Only half PMJDY insurance claims settled in 2 years

Central idea: In an RTI reply, it is revealed that only 329 claims out of 647 filed were settled in the last two financial years under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY). What is PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)? The PMJDY is a financial inclusion program launched by the Indian government in 2014. It… Continue reading

Tamil Nadu’s Manamadurai Pottery gets GI Tag

The Manamadurai pottery recently earned a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Manamadurai Pottery The Vaigai river enriches the clay used for the Manamadurai pottery. Pot making requires expertise as the bottom has to be perfectly round. The right proportion of mud, clay and heating makes this product very strong. The main raw materials for making these… Continue reading

Zero Shadow Day: What is it, why does it happen?

Central idea: Many cities across India are experiencing Zero Shadow Day since the sun was directly overhead at that time. What is Zero Shadow Day? Zero Shadow Day is a phenomenon that occurs twice a year at every point on Earth located between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn. During Zero Shadow… Continue reading

Rs 2,913 Cr from PSEs to PM CARES Fund

Government-run listed firms have contributed at least Rs 2,913.6 crore between 2019-20 and 2021-22 to the controversial Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations (PM CARES) Fund. About PM CARES Fund The PM CARES Fund was created on 28 March 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic in India. The fund will be used for… Continue reading

Genome Sequencing and the Genome India Project

The Department of Biotechnology recently said that the exercise to sequence 10,000 Indian human genomes and create a database under the Centre-backed Genome India Project is about two-thirds complete. What is the Genome India Project? The Genome India Project has been described by those involved as the “first scratching of the surface of the vast… Continue reading

Understanding Temperature Anomalies

Central idea: Global warming does not mean that each month or each year will be warmer than the previous month or the previous year. What is Temperature Anomaly? This is a measure of how much the actual temperature deviates from the long-term average temperature for a particular location and time period. Anomalies are calculated by… Continue reading

Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct

The Supreme Court of India has directed the Registrar General of the Calcutta High Court to investigate an alleged interview given by a judge to a news channel in which he made remarks against a politician. This is cited against Bangalore Principles of Judicial Conduct. What are Bangalore Principles? The Bangalore Code of Judicial Conduct… Continue reading

Places in news: Thirunelly Temple

The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) has urged the government to conserve the historically significant structures, including the 600-year-old ‘Vilakkumadom’, an exquisite granite structure, at the Sree Mahavishnu Temple at Thirunelly in Wayanad district. About Thirunelly Temple The temple is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is also known as Sahyamala Kshetram.… Continue reading

Operation Kaveri to evacuate stranded citizens from Sudan

India has launched “Operation Kaveri” to evacuate its citizens from war-torn Sudan. What is Operation Kaveri? It is the recent series of evacuations held by India over the last few years to rescue its nationals in crisis-hit countries. India rescued its nationals last year from war-hit Ukraine and Afghanistan. The operation was launched in response… Continue reading

Vibrant Villages Program to be integrated with PM Gati Shakti

The Centre’s Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) which aims to develop infrastructure and open up villages to tourists along the China border will be integrated with the Gati Shakti Mega Project. What is Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP)? Under the VVP, the selected villages will be provided with basic facilities like all-weather roads, potable piped water, 24×7… Continue reading

Malaria soon to be a notifiable disease across India

Malaria is all set to become a notifiable disease across India, which will require cases to be reported to government authorities by law. About Malaria Description Definition A potentially life-threatening disease caused by parasites that are transmitted through the bite of infected female Anopheles mosquitoes Causes Four species of plasmodium parasites, namely plasmodium vivax, plasmodium… Continue reading

50 years of Kesavananda Bharati Case

Fifty years ago, on April 24, 1973, the Supreme Court delivered its judgment in Kesavananda Bharati Sripadagalvaru and Ors vs. State of Kerala and Anr, the landmark case that redefined the relationship between Parliament and the Constitution. Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973) The Kesavananda Bharati judgement, was a landmark decision of the Supreme Court that outlined… Continue reading

How can a Juvenile be tried as an Adult in Court?

Central idea: In this article, we will discuss the process of trying juveniles in the age group of 16-18 as adults in court and the responsibilities of the Juvenile Justice Board. About Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 Description Purpose To provide for the care, protection, and rehabilitation of children in need of care and protection, and… Continue reading

Pushkaralu Festival returns to the Ganga after 12 years

Central Idea: The 12-day Pushkaralu festival of Telugu-speaking people began on April 22 in Varanasi. Pushkaralu Festival Pushkaram is an Indian festival dedicated to worshiping of 12 sacred rivers. The celebration happens annually, once in 12 years along each river. Each river is associated with a zodiac sign, and the river for each year’s festival… Continue reading

Microbes found near Mt. Everest

Central idea Researchers conducted a genetic analysis of microbial communities on the South Col of Sagarmatha (Mount Everest). The article examines the human microbiota on the inhospitable slopes of Mount Everest esp. the South Col ridge. Microbial Communities on the South Col Microbial communities were collected from sediment samples left by human climbers on the… Continue reading

Jal Shakti Ministry plans network of Groundwater Sensors

Central Idea: The Jal Shakti Ministry is working on an ambitious plan to deploy a vast network of groundwater sensors to continuously relay information on groundwater levels and contamination. What is Groundwater? Groundwater is the water found underground in the cracks and spaces in soil, sand and rock. It is stored in and moves slowly… Continue reading

What is Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)?

The Indian government will be analyzing how the European Union’s (EU’s) proposed carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) will affect the Indian industry. The CBAM is set to start from October this year. Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) Proposed by European Union (EU) Purpose To reduce carbon emissions from imported goods and prevent competitive disadvantage against… Continue reading

First Census of Waterbodies in India

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has recently released the report of the first census of waterbodies in India. Waterbodies Census It is the first ever process of conducting a comprehensive survey of all the waterbodies in a particular region or country. The census aims to identify and classify different types of waterbodies like ponds, tanks,… Continue reading

Assam- Arunachal Pradesh Border Dispute

Central idea Ahave had a long-standing border dispute over 123 villages that are located in 12 districts of Arunachal and 8 districts of Assam. On April 21, 2022, an MoU was signed between the two states to resolve the dispute. Genesis of the dispute The border dispute between Arunachal Pradesh and Assam has around 1,200… Continue reading

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