What are ‘Bio-Computers’ and what can they tell us about the human brain?

Central idea: Johns Hopkins University scientists have proposed creation of Bio-Computers’ using a new area of research called “organoid intelligence”. Background JHU scientists will harness the processing power of the brain and help understand the biological basis of human cognition, learning, and neurological disorders. Traditional methods of studying the human brain involve using rat brains,… Continue reading

SWAMIH investment fund and its affordable housing push

The Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) Investment Fund I has raised Rs 15,530 crore so far. What is the SWAMIH investment fund? The SWAMIH Investment Fund I is a social impact fund specifically formed for completing stressed and stalled residential projects. The Fund is sponsored by the Ministry of Finance and is… Continue reading

One Nation, One Challan Initiative

The Gujarat Govt. informed High Court that it’s setting up virtual traffic courts under ‘One Nation One Challan’ initiative while hearing a PIL on the matter. What is the One Nation, One Challan initiative? One Nation, One Challan is an initiative of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. It aims to bring all related… Continue reading

Assam’s Maidams meet UNESCO technical requirements for heritage centre

Assam’s pyramid-like structures known as moidams or maidams have met all the technical requirements of UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre. Charaideo Maidams The Charaideo maidams represents the late medieval (13th-19th century CE) mound burial tradition of the Tai Ahom community in Assam. The Ahoms preferred to place the departed family members at Charaideo where the first… Continue reading

Foldscope: A new paper microscope

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have developed a cheap paper microscope (foldscope) connected to a smartphone camera that could find wider application in a variety of research areas, and in some cases potentially replace more expensive equipment. What is Foldscope? The Foldscope is a handheld microscope made mostly of paper that… Continue reading

PMI suggests Services activity hit 12-year high

The Purchasing Managers Index (PMI) for the services sector in India rose to 55.3 in February. This marks the highest level of the PMI in the services sector in 12 years, driven by an increase in new business orders and employment. Service Sector The service sector, also known as the tertiary sector, includes a wide… Continue reading

World Bank Index on Life Cycle of Working Women

Central idea: The article reports on India’s score in the World Bank Index on the life cycle of working women. World Bank Index on the Life Cycle of Working Women It is a tool developed by the World Bank to measure and track the progress of women’s economic participation and opportunities over their lifetimes. It… Continue reading

Hidden corridor discovered in Pyramid of Giza using Cosmic-Ray Muon Radiography

A hidden corridor has been unearthed by scientists inside the Great Pyramid of Giza using a non-invasive technique called cosmic-ray muon radiography. What is Cosmic-Ray Muon Radiography (CMR)? CMR is a technique used to study the density and composition of materials hidden within large and dense objects, such as geological formations, archaeological sites, and industrial… Continue reading

Yellowstone NP celebrates its 151st anniversary

Yellowstone National Park, which celebrated its 151st anniversary earlier this week, is widely considered to be the first national park in the world. Yellowstone National Park It is a large protected area located primarily in the U.S. state of Wyoming, although it also extends into Montana and Idaho. It was established in 1872 and is… Continue reading

Supreme Court verdict on ECI appointments

Central idea: The Supreme Court has directed the central government to form a permanent selection committee consisting of consist of the Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and the Chief Justice of India or his nominee to recommend the appointment of Election Commissioners. Supreme Court Ruling The Supreme Court ruled that the appointment of the… Continue reading

FCRA licence of Centre for Policy Research suspended

Union Home Ministry suspended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR). About CPR The CPR was established in 1973 as a think tank with the mission to contribute to a more robust public discourse about the issues that impact life in India. Its headquarters is located in Chanakyapuri,… Continue reading

Academic Freedom in India declined strongly since 2013: Report

India’s academic freedom index is in the bottom 30 percent among 179 countries, according to a new report. Academic Freedom Index Update, 2023 The report was a collaborative effort of 2,917 country experts worldwide. It was co-ordinated by Swedish think tank V-Dem Institute and the Institute of Political Science at the Friedrich Alexander University in… Continue reading

World Wildlife Day- 2023: 50 years of the CITES

March 3 marks the 50th anniversary of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in 1973. Why is World Wildlife Day marked? March 3 marks the anniversary of CITES’ establishment. CITES is considered a landmark agreement on conservation that focuses on ensuring the sustainability of endangered species. In… Continue reading

What is the Expected Credit Loss (ECL) regime?

The Reserve Bank of India is moving closer towards ring-fencing the banking system from credit losses as it proposes to move to provision on the principles of ‘expected losses’ from ‘incurred losses. ‘ What is a Loan-Loss Provision? The RBI defines a loan loss provision as an expense that banks set aside for defaulted loans.… Continue reading

VAIBHAV fellowship for Indian Diaspora

The centre has launched VAIBHAV Fellowship scheme for the Indian Diaspora abroad on National Science Day. VAIBHAV fellowship The Vaibhav Fellowship is a program that invites overseas Indian scientists and researchers to work with Indian institutions and universities for a period of 2-3 weeks. The program is open to individuals of Indian origin who are… Continue reading

Role of Whip in Indian Polity

Central idea: The article aims to demystify the concept of whip and provide clarity on its role and importance in the functioning of state assemblies and parliament in India. Who is a Whip? A whip is an official of a political party whose task is to ensure party discipline in a legislature. This means ensuring… Continue reading

Extradition of Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEOs)

Central idea: India has called upon G20 countries to adopt multilateral action for faster extradition of fugitive economic offenders (FEOs) and recovery of assets both on the domestic front as well as from abroad. Who are Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEOs)? FEOs are individuals who have fled their home country to avoid facing prosecution for financial… Continue reading

Two Australian public universities to set up campuses in GIFT City

Central idea: Two Australian universities, Deakin University and the University of Wollongong, will set up campuses in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). The move is part of the Indian government’s efforts to promote internationalization and increase collaboration between Indian and foreign universities. GIFT City, Gandhinagar GIFT city is India’s first operational smart city and… Continue reading

In news: Anmol Jeevan Abhiyan

A recent initiative called the ‘Anmol Jeevan Abhiyan’ (Precious Life Campaign) in Barmer, Rajasthan has motivated village panchayats and homeowners to add hand pumps and locked covers to tankas for improved structure. What are Tankas? The tankas with a huge water storage capacity are traditionally built adjacent to the residential units in western Rajasthan. It is used… Continue reading

Proton Beam Therapy out of reach for many

There is currently a demand-supply gap of proton beam therapy machines in India, leaving many cancer patients in a difficult situation. What is Proton Beam Therapy? Proton beam therapy is a type of radiation therapy — a treatment that uses high-energy beams to treat tumors. Radiation therapy using X-rays has long been used to treat… Continue reading

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