80 Castes to be added to Central OBC List

Central Idea National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) is processing the approval for adding approximately 80 castes from six states to the Central List of Other Backward Classes (OBCs). The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MSJE) also reported the addition of 16 communities to the Central OBC list in Himachal Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, Madhya… Continue reading

Implantable Brain-Computer Interface

Central Idea On May 25, the USFDA granted approval for clinical trials of Neuralink’s implantable Brain-Computer Interface (BCI), developed by tech mogul Elon Musk’s neurotech startup. While Neuralink’s ambitions are revolutionary, promising to treat brain disorders and fuse human consciousness with AI, there are significant concerns regarding the safety, viability, and transparency of the technology.… Continue reading

Controversial Species Names in Taxonomy

Central Idea The field of taxonomy, which involves naming and classifying living beings, is currently engaged in a heated discussion regarding the renaming of species with objectionable scientific names. These names often stem from problematic individuals associated with slavery, racism, derogatory terms, and racial slurs. The debate has gained prominence in recent years, particularly in… Continue reading

Transgenic Crops in India

Central Idea The states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Telangana in India have deferred a proposal to test a new type of transgenic cotton seed. This proposal had been approved by the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) of the central government. The deferral of the proposal by these states indicates that the broader acceptance of genetically… Continue reading

Uniform Civil Code

Central Idea: The 22nd Law Commission of India has sought fresh suggestions from various stakeholders, including public and religious organisations, on the Uniform Civil Code (UCC). What is Uniform Civil Code (UCC)? The UCC aims to establish a single personal civil law for the entire country, applicable to all religious communities in matters such as… Continue reading

Strengthening ICDS and Empowering Anganwadi Workers

Central Idea India continues to grapple with high rates of stunting, wasting, and anaemia, posing significant public health risks for children and women. In order to combat these challenges, it is crucial for India to bolster its social sector schemes, particularly the Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS). What is ICDS? ICDS is a flagship program… Continue reading

Finance Commission and the Challenges of Fiscal Federalism

Central Idea The government is set to appoint a Finance Commission in the coming months to address the crucial matter of distributing the Centre’s tax revenue among the States. This article examines the significance of the Finance Commission in India’s fiscal federalism, highlighting the changing dynamics post-reforms and the ensuing debates surrounding the horizontal distribution… Continue reading

Festivals in news: Pandharpur Wari

The Sant Tukaram and Sant Dyaneshwar Palkhi processions started their three-week-long journeys from the temple towns of Dehu and Alandi in Pune. Pandharpur Wari Tradition: The Wari tradition is an 800-year-old pilgrimage in Maharashtra, where devotees, known as Warkaris, undertake a foot journey to the Vithoba temple (Incarnation of Vishnu) in Pandharpur. Largest walking event:… Continue reading

What is El Nino and How it impacts the Monsoon?

Central Idea Delay in Monsoon: Any discussion on Indian monsoon delay these days invariably has references to the El Nino phenomenon. Sudden rise of El Nino: This year’s monsoon is also progressing under the cloud of an El Nino in the Pacific Ocean. Understanding El Nino and La Nina El Nino and La Nina are… Continue reading

Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP)

Central Idea Trial runs for the Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Project (SLHEP): NHPC Limited, a government of India enterprise, will begin trial runs for the Project in July. India’s largest: After a delay of 20 years, India is finally approaching the launch of India’s largest hydropower project which is crucial for the region’s energy transition. About… Continue reading

Hiroshima Process for AI Governance

Central Idea G7 Summit in Hiroshima, Japan: Annual meeting of the Group of Seven (G7) countries was held in Hiroshima, Japan in May 2023. Communique initiated Hiroshima AI Process (HAP): Official statement from the G7 leaders that established the Hiroshima AI Process (HAP) to regulate artificial intelligence (AI). What is the Hiroshima AI Process (HAP)?… Continue reading

India’s Middle Class: Estimation, Expansion and Economic Impact

Central Idea Estimating India’s middle class: This article delves into the estimation of India’s middle class, a crucial indicator of household consumption and the economy’s health. Key points of discussions Lack of clarity in defining the middle class: The absence of a clear definition results in diverse estimations, based on subjective judgments or income ranges… Continue reading

Betelgeuse: The Red Giant Star on the Brink of Supernova

Central Idea: Recent research has shed light on the Betelgeuse’s current stage and its potential fate as it approaches the end of its lifecycle. Betelgeuse: The Bright Red Star in Orion Easily visible in the constellation Orion, Betelgeuse is a bright red star known as “Thiruvathirai” or “Ardra” in Indian astronomy. It is a massive… Continue reading

Global Slavery Index: Controversies with modern Metric

Central Idea Report published: Published last week, the global slavery index provides an overview of modern slavery. 50 million people in modern slavery: The report reveals that approximately 50 million individuals were living in “modern slavery” on any given day in 2021. Existing slavery: Out of the 50 million affected, 28 million suffer from forced… Continue reading

Global Nuclear Arsenal Expansion Race

Central Idea China’s nuclear arsenal: China increased its nuclear arsenal from 350 warheads in January 2022 to 410 warheads in January 2023, according to SIPRI. Potential ICBM parity: SIPRI suggests that depending on how China structures its forces, it could have a comparable number of intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) to the U.S. or Russia by… Continue reading

CoWIN Vaccination Data Breached

Central Idea Data breach reports: The Health Ministry, on Monday, refuted claims of a data breach of COVID vaccination beneficiaries, stating that such reports were baseless and mischievous in nature. Investigation by CERT-In: The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has been asked to investigate the alleged data breach issue and submit a report to… Continue reading

IIT-M generates Hydrogen from Seawater

Central Idea Researchers from IIT-Madras have developed components for a cost-effective method of electrolyzing seawater to produce green hydrogen. The current alkaline water electrolyzer technology is energy-intensive, requires an expensive oxide-polymer separator, and uses fresh water. Generating Green Hydrogen Instead of using fresh water, the researchers developed an electrolyzer that utilizes alkaline seawater. Carbon-based support… Continue reading

Project Akashteer: Indian’s Air Defence Upgrade

Central Idea Reorientation of focus: Indian Army shifts focus from western to northern borders following 2020 standoff with China. Lessons from Ukraine conflict: Insights from ongoing war in Ukraine are influencing transformation of Army Air Defence (AAD). Induction of new systems: New systems are being inducted to enhance air defence capabilities. What is Project Akashteer?… Continue reading

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