National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS), 2021-22

Central Idea: The Department of Science and Technology under the Ministry of Science & Technology has released the National Manufacturing Innovation Survey (NMIS) 2021-22. About National Manufacturing Innovation Survey Details Undertaken by DST and United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) History First National Innovation Survey in 2011 Focus Manufacturing competitiveness Purpose Innovation performance of Indian… Continue reading

Golden Globe Race: Voyage of mad men

Central Idea Abhilash Tomy, a former Commander in the Indian Navy, has achieved the remarkable feat of completing a solo circumnavigation worldwide by finishing second at the Golden Globe Race (GGR), 2022. He achieved this record under even more challenging circumstances than his previous record-breaking feat of going worldwide on a sailboat solo and unassisted… Continue reading

Re-examination of Sedition Law in motion: Govt informs SC

Central idea: The Centre has informed Supreme Court that it has initiated the “process of re-examination” of Section 124A (sedition) of the Indian Penal Code and consultations are in its “final stage”. What is the Sedition Law? Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code lays down the punishment for sedition. The IPC was enacted in… Continue reading

ASEAN-India maritime exercise in South China Sea

Central idea: The article highlights India’s increasing military cooperation with ASEAN countries, with a special emphasis on the upcoming ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) in the South China Sea. ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise The first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise (AIME) is set to commence on May 2, 2023, with war games to be held in the South China… Continue reading

Psychedelics and its uses to treat Depression

Central idea: The context of the article is about the use of psychedelic drugs for both recreational and medicinal purposes. What are Psychedelics? Psychedelics are a class of drugs that alter an individual’s perception, mood, and thought processing while still allowing the individual to remain conscious and with unimpaired insight. They are non-addictive and non-toxic,… Continue reading

Copper plates decoded reveal new info on Shilabhattarika

Central idea: The article talks about the discovery of new information on the celebrated ancient Sanskrit poetess Shilabhattarika through the decoding of copper plates by the Pune-based Bhandarkar Institute. Who was Shilabhattarika? Shilabhattarika was a 9th-century Sanskrit poet from India. She lived near the Narmada River and the Vindhya mountains. Her poetic skills were praised… Continue reading

Link between poor Solid Waste Management and Stray Dog Attacks

Central idea: Several incidents of stray dog attacks in Indian cities have shed light on the link between urban solid waste management and the issue of stray dogs. Stray Dog Attacks in India Cities have witnessed a sharp increase in the stray dog population, which as per the official 2019 livestock census stood at 1.5… Continue reading

Issues with Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project

The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has now flagged alleged discrepancies with respect to the forest clearance granted for the ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Island (GNI) Project. What is GNI Project? The GNI Project refers to the “Holistic Development of Great Nicobar Island,” a proposed mega project being piloted by NITI Aayog. The project aims… Continue reading

Bihan Mela of Kondh Tribals

Central idea: Since 2019, the Kondh tribe in Nayagarh district, Odisha has been celebrating the Bihan Mela, or the seed festival, to promote the revival of indigenous farming. Bihan Mela This event involves the collection and preservation of indigenous seeds, and farmers from 40 villages in Dasapalla block participate in the festival. After harvesting kharif… Continue reading

Conservation work at Delhi’s Zafar Mahal to begin

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) is set to initiate conservation works at Zafar Mahal in south Delhi’s Mehrauli. Zafar Mahal Zafar Mahal, located in Mehrauli village, South Delhi, India, is considered the last monumental structure built during the fading years of the Mughal era. The palace was built in the 18th and 19th centuries,… Continue reading

Bharat Tap Rating System for Water Fixtures

Central idea: The Centre is in the process of bringing in a star rating system for water fixtures similar to the ratings of electrical appliances. Bharat Tap Rating The star rating system would come under one umbrella called Bharat Tap, which was formulated under AMRUT 2.0 to drive water efficiency. The initiative aims to promote… Continue reading

Latest National Health Account figures on India’s Healthcare Sector

Central idea: The National Health Account Estimates 2019-20 report shows an increase in government spending and a decline in out-of-pocket expenditure on healthcare. About National Health Account (NHA) estimates The NHA estimates for India 2019-20 is the seventh consecutive report prepared by the National Health Systems Resource Centre (NHSRC). NHSRC was designated as National Health… Continue reading

Over 19,000 Seamounts discovered

Central Idea: Scientists have reported finding 19,325 new seamounts after poring through new high-resolution data. A study had already mapped 24,000 seamounts across the world’s oceans. Why study this? The recent discovery of new seamounts was made possible by advancements in altimetry for gravity-field mapping, which improved spatial coverage. The CryoSat-2, Envisat, Jason-1 geodetic missions,… Continue reading

What is Ningaloo ‘Hybrid’ Solar Eclipse?

A ‘hybrid’ solar eclipse called the Ningaloo Eclipse recently happened on April 20, 2023. Ningaloo ‘Hybrid’ Solar Eclipse It was a rare astronomical event that occurred on April 20, 2023. The Moon passed directly between the Sun and the Earth, casting a shadow on a narrow strip of land in Western Australia. It was a… Continue reading

SC modifies judgement on Eco-Sensitive Zones

Central idea The Supreme Court modified its judgment on mandatory eco-sensitive zones (ESZs) around protected forests, national parks, and wildlife sanctuaries across the country. The court has now made it clear that ESZs cannot be uniform across the country and has to be “protected area-specific.” What are the Eco-sensitive Zones (ESZs)? Eco-Sensitive Zones (ESZs) or… Continue reading

[pib] Cabinet approves the Policy for the Medical Devices Sector

Central idea: The Union Cabinet, chaired by Hon’ble Prime Minister, approved the National Medical Devices Policy, 2023. National Medical Devices Policy, 2023 The Policy, 2023 aims to facilitate an orderly growth of the medical device sector to meet the public health objectives of access, affordability, quality, and innovation. The policy lays down a roadmap for… Continue reading

India’s sustainable jet fuel may get ASTM certified in 2023

Central idea The Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) has developed sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using home-grown technology from cooking oil and oil-bearing plants. SAF is also being produced from non-petroleum-based renewable feedstocks, municipal solid waste, woody biomass, fats/greases/oils, and other feedstocks. About ASTM certification ASTM International is an international standards organization that develops and publishes… Continue reading

Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) Initiative

Central Idea: The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a PRET initiative to be better prepared for future outbreaks of a similar scale and devastation as the COVID-19 pandemic. What is PRET Initiative? The Preparedness and Resilience for Emerging Threats (PRET) initiative is launched by the WHO to prepare for future outbreaks of a similar… Continue reading

Ambiguities in India’s Nuclear Liability Law

Central idea: The article discusses how the issues regarding India’s nuclear liability law are holding up the plan to build six nuclear power reactors in Maharashtra’s Jaitapur, which is the world’s biggest nuclear power generation site under consideration at present. Law governing nuclear liability in India Ans. Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (CLNDA), 2010… Continue reading

Why have Maoists repeatedly attack in Chhattisgarh?

Central idea: Ten security personnel returning from a counter-insurgency operation and a civilian driver were killed by Maoists, in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada. Why discuss this? Media seems to be confused with the terms and uses Maoists and Naxalities quite inter-changeably for Left Wing Extremism (LWE). Current LWE situation in the country According to the MHA, Maoist… Continue reading

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