Red Sea Crisis: Impact on Global and Indian Trade

Introduction Houthi Militia Attacks: Since November, attacks by the Houthi militia of Yemen have rendered the Red Sea, a crucial marine route via the Suez Canal, unsafe for cargo ships. Alternative Route: This has led to a significant rerouting of cargo, with ships now taking the longer Cape of Good Hope route, affecting global trade… Continue reading

From Red Ant Chutney to Black Rice: 7 Odisha products have bagged GI tags

Introduction Seven products from Odisha, including traditional foods and handicrafts, have received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. About GI Tag A GI is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin. Nodal Agency: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal… Continue reading

First Advance Estimates of India’s GDP out

Introduction Growth Projection: India’s GDP is projected to grow by 7.3% in the financial year 2023-24, as per the First Advance Estimates (FAEs) released by the government. Comparison with Previous Year: This rate is slightly higher than the 7.2% growth recorded in 2022-23. What is Gross Domestic Product (GDP)? Definition: GDP quantifies the total monetary… Continue reading

AI-Driven Bio-Imaging Bank for Cancer Detection

Introduction The rising number of cancer cases and the shortage of specialists present a significant challenge in reducing fatalities. Mumbai’s Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH) is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to create a ‘Bio-Imaging Bank’ for early-stage cancer detection. What is a ‘Bio-Imaging Bank’? Comprehensive Repository: The Bio-Imaging Bank is a repository containing radiology and pathology… Continue reading

Social Media row between India and Maldives over Tourism

Introduction Trigger: PM Modi’s social media posts promoting tourism in Lakshadweep led to a contentious exchange between Maldivian politicians, government officials, and Indian social media users. Context: The posts highlighted Lakshadweep’s beauty but did not mention the Maldives or other island nations. Maldivian Reaction: Following PM Modi’s posts, some Maldivian social media users, including government… Continue reading

IIT-D develops India’s first National Landslide Susceptibility Map

Introduction In the wake of severe monsoon-triggered landslides, IIT Delhi has developed its first National Landslide Susceptibility Map. About National Landslide Susceptibility Map High-Resolution Mapping: The map offers a detailed (100 sq. m resolution) overview of landslide susceptibility across India, including previously unrecognized areas. Revealing New Risk Zones: It highlights traditional high-risk areas and uncovers… Continue reading

Aditya-L1 successfully placed in a Halo Orbit around L1 Point

Introduction The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a significant milestone by placing the Aditya-L1 spacecraft in a halo orbit around the Lagrangian point (L1). Launched on September 2, 2023, Aditya-L1 reached the L1 point on January 6, after a 127-day journey covering 1.5 million km. What is a Halo Orbit? Halo orbits are… Continue reading

SEBI strengthens regulations for Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs)

Introduction The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has implemented its decisions, introducing significant changes to the regulations governing Alternate Investment Funds (AIFs). These include extending the mandatory custodian appointment to smaller AIFs and requiring the dematerialization of AIF investments. About Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) Details Definition AIFs are privately pooled investment vehicles established… Continue reading

Kannada Signboard Controversy and Vandalism in Bengaluru

Introduction Activists protested against non-Kannada signboards in Bengaluru, leading to vandalism across the city. Kannada Signboards Issue Demand for Kannada Signboards: The issue dates back to the early 2000s when Bengaluru emerged as a global IT hub. The then Chief Minister S.M. Krishna issued a circular in 2002 for Kannada signboards, which lacked legal backing.… Continue reading

Secularism and Multiculturalism in India and Europe

Introduction Prof. Akeel Bilgrami, a distinguished professor from Columbia University, delivered a lecture at Madras Christian College in Tambaram. His talk, titled ‘Gandhi in his time and ours: Reflections on Secularism and Multiculturalism’, explored the nuances of secularism in India and Europe. Prof Bilgrami on Secularism He emphasized on three commitments primarily on which Secularism… Continue reading

India’s ‘Deep Tech’ Policy to get Cabinet nod

Introduction The Indian government is set to approve a new ‘deep tech’ policy. Following public comments on the draft released in July 2023, the final version of the policy is ready for Cabinet approval. Understanding ‘Deep Tech’ Definition and Scope: ‘Deep tech’ refers to startups that develop intellectual property based on new scientific breakthroughs,… Continue reading

Paleolithic Tools Discovered in Telangana’s Mulugu District

Introduction Floods Uncover Historical Artifacts: The recent floods in Mulugu district, Telangana, have led to the discovery of Paleolithic quartzite tools, shedding new light on the region’s ancient human habitation. Discovery by Amateur Historians: The tools were found in a dried-up stream bed by a team led by Sriramoju Haragopal, an amateur historian. About Paleolithic… Continue reading

ISRO Successfully Tests Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell in Space

Introduction The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has successfully tested a 100 W class Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cell based Power System (FCPS) in space. The FCPS was part of the POEM3 orbital platform, launched onboard PSLV-C58 on January 1, 2024. About FCPS Experiment Primary Goal: The experiment aimed to assess the operation of Polymer… Continue reading

Cabinet approves Prithvi Vigyan Scheme for Earth Sciences

Introduction The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister, has sanctioned the “Prithvi Vigyan (Prithvi)” scheme, a significant project of the Ministry of Earth Sciences. With a budget of Rs 4,797 crore, the scheme is planned for the period from 2021 to 2026. About Prithvi Vigyan Scheme Consolidation of Programs: The Prithvi scheme unifies five existing… Continue reading

In news: DigiYatra Initiative

Central Idea Travellers at Indian airports have raised privacy concerns over the Digi Yatra initiative, which involves collecting facial biometrics without explicit consent. About DigiYatra DigiYatra offers paperless airport entry using facial recognition technology. It aims for paperless, contactless airport checkpoints, identifying travelers by facial features linked to boarding passes. This system automates passenger entry… Continue reading

Justice BR Gavai appointed as Chairman of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee

Introduction Justice BR Gavai has been appointed as the Chairman of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC), succeeding Justice Sanjiv Khanna. Understanding the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee Constitution and Purpose: The SCLSC, established under Section 3A of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987, aims to provide free legal services to weaker sections of… Continue reading

Zosurabalpin: Antibiotic against Drug-Resistant Bacteria

Introduction New Antibiotic Class: Researchers have identified zosurabalpin, a new class of antibiotics showing potential against the drug-resistant bacterium Acinetobacter baumannii. Effective against CRAB: Zosurabalpin has been found effective against carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB)-induced pneumonia and sepsis in mouse models. About Zosurabalpin Development Process: The antibiotic originated from a tethered macrocyclic peptide (MCP) selectively targeting… Continue reading

[pib] Kochi-Lakshadweep Islands Submarine Optical Fiber Connection (KLI-SOFC) Project

Introduction The Prime Minister has inaugurated Kochi-Lakshadweep islands submarine optical fiber connection (KLI-SOFC) project. About KLI-SOFC Project The KLI-SOFC project extends submarine cable connectivity from Kochi to eleven Lakshadweep Islands, including Kavaratti, Agatti, and Minicoy. The project aims to provide high-speed wireline broadband connectivity through FTTH and 5G/4G Mobile networks to the Lakshadweep Islands population.… Continue reading

Tiger Sightings in Buxa National Park

Introduction Camera traps in the Buxa National Park, West Bengal captured images of a tiger, reigniting hopes among forest officials and experts. The last sighting before December 2021 was 23 years ago, indicating the tiger’s absence from the reserve for decades. Buxa Tiger Reserve: Geography and Ecology Details Location Alipurduar district, West Bengal, India. Near… Continue reading

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