Hybrid Classes
We provide offline, online and recorded lectures in the same amount.
Personalised Mentoring
Every aspirant is unique and the mentoring is customised according to the strengths and weaknesses of the aspirant
Topicwise Mindmaps
In every Lecture. Director Sir will provide conceptual understanding with around 800 Mindmaps.
Quality Content
We provide you the best and Comprehensive content which comes directly or indirectly in UPSC Exam.
Cumulative Roof Top Solar (RTS) in India has crossed 10 GW and Gujarat has emerged as the leader in the segment with a contribution of 30% to the total capacity. Gujarat’s share was 3.2 GW, followed by Maharashtra at 1.9 GW and Rajasthan at 1.1 GW capacity. According to Union Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) the Compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of RTS installations during Mar, 2019 to Nov, 2023 is about 46%.
A SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket launched with the X-37B experimental spacecraft in U.S. recently. The X-37B is a re-entry spacecraft designed to operate in low-Earth orbit. The X-37B has been used to carry out research on Relaying solar energy from space for use back on Earth Studying the effects of radiation on seeds used to grow food
MANF is to provide 5- year fellowships in the form of financial assistance to students from 6 notified minority communities to pursue M. Phil and Ph.D. 6 notified communities - Buddhist, Christian, Jain, Muslim, Parsi and Sikh, notified by the Central Government. The program is funded and formulated by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
Argentina formally rejects BRICS membership recently. BRICS made up of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa announced it was admitting 6 new members in a bid to counter the Western-led global order. The membership of Argentina, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates was due to take effect from January 1, 2024.
Birdwatchers across India were able to document rare ‘pelagic’ (who spend a large portion of their lives on the open ocean) birds throughout 2023 just off the Karnataka coast. Brown Skua was sighted for the 1st time in Karnataka. Significant sightings - Sooty Shearwater, Brown Skua, Brown Booby, Streaked Shearwater and Masked Booby. Pomarine Skua, Arctic skua, Long-tailed skua, Swinhoes storm-petrel, Wilson’s storm-petrel, Flesh-footed shea
The Ministry of Home Affairs has designated Lakhbir Singh Landa, a Canada-based member of Babbar Khalsa International (BKI), as an “individual terrorist” recently. He has been designated as an individual terrorist under Section 35 of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA).
The Indian Navy recently unveiled the new design of the Admirals' Epaulettes, an ornamental shoulder piece worn to show the rank of an officer. The Admirals’ epaulettes consist of a golden navy button, an Octagon, a sword and a telescope.
The Supreme Court (SC) recently held that a plain assertion of innocence or a promise to co-operate in the trial by an accused is no ground to grant bail in a case of a serious nature. The SC also said the completion of investigation in a serious offence was not a default ground for bail.
‘Chameleon Trojan’ is a malware that can disable biometric authentication methods like fingerprint and face unlock to steal the phone’s PIN in Android operating systems. The malware collects information on app usage habits to determine when the user is using their device and launch attacks when they are least likely to use it.
The Indian Navy participated in the Beypore International Water Fest 2023 organised by Kerala recently. INS Kabra, high-speed offshore patrol vessel of the Southern Naval Command was deployed at Beypore as part of this event. The festival is considered India's largest water festival and highlights Kozhikode as the country's main center for adventure water sports.
The Qatar Court of Appeals recently set aside the death sentences of 8 former Indian Navy personnel in the Dahra Global case.
The Golden Quadrilateral (GQ) is a highway network that connects India's 4 largest cities - Delhi(north), Mumbai(west), Kolkata(east), and Chennai (south). It is India's longest highway project and the 5th longest in the world that also passes through 13 states. It is managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways. It is intended to establish faster transport networks betwee
The Union government recently issued an order for Persons with Disabilities to be considered for reservation in promotions up to the lowest rung of Group A posts in the Central government. The reservation is in retrospective effect from June 30, 2016.
China has emerged the highest buyer of iron ore from India for April-November period (8 months), a 400% year-on-year rise. Data shows that nearly 95% of India’s iron ore shipments have gone to China while small stocks went to Indonesia, Malaysia and South Korea.
