Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) (Odisha)

Mapping: Source: TH  Context: The Central Zoo Authority (CZA) has approved the transfer of a cheetah, African lion, and Chimpanzee from Dubai Safari Park to Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) in Odisha. The NZP, in exchange, will provide various animals including Hippopotamus, blackbuck, hog deer, gaur, red junglefowl, and gharial.  

Electronic soil’ (eSoil)

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Hindustan Times  Context: Researchers introduced a ground-breaking study on “electronic soil” (eSoil) in hydroponics, offering the potential for sustainable urban agriculture and food security. eSoil is an electrically conductive growth substrate derived from cellulose and a conductive polymer (PEDOT). It stimulates plant roots and the growth environment with low …

Formaldehyde

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: DST  Context: Researchers developed a low-cost, non-invasive sensor for detecting formaldehyde adulteration in fish at room temperature. The sensor, made of tin oxide-reduced graphene oxide composite, overcomes the limitations of existing formalin sensors, which are either expensive or invasive. The graphene oxide’s low electrical conductivity was addressed by creating …

‘UPI Tap and Pay’

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: Business Standard    Context: The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has initiated the deployment of ‘UPI Tap and Pay’ across digital payment providers. The UPI Tap and Pay feature is currently live on the BHIM app and Paytm for limited users.    Features of UPI tap and pay: It …

Angola leaves OPEC

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: Reuters  Context: Angola has decided to leave OPEC, a setback for the Saudi-led oil producer group.   Reason: Angola argues that OPEC no longer serves its interests, following a dispute over its output quota. Angola’s exit, joining Ecuador and Qatar as former members, further challenges OPEC’s market share, which has …

Ionosphere

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB  Context: Scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) have conducted decade-long ionospheric observations at Bharati station in Antarctica, revealing significant seasonal variations in ionospheric density. Despite the region experiencing 24 hours of sunlight in summer and complete darkness in winter, day-night ionospheric density variations were observed. The …

Veer Bal Diwas

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: IE Context: Veer Bal Diwas, which is observed on December 26  commemorate the martyrdom of Guru Gobind Singh’s younger sons, Sahibzada Zorawar Singh and Sahibzada Fateh Singh , along with their grandmother Mata Gujari. This day was officially designated as Veer Bal Diwas by the Indian government in January …

Conscientious Objector

Content for Mains Enrichment: Source: IE  Context: Israeli youth 18-year-old Tal Mitnik have been imprisoned in Israel for conscientious objection to military service, particularly the assault on Gaza. Mitnik’s refusal is based on a commitment to working directly for a solution rather than participating in oppression and bloodshed.   What is conscience?  Conscience refers to …

A new economics for inclusive growth

GS Paper 3  Syllabus: Inclusive Growth   Source: TH  Context: The article is based on the book “Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future” and recommends departing from manufacturing and prioritizing the export of high-end services, challenging conventional economic approaches.   What is Inclusive growth? Inclusive growth, as defined by OECD and UNDP, refers to …

Indian Labour Demand in Foreign Country

GS Paper 3  Syllabus: Indian Economy: Employment    Context: The article is in continuation to the previous article published two days ago on India’s jobs crisis.   Recent Developments Regarding Rising Demand for Indian Labour:   Status: As per recent government data, there are around 13 million Indian nationals abroad including labourers, professionals, and experts. The highest …