Health Sector can’t ignore Telemedicine’s Green Gains, study shows

Why in the news? Recently a study by researchers at the L.V. Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), Hyderabad, has found that around 70-80% of people who visit an Eye Hospital can benefit from teleconsultations because their problems aren’t serious enough to require attention at a hospital. Key points as report: Telemedicine in High-Income Countries: Studies in… Continue reading

The ‘import restrictions’ on solar PV cells | Explained

Context: The Finance Minister proposed the ₹19,500 crore PLI scheme in the Union Budget of 2022-23. This was to scale domestic manufacturing of the entire solar supply chain — from polysilicon to solar modules. The government also introduced a steep 40% customs duty on PV modules and 25% on PV cells. BACK2BASICS What is the… Continue reading

[pib] IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum

Why in the news? The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) Clean Economy Investor Forum is set to be held in Singapore. About IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum The IPEF Clean Economy Investor Forum brings together the region’s top investors, philanthropies, financial institutions, innovative companies, start-ups and entrepreneurs. The Forum aims to mobilize investments into… Continue reading

POEM-3: ISRO’s ‘Zero Orbital Debris’ Milestone

Why in the news? The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said its PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission has practically left zero debris in earth’s orbit. About PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) Launched on January 1, 2024, POEM-3 utilized the spent PS4 stage of the PSLV-C58 vehicle, which initially launched XPoSat. It is a three-axis-altitude controlled platform with… Continue reading

In news: Cantonment Boards

Why in the news? The Centre has reportedly initiated measures to reduce the land jurisdiction of 10 major cantonment boards across five states. In May 2023, the Centre had kicked off a plan to abolish all 62 colonial-era Cantonments across the country. What are Cantonments? Cantonments are Permanent military stations where a group of military… Continue reading

[pib] National Green Hydrogen Mission

Why in the news? The Ministry of New & Renewable Energy has unveiled Guidelines for the implementation of an R&D Scheme under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The scheme aims to catalyze advancements in the production, storage, transportation, and utilization of green hydrogen, with a focus on affordability, efficiency, safety, and reliability. Hydrogen Energy: A… Continue reading

India’s Soil Erosion Trends: Insights from a New Study

Why in the news? Titled “Geospatial modelling and mapping of soil erosion in India,” the report marks the first attempt to classify soil erosion on a pan-India basis. The study categorizes soil erosion into six classifications, ranging from “minor” to “catastrophic,” based on the amount of soil eroded per hectare over a year. Soil Erosion… Continue reading

Sangeet Natak Akademi organizes ‘Shakti – Festival of Music and Dance’

Why in the news? Sangeet Natak Akademi is set to host ‘Shakti, a festival of music and dance’ as part of its Kala Pravah series at 7 Shaktipeeths. Shakti – Festival of Music and Dance Events will be held at: Kamakhya Temple, Guwahati Mahalakshmi Temple, Kolhapur, Maharashtra Jwalamukhi Temple, Kangada, Himachal Pradesh Tripura Sundari Temple,… Continue reading

[9 April 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Indian aviation, a case of air safety at a discount

PYQ Relevance: Mains: Q) Examine the development of Airports in India through joint ventures under Public – Private Partnership (PPP) model. What are the challenges faced by the authorities in this regard? (UPSC CSE 2017) Q) International civil aviation laws provide all countries complete and exclusive sovereignty over the airspace above their territory. What do… Continue reading

Heat affects India’s aim to move from coal to renewables

Why in the News? The India Meteorological Department (IMD) recently said that India will have more than the ‘usual’ number of days with heat waves in this summer. Increasing Temperature in India and its impact as per IMD: Temperature Predictions: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts “above-normal” temperatures for April-June 2024, with a probability of… Continue reading

Marching ahead with technology absorption

Why in the news? The Indian Army is observing the year 2024 as the ‘Year of Technology Absorption’. The Indian military is moving in the right direction, but the challenge lies in sustaining technology absorption with a nuanced understanding of the requirements What is Technology absorption in terms of disruptive technology (DT)? It comprises Artificial… Continue reading

The citizen’s ‘climate rights’

Why in the news? The Supreme Court recently held that people have a fundamental right to be free from the adverse effects of climate change while emphasizing that countries like India must uphold their international obligations for healthy and sustainable development [M K Ranjitsinh & Ors. vs Union of India]. Background of M K… Continue reading

Why have ‘Madrasas’ been in the spotlight in Uttar Pradesh? | Explained

Why in the news? Recently the three-judge Supreme Court Bench stayed a ruling of the Allahabad High Court on the U.P. Board of Madrasa Education Act 2004 calling it an infringement of the Fundamental Rights guaranteed under the Constitution. Earlier, the HC had dubbed the U.P. Board of Madrasa Education Act “Unconstitutional” and asked for… Continue reading

What is Consumer Confidence Survey?

Why in the news? The latest Consumer Confidence Survey conducted by the Reserve Bank of India in March 2024 reveals a significant boost in consumer confidence, particularly regarding future expectations. It says consumer confidence has hit highest level in nearly 5 years. What is Consumer Confidence Survey (CCS)? The RBI conducts a bi-monthly Consumer Confidence… Continue reading

Insights from History: Coalition Governments in Colonial India

Why in the news? Prime Minister recently suggested a link between the Congress manifesto and the Muslim League (which is responsible for the Partition of India), prompting a political debate. In rebuttal, critics reminded of a coalition governments formed by Hindu Mahasabha in Bengal, Sindh, and North-West Frontier Province (NWFP) in the 1940s with the… Continue reading

India secures Rights to operate Sittwe Port in Myanmar

Why in the news? After Chabahar, India has gained the rights to operate a second overseas port, Sittwe, in Myanmar. This development is part of the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport project, which aims to provide alternate connectivity from the eastern coast of India to the northeastern states through the Sittwe port. About India Ports Global… Continue reading

VVPAT Verification in Elections

Why in the news? The Supreme Court has decided to address petitions advocating for a comprehensive verification of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) slips in upcoming general elections. What are VVPATs? VVPAT machines, attached to Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), print a slip showing the voter’s choice, allowing voters to verify their vote for 7… Continue reading

Imposition of Anti-Dumping Duty on Sodium Cyanide

Why in the news? The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) has recently recommended the imposition of an anti-dumping duty on sodium cyanide (NaCN) imported from China, the European Union, Japan, and Korea. Sodium Cyanide and Its Applications Sodium cyanide is a deadly toxic, white, crystalline compound with the chemical formula NaCN. It is a… Continue reading

In news: Gape Limitation

This newscard is an excerpt from the original article published in TH. What is Gape Limitation? In ecology, the concept of ‘gape limitation’ sheds light on a simple yet crucial idea: predators can only eat prey that fit into their mouths. It dictates the range of prey accessible to predators, influencing the dynamics of ecological… Continue reading

What is the technology behind manufacturing a semiconductor chip?

Why in the News? The Union Cabinet has sanctioned the setup of three semiconductor facilities as part of the initiative to develop semiconductor and display manufacturing ecosystems in the country. One is in Assam and the other two are in Gujarat. Need for Semiconductor hub in India: Right now, only a few countries in the… Continue reading

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