The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees was established on December, 1950 by the United Nations General Assembly. The agency is mandated to lead and co-ordinate international action to protect refugees and resolve refugee problems worldwide. Its primary purpose is to safeguard the rights and well-being of refugees. It also has a mandate to help stateless people. It is headquartered at Geneva, Switzerland.
Ground frost is a covering of ice that forms on objects, trees, or the ground when their surfaces are below the freezing point of water. It can also refer to a temperature that drops below freezing at or near ground level and damages vegetation. Ground frost can occur when the ground cools faster than the air. It can also occur when water vapor directly deposits on objects and trees with surfaces colder than 0°C.
Veer Baal Diwas is commemmorated to honour the martyrdom of Baba Fateh Singh and Zorawar Singh, sons of 10th Guru Govind Singh Ji on 26th December every year. On this day Mughal forces under Aurangzeb's order killed Sahibzada Zorawar Singh, who was just 6 years old, and Fateh Singh, who was only 9.
The temple is situated in Puri, Odisha, was built in the 12th century by King Anatavarman Chodaganga Deva of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty. The Puri Jagannath Temple is a circular temple that is believed to have inspired the design of the Indian Parliament building. The temple is also known as the "White Pagoda" and is one of the 4 great "Char Dham" pilgrimage sites. It is famous for its Annual Rath yatra, or chariot festival.
The art of manually cutting words or symbols into jewellery and household objects was added to UNESCO's intangible heritage list recently. It has been practised across North Africa and West Asia for centuries.
Bhairavapalem Mudflats are located in Andhra Pradesh. The mudflats are named after the village of Bhairavapalem and are subject to tidal water, a habitat for crabs like mud crabs. The Godavari River flows into the sea through two mouths, one near Bhairavapalem and the other near Kottapalem. Bhairavapalem is also the name of a Reserve Forest in the Coringa Wildlife Sanctuary.
Poleramma Temple is a re-established 200 years-old temple located in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh. The temple was first constructed by British village officer in India in the 1800s, before which villagers worship Poleramma in form of a mud deity. Poleramma is a pre-Vedic deity, who is predominantly worshipped in Andhra Pradesh, and a local form of Sakti. She is worshipped as Grama devata (goddess who protects the village).
The Supreme Court recently held that physical training instructors (PTIs) come within the definition of “teachers”. Physical training instructors impart to students the skills and rules of various sports and games.a
A Financial Intelligence Unit (FIU)- India is a national body that collects and analyzes information about suspicious financial activity. The FIU-IND is an independent body in New Delhi that reports directly to the Economic Intelligence Council (EIC), which is headed by the Finance Minister. The FIU-IND cooperates with other law enforcement agencies both domestically and internationally.
Pegasus is a spyware developed by an Israeli firm, NSO Group, to infiltrate smartphones — Android and iOS and turn them into surveillance devices. It is used as a tool to track criminals and terrorists for targeted spying and not mass surveillance. A spyware is any malicious software designed to enter your computer device, gather your data, and forward it to a third-party without your consent. NSO Group has affirmed that it sells the software only
The Black Sea also known as the Euxine Sea is a large inland sea located at the southeastern tip of Europe. The Black Sea is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean, located between Eastern Europe and Western Asia. The Black Sea is bordered by Ukraine, Russia, Georgia, Turkey, Bulgaria, and Romania. It is the world's largest meromictic basin, meaning that the upper and lower layers of water exchange very little.
The Shanghai Archaeology Forum (SAF) is a global initiative that promotes the protection, investigation, and use of the world's archaeological resources and heritage. It was established in 2013 and is a biennial forum that provides a platform for academic exchanges between archaeologists worldwide. Shanghai Archaeology Forum Discovery Award is a biennial award that recognizes individuals and organizations that have made significant contribu
The centre recently appointed Nina Singh, the 1st woman IPS officer as the Director General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). CISF is a federal police organization in India that is part of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF). CISF is responsible for providing security and protection to various industrial establishments, government infrastructure projects, and other important installations in India. It is the largest industrial security force&nbs
Defence Ministry recently has extended the rules for maternity, child care and child adoption leaves for women soldiers, sailors and air warriors in the tri-services. It will entitle women soldiers, sailors and air warriors to the same maternity, childcare and child adoption leaves as female officers in the three services.
