Places in news: Kerch Bridge

Central Idea The Kerch Bridge, linking the Russian mainland to the Crimean Peninsula, suffered an attack by Ukrainian sea drones, leading to retaliatory actions by Russia. About Kerch Bridge The Kerch Bridge, across the Kerch Strait, is 19 km long and has two parallel rail and roadways. It was opened in 2018 by Russian President… Continue reading

Section 69 (A) of IT Act

Central Idea The Indian government has exercised its powers under Section 69(A) of the Information Technology Act, 2000. It requested Twitter and other social media platforms to remove a video depicting the naked parade and sexual assault of two Manipur women. What is Section 69(A) of the IT Act? Empowering Content Takedown: Section 69(A) allows… Continue reading

Short Duration Discussions in Parliament

Central Idea The Opposition called for the suspension of all other business under Rule 267 to discuss the Manipur issue, while the government preferred a “Short Duration Discussion” under Rule 176. Understanding the nuances of these rules and their implications is essential for effective parliamentary discussions. Rule 267: Suspension of Business Overview: Rule 267 allows… Continue reading

Using name ‘INDIA’ in Political Alliances

Central Idea A complaint has been lodged with the Delhi police against 26 Opposition parties for the alleged “improper use” of the name ‘INDIA’ in their newly formed alliance. Why discuss this? The complainant argues that the parties have violated the Emblems and Names (Prevention of Improper Use) Act, 1950. It has allegedly attempted to… Continue reading

India secures 80th rank on Henley Passport Index

Central Idea India has seen an improvement in its ranking on the Henley Passport Index 2023, climbing seven places to the 80th position from 87 last year. However, despite the rise in ranking, the number of countries allowing visa-free access to Indian passport holders remains the same. What is Henley Passport Index? The Henley Passport… Continue reading

Bacteriophages: The Good Viruses that fight Bacteria

Central Idea Viruses have had a significant impact on human history, causing deadly outbreaks of diseases. However, not all viruses are harmful, and scientists are discovering the importance of the virome (bacteriophages). Do you know? Viromes and bacteriophages are closely related because bacteriophages, or phages for short, are a type of virus that specifically infects… Continue reading

Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) to curb Land-Linked Illegal Activities

Central Idea President Murmu emphasized the importance of implementing a Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN). What is ULPIN? ULPIN or Bhu-Aadhaar is a 14-digit Alpha–Numeric Unique ID for each land parcel. This is the next step in the Digital India Land Records Modernisation Programme (DILRMP) which began in 2008. The identification will be based… Continue reading

NATO Vilnius Summit, 2023: Key Takeaways

Central Idea The Vilnius Summit held in July 2023 was significant in assessing the progress made by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in the past year and preparing for future conflicts. While expectations were high regarding Ukraine’s membership timeline, the summit fell short in this regard. About NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) Formation Established… Continue reading

Marital Rape Case hearing soon: SC

Central Idea CJI DY Chandrachud has agreed to list a series of petitions seeking the criminalisation of marital rape for an early hearing. The petitions, triggered by decisions from the Karnataka and Delhi High Courts, aim to challenge the exception in Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) that currently decriminalises marital rape. What… Continue reading

More than court action, revisit the Indus Waters Treaty

What’s the news? India raised objection when Pakistan initiated arbitration at the Permanent Court of Arbitration to address the interpretation and application of the IWT. On July 6, 2023, the court unanimously passed a decision (which is binding on both parties without appeal) rejecting each of India’s objections. Central Idea The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT),… Continue reading

Genetic Resources Commission gathers in Rome

Central Idea Delegates from around the world have convened in Rome, Italy for the 19th session of the Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA). What is Commission on Genetic Resources? Description Establishment Established in 1983 by the FAO Membership 181 member countries including India Governing Body Bureau consisting of Chairperson, Vice-Chairpersons, and… Continue reading

India achieves record DPT3 vaccination coverage in 2022: WHO

Central Idea The coverage rate for DPT3 vaccines (diphtheria, pertussis, and tetanus) in India reached an all-time high of 93% in 2022, surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 91% in 2019. This significant increase from the 85% coverage in 2021 was reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). What is DPT3? DPT3 vaccines refer to a… Continue reading

EC to issue Online Airtime Vouchers for Campaigning

Central Idea The Election Commission of India has implemented a fully online process for allotting airtime to political parties for campaigning on Akashvani and Doordarshan. The new system replaces the traditional method of collecting physical vouchers and instead issues digital time vouchers through an online platform. Airtime Vouchers for Campaigning Objective: To provide equitable access… Continue reading

India- UAE Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS)

Central Idea India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) signed a pact during PM Modi’s visit to Abu Dhabi. It established a framework for promoting the use of the Indian rupee (INR) and UAE Dirham (AED) in cross-border transactions. Local Currency Settlement System (LCSS) LCSS Establishment: The framework aims to establish a Local Currency Settlement… Continue reading

India to launch Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA)

Central Idea The upcoming 14th Clean Energy Ministerial and Eighth Mission Innovation (CEM14/MI-8) conference, taking place in Goa from July 19-22, 2023, aims to establish the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA). What are Biofuels? Biofuels are a type of renewable energy derived from organic materials, such as plants, crops, and agricultural waste. They are considered… Continue reading

[pib] National Multidimensional Poverty Index, 2023

Central Idea NITI Aayog released the report ‘National Multidimensional Poverty Index: A Progress Review 2023’. The report highlighted a record 13.5 crore people have moved out of multidimensional poverty in India between 2015-16 and 2019-21. What is National Multidimensional Poverty Index (NMPI)? NITI Aayog serves as the nodal ministry for the MPI. It engages with… Continue reading

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF)

Central Idea Europe is currently experiencing a heatwave and wildfires, leading to concerns about the spread of viruses that are typically not found in colder climates. The WHO has issued an alert regarding the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF), a potentially fatal infection transmitted by ticks. What is CCHF? CCHF is a viral haemorrhagic fever primarily… Continue reading

EAM attends BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers’ Meet

Central Idea The first-ever Foreign Ministers’ meeting of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) commenced in Bangkok, Thailand. Understanding BIMSTEC Origins and Membership: BIMSTEC, initially known as BIST-EC (Bangladesh-India-Sri Lanka-Thailand Economic Cooperation), was established in 1997 with the signing of the Bangkok Declaration. Newest members: Myanmar joined in 1997,… Continue reading

What is Rho Ophiuchi Cloud Complex?

Central Idea NASA recently released an image obtained by the James Webb Space Telescope, showcasing the Rho Ophiuchi cloud complex, which is the closest star-forming region to Earth. This image marked one year since NASA unveiled the telescope’s first scientific results. What is Rho Ophiuchi Cloud Complex? The Rho Ophiuchi Cloud Complex is a molecular… Continue reading

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