Why Mumbai is witnessing more poor air quality days

Central Idea Mumbai, known for its coastal breeze and cleaner air, is grappling with an annual decline in air quality, resembling Delhi’s long-standing pollution woes. The city’s coastal location, once considered a safeguard against air pollution, is no longer a reliable defense. Air Quality Deterioration in Mumbai Geographic Advantage Eroded: Mumbai’s coastal location was historically… Continue reading

China’s TRIDENT Telescope: Oceanic Quest for Ghost Particles

Central Idea Chinese scientists are constructing the world’s most extensive “ghost particle” detector, named the Tropical Deep-sea Neutrino Telescope (TRIDENT) in the South China Sea. About TRIDENT Telescope Scheduled for completion in 2030, TRIDENT, aptly nicknamed “Ocean Bell” or “Hai ling” in Chinese. It will be positioned 11,500 feet (3,500 meters) beneath the ocean’s surface… Continue reading

United Nations at 76: From Inception to Evolution

Central Idea On this day in 1945, the United Nations (UN) was established amid a backdrop of global turmoil, emerging from the shadows of two devastating world wars. This article traces the birth of the UN, its historical evolution, and highlights both its notable achievements and challenges. Birth of the UN Post-World War Turmoil: Following… Continue reading

Back in news: Article 142 of the Constitution

Central Idea The Supreme Court has used its extraordinary constitutional power under Article 142 to do complete justice for a 50-year-old man who fought for nearly three decades against the postal department’s refusal to give him a job despite his name figuring high on the merit list. What is Article 142? Article 142 titled ‘Enforcement… Continue reading

Article 142 of Indian Constitution

Central idea: Supreme Court has ruled that it can dissolve a marriage on the ground of irretrievable breakdown, using its power under Article 142(1), without referring the parties to family court for waiting period of 6-18 months for mutual consent divorce. What is Article 142? Article 142 titled ‘Enforcement of decrees and orders of the… Continue reading

Dam Safety Act 2021

Central Idea India boasts nearly 6,000 large dams, but concerns loom over the safety of these structures, with approximately 80% of them being over 25 years old and posing safety risks. With numerous large dams and hydropower projects, the Himalayas play a crucial role in meeting India’s energy needs. However, the recent incident of a… Continue reading

Leniency Plus Norms to curb Cartelisation

Central Idea The Competition Commission of India (CCI) has unveiled a draft of revised lesser penalty regulations, introducing a groundbreaking “Leniency Plus” Norms and shedding light on its strategy for combating cartels. About Competition Commission of India (CCI) The CCI is the chief national competition regulator in India. It is a statutory body within the… Continue reading

How are Symbols allotted to Political Parties in India?

Central Idea A recent Supreme Court decision declining a plea by a political party in Telangana, questioning the allocation of election symbols, has thrown the spotlight on the intriguing world of political symbols in India. This article delves into the process of symbol allocation and its role in shaping the country’s political landscape. Symbols Allocation… Continue reading

RBI’s $5 Billion Forex Swap Matures

Central Idea As a $5 billion forex swap between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and banks approaches maturity, it signifies the central bank’s strategic move to manage liquidity and mitigate inflationary pressures. What is RBI’s Forex Swap? Forex Tool: The Dollar–Rupee Swap is a forex tool employed by the RBI to exchange its currency… Continue reading

Places in news: Edakkal Caves

Central Idea Kerala Tourism has launched a project to improve civic amenities around the Edakkal Caves in Wayanad, known for its rock art from prehistoric times. About Edakkal Caves The Edakkal Caves are situated in the Wayanad district of Kerala on Ambukutty Mala, a prominent hill in the region It is not a typical cave… Continue reading

Visa Shopping in India: Legal Implications and Opportunities

Central Idea The practice of ‘visa shopping’ is on the rise across various Indian states, most notably in Punjab, where travel agencies facilitate this process. Understanding Visa Shopping Definition: ‘Visa shopping’ entails obtaining visas for countries one may or may not intend to visit during the visa’s validity period. Purpose: Individuals opt for this practice… Continue reading

Bidenomics and Global Economic Landscape in 2024

Central Idea The year 2024 is poised to be a momentous one for the global economy, marked by significant elections in some of the world’s largest economies, including India, Russia, the UK, the EU, and the US. “Bidenomics” is the nickname for the economic vision of President Joe Biden. It’s used to convey his administration’s… Continue reading

Bats: Extraordinary Creatures and Genomic Secrets

Central Idea Bats, by many measures, are truly remarkable organisms. Their lives are notably extended, and they enjoy a unique defense against a range of diseases, including cancer. Bats in Numbers Significant Population: Bats constitute a substantial part of the mammal world, making up 20% of all mammal species globally. The planet is home to… Continue reading

Report Calls for Global Minimum Tax on Billionaires

Central Idea The release of the ‘Global Tax Evasion Report’ marks a pivotal moment in the global fight against tax evasion. This report serves as a comprehensive analysis of the state of global taxation and its implications. About Global Tax Evasion Report The ‘Global Tax Evasion Report’ is compiled by the EU Tax Observatory, a… Continue reading

Siena Galaxy Atlas: A Window into the Cosmos

Central Idea The Siena Galaxy Atlas (SGA) is an impressive digital collection showcasing approximately 400,000 galaxies located in the vicinity of our Milky Way. Siena Galaxy Atlas The SGA was created by amalgamating data from 3 distinct astronomical surveys conducted between 2014 and 2017. These surveys took place at two observatories, namely the Cerro Tololo… Continue reading

Rare Alupa Dynasty Inscription discovered

Central Idea An eminent archaeologist made a remarkable discovery during an archaeological expedition near Mangaluru. They uncovered a rare inscription linked to the Alupa dynasty, shedding new light on the region’s historical tapestry. About Alupa Dynasty Alupa Dynasty: The inscription marks the first recorded mention of the Alupa dynasty, a historically significant ruling lineage of… Continue reading

Explained: Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations

Central Idea The India-Canada crisis took a fresh turn as 41 diplomats were withdrawn from the country. India insisted that its actions are consistent with the tenets set forth in Article 11.1 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations. What is the Vienna Convention? The Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations is an international treaty signed… Continue reading

How MPs ask Questions in Lok Sabha?

Central Idea A Parliamentarian is being questioned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Lok Sabha Ethics Committee, in her alleged involvement in ‘cash for query’ allegations. This has thrust the spotlight on the importance and procedure of asking questions in the Lok Sabha. Procedure for Raising Questions Rules and Directions: The process… Continue reading

Colonial and Anti-Colonial Roots of Durga Puja

Central Idea India is joyously celebrating the festival of Navratri and Durga Puja. While this festival holds deep religious significance, its roots in modern times are intertwined with the colonial era. Robert Clive and the Mythical Beginning Multiple Origin Stories: Durga Puja has various origin stories, with one popular tale linked to the aftermath of… Continue reading

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