Key findings about Keeladi Excavation

Central idea: Keeladi is an archaeological site that has been excavated by the Tamil Nadu State Department of Archaeology since 2014. Recent excavations here has pushed the Sangam age further back. About Keeladi Keeladi is a tiny hamlet in the Sivaganga district in south Tamil Nadu. It is about 12 km south-east to the temple… Continue reading

What is Angel Tax?

Central idea: The article provides an overview of the angel tax provisions in the Finance Bill, which were introduced in the Budget. It highlights the concerns raised by the start-up community regarding the impact of these provisions on their operations. Angel Investment An angel investor is an individual who provides financial backing to early-stage startups… Continue reading

‘HD 3226’ Wheat can beat the heat

Scientists at the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) have developed a new variety of wheat ‘HD 3226’ that can withstand high temperatures. HD 3226 Wheat The wheat, known as “HD 3226”, has been developed specifically for cultivation in the northwest region of India, where temperatures can reach up to 42 degrees Celsius. It took… Continue reading

Dickinsonia Fossil found in Bhimbetka turns out to be decayed beehive

A Dickinsonia fossil found at Bhimbetka, previously believed to be one of the world’s earliest animals, and has been identified as a decayed beehive. About Bhimbetka The Bhimbetka rock shelters are an archaeological site in central India that spans the prehistoric Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods, as well as the historic period. It exhibits the earliest… Continue reading

Live transcription of Supreme Court proceedings introduced

Central idea: The Supreme Court introduced live transcription of court proceedings for the first time in the country, employing artificial intelligence (AI) and high-tech tools. Fun fact! The CJI announced that the live transcription will commence on an experimental basis with the constitution bench hearing on the vertical political split in a mainstream Maharashtrian political… Continue reading

What is Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS)?

The government has announced its plan to sell 20 lakh tonnes of wheat from its buffer stock in the market under the Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS). Why such move? The purpose of the move is to cool down the surge in wholesale prices of grain. It will be sold in the open market to… Continue reading

In news: Survey of India

The Survey of India (SOI), India’s 250-year-old map maker, will no longer have a monopoly on making high-resolution maps. SOI will however remain the arbiter of maps that deal with State borders and national boundaries. Key announcements by SOI Focus on map accuracy: The SoI will now take action against digital platforms that violate its… Continue reading

Can’t legislate on Women’s Marriage Age: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has rejected a petition seeking a uniform minimum age of marriage for men and women stating that the matter is within the domain of the legislature and not the judiciary. Central idea: The minimum age of marriage, especially for women, has been a contentious issue. It was evolved in the face of… Continue reading

APJ Abdul Kalam SLV: India’s 1st Hybrid Rocket launched

India’s first hybrid sounding rocket by private players was launched by some students from Pattipulam village off Tamil Nadu coast. About APJ Abdul Kalam SLV Martin Foundation in association with Dr APJ Abdul Kalam International Foundation and Space Zone India successfully completed the project known as Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Satellite Launch Vehicle Mission 2023.… Continue reading

Debating the Abolition of Judicial Vacations

Central Idea The longstanding tradition of judicial vacations in India has come under scrutiny as a parliamentary committee. Recent remarks by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud reignited discussions on the allocation of vacation days to Indian judges, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of judicial work patterns and the rationale behind vacation allotments. Vacation in Judiciary… Continue reading

GST Appellate Tribunal gets nod

The GST Council reached a broad consensus on setting up GST Appellate Tribunal; likely to be included in Finance Bill 2023. What is GST Appellate Tribunal? The GST Appellate Tribunal is a quasi-judicial body proposed to be established to resolve disputes related to the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India. It will function as… Continue reading

The National Land Monetisation Corporation (NLMC)

The National Land Monetisation Corporation (NLMC) has decided to involve international property consultancy firms to speed up the process of making money by selling or leasing the land owned by the government. What is NLMC? NLMC is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) announced in the Union Budget 2021-22 to carry out monetisation of government and… Continue reading

How is the Stock Market regulated in India?

The Supreme Court asked the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and the government to produce the existing regulatory framework in place to protect investors from stock market volatility. Central idea After short-seller Hindenburg Research published a report accusing the Adani Group of stock market manipulation and accounting fraud, its shares plummeted. Investors were… Continue reading

Underwater noise emissions pose threat to Indian Marine species: Study

Central idea: The rising man-made (anthropogenic) underwater noise emissions (UNE) from ships in the Indian waters are posing a threat to the life of marine mammals like Bottlenose Dolphin, Manatees, Pilot Whale, Seal, and Sperm Whale. What is Underwater Noise Emissions (UNE)? Underwater noise emissions (UNE) refer to sounds that are produced underwater as a… Continue reading

Diyodar meteorite in 2022 was India’s first Aubrite in 170 years

Central idea: A rare and unique meteorite, known as the Diyodar meteorite, was discovered in Banaskantha, Gujarat in December 2022. It is significant because it is the first aubrite to be found in India in 170 years. What are Aubrites? Aubrites are a type of meteorite that are believed to have formed on a different… Continue reading

How did Election Commission decide who gets Party Symbol?

Central idea: A faction within a political party led by the Maharashtra CM has been officially recognized as the legitimate group by the Election Commission of India. The faction has been allotted the “bow and arrow” symbol and the original name for use in future elections. Why discuss this? The allotment of election symbols can… Continue reading

What is Special Marriage Act, 1954?

Central idea: An actress recently held her interfaith-marriage under the Special Marriage Act, 1954. What is the Special Marriage Act? The Special Marriage Act of 1954 (SMA) was passed by the Parliament on October 9, 1954. It governs a civil marriage where the state sanctions the marriage rather than the religion. The minimum age to… Continue reading

Nominated members cannot vote in Delhi Mayor Poll: Supreme Court

Central idea: The Supreme Court ordered the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi to notify the first meeting of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to elect a Mayor within 24 hours and held that nominated members cannot vote in these polls. What is the issue? The issue at hand is whether the nominated members of the Municipal… Continue reading

Species in news: Pangolins

The World Pangolin Day was observed on February 18. Why in news? A not-for-profit organization working on the international trade of animals and plants, has brought out a fact sheet reporting that 1,203 pangolins have been found in illegal wildlife trade in India from 2018 to 2022. Pangolins IUCN status: Endangered India is home to… Continue reading

Amendments to Organ Transplant Rules

In a major tweak to the organ donation policy, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said that the clause that people beyond 65 years could not receive cadaver organ transplants had been removed. What are the changes introduced? (1) No Age Bar Now an individual of any age can register for organ transplant.… Continue reading

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