Synthesis gas (syngas) is a combustible mixture of hydrogen and carbon monoxide, often containing carbon dioxide and methane. It's primarily used to produce methanol or ammonia, and can also be used as a fuel. Syngas is derived from carbon-containing feedstocks like biomass, natural gas, heavy oil, and coal.
Agadagidi is a traditional alcoholic beverage in Nigeria made from fermented overripe bananas or plantains. The traditional process for preparing agadagidi involves microorganisms like yeasts and bacteria at various stages of fermentation.
The labour welfare and skill development department has constituted the Tamil Nadu Platform Based Gig Workers Welfare Board recently. It will cater to workers in e-commerce services including online food delivery and cab aggregators.
Tansen Samaroh is a musical extravaganza celebrated near his tomb at Gwalior district, Madhya Pradesh. The festival is organized to pay tribute to the Great Indian Musical Maestro Tansen. Tansen popularised and improved the plucked rabab (of Central Asian origin). He was among the Navaratnas (9 jewels) at the court of the Mughal Emperor Jalal ud-din Akbar who gave him the title Mian, an honorific, meaning learned man.
Message in a bottle campaign is a campaign done by NASA, U.S. It invites people around the world to sign their names to a poem written by the U.S. Poet Laureate Ada Limón. The names will be on a microchip that will ride aboard NASA’s Europa Clipper mission as it explores Jupiter’s moon (Europa). Europa is one of the largest and the 6th-closest moon to the Jupiter.
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) recently announced that its SLIM lander successfully went into lunar orbit. This is the 1st Moon-landing attempt being made by Japan and the 5th country to successfully soft land on the moon. SLIM would be the smallest and lightest spacecraft to land on the Moon. The chosen landing site for SLIM is near a small crater named Shioli in the equatorial region of the Moon.
Thakkar Bapa (1869 - 1951) was an Indian social worker and freedom fighter who worked to improve the lives of tribal people in Gujarat. Thakkar Bapa was a strong believer in universal education and the abolition of untouchability. He was the Chairman of the Excluded and Partially Excluded Areas Sub-Committee of the Constituent Assembly. In 1922, he established the Bhil Seva Mandal and in 1949, he established the "Adim Jati Sevak Sangh".
2 jumping spider species - Afraflacilla kerala and Afraflacilla adavathurensis were discovered recently from Kerala and Tamil Nadu respectively. Before the discovery of Afraflacilla kerala, only 3 species of the Afraflacilla genus had been found in India. Afraflacilla is a genus of jumping spiders (Salticidae). Most species are found in Eastern to Northern Africa and Australia, with 2 species found in Europe.
Pantoea Tagorei is a Gram-negative, short-rod, non-motile, facultatively anaerobic, potassium-solubilizing bacterium. The bacteria promotes plant growth and is being used in organic farming. It solubilizes potassium, replenishes nitrogen, and solubilizes phosphorus. It was discovered by a team of microbiologists from Visva Bharati University and named after Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore and his son, Rathindranath.
JN.1 subvariant has a mutation in its spike protein, L455S, also called a “FLip” mutation. L455S and L455F are called “FLip” mutations because they switch the positions of amino acids F and L on the spike protein, increasing their transmissibility. This type of mutation is performed we use binary crossover.
The Polar Wolf is considered one of the toughest prisons in Russia. The Polar Wolf is a high security corrective labor colony for men in the village of Kharp, Russia. It's also known as FKU IK-3, which is part of the Federal Penitentiary Service of Russia.
Basadi and Nishidis were a Jain shrine or temple in Karnataka. ‘Bhattarakas’ are the chiefs of Jain monasteries.
Madan Mohan Malaviya was an Indian educationist, freedom fighter and the thrice president of Indian National Congress. He was born on 25 December 1861, Prayagraj and died on 12 November 1946. He was addressed as 'Mahamana', he was the founder of Banaras Hindu University (BHU) at Varanasi in 1916, also founded an English-newspaper, “The Leader”. Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya was posthumously conferred with Bharat Ratna.
