Kigali (Rwanda)

Mapping   Source: PIB  Context: The International Solar Alliance (ISA) conducted its 5th regional meeting in Kigali, Rwanda. ISA grants have facilitated the implementation of nine solar power demonstration projects in Uganda, Comoros, and Mali. These projects included the solarization of rural healthcare centres and primary schools in these countries. ISA also launched the SolarX …

BS 6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle’

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB  Context: Toyota Kirloskar Motor has launched the world’s first prototype of a BS 6 Stage II ‘Electrified Flex Fuel Vehicle’ in India.   This vehicle combines a flex-fuel engine with an electric powertrain, offering greater use of ethanol and improved fuel efficiency. It aligns with India’s stricter emission …

Chandrayaan-3 takes seismic readings from lunar surface

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Hindustan Times    Context: India’s lunar exploration mission, Chandrayaan-3, Vikram lander and Pragyan rover conducted their first in-situ measurements of the lunar surface. The detection of seismic activity, which not only registered the rover and scientific instruments but also captured a “natural event”.   Further findings: Chandrayaan-3’s RAMBHA-LP payload …

Largest indigenously developed N-plant unit begins operations

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: IE  Context: The third unit of the indigenously developed 700-megawatt electric (MWe) nuclear power reactor at the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP3) in Gujarat, India, has started operations at full capacity. This marks a significant achievement in India’s civilian nuclear program, as it is the country’s first 700 MWe …

NCERT as Deemed-to-be-University

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB  Context: Union Minister for Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, announced that the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has been granted the status of a Deemed-to-be-University. This new status as a research university will allow NCERT to engage in global collaborations and make contributions to …

Tibetan Democracy Day

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: IE   Context: Tibetan Democracy Day, celebrated on September 2nd, marks the establishment of the Tibetan democratic system in exile. It commemorates the inauguration of the Tibetan government-in-exile in Dharamshala over six decades ago. The day is known as Mangsto Duchen and signifies the beginning of Tibetan democracy, governing over …

Kokborok language

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: IE  Context: Over 260 individuals were detained in Tripura during a 12-hour state-wide strike aimed to advocate for the adoption of the Roman script for Kokborok, the indigenous language of the state. The central issue revolves around the script used for Kokborok, which has been a decades-old debate in …

R Ravi Kannan (Ramon Magsaysay Award for 2023)

Content for Mains Enrichment   Source: Newonair Dr R Ravi Kannan, a surgical oncologist from Assam, has been honoured with the Ramon Magsaysay Award for 2023. He received this prestigious award for his remarkable contributions to transforming cancer treatment in Assam, particularly through programs that prioritize the welfare of the people and those with limited …

Omission of disability-related questions from NFHS-6

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: Social Justice – Persons With Disabilities   Source: IE Context: The decision to omit disability-related questions from the sixth round of the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-6) has raised concerns about the understanding and representation of disability issues in India. Persons with disabilities make up around 2.21% of the country’s population, …

Concerns about RTI Act

GS Paper 2  Syllabus: Governance   Source: TH  Context: The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, which was initially seen as a powerful tool for citizens to access government information, is facing concerns about its effectiveness and transparency   What is the RTI Act? RTI Act (enacted in 2005) replaced the former Freedom of Information Act, …