Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: Reuters Context: A global assessment conducted by conservationists reveals that Earth’s amphibian species are facing a critical threat of extinction. Of the 8,011 amphibian species assessed, 41% are now considered threatened with extinction due to various factors, including habitat destruction, disease, and climate change. This situation represents a worsening trend …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: DTE Context: The Dandeli forest in Karnataka, India, renowned for its unique grasses, bird species, and cattle herders, is facing a climate crisis due to rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns. Concerns:
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: There is a rising need for a comprehensive carbon accounting system to address the interconnected and multifaceted challenges of climate change, referred to as the climate “polycrisis.” Instead of addressing climate issues sector by sector, they propose a profound transformation, akin to building a “carbon infrastructure.” This carbon …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a novel enzyme mimic called NanoPtA, with significant potential applications in wastewater treatment and healthcare. In this study, the IISc team synthesized NanoPtA, a platinum-containing nanozyme that can be converted into a powder for industrial use. NanoPtA exhibits …
Continue reading “Nanozyme can degrade pollutants in wastewater”
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: PIB Context: The National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) has partnered with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) to establish a $600 million India-Japan Fund (IJF), with the Government of India (GoI) and JBIC as primary investors. This collaboration reflects a significant joint effort between India and Japan …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: A new report by Freedom House reveals that global Internet freedom has been on the decline for the 13th consecutive year. This decline is seen in 29 countries, while only 20 countries have registered improvements in Internet freedom. The report, titled ‘Freedom on the Net 2023: The Repressive …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: HBL Context: The Andhra Pradesh Guaranteed Pension System Bill, 2023 was passed recently. Through this, the Andhra Pradesh government started introducing the New Guaranteed Pension Scheme (GPS) against the criticism of the New Pension Scheme (NPS) and the negative fiscal impact Old Pension Scheme (OPS) OPS vs. NPS …
Continue reading “Andhra Pradesh: New Guaranteed Pension Scheme (GPS)”
Content for Mains Enrichment Source: Nobel prize The Nobel Peace Prize is awarded in Norway, while the other Nobel Prizes are awarded in Sweden. This tradition dates back to 1901 when the Nobel Peace Prize was established and has continued ever since. Why Norway? The reasons for this distinction are somewhat speculative, but …
Continue reading “Why Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by Norway?”
GS Paper 4 Syllabus: Applications of Ethics Example 1: Moungi Bawendi Source: Moneycontrol Moungi Bawendi, a 2023 Nobel chemistry prize winner and MIT professor, achieved great success in the field of quantum dots. However, his journey had a rocky start. During his undergraduate years at Harvard University in the late 1970s, he failed …
Continue reading “Examples of Ethics (Moungi Bawendi, Nanded hospital deaths, Katalin Kariko)”
GS Paper 3 Syllabus: Science and Technology Source: LM Context: The article discusses solar geoengineering as a potential solution to combat the adverse effects of climate change. What is Solar geoengineering? Solar geoengineering, also referred to as solar radiation management (SRM) describes a set of proposed approaches to reflect sunlight (back to space) to rapidly cool …
GS Paper 1 Syllabus: Arts and Culture: Literature, Prizes, Awards Source: IE Context: Norwegian author Jon Olav Fosse has been awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 2023 for his innovative plays and prose that ‘give voice to the unsayable aspects of the human experience’ Features of his work: His work is characterized …
Continue reading “2023 Nobel Prize for Literature: Jon Olav Fosse”