National Mathematics Day was observed to commemorate the birth anniversary of Srinivasa Ramanujan every year on December 22. Ramanujan was born in Erode, Tamil Nadu was an Indian greatest mathematician given contributions to number theory, functions, infinite series and continued fractions. He was the 1st Indian to be elected a Fellow of Trinity College, Cambridge. He also received a prestigious award from the King of England for his services to mathemat
The Winter Solstice is a phenomenon when the Northern Hemisphere is tilted furthest away from the sun, resulting in the longest night and the shortest day of the year. It occurs annually on December 21 or 22. It marks the 1st day of winter.
The Caspian Sea is the world's largest inland body of water, located between Asia and Europe, and is shared by Azerbaijan, Iran, Kazakhstan, Russia, and Turkmenistan. The Caspian Sea is a landlocked sea and is also known as the Mazandaran Sea. It lies to the east of the Caucasus Mountains and to the west of the vast steppe of Central Asia. Baku is the largest port on the Caspian Sea and the largest capital city on the southern shore of the Abshe
India recently sent relief material worth $1 million for the people affected by a volcanic eruption in Papua New Guinea. A major volcanic eruption of Mount Ulawun in Papua New Guinea resulted in widespread damage and destruction in the island nation. Papua New Guinea sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, an arc of seismic faults around the Pacific Ocean where much of the world’s earthquake and volcanic activities occur.
3 trafficked Sumatran orangutans were sent back from Thailand to Indonesia recently as part of a joint effort between the countries to tackle the illegal wildlife trade. The Sumatran orangutan (Pongo abelii) is a species of orangutan that lives in the northern part of the Indonesian island of Sumatra. They are the largest non-human primates in Asia and the largest arboreal primates. Conservation Status IUCN - Critically Endangered CITES - Appendix I
Systematic Voters' Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) is a program by the Election Commission of India. It aims to educate voters, spread awareness, and promote voter literacy since 2009.
Eurasian otter discovered for the 1st time in the Chinnar Wildlife Sanctuary, Kerala recently. It is a semiaquatic carnivorous mammal that is native to Eurasia. They are shy and nocturnal and found near small streams in the interior forests and distributed through Europe, Asia, and Africa. Conservation Status IUCN - Near Threatened. CITES - Appendix I. Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 - Schedule II
Huntington's disease (HD) is a rare, inherited disease that causes the progressive breakdown of nerve cells in the brain. It's also known as Huntington's chorea. HD attacks areas of the brain that help to control voluntary movement, as well as other areas. Symptoms usually start between the ages of 30 and 50. No cure exists, but drugs, physiotherapy and speech therapy can help manage some symptoms.
Nandankanan Zoological Park (NZP) is a zoo and botanical garden established in 1960 in Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Nandankanan is India's first zoo to join the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA) in 2009. Nandankanan is the first zoo in the World to breed White tiger and Melanistic tiger. Nandankanan is the only conservation breeding centre of Indian Pangolins in the world.
Louis Pasteur (1822 - 1895) was a French chemist and microbiologist who is known for his discoveries in vaccination, microbial fermentation, and pasteurization. He is considered one of the first scientists to discover the role of microorganisms in disease and how vaccines can prevent sickness. He developed the vaccine against Rabies.a
The aardvark is a burrowing, nocturnal mammal native to Africa. The name aardvark comes from Afrikaans and means "earth pig" that hunts termites and ants at night. Aardvarks are found in sub-Saharan Africa, except for Namibia, Ivory Coast, Ghana, and Madagascar. Conservation Status IUCN - Least Concern.
The NLC Talabira Thermal Power Project is a 2,400 MW coal-based thermal power plant in Odisha. The project is a Non-National Infrastructure Pipeline (NIP) Central PSU Electricity Generation project. It will be an ultra-super critical thermal plant. The 2,400 MW is to be shared by Tamil Nadu 1,500 MW, Puducherry 100 MW, Karnataka 400 MW and Odisha 400 MW.
Established by - Ministry of Health and Department of Biotechnology, Council for Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) and Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Aim – To assess SARS-CoV-2 Variants in India. To generate Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) data of the virus which can be correlated with clinical epidemiological data for advanced preparedness for public health interventions.
