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Distribution: yearly

Why ‘protected’ areas are seeing faster biodiversity decline?

Why in the News? According to a recent study conducted by the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London, biodiversity is decreasing more rapidly within key protected areas than outside of them. What did the Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) say? The Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII) is a quantitative measure designed to assess the state of terrestrial… Continue reading Why ‘protected’ areas are seeing faster biodiversity decline?

[pib] Exercise SIMBEX 2024

Why in the News? The 31st edition of the Singapore India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) is being held at the Eastern Naval Command in Visakhapatnam. About Exercise SIMBEX: Details History Initially known as Exercise Lion King. The exercise has been held annually since 1994. Evolution Progressed from anti-submarine warfare to include maritime security, anti-air, and… Continue reading [pib] Exercise SIMBEX 2024

National Manuscript Mission

Why in the News? The Union Ministry of Culture is planning to revive and relaunch the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) and is considering the formation of an autonomous body to help preserve India’s ancient texts. Why Center is again re-evolving this scheme? Currently, the NMM operates as part of the Indira Gandhi National Centre… Continue reading National Manuscript Mission

[25th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Gaza war and the Global South’s ‘interventions’

PYQ Relevance: [2018] India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss.[2022] How will I2U2 (India, Israel, UAE and USA) grouping transform India’s position in global politics?Prelims:[2013]  The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of: (a) China (b) Israel (c)… Continue reading [25th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Gaza war and the Global South’s ‘interventions’

US court to decide whether elephants get human rights

Why in the News? Colorado’s highest court recently reviewed whether older African female elephants can legally contest their captivity, as the NonHuman Rights Project claims they are unlawfully confined. What is nonhuman? Nonhuman animals are living beings other than humans, including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and insects, recognized for their capacity to feel, behave, and… Continue reading US court to decide whether elephants get human rights

Cyclone Dana

Why in the News? West Bengal and Odisha experienced heavy rainfall as Tropical Cyclone Dana is anticipated to make landfall later tonight. What are Cyclones? Cyclones are wind systems rotating inwardly towards an area of low atmospheric pressure. They are categorised into Tropical (Temperature-induced) and Temperate (extra-tropical) cyclones (airmass-induced). Formation Conditions: Tropical cyclones originate in… Continue reading Cyclone Dana

[pib] PM-YASASVI Scheme

Why in the News? The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has implemented the PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme for Vibrant India (PM-YASASVI). About PM-YASASVI Scheme   Details Launch Year 2021-22 Purpose To provide financial assistance and educational support to students from Other Backward Classes (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and De-notified Tribes (DNT). Eligibility… Continue reading [pib] PM-YASASVI Scheme

[pib] Environmental Ship Index (ESI)

Why in the News? Mormugao Port Authority has gained global recognition as an incentive provider on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) platform. It is the first port in India to implement Green Ship Incentives under the ESI, promoting eco-friendly practices in shipping. The port launched the “Harit Shrey” scheme in October 2023, offering port fee… Continue reading [pib] Environmental Ship Index (ESI)

Betelgeuse, one of the Brightest Stars predicted to Explode

Why in the News? Recent research has revealed a surprising finding about Betelgeuse (which was believed to explode): the star’s unusual brightening and dimming patterns may be influenced by an unseen companion star. About Betelgeuse Betelgeuse is a red supergiant star in the Orion constellation, marking Orion’s left shoulder. It is among the brightest and… Continue reading Betelgeuse, one of the Brightest Stars predicted to Explode

[24th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Manipur crisis, the issue of managing diversity

PYQ Relevance: Q) Human right activists constantly highlight the fact that the Armed forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is a draconian act leading to cases of human right abuses by security forces. What sections of AFSPA are opposed by the activists. Critically evaluate the requirement with reference to the view held by Apex Court.… Continue reading [24th October 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The Manipur crisis, the issue of managing diversity

Madarsa Education Act: SC reserves order on appeals against Allahabad HC’s ‘Unconstitutional’ verdict

Why in the News? The Supreme Court reserved its decision on appeals challenging the Allahabad HC’s verdict, which declared the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004 as ‘Unconstitutional’. What is the UP Madarsa Education Act of 2004? The UP Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004, was enacted to establish a regulatory framework for… Continue reading Madarsa Education Act: SC reserves order on appeals against Allahabad HC’s ‘Unconstitutional’ verdict

Biodiversity COP16

Why in the News? For the upcoming Annual Climate Change meeting set to take place in Baku (Azerbaijan), on November 11, countries are currently gathered in Cali, Colombia, for the biennial UN Biodiversity Conference. What is the significance of COP16 in the context of Global biodiversity? Post-Kunming-Montreal Framework Implementation: COP16 is the first meeting after… Continue reading Biodiversity COP16

SC upholds State legislatures’ right to regulate Industrial Alcohol as an ‘Intoxicant’

Why in the News? A nine-judge Constitution Bench, with an 8:1 majority, affirmed the authority of State legislatures to regulate industrial alcohol. What is the definition of “intoxicating liquor” with industrial alcohol? The SC’s ruling established that the term “intoxicating liquor” in Entry 8 of the State List should be interpreted broadly to include not… Continue reading SC upholds State legislatures’ right to regulate Industrial Alcohol as an ‘Intoxicant’

On sanctions and shadow fleets

Why in the News? During coverage of the Russia-Ukraine conflict, many Western media outlets have referred to tanker ships transporting Russian crude oil or oil products to other countries as a “shadow fleet.” What is shadow fleet? The “shadow fleet” refers to tanker ships transporting oil from sanctioned countries, using tactics like flag hopping, complex… Continue reading On sanctions and shadow fleets

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