25 years of Kudumbashree Scheme

Central Idea: President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated the silver jubilee celebrations of Kudumbashree. What is Kudumbashree? Kudumbashree is a poverty eradication and women empowerment program implemented by the State Poverty Eradication Mission (SPEM) in Kerala, India. The program was established in 1997 based on recommendations from a task force appointed by the state government. It was… Continue reading

Did Neanderthals shape our noses?

Central Idea The human nose has historical and cultural importance beyond its practical functions. Different societies have their own standards of beauty related to nose shape and proportion. The nose is significant in art, literature, and remnants of ancient civilizations. Who were the Neanderthals? Description Time Period Lived approximately 400,000 to 40,000 years ago during… Continue reading

Radiometric Dating using Calcium-41

Central Idea: A recent study has shown that Calcium-41 can be used in a similar way as Carbon-14 in carbon dating, but with several advantages. Carbon Dating and its limitations Carbon-14 is an unstable and weakly radioactive isotope of carbon. It has a half-life of 5,700 years and is used to estimate the age of… Continue reading

Understanding a Human Pangenome Map

Central Idea A study published in the Nature journal presents a pangenome reference map built using genomes from 47 anonymous individuals. The individuals included in the study are from various regions, including Africa, the Caribbean, Americas, East Asia, and Europe. Understanding Genomes and Reference Genomes The genome refers to the collection of all genes and… Continue reading

WHO’s advisory on Non-Sugar Sweeteners

Central Idea: The World Health Organization (WHO) issued new guidelines advising against the use of non-sugar sweeteners (NSS) as a healthy alternative to sugar. What are Non-Sugar Sweeteners? NSS are low or no-calorie alternatives to sugar, including aspartame, saccharin, stevia, and others. They are marketed for weight loss and controlling blood glucose in individuals with… Continue reading

In news: Neh Pema Shelphu Shrine

Central Idea The landowner of a disputed area in Arunachal Pradesh has demanded either compensation from Army for a land where Army has built Gurdwara near the Neh Pema Shelphu Shrine. Neh Pema Shelphu Shrine It is a holy shrine located in the Mechukha Valley of Arunachal Pradesh. It holds significant religious importance for the… Continue reading

RBI to pull out ₹2000 notes from active circulation

Central Idea The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has decided to withdraw ₹2000 denomination banknotes from circulation as part of its “Clean Note Policy.” The withdrawal is similar to a previous withdrawal of notes in 2013-2014 (and not the demonetization). Legal Tender Status of ₹2,000 Banknotes ₹2000 banknotes will continue to maintain their legal tender… Continue reading

What are Global Depository Receipts (GDRs)?

Central Idea: Tata Consumer Products has announced its decision to delist its global depository receipts (GDRs) from the London Stock Exchange and Luxembourg Stock Exchange. What are GDRs? GDRs are financial instruments used by companies to raise capital from international investors. They represent a bundle of shares in the company and are typically listed and… Continue reading

Arsenic Contamination in India

Central Idea: A recent peer-reviewed study suggests that even low levels of arsenic consumption can affect cognitive function in children, adolescents, and young adults. Arsenic Contamination Arsenic is a highly toxic element naturally present in the environment. Contaminated water, particularly groundwater, is a major source of arsenic exposure. Long-term arsenic exposure can lead to various… Continue reading

Freedom of Speech the ‘Bulwark’ of Democracy: Andhra HC

Central Idea: The Andhra Pradesh High Court has overturned a Government Order (GO) issued by the state government that aimed to regulate public meetings, processions, and assemblies on roads. Key takeaways of the ruling The court held that the right to assemble, protest peacefully, and express one’s opinion freely was a precious freedom. It emphasized… Continue reading

SC backs TN position on Jallikattu

Central Idea The Supreme Court Constitution Bench has upheld the amendments made by Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Karnataka to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, 1960. The decision overturns a previous verdict that banned practices such as Jallikattu, a traditional bull-taming sport. Overturning the previous verdict The court rejected the 2014 verdict of the… Continue reading

Credit cards put under Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS)

Central Idea: The Centre has amended rules under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) Rules, bringing international credit card spends under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). Changes introduced Credit card spends outside India now fall under the LRS, allowing for the application of a higher TCS rate. The amendment removes the exclusion of credit card transactions… Continue reading

RBI regulations on Green Deposits

Central Idea: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced a regulatory framework to govern the acceptance of green deposits by banks, ensuring transparency and accountability in their investments. What are Green Deposits? Green deposits are financial products offered by banks that are similar to regular deposits, but the money received is specifically earmarked for… Continue reading

Trend of unnecessary Hysterectomies

Central Idea: The Health Ministry in India is concerned about the high incidence of unnecessary hysterectomies, particularly among poor, less-educated women in rural areas. Why in news? The Supreme Court has directed States and Union Territories to implement health guidelines formulated by the Centre to monitor and prevent unnecessary hysterectomies. What is Hysterectomy? Hysterectomy is… Continue reading

India-EU discuss ways to resolve Carbon Border Tax

Central Idea The EU and India are working to resolve a trade issue related to the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). Why such move? The EU is India’s second-largest trading partner and export market. India has expressed confidence that the intention behind CBAM was not to create a trade barrier but to promote sustainability.… Continue reading

Quantum Biology: Unveiling the Quantum Secrets of Life

Central Idea: The article introduces the concept of quantum biology, which explores the influence of quantum effects on living systems. Nature and Quantum Mechanics Quantum effects refer to phenomena that occur between atoms and molecules that cannot be explained by classical physics. Quantum mechanics, which governs the behavior of objects at atomic scales, differs from… Continue reading

DoT develops Facial Recognition Tool ‘ASTR’

Central Idea: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has developed an artificial-intelligence-based facial recognition tool called Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification (ASTR). What is ASTR? ASTR is designed to check subscriber databases of telecom operators to identify multiple connections associated with the same person. The goal of ASTR is… Continue reading

India’s export of Russian oil to West

Central Idea The article discusses India’s increased imports of Russian oil and the potential circumvention of sanctions imposed on Russian oil products. Why in news? An EU parliamentarian accused India of profiting from cheaply bought Russian oil and indirectly supporting the Russian economy. India justified its purchase by emphasizing its energy demands and the challenges… Continue reading

Govt doubles outlay on PLI for IT hardware

Central Idea The Union Cabinet has approved an updated version of the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware manufacturing. PLI Scheme for IT Hardware The PLI scheme for IT hardware was initially introduced in March 2021. It provides incentives of over 4% for incremental investment in domestic manufacturing for eligible companies, such as… Continue reading

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