[pib] UJALA: 10 Years of Energy-Efficient Lighting

Why in the News? The UJALA (Unnat Jyoti by Affordable LEDs for All) scheme, launched on January 5, 2015 has completed a decade of remarkable success. About UJALA Scheme: Launch Details Launched on 5th January 2015 by PM Narendra Modi. Originally called the Domestic Efficient Lighting Programme (DELP). Aims to promote energy-efficient LED appliances in… Continue reading

What is Human Metapneumo- Virus (HMPV)?

Why in the News? Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) has recently become a topic of widespread discussion in India, fueled by sensational media reports. These reports claim the emergence of a “new dangerous virus” from China, leading to unnecessary public panic and misinformation. What is Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV)? Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a respiratory virus that primarily… Continue reading

Why was the no-detention policy rolled back?

Why in the News? Recently, the Union government revised the Rules of the Right to Education Act, 2009, permitting schools to retain students in Classes 5 and 8 if they fail to meet the promotion criteria based on a year-end examination. What led to the amendment of the Right to Education Act, 2009 Rules? Significant… Continue reading

LEADS 2024’ Report Released

Why in the News? The Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS) 2024 report, released by the Union Minister, outlines key objectives and performance metrics aimed at enhancing India’s logistics sector. What are the Aims and Objectives of Logistics Ease Across Different States (LEADS)? The primary aim is to improve logistics efficiency across states and union… Continue reading

[6th January 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The outlook for India in the year ahead

PYQ Relevance: Q) South China Sea has assumed great geopolitical significance in the present context. Comment. (UPSC CSE 2016) Q) Clean energy is the order of the day.’ Describe briefly India’s changing policy towards climate change in various international fora in the context of geopolitics. (UPSC CSE 2022) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains has always focused on… Continue reading

Indus Valley Script

Why in the News? In a landmark announcement, Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin offered a $1 million prize to anyone who successfully deciphers the ancient Indus Valley Script. Recent Efforts and Theories Bahata Ansumali Mukhopadhyay’s Theory: Suggests the script served commercial purposes, such as trade permits and tax stamps. Highlights its practical use rather than… Continue reading

How are Zebrafishes able to repair damaged hearts?

Why in the News? A recent research revealed that the Zebrafish (a popular aquarium fish) can regenerate damaged heart muscle within 60 days, a capability absent in humans. The Hmga1 protein plays a key role in this process, offering potential insights for heart repair in mammals. Discovery of Hmga1’s Role in Zebrafish Heart Regeneration: In… Continue reading

Chhattisgarh first state to link Forest Ecosystem with Green GDP

Why in the News? For the first time in India, Chhattisgarh has introduced an innovative framework that integrates the ecosystem services of its forests into the calculation of Green Gross Domestic Product (Green GDP). This initiative highlights the critical role forests play in supporting both environmental sustainability and economic growth. Highlights of the Chhattisgarh’s Plan… Continue reading

Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC)

Why in the News? The Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change has introduced amendments to the rules governing the selection of experts in the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC). Key Highlights of the Revised GEAC Rules: Conflict of Interest Disclosure: Expert members must disclose any direct or indirect interests that may conflict with… Continue reading

India’s emissions inventory & efforts at mitigation

Why in the News? India recently shared a report about its efforts to fight climate change. The report includes details about how much greenhouse gases (GHG) the country produces and the steps it has taken to reduce these emissions as part of its global climate promises. What is the Biennial Update Report (BUR)? The Biennial… Continue reading

India, cross-border insolvency and legal reform

Why in the News? The current state of cross-border insolvency laws is poor, with rules that cannot be enforced and slow progress in making necessary changes. This situation needs to be fixed. How did the evolution of the cross-border insolvency framework in India? Post-Independence Legal Framework: After Independence, India’s insolvency laws focused on domestic cases… Continue reading

What is KM3NeT Project?

Why in the News? Scientists are deploying two advanced telescopes under the Mediterranean Sea as part of the Cubic Kilometre Neutrino Telescope (KM3NeT) project. What is KM3NeT Project? The KM3NeT is a European research initiative launched in 2012 and located in the Mediterranean Sea. It uses advanced water Cherenkov detectors to study high-energy neutrinos and… Continue reading

Banana Cultivation in India

Why in the News? India has seen a 10x increase in banana exports over the past decade and now targets $1 billion in exports within the next five years. In the fiscal year 2022-23, India’s banana production was estimated at around 34.9 million metric tons. Do you know? Banana is the second most important fruit… Continue reading

In news: Trinidad and Tobago

Why in the News? The government of Trinidad and Tobago declared a state of emergency on December 30, 2024, in response to escalating violence in the Caribbean nation. About Trinidad and Tobago Geography: Located in the southern Caribbean, near Venezuela. A dual-island nation consisting of Trinidad (4,768 sq. km) and Tobago (300 sq. km). Total… Continue reading

[3rd January 2025] The Hindu Op-ed: Reflections as the world grows more ‘polarised’

PYQ Relevance: Q) Hatred is destructive of a person’s wisdom and conscience that can poison a nation’s spirit. Do you agree with this view? Justify your answer. (UPSC CSE 2020) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC mains have always focused on ‘tolerance, assimilation and pluralism’ (2022) and ‘spirit and tolerance’ (2017). In the book Polarization: What Everyone Needs… Continue reading

Ukraine ends supply of Russian gas to Europe

Why in the News? For over 40 years, Russian gas has been transported to Europe through Ukraine, but these supplies are set to cease on January 1, following Ukraine’s Naftogaz decision not to renew its most recent five-year transit agreement with Russia’s Gazprom. Note: Student you can use this content in Prelims for facts related… Continue reading

Annual Ground Water Quality Report – 2024

Why in the News? The Annual Groundwater Quality Report 2024 was released by the Union Minister of Jal Shakti. Conducted by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), the report provides a scientific baseline for groundwater quality across India. Annual Groundwater Quality Report, 2024: Key Highlights Monitoring Scale Data collected from 15,200 locations and 4,982 trend… Continue reading

US imposes sanctions on entities in Iran, Russia

Why in the News? The United States has imposed sanctions on entities in Iran and Russia, accusing them of attempting to interfere in the 2024 US presidential election. Understanding Sanctions: Purpose, Application, and Impact Sanctions are strategic tools used to influence behavior, deter aggression, and enforce compliance with international norms. Sanctions are commonly used to… Continue reading

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