Balsams

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH  Context: In Munnar, a popular tourist destination in India, balsams (genus Impatiens) are currently in full bloom, providing a delightful visual spectacle. Balsams are sometimes referred to as ‘touch-me-not’ due to their tendency to burst and distribute mature seeds upon touch. Balsams are considered significant indicator species for climate …

PET46

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Phys org  Context: A recent study involving scientists from Kiel University (Germany) has discovered a deep-sea enzyme, PET46, capable of continuously breaking down PET plastic, commonly found in plastic bottles.   About PET46: PET46 has unique properties, such as the ability to degrade long-chain and short-chain PET molecules, making …

Breakthrough Agenda Report 2023

  Source: Economic Times  Context: The Breakthrough Agenda Report 2023 is an annual collaboration between the International Energy Agency (IEA), the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and the United Nations Climate Change High-Level Champions. Its focus is on strengthening international cooperation to accelerate the reduction of global greenhouse gas emissions.    Key Findings: The report …

Social bonds

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Business Line   Context: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has successfully raised Rs 1,040.50 crore through a five-year social bond. The social bonds issued by NABARD have received ‘AAA’ ratings from CRISIL and ICRA, and they will be listed on the BSE (Bombay Stock Exchange). …

RoDTEP scheme

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Business Standard     Context: The Indian government has announced the extension of export benefits under the Scheme for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) for an additional year, until June 2024. The RoDTEP scheme provides exporters with refunds for taxes, duties, and levies incurred during …

National Policy on Research & Development and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: Economic Times  Context: The Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers and Minister of Health & Family Welfare in India, has launched a significant initiative known as the National Policy on Research and Development and Innovation in the Pharma-MedTech Sector. This policy aims to transform India’s pharmaceutical and medical technology …

53rd Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: PIB  Waheeda Rehman will receive the 53rd Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award for 2021. The award will be presented at the 69th National Film Awards ceremony.   About Dadasaheb Phalke Lifetime Achievement Award: It is India’s highest cinema honour and is presented annually at the National Film Awards ceremony …

Applying the “Sponge City” concept in Bengaluru

Content for Mains Enrichment   Source: TH Bengaluru faces recurrent flash floods due to erratic rains driven by climate change. Experts suggest applying the “Spong City” Concept by building massive underground tanks in low-lying areas to capture floodwater, a concept successfully implemented in cities like Munich, Beijing, Tokyo, and Pittsburgh.   What is the “Sponge …

India Ageing, Elderly to Make Up 20% of Population by 2050: UNFPA Report

GS1/ GS2 Paper   Syllabus: Indian Society/ Government  Policies and Interventions/ Vulnerable sections    Source: DTE, TH  Context: The United Nations Population Fund, India, has released the “2023 India Ageing Report,” which projects a significant increase in the elderly population in India   Major Findings of the Report:   Policy recommendations from the “2023 India Ageing …

Examples of Ethics ( Anti-Smoking Warnings on OTT platforms, Humans of Bombay vs. People of India)

GS Paper 4  Syllabus: Applications of Ethics   Source: IE  Example 1: Anti-Smoking Warnings on OTT platforms  Should films and TV series on OTT platforms like Hotstar, Amazon and Netflix have long-duration smoking warnings?   The central government had issued new rules on the matter in May (2023), but streaming websites had raised some objections …