Argentina

Mapping   Source: BL India is on the verge of finalizing agreements for the acquisition of five lithium blocks in Argentina through the State-owned joint venture, KABIL. Argentina, as part of the “Lithium Triangle” along with Chile and Bolivia, is a significant producer of lithium, holding the world’s third-largest lithium reserve. KABIL is a joint …

Pterygotrigla intermedica – New Fish Species

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: DTE  Context: Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have discovered a new species of deep-sea marine fish in Digha Mohana, West Bengal, named Pterygotrigla intermedica, commonly known as gurnards or sea-robins. This fish belongs to the Triglidae family and is characterized by its vibrant orange color. It …

Vibrio vulnificus

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: DTE  Context: Vibrio vulnificus, a marine bacterium, could pose a major threat to coastal populations due to ideal conditions created by climate change. This bacterium can cause life-threatening infections and has a high mortality rate, particularly among those with weakened immune systems or comorbidities.    Issues: Underreported Cases: Researchers …

Perovskite

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Independent  Context: Scientists have made a significant breakthrough in solar panel technology using a nanoscale “ink” coating. This innovation could potentially accelerate the transition to renewable energy sources. The researchers found that this coating can enhance the stability of perovskite solar cells, making them suitable for mass production.    …

Five Eyes Alliance

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: IE  Context: The recent India-Canada standoff regarding allegations of Indian government involvement in the killing of a separatist leader in Canada has brought attention to the role of the Five Eyes Alliance.    About Five Eyes Alliance: Five Eyes Alliance: The Five Eyes Alliance refers to an intelligence-sharing partnership …

Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Press Trust of India    Context: Indian scientist Dr. Swati Nayak, working at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI), has been awarded the 2023 Norman E. Borlaug Award for Field Research and Application by the World Food Prize Foundation. Nayak is recognized for her innovative work in engaging smallholder …

Immunization Wheel

Content for Mains Enrichment   Source: TH  Context: In Uttar Pradesh, the introduction of an immunization wheel has significantly improved the efficiency of accredited social health activist (ASHA) workers, contributing to a high rate of vaccine coverage for newborns.   What is the Immunization Wheel? The Immunization Wheel is a simple tool consisting of two …

Examples of Ethics (Boycott of Journalists, Rupert Murdoch and trust deficit in media)

GS Paper 4  Syllabus: Application of Ethics: Media   Source: The Print,  Example 1: Boycott of Journalists India’s Opposition parties have decided to boycott 14 prominent news anchors accused of “partisanship and hate-mongering.”   Ethical issues concerned with such a boycott:   Suggestion: Instead of targeting specific anchors, the focus should be on addressing hate …

Parliamentary panel on MEME system in NEP 2020

GS Paper 2  Syllabus:  Government Policies and Interventions   Source: TH  Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Education has advised the Indian government to hold discussions with stakeholders regarding the multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME) system proposed in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.   What is a multiple entry and multiple exit (MEME) …

Suicides in India

GS1/GS2 Paper   Syllabus: Indian Society   Source: TOI  Context: The article discusses the alarming increase in student suicides in Kota, India, describing it as a “suicide cluster” that demands a public health approach.    What are Suicides? Suicide refers to intentional acts where individuals cause their own death. A suicide cluster occurs when suicides, attempts, …