Finance Ministry recently announced that States may be able to tap about Rs.2.04 lakh crore as additional borrowings over and above their net borrowing limits for the year. The Centre had allowed 22 States to raise additional borrowings of almost Rs.61,000 crore this year on top of their net borrowing ceilings of 3% of Gross State Domestic Product. The extra borrowing ceiling was granted to States who met their pension liabilities by making required contributions to
The United Earth Amazonia prize is a "Green Nobel" prize that recognizes environmental work in the Amazon rainforest. The prize highlights projects that help preserve and protect the rainforest and its biodiversity. The prize was instituted by Marcus Nobel, a Swedish-American businessman based in Portland, Oregon. The prize was inaugurated last year without any monetary reward, but it is set to expand its scope in 2024.
According to the report of WIPI, 2023 global patent applications has been increased. In 2022, applicants based in China filed around 1.58 million patent applications, followed by the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Germany. The WIPI report also includes India as a star performer and secured the 40th position out of 132 countries.
Drug firm USV and bio-tech company Biogenomics have launched INSUQUICK, India's 1st biosimilar Insulin Aspart recently. InsuQuick is a rapid-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar levels and treats diabetes mellitus in children over 2 years old. It is a 'Make in India' product.
The blue dragon (Glaucus atlanticus) is a small, shell-less, blue sea slug that floats upside down in the open ocean. It is also known as the blue sea dragon, blue angel, sea swallow, and blue ocean slug. They are found in tropical and subtropical waters throughout the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Blue dragons are mobile prey feeders, meaning they prey on organisms that move on their own. Conservation Status IUCN – Endangered.
Aim – It is a single point platform for online processing of land acquisition notifications to accelerate highway infrastructure development projects in India. Ministry - Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) is a 272-kilometer railway track that will connect the Kashmir Valley with the rest of India. The project was declared a "National Project" in 2002 due to its importance in providing seamless connectivity to Kashmir. Chenab Rail Bridge, world’s highest railway bridge, over the Chenab river in Reasi district, Jammu & Kashmir is also a part of this project.
The Ennore Creek is a backwater located in Thiruvallur District, Tamil Nadu. As an arm of the Kosathalaiyar River, the Creek meets the Bay of Bengal at Mugathwara Kuppam, while the northern channel of the creek connects to the Pulicat Lake. This creek has been demarcated as Coastal Regulation Zone IV (Water Body) in the coastal zone management plan by the Tamil Nadu State Coastal Zone Management Authority. Undertaking any reclamation, bunding, construction or altering the w
Valmiki Tiger Reserve lies in the West Champaran district of Bihar. It forms the eastern most limit of the Himalayan Terai forests in India, and is the only tiger reserve of Bihar. It is situated in the Gangetic plains and the forest has combination of bhabar and terai tracts. Rivers Gandak, Pandai, Manor, Harha, Masan and Bhapsa flow through various parts of the reserve.
The Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, located in Teen Murti Marg, New Delhi, is a part of Nehru Memorial Museum and Library. The digital museum was a tribute to every Prime Minister of India since Independence, and a narrative record of how each one has contributed to the development of our nation. It was inaugurated by PM Narendra Modi on April 14, 2022.
India aims to set up a new research station in Antarctica near the Maitri station in the eastern part of the icy continent by 2029. The existing Indian research station, Maitri is very old, is imperative to build a new research station. Dakshin Gangotri, India's 1st research station in Antarctica, was commissioned in 1983 had to be abandoned in 1989 after being submerged in snow.
Black tigers are a rare color variant of the Bengal tiger. They are not a separate species or subspecies of tiger. Their all-black color is due to pseudo-melanism, a condition that causes thick stripes that make the tawny background barely visible. Black tigers are only found in India's Similipal Tiger Reserve which also has the highest rate of black tiger sightings in the world. Similipal Tiger Reserve It is a national park and tiger reserve located in the M
The Ministry of Textiles launched “Paat-Mitro”, a mobile application, developed by Jute Corporation of India Limited (JCI) during ‘Jute Symposium’ recently. The app is to support jute farmers and provides information about agronomy and Minimum Support Prices, as well as the latest agricultural practices. It also includes information about jute category standards and Jute-ICARE (Jute- Improved Cultivation and Advanced Retting Exercise).
Ministry of Mines is set to launch the National Geoscience Data Repository (NGDR) Portal in a ceremony in New Delhi. NGDR is a comprehensive online platform for accessing, sharing, and analyzing geospatial information across the nation. The initiative is spearheaded by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and Bhaskarachaya Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N). Geological Survey of India (GSI) is a scientific agency that conducts geological surveys and stu
A recent report of Iceland's Meteorological Office said that volcanic eruption began in Iceland, south of the capital Reykjavik.
