Kuki Groups seek Separation from Manipur

Central Idea Kuki Inpi Manipur (KIM), the apex body of Kuki tribes, issued a statement calling for a separate state under Article 3 of the Constitution. Manipur violence: A quick recap The ethnic conflict in Manipur originated on May 3 between the Meitei people (valley-based) and the Kuki-Zomi people (hills-based Scheduled Tribe groups). The violence… Continue reading

Places in news: Iriomote Island

Central Idea A notable example of colony resilience during a bleaching event is found near Japan’s Iriomote Island, where a colony bleached in 2016 exhibited signs of recovery by 2020. About Iriomote Island Iriomote Island is a picturesque island located in the Yaeyama Islands, part of Okinawa Prefecture in Japan. It is the largest and… Continue reading

UK signs CPTPP Trade Deal

Central Idea The UK has formally signed the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a major Indo-Pacific trade deal. Joining the bloc is seen as the UK’s biggest trade deal since leaving the European Union. What is CPTPP? The CPTPP, established in 2018, reduces trade barriers among 11 countries, including Australia, Canada, Japan,… Continue reading

Lightning not a Natural Disaster: Centre

Central Idea A senior government official stated that lightning deaths can be prevented through education and awareness, and thus, the government is against declaring it a natural disaster. Why discuss this? State Demands: States like Bihar and West Bengal have requested that lightning-related deaths be considered natural disaster, making victims eligible for compensation from the… Continue reading

Does India really need State Governors?

Central Idea The recent termination of a state minister’s appointment by Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi has sparked renewed debates on the role and necessity of Governors in Indian states. While conflicts between state governments and the Governor’s office are not new, it is important to examine the position of the Governor and its… Continue reading

Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) to review all NSO Data

Central Idea Revamping the SCES: Standing Committee on Economic Statistics (SCES) set up in late 2019 faced criticism for data quality issues in previous surveys. Broader Mandate: The government establishes the Standing Committee on Statistics (SCoS) to replace the SCES, with a mandate to review all surveys conducted under the National Statistical Office (NSO). Standing… Continue reading

Why is there a controversy on the forest Bill?

What’s the news? The Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 is set to be presented during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. Central idea Recently, a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) which was looking at amendments to the Bill has approved the version sent by the government with almost no comment, revisions or suggestions. However, multiple objections… Continue reading

Who was Nawab Wajid Ali Shah (1822-1887)?

Central Idea An exhibition, heritage walk, and talk will be held in Kolkata to commemorate the bicentenary year of Nawab Wajid Ali Shah, the last king of Awadh. Nawab Wajid Ali Shah Mirza Wajid Ali Shah (30 July 1822 – 1 September 1887) was the eleventh and final King of Awadh, reigning from 13 February… Continue reading

India to buy Rafale Marine Jet from France

Central Idea DAC Approval for Rafale: The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared proposals to procure 26 Rafale Marine fighter jets and three Scorpene submarines for the Indian Navy. Rafale Marine Fighter Jets Naval Variant: Rafale Marine fighters are the naval version of the Rafale jets, with the Indian Air Force operating 36 of them. Advanced… Continue reading

What are AT-1 Bonds?

Central Idea Subscription Disappointment: State Bank of India (SBI)’s additional tier-1 (AT-1) bond issue saw a very low response from investors, raising ₹3,101 crore against an issue size of ₹10,000 crore. Market Sentiment Impact: The lackluster response is expected to dampen market sentiment and make fundraising more challenging for other PSU banks, potentially leading to… Continue reading

New Scorpene Class Submarines for Navy

Central Idea Procurement Announcement: The three additional Scorpene submarines will be procured under the Buy (Indian) category. The Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) in Mumbai will build the submarines. Scorpene Submarines and Project-75 Project-75: MDL is already building six Scorpene class submarines under Project-75, with technology transfer from the French defense firm. Commissioned Submarines: Five… Continue reading

Age of Consent for Data Protection

Central Idea Empowering the Central Government: The upcoming data protection Bill in India could grant the Centre the authority to lower the age of consent from 18 for accessing Internet services without parental oversight. Exemptions for Certain Companies: The Bill may exempt specific companies from additional obligations in protecting children’s privacy if they can process… Continue reading

EV Tires: A lesser-known Pollution Headache

Central Idea: Tire Pollution Meeting EVs’ Needs: Tire manufacturers strive to develop the perfect tire that balances performance and durability for electric vehicles (EVs). Weight and Torque Considerations: EVs’ increased weight and torque require sturdier tires to handle the load and efficiently transfer power to the road. Leading Manufacturers’ Efforts: Tire companies are improving designs… Continue reading

Affordable treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD)

Central Idea Researchers in India are collaborating to develop an affordable treatment for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), a rare and incurable genetic disorder. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Jodhpur, is collaborating to develop affordable therapeutics for DMD. What is DMD? DMD is a progressive muscle degeneration disorder caused by alterations in the dystrophin protein.… Continue reading

EU Nature Restoration Law faces backlash from Farmers

Central Idea The EU Parliament’s approval of a nature restoration law has sparked backlash and debate over plans to protect endangered ecosystems. The law is a crucial part of the European Green Deal and aims to address the extinction of species and restore damaged habitats. Nature Restoration Law: Why in news? Objectives: The law aims… Continue reading

First GSI Survey of the Siachen

Central Idea NJ 9842 vs. 5Q 131 05 084: Exploring India-Pakistan’s last demarcated point and the Siachen glacier’s assigned number by the Geological Survey of India (GSI). Lack of recognition: Despite the historical importance, the first Siachen survey remains overlooked by scholars and mountaineers. About Siachen Location: Siachen Glacier is located in the eastern Karakoram… Continue reading

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

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