Bioluminescence
Source: TH Context: Recently, Visakhapatnam beaches started glowing due to a phenomenon called bioluminescence
Category: 17 Apr 2023
Ethylene oxide
Source: HBL Context: The European Commission has classified ethylene oxide as carcinogenic, mutagenic and toxic for reproduction (previously it was classified as a fumigant) Significance: Agricultural products being exported to European Union will now be mandatorily tested.
‘Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative’ (APPI) and the ‘Animal Health System Support for One Health’
Source: PIB Context: Union Ministry for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has launched the Animal Pandemic Preparedness Initiative (APPI) and World Bank-funded Animal Health System Support for One Health (AHSSOH) to enhance India’s preparedness and response to potential animal pandemics, in line with the One Health approach. About APPI and AHSSOH: Significance: …
Trade data
Source: IE Context: Trade data (released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry ) points to slowing global and domestic demand Key points: India’s overall exports surpassed the 2022-23 target of $750 billion dollars (nearly $770 billion) Trade Balance (Export-Import): Negative ($122 billion in FY23 in comparison to $83 billion in FY22). Goods …
Khayal
Source: TH
Gond Painting
Source: HT Context: Gond painting, popular folk art of the Gond tribe in Madhya Pradesh, has been awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. About Gond Painting
Bihu Dance
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: Guinness World Record has been awarded for the largest Bihu dance performance and largest dhol recital at a single venue. About Bihu
‘Jana Raj Bhavan’ initiative
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME) Source: TH Kolkata Raj Bhavan, the residence of the West Bengal Governor, opened its doors to the public on the occasion of Poila Baishak, the Bengali New Year’s Day. The initiative taken: A heritage walk was inaugurated in collaboration with the Indian Museum, and a colourful ‘Peace Run’ …
Clinical trial
GS Paper 3 Syllabus: Science and Technology – Health Source: TH Context: The speedy approval of Covid-19 vaccines during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic highlighted the importance of clinical trials. What is a Clinical Trial? A clinical trial is a research study conducted on human participants to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and/or effectiveness of an intervention such as …
Can we democratise tiger conservation in India?
GS Paper 3 Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation Source: TH Context: As India celebrates 50 years of its Project Tiger (1973), there is a need to reflect on what needs to change in conservation practice in India. Background: The Tiger is an “umbrella species”. Hence, saving the tiger means saving the entire …
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Pollution in Ganga
GS Paper 3 Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation Source: DTE Context: According to the Ministry of Jal Shakti, though the Namami Gange Programme has been able to reduce the overall pollution load in the Ganga River, the river still remains polluted. Namami Gange Programme: It is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as …
The link between ‘flash droughts’ and climate change
GS Paper 1 Syllabus: Important Geophysical Phenomena Source: IE Context: According to a new study, flash droughts are becoming more common and faster to develop around the world, and human-caused climate change is a major reason. Highlights of the study: Flash droughts occurred more often than slower ones in tropical/humid places …
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Dr B R Ambedkar
GS Paper 1 Syllabus: The Freedom Struggle — its various stages and important contributors/contributions from different parts of the country Source: PIB, IE, IE His Contributions: Differences in the view of Ambedkar and Gandhiji: Despite their differences, both Ambedkar and Gandhi were important leaders in the fight for Indian independence …
