Mapping Source: TH Context: A devastating wildfire swept through Maui, Hawaii, leading to destruction, fatalities, and evacuations. Maui is an island in the Central Pacific, part of the Hawaiian archipelago. The Hawaiian Islands are an archipelago of eight major volcanic islands, several atolls, and numerous smaller islets in the North Pacific Ocean, extending some …
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Mapping Source: TH Context: Authorities in Indonesia’s Aceh province have issued an order requiring men and women not immediately related or married to stay apart in vehicles and public spaces. This move aims to enforce stricter adherence to Islamic law in the ultra-conservative province of Aceh.
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: HT Context: The Indian Navy’s ships INS Visakhapatnam and INS Trikand have arrived in Dubai to conduct the bilateral exercise ‘Zayed Talwar’ with the UAE Navy. Aim: The exercise aims to enhance interoperability and cooperation between the two naval forces. The visit seeks to strengthen the maritime partnership, share …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: DST Context: A team of scientists has used computational techniques to design a novel 2D composite quantum material that exhibits an exotic quantum property called Rashba splitting. What is composite quantum material? A composite quantum material combines two different quantum properties in one substance. For instance, a 2-D carbide …
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Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: PIB Context: The Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY) introduced the Indian Web Browser Development Challenge (IWBDC) at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. Aim of the Challenge: The challenge aims to encourage technology enthusiasts and developers across India to create an indigenous web browser with advanced features …
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Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: ET Context: The Kerala government is set to launch the ‘Athidhi Portal’, which aims to expedite the registration process for migrant workers in the state. Need of the portal: In light of recent incidents involving sexual crimes against children allegedly carried out by migrant workers, the government is taking …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: The Supreme Court has introduced the ‘SuSwagatam’ portal, an online platform that facilitates the issuance of e-passes for entering the apex court. About the portal: ‘SuSwagatam’ is a user-friendly web application that enables advocates, visitors, and interns to register online and request e-passes for various purposes, including attending …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: France and Mali have suspended the issuance of visas to each other’s citizens, escalating a dispute between the two countries. Background: The conflict between France and Mali stems from Mali’s 2020 military junta takeover, ousting the elected president over security and political failures. France’s concerns about regional tensions …
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Content for Mains Enrichment Source: Reuters Context: China’s recent devastating floods have raised questions about the effectiveness of its “sponge city” initiative launched in 2015 to reduce urban flood risks. What is a “sponge city”? A “sponge city” is an urban initiative that employs nature-based solutions like permeable surfaces, canals, ponds, and wetland …
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GS Paper 3 Syllabus: Agriculture Source: The Hindu Context: The Standing Committee of Parliament on Chemicals and Fertilizers, led by Shashi Tharoor, has presented two reports highlighting concerns about fertilizer availability, subsidies, and GST rates on fertilizer components. Concerns and Recommendations by the Committee: What are Fertilisers? A fertiliser is a natural or artificial …
GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Governance, Government programme and policies Source: DTE Context: An audit conducted by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has revealed that approximately Rs 79 crore was improperly transferred to ineligible beneficiaries under the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP) of the Ministry of Rural Development between 2017 and 2021. …
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GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Constitutional Bodies: Election Commission Source: IE, IE Context: A Bill (Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners (Appointments, Conditions of Service, Term of Office) Bill) has been proposed by the Centre in the Rajya Sabha to amend the process of appointing Chief Election Commissioners (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs) in …
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