Mapping: Garo Hills

Why in the news? Geological Survey of India (GSI) explorers have made a breakthrough, uncovering ancient fossils in Tolegre, South Garo Hills of Meghalaya. It is speculated that the fossils could be linked to the genera Rhodocetus or Amulocetus (now extinct), considered ancestors of modern whales. About Garo Hills The Garo Hills, located in Meghalaya,… Continue reading

Mapping: Hopen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago

Why in the news? Researchers disclosed that one of Norway’s Hopen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago witnessed its first walrus death due to Bird Flu (H5N1). About Hopen Island in the Svalbard Archipelago Hopen Island is situated in the southern part of the Svalbard Archipelago, between the Barents Sea and the Greenland Sea. The island… Continue reading

[3 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Judiciary’s Shadow over Standard-Essential Patents

Mains PYQ Relevance: Q) To achieve the desired objectives, it is necessary to ensure that the regulatory institutions remain independent and autonomous. Discuss in the light of experiences in the recent past. (UPSC IAS/2015) Q) The product diversification of financial institutions and insurance companies, resulting in the overlapping of products and services strengthens the case… Continue reading

Why are Indian spices facing the heat? | Explained

Why in the News? Many have announced an investigation into possible contamination of spice mixes sold by top Indian brands like MDH and Everest Masalas. Delhi-based think tank Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) in a recent note held, “With nearly $700 million worth of exports to critical markets at stake.” What is Ethylene Oxide (ETO)?… Continue reading

A computer science conundrum that could transform healthcare

Why in the News? Indian Health Care system faces a new set of complex problems that seem to be harder to solve because of their inherent complexity and the constraints they threaten to impose on resources. Quick Problems versus Complex Problems in Health Care: Healthcare is filled with complex problems. Consider scheduling in a hospital:… Continue reading

[PREMIUM] To the South Pole – Antarctica

Why in the news? The Antarctic Treaty has sparked debates among policymakers, scientists, and the public, as they weigh the balance between environmental conservation, economic interests, and geopolitical concerns in Antarctica. About Antarctica Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent, covering an area of approximately 14 million square km. It is situated entirely within the Antarctic Circle,… Continue reading

Hindu Marriage not valid without requisite Ceremonies: SC

Why in the news? The Supreme Court recently emphasized the sacredness of Hindu marriage, stating it is not merely a social event but a ‘samskara’ and a sacrament of significant value in Indian society. The court’s observations came in response to a case involving two commercial pilots seeking a divorce decree without a valid Hindu… Continue reading

Moon occulting the Antares (Jyeshtha)

Why in the news? The Bengaluru-based Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) captured the moon passing in front of Antares, a bright red star. Moon occasionally occults bright stars such as Antares and planets as it orbits the Earth once a month. About Antares (Jyeshtha) Antares is a red supergiant star also called ‘Alpha Scorpii,’ located… Continue reading

Budgets and Bills passed with little deliberation

Why in the news? Madhya Pradesh passed 85% of its Budget without discussion in 2023 followed by Kerala and Jharkhand. These observations are based on repot of PRS Legislative Research’s Annual Review of State Laws 2023.The report analyses the performance of State legislatures in various key functions. BACK2BASICS: What is Public Accounts Committee (PAC)? The… Continue reading

[pib] 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46)

Why in the news? The Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) will host the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) in Kochi, Kerala. About Antarctic Treaty Details Signing and Entry into Force Signed on December 1, 1959 at Washington DC. Entered into force on June 23, 1961. 12 Initial Countries: Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France,… Continue reading

Studies Suggest More Water Ice on Moon: ISRO

Why in the news? A study has revealed evidence for enhanced possibility of sub-surface water ice occurrence in the polar craters of the Moon, according to ISRO. Water Ice on Moon: ISRO’s Findings The research indicates that the amount of sub-surface ice within the first few meters is significantly greater, about 5-8x more, than that… Continue reading

Patachitra Scroll Paintings

Why in the news? Patachitra Paintings of women in Paschim Medinipur’s Pingla block in West Bengal has become popular worldwide. About Bengal Patachitra Patachitra, also spelled as Pattachitra, is a traditional form of scroll painting that originated in the eastern Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal, as well as parts of Bangladesh. The term… Continue reading

[1 May 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Make EPI an ‘Essential Programme on Immunization’

Mains PYQ Relevance: Q) Identify the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that are related to health.Discuss the success of the actions taken by the Government for achieving the same. (UPSC IAS/2013) Q) “Besides being a moral imperative of a Welfare State, primary health structure is a necessary precondition for sustainable development.” Analyse. (UPSC IAS/2021) Prelims:‘Mission Indradhanush’… Continue reading

[PREMIUM] Views on inflation: A matter of interest

Why in the News? AAZData released showed that Retail Inflation had edged marginally upward last month. What is Inflation? Inflation, as per the definition provided by the International Monetary Fund, represents the pace at which prices rise within a specified timeframe, covering a comprehensive assessment of general price escalations or those about particular goods and… Continue reading

Implementing the Street Vendors Act

Why in the News? The Street Vendors Act was celebrated as a progressive legislation, but the law now faces numerous challenges in its implementation. The Street Vendors (Protection of Livelihood and Regulation of Street Vending) Act, 2014: Details Introduction and Objective Introduced in Lok Sabha on 6 September 2012 by Kumari Selja, Union Minister of… Continue reading

Constitution and the Redistribution of wealth

Why in the news? The debate surrounding the redistribution of wealth has piqued interest during the ongoing election campaigns. What does the Constitution provide? Preamble to the Constitution: It outlines the objectives of the Constitution, including securing social, and economic justice, liberty, and equality for all citizens. Part III and IV: These are principles that… Continue reading

[PREMIUM] Conflict Regions in West Asia

Why in the news? The resurgence of West Asian rivalries has been reignited by the ongoing Hamas-Israel War, which commenced on October 7, 2023. With a backdrop of historical conflicts, including the Iran-Iraq War and Israel’s engagements with Hezbollah and Hamas, the current conflict is escalating tensions in the region. About West Asia [A] Political… Continue reading

Taam Ja’: World’s Deepest Blue Hole

Why in the news? Researchers have made a discovery in Mexico, uncovering the world’s deepest blue hole, known as Taam Ja’ Blue Hole (TJBH). What are Blue Holes? Blue holes, such as TJBH, are formed in coastal regions with soluble bedrock, such as limestone, marble, or gypsum. Water percolates through the rock, dissolving minerals and… Continue reading

Unveiling of Raja Ravi Varma’s Indulekha Painting

Why in the News? The first true copy of Raja Ravi Varma’s painting “Indulekha” will be unveiled at Kilimanoor Palace, the birthplace of the legendary artist, on his 176th birth anniversary celebrations. About the Indulekha Painting: The painting depicts Indulekha, the protagonist of the first modern Malayalam novel by O. Chandu Menon, published in 1889.… Continue reading

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