Mapping Source: TOI Context: Air pollution from Kolkata and the Indo-Gangetic Plain threatens the Sundarbans mangrove ecosystem, revealed a recent study. Pollutants, including black carbon and heavy metals, degrade air quality, harming mangroves. Antiquated boat motors are a major source of toxic metals. The acidic components of pollutants lead to oxidative stress, endangering mangrove …
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: IE Context: Malaysia’s “orangutan diplomacy” aims to use the endangered species as diplomatic gifts to trade partners who buy the country’s palm oil, hoping to improve its image amid accusations of unsustainability. Inspired by China’s successful “panda diplomacy,” Malaysia sees orangutans as a way to signal commitment to certain …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: HT Context: Kerala temples ban oleander flower offerings following a woman’s suspected poisoning death from consuming oleander leaves. Oleander is a poisonous plant known scientifically as Nerium oleander. It contains toxic compounds throughout its parts, including leaves and flowers. Ingestion of oleander can lead to symptoms such as vomiting, …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TOI Context: New COVID variants, collectively known as FLiRT, have emerged in India. The FLiRT variants (KP.2 and KP1.1) are descendants of the Omicron JN.1 variant. They are characterized by increased transmissibility and the ability to potentially evade immunity from vaccines and previous infections. These variants spread through respiratory …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: AlphaFold 3’s release has sparked excitement. AlphaFold is an AI tool by Google’s DeepMind to predict protein folding since 2018. It aims to understand 3D protein shapes, crucial for biology and health. Versions like AlphaFold 3 offer about 80% accuracy and model DNA, RNA, and more. Protein …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: IE Context: The Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has developed a biocontrol agent, Trichoderma asperellum, to manage foot rot disease in Basmati rice crops. About Foot Rot Disease: It is a fungal disease affecting Basmati rice crops, primarily at the seedling stage. Caused by Fusarium verticillioides, a soil-seed borne pathogen. Spreads …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: The Union Health Ministry issued guidelines for confirming heatstroke and heat-related deaths, aiming to help hospitals identify such cases. Heatstroke, a medical emergency, occurs due to overheating from high temperatures or physical exertion. Symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, nausea, and increased heart rate. Criteria for heatstroke include a …
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Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: Th Context: Freshwater exploration from under the ocean bed is gaining attention as a potential solution to depleting freshwater resources. Recent discoveries have revealed significant freshwater reservoirs under the ocean. How freshwater are formed under the ocean bed? Subterranean Flow: Rainwater and surface water can seep into the …
GS Paper 3 Syllabus: Indian Economy Source: IE Context: The rupee’s exchange rate has weakened against the US dollar in the last 10 years. But its “real” strength against a basket of global currencies has improved. Before we analyse, 1st revise a few basic definitions: Status of the Indian Rupee in the …
Continue reading “Performance of the Indian Rupee against the US Dollar in the last 10 years”