The bonnet macaque is a species of Old-World monkey that is native to southern India. They are also known as Zati. They are highly arboreal and most abundant on the outskirts of human settlements. Subspecies - Dark-bellied bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata radiata) and Pale-bellied bonnet macaques (Macaca radiata diluta). Conservation Status IUCN – Vulnerable. CITES – Appendix II.
Goa Liberation Day is celebrated on December 19th every year. It marks the day in 1961 when India reclaimed the coastal state from centuries of Portuguese rule. On December 19, 1961, Goa officially became part of India and was declared as a Union Territory along with Daman and Diu after a military operation called "Operation Vijay".
Forest fringe villages are villages that are located near forest areas. They often depend on the forest for their daily needs and biomass. As per India State of Forest Report- 2019, published by Forest Survey of India, approximately 300 million people are dependent on forests. It roughly says that 26% of the total 650,000 villages can be classified as forest fringe villages, home to around 22% of the country’s total population.
Wildlife officials from Madhya Pradesh has recently released 2 male cheetahs, named Agni and Vayu, into the safari area at Kuno National Park. Kuno National Park is a wildlife sanctuary and national park in Madhya Pradesh established in 1981 and is named after the Kuno River. The park is located in the Central Indian Vindhyan Hills & the only national park in India that is home to Cheetahs. The Wildlife Institute of India (WIT) and the Wildlife Trust of I
International Migrants Day is observed on December 18th each year. Theme of International Migrants Day, 2023 - Act Today. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the day in 2000 to recognize the contributions of migrants and the challenges they face. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a UN-related agency that highlights the contributions and challenges of the migrants worldwide.
It is a Central Sector Scheme established under Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana. Launched by - Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Implemented by - National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED). The scheme aims to stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) crops, in line with the Operation Flood (White Revolution). It also aims to ensure that these crops are available throughout the year without price vo
It is a centrally sponsored scheme aims to address critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance, and health research. The mission's goal is to help communities become self-sufficient in managing health crises and pandemics. It is the largest Pan-India scheme for public health infrastructure since 2005. It is launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in addition to the National Health Mission.
Tamilisai Moovars (Tamil Trinity) - Muthuthandavar, Marimutha Pillai, and Arunachala Kavirayar, all 3 lived in TamilNadu and contributed to Carnatic music. Kavirayar was the 1st to compose musical drama in Tamil, his contributions were Rama Natakam, Asomuki Natakam, Sirkazhi Sthala Puranam, and Sirkazhi Kovai. Marimutha Pillai was a pioneer in composing Ninda Stuti Kritis, his contributions were Puliyur Venba and numerous Padhigams and Kuravanji. Muthuth
It is a space exploration mission led by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) expected to reach Martian orbit in 2025. It is a mission to travel to Mars and survey the red planet’s 2 moons - Phobos and Deimos and finally collect material from its surface before returning to Earth by 2029.
Andriamamelo Cave is located in Western Madagascar and contains ancient rock art, hints at ancient connections between Africa and Asia. The art is the 1st pictorial art found on the island and includes images of nature with human-like and animal-like figures. The art includes unique black rock drawings and motifs from Egypt, Ethiopia, Afro-Arab and Borneo.
Andriamamelo Cave is located in Western Madagascar and contains ancient rock art, hints at ancient connections between Africa and Asia. The art is the 1st pictorial art found on the island and includes images of nature with human-like and animal-like figures. The art includes unique black rock drawings and motifs from Egypt, Ethiopia, Afro-Arab and Borneo.
Finance Ministry recently announced that States may be able to tap about Rs.2.04 lakh crore as additional borrowings over and above their net borrowing limits for the year. The Centre had allowed 22 States to raise additional borrowings of almost Rs.61,000 crore this year on top of their net borrowing ceilings of 3% of Gross State Domestic Product. The extra borrowing ceiling was granted to States who met their pension liabilities by making required contributions to th
The United Earth Amazonia prize is a "Green Nobel" prize that recognizes environmental work in the Amazon rainforest. The prize highlights projects that help preserve and protect the rainforest and its biodiversity. The prize was instituted by Marcus Nobel, a Swedish-American businessman based in Portland, Oregon. The prize was inaugurated last year without any monetary reward, but it is set to expand its scope in 2024.
