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

Alzheimer’s Research: Mystery of Brain Cell Death

Central Idea Scientists have long sought medical treatments for Alzheimer’s disease but have faced limited success. The approval of the drug Lecanemab by the US FDA in 2023 has brought renewed optimism, as it shows promise in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s in its early stages. How brain cells die? Revealing the Connection: Researchers from… Continue reading

AFSPA Extension in Manipur: A Delicate Balancing Act

Central Idea The Manipur government has announced the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another 6 months across the entire state. However, it excludes 19 police stations in seven districts of the Imphal Valley. Why such move? Gradual Withdrawal: Since 2022, AFSPA has been progressively withdrawn from the valley districts, primarily… Continue reading

India to unveil 50-year Government Bonds

Central Idea India is set to make history by issuing it’s first-ever 50-year government bonds and 30-year green bonds. These offerings have piqued the interest of insurance companies and provident funds seeking avenues to invest their long-term funds. Why such move? Ambitious Target: India aims to mobilize ₹6.55 trillion ($78.73 billion) through bond sales from… Continue reading

Challenges and Opportunities of India’s Aging Population

Central Idea Projected Demographic Shift: By 2050, the percentage of elderly individuals in India is expected to double, reaching over 20% of the total population, as per the UN Population Fund, India (UNFPA) in its 2023 India Ageing Report. Rapid Expansion: India is experiencing a remarkable decadal growth rate in its elderly population, currently estimated… Continue reading

AFSPA likely to end from Assam

Central Idea: Assam CM has stated that the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) is likely to be completely lifted from the state by the end of the year due to a significant improvement in the law and order situation. What is Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958? Armed Forces Special Powers Act, to put… Continue reading

In news: Dadasaheb Phalke Award

Central Idea Union Information and Broadcasting Minister announced that veteran actor Waheeda Rehman would be given the Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021, honouring her stellar contribution to Indian cinema. About Dadasaheb Phalke Award Purpose Highest honor in Indian cinema for outstanding contributions to its growth and development. Inception Instituted by the Indian government… Continue reading

Balsams blossom in Munnar

Central Idea The genus Impatiens, locally known as Kasithumba and Onappovu, is currently enchanting tourists with its vibrant pink blooms in Munnar. What are Balsams? Distinctive Feature: Balsams are commonly referred to as ‘touch-me-not’ due to the unique behavior of their mature seeds bursting open upon touch and distributing seeds. Sign of Active Micro-Climate: Botanists… Continue reading

Extension to the RoDTEP Scheme

Central Idea In light of a continuous seven-month decline in goods exports until August, the government has taken action to bolster outbound shipments. The Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme’s applicability has been extended for nine more months, now in effect until June 30, 2024. About RoDTEP Scheme Objective To refund… Continue reading

Centre seeks to ease Angel Tax Provisions

Central Idea The government has introduced revisions to the angel tax provisions that were initially implemented in this year’s Budget, primarily targeting investments by non-resident investors into startups at a premium over their fair market value. Key changes introduced The Central Board of Direct Taxes issued a notification, amending Rule 11UA under the Income Tax… Continue reading

Nepal refuses to join China’s Global Security Initiative (GSI)

Central Idea Nepal has declined China’s invitation to join President Xi Jinping’s Global Security Initiative (GSI). About Global Security Initiative (GSI) The GSI aims to contribute to global peace and stability by promoting fairness and justice among nations. It was launched in April 2022. Six key principles: Commitment to Comprehensive Security: Emphasizing cooperation for maintaining… Continue reading

Challenge of Phosphorus Scarcity and Pollution: A Need for Innovative Solutions

Central Idea Phosphorus scarcity poses a growing challenge to global agriculture, with critical implications for food production and environmental sustainability. While the history of land fertilization dates back to ancient agricultural practices, the advent of synthetic fertilizers in the 19th century transformed modern agriculture. However, today’s reliance on synthetic fertilizers, particularly phosphorus, raises concerns about… Continue reading

Southwest Monsoon begins early Withdrawal/Retreat

Central Idea India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced withdrawal of the monsoon. What is Monsoon Withdrawal/Retreat? In India, retreating monsoon is the withdrawal of south-west monsoon winds from North India. The withdrawal is gradual and takes about three months. With the retreat of the monsoons, the clouds disappear and the sky becomes clear. The day… Continue reading

How Indians and their Boats fared in the Deep Sea?

Central Idea A groundbreaking 21-meter-long ship, constructed using an age-old technique of stitching wooden planks with ropes, cords, coconut fibers, natural resins, and oils, is scheduled to embark ‘Baliyatra’ from Odisha to Bali, Indonesia. The initiative, led by the Govt. of India, aims to rekindle the nation’s rich maritime tradition and heritage. This remarkable journey… Continue reading

Tobacco Warnings on OTT Platforms: A Closer Look at the Debate

Central Idea The Central government’s regulations mandated long-duration smoking warnings for films and TV series on OTT platforms like Hotstar, Amazon, and Netflix. Streaming websites voiced objections, raising concerns about user experience. Recent Development According to a recent report, the government has agreed to find “pragmatic solutions” for stricter tobacco warnings on OTT platforms. A… Continue reading

RBI asks for SARFAESI Act Compliance

Central Idea The RBI has issued a directive requiring commercial banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), collectively referred to as Regulated Entities (REs), to disclose borrower information. This disclosure pertains to borrowers whose secured assets have been repossessed under the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Securities Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI Act).… Continue reading

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