Source: TH The mass deaths of approximately 300 wild birds along Mexico’s Pacific coast are likely attributed to El Niño. Warmer waters (due to El Nino) cause fish to swim deeper, making it harder for seabirds to find food, which could be a contributing factor to the bird deaths. Similar occurrences of dead seabirds were …
Mapping Source: TH Context: Mali’s military junta conducted a referendum on a new draft constitution, presenting it as a step toward holding elections in 2024. The coup leader, Col. Assimi Goita, claimed that the proposed constitution would establish a more organized executive power while maintaining a balance with the legislative power. Mali is a …
Source: DTE Context: The wild orchids of North Bengal, known for their beauty, fragrance, and medicinal properties, are disappearing due to deforestation in their natural habitat. About Orchids:
Source: PIB Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change has released the “National Working Plan Code-2023” for the scientific management of forests and evolving new approaches. What is Scientific Forest Management? Scientific forest management is an approach that involves the application of scientific principles and techniques to manage forests sustainably. It focuses …
Source: Hindustan Times Context: Researchers demystify the unusual origin of the Geminids meteor shower. NASA’s Parker Solar Probe mission is providing new evidence that a violent, catastrophic event created the Geminids. Findings: While most meteor showers originate from comets, the Geminids are believed to come from an asteroid called 3200 Phaethon. Unlike comets, asteroids like Phaethon …
Facts For Prelims Source: TH Context: Researchers have discovered that the Y chromosome possesses genes linked to ageing and lifespan regulation. The Y chromosome, known as the “master of maleness,” determines the biological male sex and carries genes that play a role in sex determination. Findings: Recent research has revealed that the Y …
Source: BS Context: Germany has proposed transitioning to carbon-neutral synthetic fuels for existing internal combustion vehicles instead of phasing them out completely. Reasons for such a proposal: Even though electric vehicles and hydrogen fuel cells have zero-emission during usage, their manufacturing processes have significant environmental impacts. Approximately 90% of the world’s vehicles are …
Source: TH Context: A recent study published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters reveals that extensive groundwater extraction by humans has had a significant effect on Earth’s rotation. Findings: Between 1993 and 2010, the excessive pumping of groundwater caused the planet’s rotational pole to shift eastward by approximately 80 centimetres. The research indicates that …
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Source: NIE Context: The Geological Survey of India (GSI) state unit has proposed declaring the “Natural Arch” in the Kanika range of Sundargarh forest division in Odisha as a Geo Heritage Site. The natural arch, believed to date back to the Jurassic period, would be the largest natural arch in India with the Geo …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: Gita Press, Gorakhpur, a prominent publisher of religious texts, has been awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2021. Reason: The award recognises the publishing house’s significant contribution to social, economic, and political transformation through non-violent and Gandhian methods. About Gita Press Gita Press is the world’s largest …
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Source: IE Kamala Sohonie was the first Indian woman to earn a PhD in a scientific discipline. She faced gender bias within the scientific community, including opposition from CV Raman, a Nobel laureate. Despite Raman’s initial rejection, Sohonie confronted him and eventually gained admission to the Indian Institute of Science. She completed her course …
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME) Source: TH Switzerland has supported a new climate bill aimed at achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, with nearly 59% of voters in favour. The law seeks to reduce dependence on imported oil and gas and promote greener alternatives. The text promises financial support of two billion Swiss francs ($2.2 …
GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Important International Institutions, agencies and fora – their Structure, Mandate Source: IE Context: The recently concluded G20 working group meeting on trade and investment focused on the important issue of WTO reform. World Trade Organization (WTO): It is a member-driven, consensus-based intergovernmental organisation that regulates and facilitates international trade …
GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Polity – Centre-State Relations Source: IE Context: The recent crisis in Manipur has sparked renewed interest in the Punchhi Commission Recommendations, which offer potential solutions for effectively managing such situations. About Punchhi Commission: The government constituted the Second Commission on Interstate Relations under the chairmanship of Justice (retired) Madan …
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GS Paper 2 Syllabus: Govt policies and interventions Source: ET Context: The government has set up an expert panel led by former law secretary T K Vishwanathan to recommend reforms in the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. 3 methods of dispute resolution: Traditional Dispute Resolution: Involves proceedings before an appropriate court of law according …
