Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards, 2024

Why in the News? The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Governor has been awarded an “A+” rating for the second consecutive year in the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards 2024. About the Global Finance Central Banker Report Cards The Central Banker Report Cards are published annually by Global Finance, a magazine that has been… Continue reading

Shiveluch Volcano

Why in the News? The Shiveluch Volcano in Russia erupted following a 7.0 magnitude earthquake off the country’s eastern coast. About Shiveluch Volcano Details Location Kamchatka Peninsula, Russia Approximately 56°39′N 161°21′E Stratovolcano (Composite Volcano) Approximately 3,283 meters (10,771 feet) Geological Features Large actively growing lava dome, andesitic to dacitic lava Eruption History Frequent eruptions; significant… Continue reading

WHO investigating new Polio strain in Meghalaya

Why in the News? The World Health Organization (WHO) is investigating a suspected new strain of polio in a two-year-old child from Tikrikilla, Meghalaya. What is Vaccine-Derived Polio? The Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) contains a weakened form of the poliovirus that activates an immune response in the body. The vaccine-virus is excreted after vaccination and… Continue reading

[21st August 2024] India’s Ethanol Blending Target: Progress, Challenges, and Regional Dynamics

Why in the News? India is on track to achieve its ambitious goal of blending 20% ethanol with petrol by 2025-26. While significant progress has been made in increasing ethanol production, the initiative is not without its challenges. The food versus fuel debate and concerns about fuel efficiency in existing vehicles continue to loom large… Continue reading

India-Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Why in the News? India and Malaysia have elevated their relationship to a ‘Comprehensive Strategic Partnership’ following talks between Prime Ministers Modi and Ibrahim, aiming to overcome past tensions. What is a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP)? The Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP) represents a deepened level of engagement between two nations, encompassing a broad spectrum of… Continue reading

A ground plan for sustainable mass employment

Why in the News? The ambitious ₹2 lakh crore employment package aims to create 4.1 crore jobs, but evidence shows low wages and short-term skill programs hinder long-term sustainability. Low wages and short-term skill programs hinder long-term sustainability: Low Wages Lead to Economic Insecurity: Low wages create economic insecurity for workers, making it difficult for… Continue reading

Can blood tests for cancer save more lives?

Why in the News? A multi-cancer early detection test can identify circulating tumour DNA or circulating tumour cells at an early stage, allowing for more effective treatment. Status of Cancer: Cancer’s Impact in India: Cancer accounts for 18% of deaths from noncommunicable diseases in India, making it the second leading cause of mortality. In 2022,… Continue reading

Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) Mission

Why in the News? European scientists are preparing to execute a first-of-its-kind ‘Double Slingshot’ orbital maneuver to guide the JUICE probe towards Jupiter using a double slingshot technique. About JUICE Mission: Details Launch By European Space Agency (ESA) on April 14, 2023, Ariane 5 rocket To study Jupiter’s Moons Aim Investigating the potential for life… Continue reading

[pib] Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

Why in the News? Many individuals, organizations, and zoos in India currently possess living specimens of exotic animal species listed under Schedule IV of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. These exotic species must be reported and registered as mandated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in the PARIVESH 2.0 Portal. Legal… Continue reading

What is Quantum Non-Locality?

Why in the News? A recent study published in Physical Review Letters by Indian researchers has revealed that a universal standard for measuring quantum non-locality is impossible. What is Quantum Nonlocality? Quantum Nonlocality is a mysterious connection between distant objects that challenges the classical idea of local realism, where no faster-than-light communication is allowed. It’s… Continue reading

What is the Hayflick Limit?

Why in the News? Leonard Hayflick, the renowned biomedical researcher who made a discovery about the limits of cell division in somatic cells (Hayflick Limit) has passed away at 98. What is the Hayflick Limit? In the early 1960s, Hayflick discovered that somatic (non-reproductive) cells have a finite number of divisions, typically between 40-60 times.… Continue reading

What is a Waterspout?

Why in the News? A yacht sank off the coast of Sicily, Italy after being hit by a Waterspout. What are Waterspouts? A waterspout is a rotating column of air and mist over a water body. It is a weaker relative of tornadoes and typically lasts for about five minutes, although it can occasionally last… Continue reading

[20th August 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The ‘livery of India’s freedom’ is under threat

PYQ Relevance:Mains:Q.1 Bring out the constructive programmes of Mahatma Gandhi during the Non-Cooperation Movement and Civil Disobedience Movement. (UPSC IAS/2021) Q.2 Can the strategy of regional-resource-based manufacturing help in promoting employment in India? (UPSC IAS/2019) Note4Students: Prelims: Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC); Mains: Challenges related to khadi industry; Mentor comments: The khadi industry in India… Continue reading

The path to Viksit Bharat runs through fields

Why in the News? India’s 78th Independence Day is a time to reflect on our significant successes and setbacks. We should learn from both to make quicker progress towards the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat@2047 by 2047. Key Aspects of Viksit Bharat@2047 Economic Growth: The vision aims to elevate India to the status… Continue reading

Yaks from China stray into eastern Ladakh

Why in the News? Around 40 Chinese yaks ventured into Indian Territory in the “Demchok” area of eastern Ladakh and are currently under the control of the local villagers. Grazing land issue at LAC: Nomads from both sides traditionally access grazing grounds across the LAC. Indian nomads have been stopped by Chinese soldiers when crossing… Continue reading

[pib] 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue

Why in the News? Japanese foreign and defence ministers have arrived in India to participate in the India-Japan 2+2 ministerial meeting. About 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is a diplomatic summit held annually since 2018, initially between India and the US. It later expanded to include Japan, Australia, Russia, and the United Kingdom.… Continue reading

Do doctors need a Central protection Act?

Why in the News? Resident doctors across India are on strike, demanding safety laws after a young doctor was tragically raped and murdered at R.G. Kar Medical College in Kolkata on August 9. Why are Healthcare Workers Protesting? Response to Violence: The protests were triggered by the brutal rape and murder of a young doctor… Continue reading

Zoopharmacognosy: the study of how animals self-medicate

Why in the News? Researchers highlighted the zoopharmacognosy (practice of self-medication) by a Sumatran orangutan using the plant Fibraurea tinctoria to treat a facial wound. What is Zoopharmacognosy? Zoopharmacognosy is the study of how animals use natural substances like plants, soils, and insects to treat their own illnesses. The term was coined by ecologist D.H.… Continue reading

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