According to the report of WIPI, 2023 global patent applications has been increased. In 2022, applicants based in China filed around 1.58 million patent applications, followed by the US, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and Germany. The WIPI report also includes India as a star performer and secured the 40th position out of 132 countries.
Drug firm USV and bio-tech company Biogenomics have launched INSUQUICK, India's 1st biosimilar Insulin Aspart recently. InsuQuick is a rapid-acting insulin that helps control blood sugar levels and treats diabetes mellitus in children over 2 years old. It is a 'Make in India' product.
Tamil Nadu ranks 4th in attracting FDI in the period between Oct 2019 and September 2023, after Maharashtra, Karnataka and Gujarat. The total FDI inflow includes equity inflow, equity capital of unincorporated bodies, re-invested earnings and other capital. A foreign direct investment (FDI) refers to purchase of an asset in another country, such that it gives direct control to the purchaser over the asset.
It is a Central Sector Scheme established under Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana. Launched by - Ministry of Food Processing Industries and Implemented by - National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (NAFED). The scheme aims to stabilize the supply of Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP) crops, in line with the Operation Flood (White Revolution). It also aims to ensure that these crops are available throughout the year without price volat
It is a centrally sponsored scheme aims to address critical gaps in health infrastructure, surveillance, and health research. The mission's goal is to help communities become self-sufficient in managing health crises and pandemics. It is the largest Pan-India scheme for public health infrastructure since 2005. It is launched by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in addition to the National Health Mission.
Tamilisai Moovars (Tamil Trinity) - Muthuthandavar, Marimutha Pillai, and Arunachala Kavirayar, all 3 lived in TamilNadu and contributed to Carnatic music. Kavirayar was the 1st to compose musical drama in Tamil, his contributions were Rama Natakam, Asomuki Natakam, Sirkazhi Sthala Puranam, and Sirkazhi Kovai. Marimutha Pillai was a pioneer in composing Ninda Stuti Kritis, his contributions were Puliyur Venba and numerous Padhigams and Kuravanji. Muthuthand
It is a space exploration mission led by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) expected to reach Martian orbit in 2025. It is a mission to travel to Mars and survey the red planet’s 2 moons - Phobos and Deimos and finally collect material from its surface before returning to Earth by 2029.
The Red Sea is a narrow inland sea between Africa and the Arabian Peninsula and most heavily travelled waterways between Europe and Asia. It is connected to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean to the south through the Gulf of Aden and the narrow strait of Bab el Mandeb. The northern portion of the Red Sea is bifurcated by the Sinai Peninsula into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez, where it is connected to the Mediterranean Sea via the famous Suez Canal. It's one of t
The Taiwan Strait is also known as the Formosa Strait that separates mainland China and the island of Taiwan. The strait is part of the South China Sea and connects to the East China Sea to the north. The strait is an arm of the Pacific Ocean and extends from southwest to northeast.
NAMAM programme is recently being implemented in 2 taluks of Karnataka and Uttarakhand and is expected to be completed within 3 years. It is a collaborative intiative of National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS) & Bengaluru and the Ashraya Hastha Trust (AHT). NAMAN is a rural mental health program that aims to provide preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative care to the entire population of the target taluks.
PM inaugurates Surat Diamond Bourse in Gujarat recently. It is world’s largest and modern centre for international diamond and jewellery business and is part of the Diamond Research and Mercantile (DREAM) City. It will be a global centre for trading of both rough and polished diamonds as well as jewellery.
The Gelephu project is a mega project in Bhutan to have 1,000-sq. km. green city along Assam border ‘connecting South Asia to Southeast Asia’. There are also discussions about a 58-km rail link between Gelephu and Kokrajhar in Assam were also held.
