Kharsawan Massacre of 1948: A Tragic Chapter in Jharkhand’s History

Central Idea On January 1, 1948, the town of Kharsawan in present-day Jharkhand witnessed a massacre reminiscent of what happened in Jallianwala Bagh in 1919. Police opened fire at a crowd gathered for a protest and the weekly haat (market), killing hundreds, or by some accounts, thousands of Adivasis. Kharsawan Massacre: A Background Since the… Continue reading

Earthquake and Tsunami strikes Central Japan

Central Idea On January 1, 2024, a 7.5-magnitude earthquake hit Ishikawa prefecture in Japan, triggering tsunami waves over a meter high. Japan’s Geographical Vulnerability Japan’s geographical vulnerability, particularly concerning plate tectonics, is a critical aspect of its environmental and disaster management challenges. The country’s location at the convergence of several major tectonic plates makes it… Continue reading

Virtual Digital Asset Regulation: Global Perspectives and Challenges

Central Idea The Financial Intelligence Unit India (FIU IND) issued notices to offshore virtual digital asset service providers (VDA SPs) for non-compliance with the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA). A request was made to the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology to block URLs of these entities. About Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs) Digital… Continue reading

India, Pakistan conduct Annual Exchange of List of Nuclear Installations

Central Idea India and Pakistan has exchanged a list of their nuclear installations that cannot be attacked in case of an escalation in hostilities. Non-Nuclear Aggression Agreement The Non-nuclear aggression agreement is a bilateral and nuclear weapons control treaty between India and Pakistan, on the reduction (or limitation) of nuclear arms. Both pledged not to… Continue reading

How the Northeast was ‘invented’, 52 years ago?

Central Idea On December 30, 1971, two pivotal laws were enacted, reshaping the administrative landscape of Northeast India. These laws marked a transition from the traditional unit of Assam to the broader concept of ‘Northeast India’. Formation and Composition of Northeast India States in the Northeast: The region officially includes Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya,… Continue reading

Evolution of Genomic Medicine: Research to Mainstream Healthcare

Central Idea Over the past two decades, genomics and the use of genetic information in healthcare have undergone significant transformations. Once limited to major research centers, personal genome sequencing has become widely accessible, empowering individuals with detailed knowledge of their genetic makeup. What is genome sequencing? Genome sequencing is the process of determining the complete… Continue reading

Proposed Health Tax on Sugar and High-Calorie Foods in India

Central Idea Public health researchers recommend a health tax of 20% to 30% on sugar, sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs), and high-fat, salt, and sugar (HFSS) products, in addition to the existing GST. The recommendation stems from a UNICEF-funded project, aiming to influence policies to reduce sugar consumption. Study Insights and Recommendations Targeting Bulk Consumers: The study… Continue reading

How Centre plans to regulate Content on OTT and Digital Media?

Central Idea The Centre’s new draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023, aims to revamp the regulatory framework for the broadcasting sector in India. The Bill extends regulatory oversight from conventional television services to OTT platforms, digital content, and emerging technologies. Key Provisions of the Draft Bill Single Legal Framework: The Bill seeks to establish a… Continue reading

Census postponed to October 2024

Central Idea Initially planned for 2020, the Census exercise is now postponed to at least October 2024, considering the time required for preparatory activities post-boundary setting. The delay also postpones the implementation of the law reserving 33% of seats for women in Parliament and State Assemblies, which is contingent on Census completion. About the Census… Continue reading

Arvind Panagariya appointed as Sixteenth Finance Commission chief

Central Idea The Centre has appointed Arvind Panagariya, a renowned trade economist and former Niti Aayog vice chairman, as the chairman of the Sixteenth Finance Commission. Who is Arvind Panagariya? Panagariya is a professor at Columbia University. He served as the first vice chairman of the Niti Aayog from 2015 to 2017, succeeding the Planning… Continue reading

Genocide Convention invoked in Israel-Palestinian War

Central Idea South Africa has petitioned the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to declare Israel in breach of the 1948 Genocide Convention. Genocide Convention, 1948 Details Full Name Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide Adoption Date December 9, 1948 Primary Aim To prevent and punish the crime of genocide Definition… Continue reading

ISRO launches X-Ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) Mission

Central Idea The Indian Space Research Organisation has rang in the new year with the launch of the PSLV-C58 X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) mission on January 1, 2024. About XPoSat Mission Orbital Details: XPoSat will operate in a Low Earth Orbit at an altitude of about 650 km, with a low inclination of around 6… Continue reading

Chameleon Trojan: Compromising Biometric Security on Android Devices

Central Idea Security researchers have identified an updated version of the ‘Chameleon Trojan’ malware, capable of disabling biometric authentication methods. Chameleon Trojan The malware’s primary objective is to steal the phone’s PIN by bypassing fingerprint and face unlock security features. This trojan attaches itself to legitimate Android applications, such as Google Chrome, to evade detection.… Continue reading

In news: Maulana Azad National Fellowship

Central Idea Research students have raised concerns about the disparity in scholarship amounts under the Maulana Azad National Fellowship (MANF) compared to other research fellowships. About Maulana Azad National Fellowship Details Objective To support students from minority communities in pursuing M.Phil. and Ph.D. Launch Launched by the Ministry of Minority Affairs, Government of India Eligibility… Continue reading

Analyzing the Slowdown in India’s Core Sector

Central Idea India’s eight core sectors experienced a significant slowdown, growing by 7.8% in November, down from 12% in October. About Core Industries in India The main or key industries constitute the core sectors of an economy. In India, eight sectors are considered the core sectors. These sectors are in decreasing order of their weightage:… Continue reading

Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023: Key Features and Changes

Central Idea The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, faced opposition uproar but was passed in the Rajya Sabha on August 3. Subsequently, it was approved in the Lok Sabha on December 21, marking its legislative passage. Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill: Purpose and Objectives Repealing the 1867 Act: The Bill aims to… Continue reading

Strategy and Foreign Affairs for India in 2024

Central Idea Contradiction in Global Aspirations: Despite calls for peace, 2023 witnessed the continuation and emergence of significant conflicts, notably between Russia and Ukraine, and in the Gaza Strip. China’s Stance: Amidst its economic challenges, China’s aggressive posture remains a concern for the West and India, adding to the global tension. 2023: Strategic Realities and… Continue reading

Legal and Ethical Dimensions of Polygraph Tests in India

Central Idea In the ongoing investigation of the Parliament security breach, Delhi Police sought court permission for polygraph tests on six accused to uncover their motives. A polygraph test, commonly known as a lie detector test, measures physiological responses believed to differ when a person lies. Mechanics of a Polygraph Test Physiological Monitoring: The test… Continue reading

Understanding the Psychology and Impact of Plastic Consumption

Central Idea Pervasiveness of Plastic: Plastic, with its beneficial properties like durability, has become a ubiquitous part of modern life. Environmental Impact: Approximately 50% of plastic is used only once before being discarded, contributing to significant environmental issues, including ocean pollution. Psychological Aspects of Plastic Use Consumer Behavior Influence: The omnipresence of plastic shapes consumer… Continue reading

Decriminalising Medical Negligence: Views from both sides of the bed

Central Idea A women recently died from septic shock after a surgery in Jamshedpur, leading her brother to allege medical negligence due to unauthorized surgeon substitution and lack of postoperative care. The case has ignited discussions on the legal and ethical aspects of medical negligence in India, amidst proposed changes to exempt doctors from criminal… Continue reading

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