Medicine Nobel Prize 2023 for mRNA Vaccine Discovery

Central Idea Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman, the 2023 medicine Nobel laureates, have earned acclaim for their groundbreaking contributions to the field of mRNA technology. Their work has transformed our understanding of mRNA’s interaction with the immune system, leading to the rapid development of vaccines, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic. What is mRNA? Messenger RNA… Continue reading

Challenges with MGNREGA’s Social Audit Mechanism

Central Idea The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme has faced persistent criticism, with allegations of high corruption rates. A critical component meant to address this issue is the social audit units tasked with detecting malpractice within the program. However, the recovery of embezzled funds has been notably ineffective. What is MGNREGS?… Continue reading

Karman Line: The Boundary of Space

Central Idea Boundaries serve a crucial purpose in scientific understanding by providing clarity and distinction to elements that might otherwise merge. One such significant boundary is the Karman Line, which plays a pivotal role in delineating Earth’s atmosphere from outer space. What is Karman Line? The Karman Line is an abstract boundary positioned at an… Continue reading

Project Udbhav: Rediscovering India’s Strategic Heritage for Modern Defense

Central Idea The Indian Army has launched Project Udbhav, an initiative aimed at rediscovering the profound heritage of statecraft and strategic thinking from ancient Indian texts. Project Udbhav Project Udbhav is conducted in collaboration by Indian Army and the United Service Institution of India, a defense think-tank. The primary goal is to comprehend the depths… Continue reading

Story of Mahatma Gandhi’s Portrait on Indian Banknotes

Central Idea Mahatma Gandhi seems a natural choice for the face of Indian currency as the Father of the Nation. This wasn’t until 1996 that his image became a permanent fixture on legal banknotes issued by the RBI, the nation’s central bank and regulatory authority for the Indian banking system. Gandhi’s Portrait on Indian Currency… Continue reading

Concerns of using Aadhaar in Welfare Schemes

Central Idea Moody’s Investor Service released a report titled ‘Decentralised Finance and Digital Assets,’ advocating for decentralized digital identity systems over centralised biometric systems like India’s Aadhaar. The report raises concerns about security and privacy vulnerabilities associated with Aadhaar (being managed by Govt of India) and questions its effectiveness. India’s Response to Moody’s Report In… Continue reading

Duarte Agostinho Case: A Youth-led Climate Lawsuit

Central Idea On September 27, a historic legal battle in the climate action movement commenced at the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France. This courtroom showdown featured 32 European governments, including the UK, Russia, and Turkey, facing off against six young individuals from Portugal, aged 11 to 24. Why discuss this? Youth-led climate… Continue reading

Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reaches 31-month high

Central Idea Surge in PMI to 31-month high: The S&P Global India Manufacturing PMI soared to 58.7 in May, the highest level in 31 months. Service Sector The service sector, also known as the tertiary sector, includes a wide range of economic activities that are focused on providing intangible goods and services to customers.… Continue reading

In news: SASTRA Ramanujan Prize

Central Idea Ruixiang Zhang, an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, is set to receive the prestigious 2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for his exceptional contributions to the field of mathematics. SASTRA Ramanujan Prize Establishment Recognizes outstanding contributions to mathematics Inspiration Named in honor of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan Awarded by Shanmugha Arts, Science,… Continue reading

Electoral Bond Sale: Impact on Political Funding

Central Idea The government announced the 28th tranche of Electoral Bond sales, scheduled to take place over a ten-day span at authorized branches of the State Bank of India. Why discuss Electoral Bonds? Impact on Political Funding: The announcement of the upcoming electoral bond sale has implications for political funding in India. As part of… Continue reading

Dawn of Passkeys: A Password-Free Future

Central Idea In 1961, MIT computer science professor Fernando Corbato introduced the world to digital passwords, an innovation designed for research purposes. Little did he know the profound societal impact his creation would eventually wield. Why discuss this? Passwords have become nearly synonymous with cybersecurity in the 21st century, albeit with an unsavory connotation. Despite… Continue reading

Debate over Temple Priest Appointments in Tamil Nadu

Central Idea The Supreme Court has issued an order for maintaining the current state of affairs regarding the appointment of archakas (priests) in Agamic temples in Tamil Nadu. The reforms introduced by the ruling government, aiming to change the hereditary system of appointing archakas, have faced opposition from the association of archakas. Why discuss this?… Continue reading

Maldives Presidential Elections: Geopolitical Implications

Central Idea The Maldives’ presidential election run-off is set to “safeguard the country’s independence and sovereignty” amidst strong ties with India. In addition to the presidential election, Maldivians will vote in a referendum next month to decide whether to switch to a parliamentary system of governance. Key Points and Geopolitical Significance [A] Electoral System French-Style… Continue reading

Status of Dumpsite Remediation across India

Central Idea Dumpsite remediation in India holds immense significance due to its profound impact on the environment, public health, and overall quality of life. These unregulated dumpsites release harmful gases, pollute air and water, and pose severe health risks to nearby communities. Dumpsite Remediation: Government Initiatives and Progress Govt Commitment: The Indian government aims to… Continue reading

Lesser-Known Facets of Bhagat Singh’s Life

Central Idea Bhagat Singh, born on September 28, 1907, in the village of Banga (now in Faisalabad, Pakistan), is celebrated as a charismatic revolutionary who sacrificed his life for the cause of Indian independence at the young age of 23. Five Lesser-Known Aspects of Bhagat Singh’s Life [1] A Family of Progressive Freedom Fighters Anti-Colonial… Continue reading

Gujarat bans Conocarpus Plant

Central Idea Gujarat has issued a circular to control the growth of the exotic species Conocarpus, citing adverse impacts on the environment and human health. About Conocarpus Plant Classified as invasive, Conocarpus is a mangrove During the winter season, these trees produce flowers, releasing pollen in nearby regions. In India, various public authorities have used… Continue reading

Inside the Digital World of Cookies

Central Idea In the online world, digital cookies hold a significant role, contributing to personalization and user convenience. These unobtrusive lines of code, quietly stored on devices during website visits, shape the online experiences we encounter. Understanding How Cookies Work Cookies as Digital Keys: Think of cookies as keys to an exclusive club. Just as… Continue reading

Bridging Gender Gaps in Cancer Care: The Lancet Commission Report

Central Idea The Lancet Commission report ‘Women, Power and Cancer’ spotlights the gender disparities in cancer care that persist in India. Women dying of Cancer: Alarming Statistics The report emphasizes that approximately 6.9 million cancer-related deaths among Indian women were preventable, and 4.03 million were treatable. It revealed that a staggering 63% of premature cancer-related… Continue reading

India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) Widens: Implications and Outlook

Central Idea Data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reveals that India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) expanded significantly to $9.2 billion, equivalent to 1.1% of GDP, during the April-June quarter. This represents a substantial increase from the preceding three months when it stood at $1.3 billion, or 0.2% of GDP. Contrasting with the… Continue reading

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