Source: TH The Zaporizhzhya Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine, currently in a war zone, faces several risks to its safety and operation. The plant has VVER-1000 reactors and incorporates safety enhancements implemented after the Chornobyl and Fukushima accidents. Ukraine is a country in Eastern Europe. It is the second-largest European country after Russia. …
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Mapping Source: TH Taiwan has announced the opening of its third representative office in India, in Mumbai, in a move aimed at strengthening economic linkages between the two countries. Despite not having formal diplomatic relations, India and Taiwan have made progress in various domains such as economics, trade, and technology. Taiwan produces 92% of …
Source: DTE Context: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has called on the European Union (EU) to invest in nature restoration, emphasizing the long-term economic impacts of failing to do so. What is Nature Restoration Law? The Nature Restoration Law is a proposed legislation aimed at restoring and conserving natural areas …
Source: IE Context: Tomato growers in Maharashtra and Karnataka have reported crop losses due to attacks by two different viruses: the cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) in Maharashtra and the tomato mosaic virus (ToMV) in Karnataka and other South Indian states. Both viruses belong to different viral families and spread through different means. ToMV primarily …
Source: Hindustan Times Context: A recent study suggests that the colossal and mysterious “Gravity Hole” in the Indian Ocean may be the remnants of an ancient sea that disappeared millions of years ago. What is Gravity Hole? A “Gravity Hole” refers to a large gravity anomaly, an area where gravity is significantly different …
Source: IE Context: Scientists conducted a study using observations of quasars, powerful black holes, to demonstrate “time dilation” in the early universe. The study showed that time passed only about a fifth as quickly as it does today, around 12.3 billion years ago when the universe was much younger. About Quasars: Quasars are …
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Source: HBL Context: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) and the Ministry of Information Technology (MeitY) in India have clarified their respective roles in the regulation of the digital market, to remove the duplicity of regulations on digital markets. Demarcated Roles: Status of India’s digital market: India’s digital market is experiencing rapid growth and …
Source: PIB Context: The PM has congratulated new homeowners in Bengaluru’s first project under SWAMIH Fund which has helped more than 3000 families in owning their dream homes. What is the SWAMIH Investment Fund? The Special Window for Affordable and Mid-Income Housing (SWAMIH) is a social impact fund specifically formed (in 2019) for …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: The SC has taken on board a plea to stop using religious identity as a criterion to afford or deny communities a place within the Scheduled Caste bracket. The petition: Has challenged the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order 1950 issued under Article 341(1) of the Constitution. Article 341 …
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Source: DTE Climate change is impacting chemical communication in the animal world, with significant consequences for ecosystems and human well-being. Chemical signals, known as infochemicals, play a crucial role in interactions between organisms and regulate ecological processes. Climate change is altering the production of these chemicals, such as pheromones, affecting various species and disrupting …
Content for Mains Enrichment Source: DTE Context: The Odisha government has announced the launch of the “Mo Jungle Jami Yojana” (MJJY) scheme, aimed at effectively implementing the provisions of the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act 2006. If successfully implemented, Odisha will become the first state to be fully …
GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Multilateral bodies Context: The recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marked India’s first time hosting the event as a full member. Outcomes of the Summit (New Delhi Declaration): Analysis: India’s decision to join the SCO was driven by its economic significance, …
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GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of Vulnerable Sections Source: TH Context: According to the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE), all unsanitary latrines had been made sanitary under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan and the problem of manual scavenging is eliminated. The practice …
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GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Indian Constitution/ Functions and Responsibilities of the Union and the States/ Functioning of the Judiciary Source: TH Context: A High Court, under Article 226 (its writ jurisdiction) of the Constitution, does not have the power to issue a direction to the Centre to invoke Article 355. Writs in the …
