Egypt attains WHO ‘Gold Tier’ status in Hepatitis C Elimination

Central Idea Egypt has become the first country to achieve the World Health Organization’s “gold tier” status on the path to elimination of Hepatitis C. About Hepatitis Hepatitis A Hepatitis B Hepatitis C Causative Virus Hepatitis A Virus (HAV) Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) Transmission Fecal-oral route (contaminated food/water) Blood and body… Continue reading

India-Sri Lanka Ferry Service

Central Idea PM Modi inaugurated an international, high-speed passenger ferry service in Palk Strait between Nagapattinam in Tamil Nadu, India, and Kankesanthurai, near Jaffna in Sri Lanka. India-Sri Lanka Ferry The service is operated by the Tamil Nadu Maritime Board and Shipping Corporation of India. It will operate daily, covering the 60-nautical mile (110-km) journey… Continue reading

Disruption in Earth’s Water Cycle

Central Idea The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) issued a report highlighting the significant impact of climate change and human activities on Earth’s water circulation systems. This has direct consequences leading to droughts, extreme rainfall events, and disruptions in water cycles. What is the Water Cycle? The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is… Continue reading

India seeks inclusion of Traditional Medicine on WHO’s ICD List

Central Idea The Centre seeks to include traditional Indian medicines in the 11th revision of the World Health Organisation’s International Classification of Diseases (ICD). The traditional Indian medicine system is categorized into Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani and Yoga, Naturopathy, and Homoeopathy About International Classification of Diseases (ICD) Purpose Standardized system for classifying and coding diseases, health… Continue reading

Centre launches Green Credit Program (GCP)

Central Idea The Centre has introduced a Green Credit Program (GCP) that allows individuals and entities to earn Green Credits, which can be traded on a dedicated exchange. What is the Green Credit Program (GCP)? Objective: Aims to establish a competitive, market-based approach encouraging diverse stakeholders to undertake environmental actions. Nodal Agency: Ministry of Environment,… Continue reading

CAR-T Cell Therapy approved for Cancer

Central Idea The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) has granted market authorization to CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor-T) cell therapy, a groundbreaking cancer treatment developed by ImmunoACT, an IIT-Bombay spin-off. This authorization paves the way for its commercial introduction in India. About CAR-T Cell Therapy What is it? CAR-T cell therapy stands for chimeric antigen… Continue reading

Diverse Epigenetic Epidemiology Partnership (DEEP)

Central Idea CSIR-Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) is spearheading a groundbreaking research endeavour called the “Diverse Epigenetic Epidemiology Partnership (DEEP)”. This integrated genomics and epigenomics study aims to unravel the genetic underpinnings of NCD’s prevalent in diverse populations, including South Asians. Diverse Epigenetic Epidemiology Partnership (DEEP) DEEP is an integrated genomics and epigenomics… Continue reading

Abortion Rights in India: Legal Complexities and Ethical Dilemmas

Central Idea CJI DY Chandrachud said that India’s abortion law was liberal, pro-choice and far ahead of other countries. SC is hearing the case of a married woman who wants to medically terminate her 26-week pregnancy. This raises critical questions about a woman’s autonomy in deciding to abort and the existing legislative framework. Woman’s Perspective… Continue reading

No restriction on Laptop Imports: Centre

Central Idea In August, the centre announced its intention to subject laptops, tablets, computers, and related products to a licensing regime starting from November 1. However, it has now clarified that India will not impose licensing requirements on laptop and computer imports but will instead monitor their inbound shipments. Lapop Import Restrictions: A Backgrounder Import… Continue reading

Large Ozone Hole detected over Antarctica

Central Idea Satellite measurements conducted over Antarctica have unveiled a gigantic hole in the ozone layer. Termed an “ozone-depleted area,” this region spans 26 million square kilometers (10 million square miles), approximately three times the size of Brazil. Ozone Layer and Ozone Hole Location Stratosphere, approximately 10-30 km above Earth’s surface. Composition Composed of ozone… Continue reading

Recent GI tags awarded

Central Idea Many GI tags were awarded in this month. Let’s take a look: GI Tags in News: [1] Jaderi Namakatti Jaderi namakatti are clay sticks that are white in colour, usually available in finger-like shape with a smooth texture. They are used to adorn the foreheads of idols, men and temple elephants. Jaderi is… Continue reading

War Crimes Laws invoked in Israel-Palestinian Conflict

Central Idea The ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian forces, triggered by Hamas’ barbaric assault, has resulted in a distressing and increasing death toll on both sides. This conflict operates within a multifaceted international system of justice that has evolved since World War II. Various War Crime Laws 1949 Geneva Conventions: Internationally accepted rules of… Continue reading

India ranks 111/125 in Global Hunger Index, 2023

Central Idea India has been ranked 111th out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index-2023, a stark decline from its 107th position in 2022. The index highlights a concerning statistic – India reports the world’s highest child wasting rate at a staggering 18.7 percent. Interestingly, India’s neighboring countries, including Pakistan (102nd), Bangladesh (81st), Nepal… Continue reading

Goa’s Cashew Industry receives GI Tag

Central Idea The recent awarding of a Geographical Indication (GI) tag to Goa’s cashew industry has ignited hope and enthusiasm among cashew manufacturers and processors in the state. Goa’s Cashew Industry Introduction of Cashew in Goa: Cashew was introduced to Goa in the 16th century by Portuguese colonizers. Initially, it was primarily cultivated for afforestation… Continue reading

CPEC: A Decade On and Challenges Ahead

Central Idea As China celebrates the 10th anniversary of its ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in 2023, the progress of one of its flagship projects, the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), appears to have slowed down. Despite its initial promise, challenges related to economic, security, and political factors have led to a reevaluation of… Continue reading

India’s Evolving Diplomatic Stance on Palestine

Central Idea India’s diplomatic position on the Israel-Palestine conflict has witnessed significant shifts over the years. While PM recent expression of solidarity with Israel during a period of heightened conflict has sparked debate, it is essential to contextualize these developments in India’s historical foreign policy. This article delves into India’s stance on the Israel-Palestine issue,… Continue reading

Finfluencers: What You Need to Know

Central Idea A recent front-page advertisement in a business daily, featuring a financial influencer (finfluencer), YouTube’s logo, and the IT Ministry’s logo, has stirred controversy and raised concerns about the role of finfluencers and their impact. Understanding Finfluencers Finfluencers are individuals with a significant presence on social media platforms who offer financial advice, share personal… Continue reading

Operation Ajay to evacuate Indian nationals from Israel

Central Idea India has initiated Operation Ajay to evacuate its citizens who wish to return from conflict-ridden Israel. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar announced this operation, emphasizing the safety and well-being of Indian nationals abroad. Operation Ajay Evacuation Plan: Special chartered flights and other arrangements are being organized for the return of Indian citizens from… Continue reading

New Royalty Rates for Strategic Minerals, Lithium and REEs

Central Idea The Centre has approved royalty rates of 3% each for lithium and niobium and 1% for Rare Earth Elements (REEs). These changes enable competitive royalty rates for these strategically vital minerals (critical minerals) and open the doors to private sector participation through concession auctions. What are Critical Minerals? Critical minerals are elements that… Continue reading

Supreme Court’s divided on Abortion: A Complex Legal Dilemma

Central Idea A Division Bench of two judges of the Supreme Court grappled with divergent views regarding the abortion of a 26-week pregnancy and the government’s stance to protect the “unborn child.” The judges, unable to reach a consensus, opted to refer the case to the CJI to convene a three-judge Bench for further deliberation.… Continue reading

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