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Distribution: yearly

Marburg Virus outbreak in Rwanda

Why in the News? An outbreak of Marburg Virus (Bleeding Eyes) disease (MVD) has killed and infected many in Rwanda. About Marburg Virus: Overview • Causes Marburg Virus Disease (MVD), also known as Marburg Hemorrhagic Fever. • Belongs to the filovirus family (same as Ebola). • Discovered during outbreaks in 1967 in Marburg and Frankfurt,… Continue reading Marburg Virus outbreak in Rwanda

Windfall Gains Tax on Oil Production, Diesel-Petrol Export Removed

Why in the News? With global oil prices stabilizing and domestic fuel supply improving, the government has decided to scrap the windfall gains tax, ensuring more predictable taxation for the oil industry. What is Windfall Tax? A windfall tax is a levy imposed on companies experiencing unexpected profits due to external factors like market shifts… Continue reading Windfall Gains Tax on Oil Production, Diesel-Petrol Export Removed

ecDNA Challenges Law of Genetics

Why in the News? A recent study published in the ‘Nature’ has shown that Extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) is present in approximately 50% of cancer types, playing a significant role in tumor evolution and genetic heterogeneity. What is ecDNA? Details • ecDNA stands for extrachromosomal DNA, which is small, circular DNA found in the nucleus of… Continue reading ecDNA Challenges Law of Genetics

Environment Ministry’s Lok Sabha reply shows 33.6% of India’s coastline is threatened by erosion

Why in the News? During the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, the Union Environment Ministry presented data shedding light on the critical issue of coastal erosion in India. What are the key findings of the report? Extent of Coastal Erosion Nationwide: 33.6% of India’s coastline has been affected by erosion over the past three decades.… Continue reading Environment Ministry’s Lok Sabha reply shows 33.6% of India’s coastline is threatened by erosion

International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

Why in the News? The ICIMOD has launched Air Quality Dashboard for Indo-Gangetic Plain. ICIMOD Air Quality Dashboard: Important Features The dashboard provides real-time and forecasted air quality data for the region. It uses a combination of ground sensor data and satellite imagery to give a comprehensive view of air pollution across local, sub-regional, and… Continue reading International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

Gandhamardan Hills, Odisha

Why in the News? The Odisha government has clarified that it will not allow bauxite mining in the Gandhamardan hills after concerns arose when the Adani Group’s subsidiary acquired 112 acres of land near the hills. About Gandhamardan Hills: Geographical Features Situated in the western part of Odisha, spread across the Bargarh and Bolangir districts.… Continue reading Gandhamardan Hills, Odisha

[pib] SHAKTI Yojana

Why in the News? The SHAKTI Yojana plays a crucial role in enhancing the reliability of coal supply for India’s power sector. About SHAKTI Yojana: Details • SHAKTI stands for Scheme for Harnessing and Allocating Koyala Transparently in India. • Introduced by: Ministry of Coal, Government of India. • Launched in 2018, with amendments in… Continue reading [pib] SHAKTI Yojana

[2nd December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Research security should be a national priority

PYQ Relevance: Q) Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats.  (UPSC CSE 2021) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on ‘Cyber Security’ (in 2022), and ‘Maritime Secuirty’ (2021). India ranks fourth globally in defense… Continue reading [2nd December 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Research security should be a national priority

[pib] Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14)

Why in the News? The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14) will take place from December 4-6, 2024, in New Delhi. About AOMSUC: Details What is it? • It is a conference focused on the use of meteorological satellite data for weather forecasting, climate monitoring, and disaster risk management. • First AOMSUC was held… Continue reading [pib] Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users’ Conference (AOMSUC-14)

[pib] Exercise CINBAX

Why in the News? The 1st edition of the Joint Table Top Exercise, CINBAX, between the Indian Army and the Cambodian Army commenced at the Foreign Training Node, Pune. Note: Aspirants must not get confused with Exercise SIMBEX, which is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Singapore. About Exercise CINBAX: Details 1st edition of… Continue reading [pib] Exercise CINBAX

[30th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A liberal arts degree is worth much more than realised

PYQ Relevance: Q) National Education Policy 2020 is in conformity with the Sustainable Development Goal-4 (2030). It intends to restructure and reorient the education system in India. Critically examine the statement.  (UPSC CSE 2020) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have focused on the ‘Primary Education System’ (in 2016), ‘Quality of technical and higher education’ (in 2015),… Continue reading [30th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: A liberal arts degree is worth much more than realised

New study: more than 1.5 million die each year from wild/bush fire pollution

Why in the News? A study published in The Lancet revealed that pollution from landscape fires, including agricultural burning in northern India during winters, may have caused over 1.2 lakh deaths annually in India between 2000 and 2019. What is Wildfire and Its Types? Wildfires are uncontrolled fires that burn in natural landscapes, including forests,… Continue reading New study: more than 1.5 million die each year from wild/bush fire pollution

Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site

Why in the News? The Tamil Nadu CM has requested the Prime Minister to cancel the tungsten mining rights in Madurai, citing concerns for the Arittapatti biodiversity heritage site. About Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site: Details • First BHS in Tamil Nadu. • Notified for its ecological and historical significance. Geological Features • Surrounded by a… Continue reading Arittapatti Biodiversity Heritage Site

[pib] India and ADB sign $98 million loan to promote Plants Health management

Why in the News? The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $98 million loan to support the Building India’s Clean Plant Programme. Aims and Objectives The $98 million loan focuses on improving horticulture crop farmers’ access to certified disease-free planting materials. The primary aim is to boost the yield,… Continue reading [pib] India and ADB sign $98 million loan to promote Plants Health management

[pib] National AYUSH Mission (NAM)

Why in the News? The National AYUSH Mission (NAM) is an important Centrally Sponsored Scheme aimed at promoting and developing the AYUSH systems of medicine across the country. In addition to NAM, Central Sector Schemes like the AYURSWASTHYA Yojana and the AYURGYAN Scheme play a crucial role in advancing the mission’s objectives About AYURGYAN and… Continue reading [pib] National AYUSH Mission (NAM)

[29th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Armed insurrection to parliamentary politics

PYQ Relevance:Q) Analyse the multidimensional challenges posed by external state and non-state actors, to the internal security of India. Also discuss measures required to be taken to combat these threats. (UPSC CSE 2021) Mentor’s Comment: UPSC Mains have previously focused on ‘internal security’ as well as ‘external impacts on the political security’ of India (in… Continue reading [29th November 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Armed insurrection to parliamentary politics

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