India to procure MQ-9 Predator Drones

Central Idea The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) has approved the procurement of armed Predator Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) at the cost of over $3 billion. The UAVs will be procured from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), a United States-based aeronautics company. Predator Drones: An Overview The Predator UAV, manufactured by GA-ASI, is known as… Continue reading

Places in news: Brahmani Natural Arch

Central Idea The Geological Survey of India (GSI) plans to declare the ‘Brahmani Natural Arch’ in Kanika range of Sundargarh forest division of Odisha as a Geo Heritage Site. This natural arch is believed to date back to the Jurassic period and would be the largest natural arch in India with the Geo Heritage tag.… Continue reading

HC Observations over Right to Change Name

Central Idea Allahabad High Court has allowed a man to change his name citing fundamental rights under Articles 19(1) (a), 21, and 14. Delhi High Court permitted two brothers to reflect their father’s changed surname on their Board certificates, asserting the right to identity as an intrinsic part of the right to life under Article… Continue reading

National Pension Scheme (NPS)

Central Idea The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) has introduced a new feature for systematic withdrawal from the National Pension Scheme (NPS). National Pension Scheme (NPS): A Brief Overview The National Pension Scheme (NPS) is a voluntary retirement savings scheme launched by the Government of India in 2004. It is regulated and administered… Continue reading

In news: Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society

Central Idea The decision to rename the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) Society has ignited a political controversy. The institution will now be known as the ‘Prime Ministers Museum and Library Society’. The controversy reflects the ongoing debate surrounding dynastic politics in India. About the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library (NMML) (erstwhile) NMML in… Continue reading

Kari Ishad Mango from Karnataka gets GI tag

Central Idea The Kari Ishad mango, prominently grown in Ankola taluk of Uttara Kannada, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag by the Geographical Indications Registry. The GI certificate has been issued to Matha Totagars Farmer Producer Company Limited, Ankola, and is valid until March 1, 2032 from March 31, 2023. Kari Ishad Mango… Continue reading

VAIBHAV Fellowship Program

Central Idea: The Ministry of Science & Technology has launched the Vaishvik Bhartiya Vaigyanik (VAIBHAV) fellowships programme. VAIBHAV Program The program aims to connect the Indian STEMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Medicine) diaspora with Indian academic and R&D institutions. It promotes collaborative research work, knowledge sharing, and the exchange of best practices in frontier… Continue reading

Ladakh’s Demand for Sixth Schedule

Central Idea: The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) will meet civil society leaders from Ladakh amid persistent demands and protests in the Union Territory for statehood and constitutional safeguards under the sixth schedule of the Constitution. About Ladakh Ladakh is a region in the northernmost part of India, bordering China and Pakistan. The region is… Continue reading

Is the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) flawed?

Central Idea In a country as diverse as India, ranking universities and institutions is a complex task. The Ministry of Education established the National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) in 2016 to assess the performance of institutions based on critical indicators. Institutions eagerly await their standings in this nationally recognized system every year. NIRF Ranking: An… Continue reading

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

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