading

[29 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Constitution, a surprise entrant in poll battlefield

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q. Discuss each adjective attached to the word ‘Republic’ in the preamble. Are they defendable in the present circumstances stances? (UPSC IAS/2016)Q. ‘Constitutional Morality’ is rooted in the Constitution itself and is founded on its essential facets. Explain the doctrine of ‘Constitutional Morality’ with the help of relevant judicial decisions. (UPSC IAS/2021)… Continue reading

Explained: The challenges in curbing cultivation of a banned rice variety in Punjab

Why in the News? Punjab’s paddy farmers have begun sowing seeds for this year’s kharif season, despite the ban on variety PUSA-44 that was implemented last year. About the Cultivation of Paddy Varieties like PUSA-44: Pusa-44 is a long-duration paddy variety bred by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) and has been a key contributor… Continue reading

Genetic Mysteries of Microcephaly: The Role of SASS6 Gene

Why in the News? A gene called SASS6 (Spindle Assembly Abnormal Protein 6) and its variants have been found to play a key role in a developmental process that causes “Microcephaly”. What is Microcephaly? Microcephaly is a condition where a baby’s head is much smaller than normal. It is associated with a smaller brain, poor… Continue reading

NASA’s PREFIRE Mission to study Earth’s Polar Regions

Why in the News? NASA launched the ” PREFIRE mission”, deploying twin CubeSats to study heat emissions in the Arctic and Antarctic regions, aiming to enhance climate research. What are CubeSats? CubeSats are essentially miniature satellites whose basic design is a 10 cm x 10 cm x 10 cm (which makes up for “one unit”… Continue reading

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