Species in news: Indian Eagle Owl

Central Idea The Indian eagle owl was recently classified species distinct from the Eurasian eagle owl. Indian Eagle-Owl The Indian eagle-owl or rock eagle-owl, is a large horned owl species native to hilly and rocky scrub forests in the Indian Subcontinent. It is splashed with brown and grey, and has a white throat patch with… Continue reading

Species in news: Clouded Leopards

Central Idea International Clouded Leopard Day has been celebrated on 4th August since 2018. Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) have conducted a study on clouded leopards in Manas National Park and Tiger Reserve in western Assam. About Clouded Leopard The clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) is a wild cat found in dense forests… Continue reading

Perucetus Colossus Whale: Heaviest Animal that Ever Lived

Central Idea Scientists have unearthed fossils of an ancient giant whale species named Perucetus colossus in Peru. With each vertebra weighing over 100 kgs and ribs measuring nearly 5 feet long, this colossal whale poses a potential contender for the title of the heaviest animal to have ever lived. About Perucetus Colossus Whale Discovery: Fossils… Continue reading

Lowering the Minimum Age for Contesting Elections

Central Idea A Parliamentary Standing Committee has recommended lowering the minimum age for contesting Lok Sabha and Assembly elections to 18 years, aligning it with the minimum age for voting in India. The Committee believes that young individuals can be responsible political participants, supported by global practices and increasing political consciousness among youth. Current Minimum… Continue reading

In news: Financial Action Task Force (FATF)

Central Idea Pakistan’s Senate has approved a bill to establish a central authority to combat money laundering and terror financing by bringing all institutions related to the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) under one command. What is FATF? The FATF is an intergovernmental organization established in 1989 to combat money laundering and financial crimes. Pakistan’s… Continue reading

DRACO Program: Nuclear Propulsion for Faster Space Travel

Central Idea NASA, in collaboration with DARPA, has selected Lockheed Martin to design and build a nuclear-powered propulsion system for DRACO program. It is a breakthrough technology that could propel astronauts on a faster journey to Mars. What is DRACO Program? DRACO stands for Demonstration Rocket for Agile Cislunar Operations. It aims to leverage nuclear… Continue reading

Parliamentary Privilege and the Privileges Committee: A Closer Look

Central Idea During the ongoing Monsoon Session of Parliament, there were differences between the ruling and opposition parties, leading to complaints against 2 MPs. These complaints were referred to the Privileges Committee. What is Parliamentary Privilege? Definition: Parliamentary privilege refers to the rights and immunities enjoyed by legislators during the course of their legislative duties.… Continue reading

Criminal Defamation in India

Central Idea The Supreme Court’s recent decision to stay the conviction in a criminal defamation case has significant implications for the parliamentary representation of a prominent political leader. The court highlighted the absence of valid reasons for awarding the maximum sentence and emphasized the need for mutual respect and caution in public speeches. Disqualification of… Continue reading

Inter-Services Organizations Bill, 2023

Central Idea The Lok Sabha recently passed the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023, as part of a series of military reforms aimed at empowering the nation. Background Chief of Defence Staff (CDS): In 2019, the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) was created to ensure “jointness” among the three services in… Continue reading

In news: Appointment of Election Commissioner

Central Idea The Supreme Court dismissed a petition filed by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) challenging the appointment of an Election Commissioner. The court cited a previous Constitution Bench ruling that had already addressed the issue and decided not to quash the appointment. About Election Commission of India (ECI) The ECI is a constitutional… Continue reading

Captive breeding of Himalayan Vultures achieved

Central Idea In a remarkable achievement for conservation efforts, researchers have successfully recorded the first instance of captive breeding of the Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in India. About Himalayan Vultures Scientific Name Gyps himalayensis Range and Habitat Found in the Himalayan region and adjoining areas of India, Nepal, Bhutan, China, and Pakistan. Inhabit high-altitude mountainous… Continue reading

History of Pepper Trade from India

Central Idea Pepper, often referred to as the “king of spices,” played a pivotal role in driving exploration, colonization, and cultural exchanges between the East and West. Early Origins and Mystique of Pepper Luxury Commodity: Pepper, once considered a luxury good, was produced predominantly along India’s Malabar Coast and was shrouded in secrecy and legend.… Continue reading

Money Bills and Financial Bills: A Constitutional Perspective

Central Idea The debate surrounding the classification of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill as a Money Bill and its implications has sparked discussions on the nuances of Money Bills and Financial Bills in India’s parliamentary process. Money Bills vs. Financial Bills Money Bills Financial Bills Definition and Scope Article 110 – Deals with… Continue reading

SC questions equating Article 370 to Basic Structure

Central Idea The Supreme Court is currently deliberating on the abrogation of Article 370, which granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. The court is exploring whether Article 370 can be equated with the Basic Structure of the Constitution, a principle that enshrines essential features beyond the Parliament’s amendment powers. What is Basic Structure Doctrine?… Continue reading

Jan Vishwas Bill

Central Idea The Jan Vishwas Bill, aimed at enhancing ease of doing business, has sparked a heated debate over certain amendments that modify the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940. While the bill intends to streamline regulatory provisions, critics argue that it may allow manufacturers of substandard medicines to evade imprisonment and instead pay fines for… Continue reading

Legacy of Voyager Mission

Central Idea After more than four decades in space, Voyager 2, Earth’s longest-running space probe, experienced a communication loss with NASA. Voyager Mission Originally planned to explore the five outer planets (Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune) with four complex spacecraft, NASA changed its approach due to budget constraints. The agency decided to send two… Continue reading

Tree Felling Estimates for GNI Project

Central Idea The ambitious ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Project, proposed by the Union government, is facing environmental scrutiny as the number of trees expected to be felled has been revised to 9.64 lakh, higher than the previously estimated 8.5 lakh What is GNI Project? The GNI Project refers to the “Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island,”… Continue reading

Money Bills vs Finance Bills: What are the differences, what the court has ruled

What’s the news? The recent discussions over the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill have brought to light an important constitutional question – Is it a Money Bill or an Ordinary Bill? The distinction between these two types of bills holds significant implications for the legislative process and decision-making. Central Idea In a recent statement,… Continue reading

Vivad se Vishwas II Scheme launched

Central Idea The Centre has launched the Vivad se Vishwas II scheme, a one-time settlement scheme, to effectively resolve pending contractual disputes with vendors or suppliers to the government and its undertakings. Vivad se Vishwas II Scheme The scheme was announced in the Union Budget 2023-24. It aims to settle government and government undertakings’ contractual… Continue reading

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