Source: TH Context: Scientists have described a new contender for the heaviest animal ever to live, named Perucetus colossus or “the colossal whale from Peru.” Fossils of this ancient giant were discovered in the Ica desert in Peru, and researchers estimate that it lived around 39 million years ago. This prehistoric whale weighed …
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Source: TH Context: The Western Tragopan, Himachal Pradesh’s state bird, has been facing habitat loss, but efforts at a conservation breeding centre, have resulted in a gradual increase in the bird’s population. About Western Tragopan: IUCN Status: Vulnerable; CITES– Appendix I. The bird’s distribution ranges from North Pakistan to India, including Himachal Pradesh …
Source: TH Context: The WHO has recognized the effectiveness of polypills in combating cardiovascular diseases by including them in the Model Lists of Essential Medicines. What are Polypills? A polypill is a single pill that contains a combination of multiple medications, typically used for the prevention or treatment of various health conditions. It simplifies …
Source: PIB Context: The National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) has developed an application called ‘MASI’ (Monitoring App for Seamless Inspection) for real-time monitoring of Child Care Institutions (CCIs) across the country. The app aims to ensure effective and efficient inspection of CCIs as provided under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015 (amended …
Source: ET Context: The Rajya Sabha passed the Mediation Bill 2021, which mandates individuals to attempt the settlement of civil or commercial disputes through mediation before approaching any court or tribunal. Parties can withdraw from mediation after two sessions, and the mediation process must be completed within 180 days, extendable by another 180 days …
Source: TH Context: The Justice G. Rohini Commission, tasked with sub-categorising Other Backward Classes (OBC) caste groups, has submitted its report to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment after nearly six years. Formed in 2017 and led by former Delhi High Court Chief Justice G. Rohini, the commission aimed to examine the concentration …
Source: TH Context: Israeli courts have invoked the reasonableness doctrine to scrutinize political appointments and executive decisions. What is The doctrine of ‘reasonableness’? The ‘reasonableness doctrine is a legal principle used to evaluate the validity of administrative decisions. It assesses whether a decision is extremely unreasonable, based on factors like the consideration of …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: The article highlights the limitations of temperature estimates from before the invention of thermometers, based on “palaeo proxies.” It calls the claims that a specific day was the warmest in over 100,000 years as scientifically unfounded. What are Palaeo proxies? Palaeo proxies, short for paleoclimate proxies, are …
Source: TH JALDOST is an airboat developed by the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) designed to clean water bodies by removing excess aquatic weeds and floating waste. It features an unsinkable airtight pontoon-type hull and a hybrid propulsion system. JALDOST Mark-2, designed based on BBMP specifications, aims to clean lakes in Bengaluru and collect waste …
Content for Mains Enrichment Source: TH China’s Cyberspace Administration has introduced regulations aimed at reducing the time children spend on smartphones. The proposed guidelines: Limit minors’ access to most internet services on mobile devices from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Restrict internet use to two hours a day for those aged 16-18, one hour …
GS Paper 2 Syllabus: International Relations Source: IE Context: C. Raja Mohan discusses the evolving economic landscape of South Asia. He highlights recent visits by leaders like Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal and Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe to Delhi, showcasing a shift in South Asian regionalism. India’s vision of regional economic integration …
GS2/GS1/GS4 Paper Syllabus: Social Issues/ Indian Society / Ethics Source: TOI Context: An RPF jawan (on the Jaipur-Mumbai Superfast Express) with mental health issues shot and killed passengers, prompting questions about having armed troubled personnel on duty What is mental health? According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is a state of well-being …
GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Social Justice, Health Source: IE, IE Context: The new WHO report on tobacco control highlights global progress, including the implementation of MPOWER measures. What is the MPOWER measure? MPOWER measures are tobacco control strategies developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2008. They include: M=Monitor tobacco use P=Protect …
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GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Indian Federalism, Centre-State Relations Source: IE Context: The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023, was introduced in the Lok Sabha, leading to opposition protests and debates. About the Bill: The bill aimed to replace the National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Ordinance, 2023, which deals …
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