Tomato Crop affected by different Mosiac Viruses

Central Idea Tomato growers in Maharashtra and Karnataka have reported significant yield losses due to the impact of two different Mosiac Viruses. The cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) has affected tomato crops in Maharashtra, while the tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) has been blamed for crop losses in Karnataka and other South Indian states. Cucumber Mosaic… Continue reading

What is Ambergris?

Central Idea The discovery of a sperm whale carcass on the shore of the Canary Island of La Palma has led to an extraordinary find. During the post-mortem examination, a pathologist found ambergris, a highly valuable substance often referred to as “floating gold,” stuck in the whale’s colon. The estimated worth of the retrieved lump… Continue reading

Cabinet clears Data Protection Bill

Central Idea The Union Cabinet has granted clearance for the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Bill, which is set to be introduced in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament. This legislation aims to regulate the management of personal data of Indian residents, emphasizing explicit consent for data collection and usage. DPDP, Bill: Key Features and… Continue reading

Iran dragged to International Court of Justice (ICJ)

Central Idea The UK, Canada, Sweden, and Ukraine have jointly initiated legal proceedings against Iran at the International Court of Justice, the highest court of the United Nations. The case pertains to the tragic downing of a Ukrainian passenger jet in 2020, resulting in the loss of all 176 passengers and crew members. Iran recently… Continue reading

Iran Joins Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

Central Idea Prime Minister Modi welcomed Iran as the newest member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) during the virtual summit of the grouping. Iran’s membership has been discussed for years, and recent geopolitical shifts have made it more relevant. About SCO The SCO, formed in 2001, aims to enhance regional cooperation in combating terrorism,… Continue reading

Leptospirosis: A disease that surges in monsoons

Central Idea Leptospirosis has emerged as an important infectious disease in the world today. It is a potentially fatal zoonotic bacterial disease that tends to have large outbreaks after heavy rainfall or flooding. What is Leptospirosis? Leptospirosis is a zoonotic bacterial disease that poses a significant global health threat, particularly after heavy rainfall or flooding.… Continue reading

GIFT NIFTY: Connecting India and Singapore’s Capital Markets

Central Idea GIFT NIFTY (formerly known as SGX NIFTY) commenced trading from GIFT City in Gujarat, marking the first cross-border initiative between India and Singapore’s capital markets. The trading session witnessed over 30,000 trades, signifying the growing significance of this collaboration. What is GIFT NIFTY? The migration to GIFT NIFTY was initiated by PM Modi… Continue reading

Who was Alluri Sitarama Raju?

Central Idea The President of India, Draupadi Murmu, honoured the freedom fighter Alluri Sitarama Raju during the closing ceremony of his 125th birth anniversary celebrations in Hyderabad. The President highlighted the significance of Alluri Seetharama Raju’s struggle against injustice and exploitation in India’s freedom struggle. About Alluri Sitarama Raju Raju was believed to be born… Continue reading

Connection between Anaemia and Maternal Health

Introduction Recent discussions in India have brought anaemia to the forefront, with debates surrounding the measurement and management of haemoglobin levels. The WOMAN-2 trial collaborators published a study in The Lancet, emphasizing the importance of anaemia in postpartum haemorrhage and calling for informed policy decisions in India. Anaemia affects a significant number of women worldwide… Continue reading

Greedflation and its Counter Arguments

Central Idea: Greedflation The concept of “Greedflation” has emerged, suggesting that corporate greed for higher profits is a significant cause of the high inflation experienced in the United States since the pandemic. Proponents of this theory argue that increased corporate profit margins have contributed to rising prices. However, many economists question the validity of this… Continue reading

CH3+: A Life-Giving Molecule Detected in Space

Central Idea The recent discovery of the CH3+ molecule, also known as methyl cation, by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has provided significant insights into the building blocks of life. This simple organic molecule, consisting of one carbon atom and three hydrogen atoms, has been found in the Orion Nebula. This reveals the potential… Continue reading

Scheme to support Minor Rape Victims

Central Idea The Centre has introduced a special scheme to provide medical, financial, and infrastructural support to minor rape victims who become pregnant as a result of sexual assault. Supporting Minor Rape Victims The scheme, operating under the Nirbhaya Fund, aims to address the needs of minor victims and has been allocated ₹74.1 crore in… Continue reading

Scientists detect Universe’s ‘Noisy’ Gravitational Wave

Central Idea Scientists have recently presented compelling evidence suggesting the existence of low-frequency gravitational waves throughout the universe. These waves, ripples in the fabric of space-time, are created by the movement, collision, and merging of massive objects. What are Gravitational Waves? Einstein’s Theory of General Relativity: In 1915, Einstein proposed a revolutionary theory of gravity,… Continue reading

Deep Sea Mining permits may be coming soon

Central Idea The International Seabed Authority (ISA) is preparing to resume negotiations on deep sea mining, a process that involves extracting mineral deposits and metals from the ocean’s seabed. These negotiations have raised concerns over potential impacts on marine ecosystems and habitats, highlighting the need for regulations and environmental safeguards. About International Seabed Authority ISA… Continue reading

Israel targets West Bank

Central Idea Israel conducted a military operation in the occupied West Bank, resembling past large-scale operations. This strike has resulted in casualties among Palestinians. West Bank and Its Significance The West Bank: A landlocked territory in Western Asia, forming the main part of the Palestinian territories. Geographical Borders: Bordered by Jordan, the Dead Sea, Israel… Continue reading

Diversity for Restoration (D4R) Tool

Central Idea The Diversity for Restoration (D4R) tool, has been modified to adapt to the Indian context by researchers from Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment (ATREE). The tool aims to support restoration programs in India by improving decision-making and promoting sustainable development. What is D4R tool? The Diversity for Restoration (D4R)… Continue reading

PRISM: 24-hr hotline for MPs Research

Central Idea Lok Sabha Speaker has established ‘PRISM’ a 24-hour research reference telephone hotline for Members of Parliament (MPs) to provide assistance with policy issues. What is PRISM? The Parliamentary Research and Information Support for Members of Parliament (PRISM) offers round-the-clock services, including weekends during Parliament Sessions. It aims to support first-term MPs and those… Continue reading

Har Ghar Jal Initiative to miss 2024 target

Central Idea The Har Ghar Jal initiative, part of the Jal Jeevan Mission, aims to provide potable water connections to all rural households in India by 2024. However, multiple sources and data analysis indicate that the initiative is likely to fall short of its target, with only 75% of village homes expected to have drinking… Continue reading

Hul Diwas: Remembering the Santhal Rebellion

Central Idea Prime Minister commemorated Hul Diwas, honoring the sacrifice of Santhals in their fight against British colonial authorities. What is Hul Divas? The Santhal rebellion, known as the ‘Hul,’ was an organized war against colonialism led by the Santhals, who stood against various forms of oppression inflicted upon them by the British. This article… Continue reading

India adds 664 animal species to its faunal database in 2022

Central Idea India’s faunal database expands with the addition of 664 animal species in 2022. The database also includes 339 new plant taxa, comprising new species and distributional records. Report- New Species and New Records 2023 The faunal discoveries have been compiled in a publication by the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) titled “Animal Discoveries… Continue reading

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