Indian-Built ARTIP Technology Revolutionizes Astronomy

Central Idea India’s Automated Radio Telescope Image Processing Pipeline (ARTIP) technology has been instrumental in facilitating remarkable discoveries from distant galaxies observed by South Africa’s MeerKAT Telescope. MeerKAT acts as a precursor to the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Telescope, known for its outstanding sensitivity and sky survey capabilities. ARTIP’s cutting-edge image data processing is vital… Continue reading

PUSA-44 Paddy Variety Ban in Punjab

Central Idea Punjab CM recently announced the state’s decision to ban the cultivation of the PUSA-44 paddy variety starting from the next agricultural season. This move has raised questions about why such a popular paddy variety is facing a ban and what implications it holds for the state’s agriculture. About PUSA-44 Origin: Developed in 1993… Continue reading

TRAI can’t regulate OTT platforms: TDSAT

Central Idea The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has issued an interim order clarifying that Over the Top (OTT) platforms, such as Hotstar, fall outside the jurisdiction of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Instead, they are governed by the Information Technology Rules, 2021, established by the Ministry of Electronics and Information… Continue reading

When can a Bill be designated as a ‘Money Bill’: SC to hear challenge

Central Idea CJI announced that a seven-judge bench will be established to address a series of petitions challenging the government’s use of the money bill route to pass significant legislations. This move aims to provide clarity on the interpretation and application of money bills under Article 110 of the Constitution and their validity. Understanding the… Continue reading

Explained: Delhi Excise Policy Scam

Central Idea A Delhi court has remanded a member of Rajya Sabha in Enforcement Directorate (ED) custody in the Delhi Excise Policy Scam. This has created a big furore among people over the alleged involvement of a hardliner political party which was established solely to fight political corruption. About Delhi Excise Policy Scam Background: Both… Continue reading

Tribes in news: Hakki- Pikki

Central idea: Thirty-one tribals belonging to the ‘Hakki-Pikki’ community from Karnataka are stranded in Sudan due to violent clashes between a paramilitary force and the country’s armed forces. Who are the Hakki-Pikkis? Description Origin Migrated from northern India to Karnataka. Traditional Occupation Traditionally known for bird hunting, which was later outlawed. Language Indo-Aryan language called… Continue reading

Battle of Colachel: How an accidental shot ended Dutch plans for India

Central Idea The Battle of Colachel in 1741, where King Marthanda Varma led the Travancore army against the Dutch East India Company, marked a significant turning point in India’s history. It was the first instance of an Asian kingdom defeating a European power, effectively halting Dutch colonial ambitions in India. This battle also had profound… Continue reading

Bangladesh accepts first Uranium for Russia-backed Nuclear Plant

Central Idea Bangladesh marked a significant milestone in its energy journey with the arrival of the first uranium delivery for its Russia-backed nuclear power plant. This $12.65-billion project aims to strengthen the nation’s energy grid, plagued by chronic blackouts. Moscow is funding 90% of the project’s cost through a loan, a testament to the close… Continue reading

Sammakka-Sarakka University: A Tribute to Tribal Legends

Central Idea The Union Cabinet has approved the proposal to set up a central Sammakka-Sarakka Tribal University in Telangana. The establishment of this University was a commitment made by the Central government under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, of 2014. Both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana were promised support to establish a tribal university each. Legend… Continue reading

Global Internet Freedom Decline in 2023

Central Idea Freedom House’s latest report highlights the 13th consecutive year of declining global Internet freedom. This decline has seen deteriorations in the human rights online situation in 29 countries, with only 20 countries registering improvements. Report: ‘Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive Power of Artificial Intelligence’ Key Concerns: The report underscores the escalating… Continue reading

Go First crisis: What is Cape Town Convention?

Central Idea The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) issued a notification exempting aircraft-related transactions from certain sections of the IBC, aligning Indian regulations with the Cape Town Convention (CTC). The notification eliminates the automatic moratorium on aircraft, engines, airframes, and helicopters, allowing lessors to repossess planes during airline insolvency. Understanding the Go First Crisis Bankruptcy:… Continue reading

India-Japan Fund for Climate and Environment Projects

Central Idea India’s National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) and Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) have jointly established a $600 million fund dedicated to climate and environment projects. India-Japan Fund The Indian government will contribute 49% of the fund’s target corpus, marking NIIF’s inaugural bilateral fund, while JBIC will provide the remaining 51%, according… Continue reading

Centre hikes LPG Subsidy for Ujjwala Beneficiaries to ₹300 per Cylinder

Central Idea The Union Cabinet has approved an increase in the subsidy provided on LPG cylinders under the Ujjwala scheme, raising it from ₹200 to ₹300. The subsidy increase applies to up to 12 refills per year for beneficiaries. Why such move? The decision to enhance the subsidy comes ahead of crucial Assembly elections in… Continue reading

[pib] Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) and Swavlamban 2.0

Central Idea Defence Minister unveiled the fifth Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) consisting of 98 items to be procured by the armed services from domestic suppliers over specified timelines. Additionally, he launched the Indian Navy’s updated indigenisation roadmap, known as Swavlamban 2.0. What is Positive Indigenisation List (PIL)? The Positive Indigenisation List consists of items that… Continue reading

Chemistry Nobel for Quantum Dots discovery

Central Idea The 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry has been awarded to Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus and Alexei I. Ekimov for the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots. About the Nobel Laureates Alexei Ekimov: Born in 1945 in the former USSR, Ekimov earned his PhD in 1974 from Ioffe Physical-Technical Institute. He was… Continue reading

Uterus Transplants: Procedure, Challenges, and Future Prospects

Central Idea In the UK, doctors at the Churchill Hospital Oxford conducted the nation’s first uterus transplant. The procedure involved removing a uterus from a 40-year-old woman and transplanting it into her 34-year-old sister, who faced reproductive challenges due to a rare medical condition. Why discuss this? While the transplanted womb is functional, its success… Continue reading

Physics Nobel for Electron Dynamics

Central Idea Anne L’Huillier, Pierre Agostini, and Ferenc Krausz have been honored the 2023 Physics Nobel Prize for their groundbreaking experiments, providing humanity with new tools to explore the inner workings of electrons within atoms and molecules. Measuring Rapid Electron Processes Tracking electron movement: Their work has enabled the creation of extremely short pulses of… Continue reading

Manufacturing PMI eased to 5-month low

Central Idea India’s manufacturing sector experienced a slowdown in September, reaching a five-month low, according to the seasonally adjusted S&P Global India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI). The PMI eased to 57.5 from August’s 58.6. A reading of 50 reflects no change in activity levels. Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) PMI is an indicator of business… Continue reading

Andhra Pradesh’s Guaranteed Pension System

Central Idea Andhra Pradesh’s Guaranteed Pension System (GPS) blends elements from both old and new pension schemes, offering the advantages of a guaranteed pension while not overly straining the state’s finances. This innovative system holds the potential to preserve India’s hard-won pension reforms. What is the Andhra Pension System? A Hybrid Approach: The Andhra Pradesh… Continue reading

UAPA invoked against Media agency

Central Idea Allegations against NewsClick: The FIR against NewsClick alleges illegal funding from China, routed through the United States. UAPA Provisions: The FIR invokes various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), with a primary focus on Section 16, which deals with punishment for terrorist acts. Understanding UAPA Provisions *Section 15 – Definition of… Continue reading

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