Source: ET Context: An Israeli company’s (QuaDream Ltd) Spyware has been used against journalists, opposition figures and advocacy organizations across at least 10 countries – according to new research published Tuesday by Microsoft Corp and the internet watchdog Citizen Lab. What is Spyware? Spyware refers to software programs that are designed to collect data …
Source: ET Context: The Central Bureau of Narcotics has launched a unified portal to facilitate licensing and ExIM (Export and IMport) authorizations for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries. Aim: To instil efficiency, transparency, and accountability within the department while ensuring the availability of essential narcotic drugs to patients and their families. Features of the …
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Source: IE Context: The European Space Agency’s JUICE spacecraft is to blast off on an eight-year journey through the Solar System About the JUICE mission:
Source: Th Context: Researchers in the UK, led by Nobel laureate Andre Geim, have discovered that graphene displays an anomalous giant magnetoresistance (GMR) at room temperature. What is Magnetoresistance? Magnetoresistance is a phenomenon where the electrical resistance of a material change in response to a magnetic field. The magnetoresistance observed in the graphene-based device …
Source: TH Context: Recently, physicists in Japan discovered a previously unknown isotope of uranium, with atomic number 92 and mass number 241, i.e., uranium-241. Physicists were in search of a ‘magic number’. What is a “Magic Number”? In nuclear physics, “magic numbers” are specific numbers of protons or neutrons in atomic nuclei that correspond to …
Source: TH Context: Currently, engineers are warming up the LHC for its third season of operations, following upgrades What is the Large Hadron Collider (LHC)? The LHC is the world’s largest science experiment that smashes tiny particles called hadrons together at really high speeds. It uses protons as the particles and has a long circular …
Source: IE
Source: Hindu Business Line Context: Kerala Agricultural University has been notified as a centre of the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare. Objective: To protect the rights of Kerala farming communities over the traditional plant varieties. About Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights …
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Source: IE Context: Reserve Bank of India issued detailed guidelines for acceptance of ‘green deposits’ by banks and NBFCs. Framework for ‘Green Deposits’:
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: LM Context: NSE Indices Ltd, a subsidiary of the National Stock Exchange (NSE), has launched India’s first-ever Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) Index. Aim: To track the performance of REITs and InvITs that are publicly listed and traded on the NSE. What are …
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Source: TH A Manipur village (Hengbung) in northeast India has benefited from a pumped-storage hydropower system that combines hydro with solar power. The system features two interconnected reservoirs that can store renewable power for release later and enables the provision of consistent lighting in homes and streets. Foundation for Environment and Economic Development Services (FEEDS), …
Source: PIB Bengaluru (Cambridge Layout in Ulsoor) is set to have India’s first post office built using 3D printing technology. Benefits: The 1,100 sqft building is expected to cost 30-40% less than conventional buildings. Significance: The successful completion of this project may encourage other government organizations to explore the use of 3D printing technology …
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME) Source: TH The Supreme Court of India, under the guidance of Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, has taken steps towards inclusivity and sexuality sensitization for the LGBTQIA+ community, which will ensure a dignified work environment for the LGBTQIA+ community. Steps taken: The court has created nine universal restrooms at different …
GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation Source: DTE Context: Even after 16 years, implementation provisions under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, have been far from satisfactory. The Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of …
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GS Paper 3 Syllabus: Agriculture Source: DTE Context: As per a new study, Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF) in Andhra Pradesh has led to significantly higher crop yield compared to organic or conventional (synthetic fertilisers and pesticides) farming under the state’s APCNF programme. Findings of the study: ZBNF yields were higher than both …
GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Issues and Challenges Pertaining to the Federal Structure Source: TH Context: The Supreme Court observed how can the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) act without aid and advice of the Council of Ministers in nominating 10 members to the MCD. What was the case? The petitioner’s (Delhi govt) claims: According to …
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GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Issues Relating to the Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education, Human Resources Source: TW Context: The University Grants Commission (UGC) released the NCrF, which will allow students to earn educational credits at all levels, irrespective of the mode of learning i.e. homeschooling, offline, online, or blended. …
