Mapping Source: TH The UK Court of Appeal has ruled against the government’s plan to send asylum seekers to Rwanda, dealing a blow to Prime Minister Rishi Sunak’s administration. The policy, known as the “Rwanda policy,” is part of the government’s strategy to deter migrants from crossing the English Channel to seek asylum in the …
Mapping Source: TH Turkmenistan has unveiled a new $5 billion “smart” city called Arkadag. Arkadag, situated southwest of the capital Ashgabat, is named after Gurbanguly Berdymukhamedov, who ruled the country from 2006 to 2022 and carries the title Hero Arkadag (Protector). Turkmenistan is a country in Central Asia bordered by the Caspian Sea and largely …
Mapping Source: TH India and the Philippines have discussed the potential for expanding defence cooperation, particularly in maritime security, including joint sales and patrols. The Philippines had previously signed a deal with India for the purchase of anti-ship BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles. The Philippines is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. In the western Pacific …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH Context: A recent outbreak of algae bloom – commonly known as red tide – has sickened and killed an unknown number of sea lions and dolphins off the coast of California, US. Sea lions (IUCN Status – Endangered): They are pinnipeds characterised by external ear flaps, long fore …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: IE Context: The American bald eagle was removed from the endangered species list in 2007, marking a significant milestone in its conservation. The bird’s population has steadily increased since then, with a 2021 report stating that the number of bald eagles in the wild has quadrupled since 2009. The bald …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: DTE Context: A new certification scheme has been launched in India to promote responsible antibiotic manufacturing (first of its kind) About the Scheme: Developed by: the British Standards Institute (BSI) (a business improvement and standards company) and the AMR Industry Alliance (one of the largest private sector coalitions that …
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Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: IE Context: The cancer research arm of the World Health Organization (WHO), the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), is reportedly set to list the artificial sweetener aspartame as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.” If confirmed, would go against previous studies that have found no evidence of harm caused by …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: DTE Context: A new study reveals that oceans play a crucial role in cooling the planet by releasing short-lived halogens, including chlorine, bromine, and iodine. These halogens currently contribute 8-10% of cooling, a figure projected to increase to 18-31% by 2100. About Short-lived halogens: Short-lived halogens refer to chlorine, …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: PIB Context: The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) chaired by the PM approved a unique package of innovative schemes for farmers. Significance: The approved schemes will help in the judicious use of chemical fertilisers, thereby reducing the input cost of cultivation for the farmers. The initiatives will boost farmers’ …
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Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: DTE Context: The United Nations (UN) has removed India from its annual list of countries affected by armed conflict children, citing measures taken by the Indian government to better protect children. India was previously included in the list due to allegations of recruitment of young boys by separatist militant groups …
Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: IE Context: Michael Rosen, a British children’s writer and performance poet, has been awarded the PEN Pinter Prize 2023. The prize is given to a writer from the UK, Ireland, and the Commonwealth who is committed to fearless exposition of truth about contemporary life. Michael Rosen works: Rosen is …
Content for Mains Enrichment Source: BBC Extreme heat in Indian slums is negatively affecting women’s health and productivity. To address this issue, the Mahila Housing Trust (MHT), a non-profit organization, has introduced a simple solution: painting roofs with white solar-reflective paint. The reflective paint helps limit the heat from infiltrating the homes, providing relief to …
Content for Mains Enrichment Source: TH The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled to strike down race-conscious policies in college admissions, bringing an end to affirmative action in higher education. Affirmative action refers to admissions policies that aim to increase the representation of minority students, such as Black and Hispanic students, on college campuses. Many …
GS4/GS2 Syllabus: Application of Ethics/ Government Policies and Related Issues Source: TH, BBC Context: The government of India recently passed an amendment to the New Drugs and Clinical Trial Rules (2023) that permits researchers to utilize non-animal and human-relevant methods for testing the safety and effectiveness of new drugs. It will amend the …
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GS Paper 3 Syllabus: Biotechnology Source: TH Context: India’s bioeconomy growth is not in sync with desired funding and policy support. Bioeconomy: It is the economic activity involving the use of biotechnology and biomass in the production of goods, services, or energy. India’s bioeconomy: According to the DBT’s ‘Bioeconomy Report 2022’ report, India’s bioeconomy …
GS Paper 1 Syllabus: Indian society Source: DTE Context: According to a study, domestic violence will rise as temperatures across the Indian subcontinent spike. Findings of the study: These findings highlight the vulnerabilities and inequalities of women experiencing Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) in low- and middle-income countries in the context of global climate …
GS Paper 1 Syllabus: Indian Geography: Monsoon Source: TOI, IE Context: The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts a normal monsoon despite the possibility of an El Nino event. What is Monsoon and El Nino? Monsoon: A seasonal reversal of wind system that brings heavy rainfall, especially in the Indian subcontinent. The Indian summer …
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