Cardamom

Source:  TH Context: An international research team has identified two new species of cardamom in Kerala’s Western Ghats, expanding the genus Elettaria to seven species. What is Cardamom? Known as the “Queen of Spices,” cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a highly aromatic spice belonging to the Zingiberaceae (ginger) family. Native to the evergreen rainforests of the Western Ghats in South India, it is primarily cultivated …

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 November 2024

  UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 November 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles   InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. …

Ashtamudi Lake

Source:  TH Context: Kerala’s Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar site, faces ecological threats from pollution and habitat degradation, with recent fish deaths from algal blooms endangering biodiversity and local livelihoods. More about news: Issues: Pollution: Sewage discharge, plastic dumping, and illegal waste disposal are rampant. Encroachments: Illegal constructions block water flow and degrade habitats. Microplastics: High …

Kerala: Man-animal conflict declared as a state-specific disaster

Facts for Prelims (FFP)   Source: IE    Context: Recently, Kerala has declared the man-animal conflict a state-specific disaster, shifting responsibility from the forest department to the state disaster management authority. Previously, Uttar Pradesh became the first state in India to declare death through a man-animal conflict a state disaster and the deceased’s family were …

Onam (Kerala)

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: HT   Story behind Onam celebration: King Mahabali, a wise ruler of Kerala, was renowned for his prosperous and egalitarian rule. Lord Vishnu, concerned about Mahabali’s growing popularity, tested his humility in the form of a dwarf Brahmin, Vamana. Despite his immense generosity, Vamana grew to cover the earth and …

‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ campaign  

  Source: TH  Context: The Tourism department in Kerala has launched the ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’ campaign to maintain the cleanliness and environmental integrity of the state’s beaches.   The initiative was introduced on World Environment Day as a collaborative effort involving various stakeholders from the tourism sector and local communities. As part of the campaign, …

Heli-tourism

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME) Source: TH Kerala Tourism is planning to introduce heli-tourism to attract premium tourists. They have drafted guidelines for heli-taxi services connecting Kochi with popular tourist destinations like Thekkady, Munnar, and Kumarakom. The department aims to set up the necessary infrastructure through public-private partnership (PPP) to facilitate this initiative.   Usage: …

Welfare fund for MGNREGS workers

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME) Source: ET The Kerala government has introduced India’s 1st welfare fund specifically for workers under the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). This initiative provides benefits such as pensions for workers aged 60 and above, as well as financial assistance for medical treatment, education, marriage, and other needs. Usage: …

Thira

Facts for Prelims (FFP) Source: TH   Context: Recently, ‘Nagaraja Thira’ was celebrated at the Sree Muchilottu temple at Kuthiravattom in Kozhikode.

[Mission 2023] INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY 21 March 2023

InstaLinks :  help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their …

[Mission 2023] INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY 28 February 2023

InstaLinks :  help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their …

Kerala announces menstrual leave: Time to talk period

GS Paper 1 Syllabus: Indian Society/ Women issues   Source: Indian Express   Context: Kerala government announced that it will grant menstrual leave for female students in all state universities under the Department of Higher Education as part of the government’s “commitment to realise a gender-just society” In accordance with the decision, a girl of …

[Mission 2023] INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY 21 January 2023

InstaLinks :  help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their …