What is Bastille Day?

Central idea The National Day of France, also known as Bastille Day, is celebrated on July 14 every year. Known as La Fete Nationale or Le 14 Juillet in French, the day is celebrated with fireworks and a parade. One of the most important days in the history of France, it marks the fall of… Continue reading

Species in news: Atlantic Menhaden

Central Idea Researchers have discovered that the population of ospreys, a fish-eating bird, is facing a decline due to the decreasing numbers of Atlantic menhaden, their primary food source. The depletion of menhaden, a small silvery fish, is attributed to commercial fishing practices. The decline in osprey reproduction reflects the broader ecological impact of reduced… Continue reading

Urban Deluge due to rising Yamuna Level in Delhi

Central Idea The Yamuna River in Delhi is experiencing it’s highest-ever water levels, causing concerns and necessitating emergency actions. Heavy rainfall in northwest India, including the Yamuna basin states, and increased water release from the upstream Hathnikund Barrage in Haryana are contributing to the unprecedented water levels. Unprecedented Water Levels and Emergency Response Delhi’s Yamuna… Continue reading

Poverty’s Impact on Brain Development

Introduction In 1844, Frederich Engels observed that poor living conditions had physical effects on the poor, manifesting in various health issues. Neuroscientists in the 1960s discovered that growing up in poverty could hinder brain development in rats. Recent studies have shown a correlation between low-income families and lower cortical volume, poor academic performance, and smaller… Continue reading

Counting down: Launch of Chandrayaan-3 Mission

Central Idea The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch the Chandrayaan 3 mission on July 14 from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota. This mission follows the Chandrayaan 2, which encountered technical issues and crash-landed on the moon in September 2019. Chandrayaan-3: Mission Details and Landing Launch Vehicle: Chandrayaan 3 will be… Continue reading

World past Holocene Epoch: Anthropocene began in 1950

Central Idea AWG’s Proposal: The Anthropocene Working Group (AWG) proposes a new geological epoch called the Anthropocene. Reference Point: The unique reference point for the Anthropocene is Crawford Lake near Toronto in Canada’s Ontario Province. Understanding the Anthropocene Epoch Coined Term: The Anthropocene epoch was first coined by Nobel Prize-winning chemist Paul Crutzen and biology… Continue reading

India sees significant reduction in Multidimensional Poverty

Central Idea The latest update of the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) was released. India has made remarkable progress in reducing poverty. What is MPI? The global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is an international measure of acute multidimensional poverty covering over… Continue reading

Electoral Bonds chief source of donations for parties: Report

Central Idea Electoral bonds have emerged as the primary source of donations for political parties in India, with the BJP securing the majority share. A report by the Association of Democratic Reforms reveals that between 2016-17 and 2021-22, national and regional parties received a total donation of ₹9,188.35 crore through electoral bonds. The BJP received… Continue reading

SC upholds Extensions for CBI and ED Directors

Central Idea The Supreme Court has upheld statutory amendments that permit the extension of tenures for Directors of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED). The court also directed the current ED Director, Sanjay Kumar Mishra, to resign four months before his third extension ends in November. Amendments and Tenure Extensions… Continue reading

Supreme Court seeks SEBI’s explanation FPI Amendments

Central Idea The Supreme Court has asked the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to clarify why amendments were made in 2018 to the Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPI) Regulations. These amendments had eliminated crucial clauses aimed at preventing opacity in FPI ownership structures. Why discuss this? A judicial inquiry report has stated that SEBI’s… Continue reading

In news: GST Council Decisions

Central Idea The Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council convened its 50th meeting on July 11, announcing significant revisions and clarifications to tax rates. Additionally, the council discussed the establishment of GST Appellate Tribunals. It sought to address the concerns surrounding inclusion of the GST Network under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). What… Continue reading

Why Indian manufacturing’s productivity growth is plummeting and what can be done?

What is the news? According to a recent study Productivity growth in Indian manufacturing has been slowing since the 1990s, with a more pronounced decline in the years leading up to the Covid-19 pandemic. Exploring the causes behind this decline is crucial to develop effective strategies for revitalizing the sector. Central idea India’s manufacturing sector… Continue reading

Quantum Supercomputer using Majorana Zero Modes

Central Idea Microsoft researchers have made significant strides in the creation of Majorana zero modes, a type of particle that could revolutionize quantum computing. Majorana zero modes, which are their own antiparticles, possess unique properties that could make quantum computers more robust and computationally superior. Majorana Fermions: A conceptual backgrounder Fermions and Antiparticles: All subatomic… Continue reading

PM Modi to host SCO 2023 Summit

Central Idea The upcoming virtual summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) hosted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, holds significant importance in the current geopolitical context. Ashok Sajjanhar, a former Indian Foreign Service (IFS) officer and ambassador to several countries, shares his insights on the event and its potential outcomes. What is SCO? SCO is… Continue reading

SC seeks Data on action taken against Lynchings

Central Idea The Supreme Court has decided to assess the actions taken by the Union and States to address incidents of lynchings since its July 2018 judgment condemning these acts as mobocracy. The court has directed State governments to provide year-wise data on complaints filed, FIRs registered, and court proceedings related to incidents of mob… Continue reading

Foxconn withdraws Chip Manufacturing Deal

Central Idea Taiwan-based Hon Hai Technology Group, commonly known as Foxconn, has announced its withdrawal from a $19.5 billion semiconductor joint venture with the Vedanta Group. The decision comes as Foxconn aims to explore alternative development opportunities. Background and JV Details The joint venture aimed to establish a semiconductor fabrication plant in Gujarat, India. The… Continue reading

Global South: Origins and Significance

Central Idea The unwillingness of many leading countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to stand with NATO over the war in Ukraine has brought to the fore once again the term “Global South.” What is Global South? The term “Global South” refers to countries that are often described as ‘developing’, ‘less developed’, or ‘underdeveloped’.… Continue reading

AI’s disruptive economic impact, an India check

What is the news? The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and generative AI models and its impact on productivity, growth, and employment is explored, with a focus on the positive effects, potential job displacement, and opportunities for India, while dispelling fears of a robot-dominated future. Central Idea The rapid advancements in AI, particularly in the… Continue reading

LVM-3: the ISRO Rocket

Central Idea ISRO is scheduled to launch the Chandrayaan 3 mission on July 14. The mission will be carried out using the LVM-3 configuration. The GSLV is used for heavier payloads and higher orbits, with the most powerful configuration known as LVM-3. Soon a comprehensive article about Chandrayaan 3 would be released! LVM3: Unlocking… Continue reading

Turtle Rehabilitation: A Crucial Element in Ganges Conservation

Central Idea Hundreds of turtles will be released into the river as a joint endeavour between the Namami Gange Programme, the Forest and Wildlife Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII). These turtles, hatched at a breeding and rehabilitation center in Varanasi, aim to contribute to the cleanliness and rejuvenation of the sacred Ganges.… Continue reading

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