A recent study says that free-ranging domestic cats, one of the most invasive species, were threat to conservation. They eat 2,084 species globally & pushing some species even to extinction. Among those species almost half of the species were birds, followed by reptiles and mammals. They identified that the species consumed by cats are of 16.65% of which are near-threatened or of higher concern on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
A recent study found that the oldest record ever of a yak being domesticated by humans has been found in Bangga, a settlement in Tibetan Autonomous Region in China. Yaks are large, sturdy mammals native to Tibet and China, but can also be found in Mongolia, Nepal, and Central Asia. Habitat - Alpine meadow, alpine steppe, and desert steppe & they are herbivorous in nature. Types – Domesticated Yak & Wild Yak. Conservation – IUCN - Do
A case of JN.1, subvariant of COVID19 has been detected in Kerala, as part of surveillance activity by Indian SARS-CoV-2 Genomics Consortium (INSACOG) recently. It is a descendant of the Pirola variant (BA.2.86), carries an additional mutation on its spike protein. It is capable of spreading faster and evading immunity.
Ketamine is an illegal recreational anaesthetic drug that has been listed as a hallucinogen by the US Drug Enforcement Administration. It is used to treat mental health treatments like depression and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Kerala’s Shaikh Hassan Khan now scales Mount Vinson in Antarctica recently to spread awareness of climate change happening in Antarctica. Mount Vinson, also known as Vinson Massif, is the highest mountain in Antarctica and one of the 7 Summits, which are the highest peaks on each of the world's 7 continents. Mount Vinson is located in the Sentinel Range of the Ellsworth Mountains, about 1,200 kilometers from the South Pole. It was discovered in 1935 by Americ
The 4th unit of the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-4) started controlled fission chain reaction and thus became critical recently. It is a nuclear power plant situated in Gujarat. It is the 2nd of 16 indigenous Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWR) of 700 MW. It is operated by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL).
Makers of Joynagar moa arm themselves with barcodes, QR code recently. Jaynagarer Moa is a seasonal Bengali sweetmeat delicacy made from date palm jaggery and Kanakchur khoi. Jaynagarer Moa is only available during winter (November to January) season in Bengal. It received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2015.
Rocket Lab launched its Electron rocket from its launch site on the Mahia Peninsula, New Zealand recently. The Electron is a two-stage, partially reusable rocket designed to launch small satellites into low Earth orbit. It is the world's most frequently launched small rocket.
Krutrim Si Designs, the artificial intelligence (AI) venture of Ola co-founder recently unveiled Krutrim. Krutrim is India’s own AI’ model & a family of Large Language Models, including Krutrim base and Krutrim Pro. Krutrim has joined the increasingly-competitive AI race dominated by players such as Google, Microsoft and OpenAI.
Scientists have found evidence of a key ingredient for life and a powerful source of energy that could fuel it on Saturn’s icy moon Enceladus. They analysed data from NASA’s Cassini mission and found confirmation that hydrogen cyanide, a key life molecule, exists on the icy moon.
Bharatiya Antariksh Station, 1st module of India’s planned space station will be launched by 2028. It will be operated by Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).
The 2nd edition of the Kasi Tamil Sangam will be happened at Kasi, delegates from Tamil Nadu were set to participate. The programme aims to revive the bonds between Varanasi and Tamil Nadu through cultural exchange and knowledge sharing. The Union Ministry of Education, IIT Madras, and Banaras Hindu University will be involved in the programme. Participants have been divided into 7 groups, each named after a ‘sacred’ Rivers such as Ganga, Yamuna,
The Naya Savera scheme, also known as the Free Coaching and Allied scheme, was a program that provided special coaching to students from 6 minority communities. 6 minority communities - Sikh, Jain, Muslim, Christian, Buddhist and Parsi.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully carried out a flight trial of Autonomous Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator recently. Flying Wing Technology Demonstrator is an indigenous high-speed flying-wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV).
The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is a regulatory body that oversees and regulates pensions in India. It was established in 2003 and operates under the Ministry of Finance. In 2003, the PFRDA launched the National Pension Scheme (NPS), which was extended to all citizens in 2009. The PFRDA regulates the NPS ecosystem, which is subscribed to by employees of the Government of India, State Governments, and private institutions.
The annual ‘Kanduri Urs’ festival starts with the flag-hoisting ceremony in Nagapattinam district of Tamil Nadu recently. The 14-day festival commemorates the death anniversary of saint Abdul Qadir and attracts followers from different faiths across the world.
Chandrayaan-4 is a lunar sample-return mission planned by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). It will be the 4th mission in the Chandrayaan program. The mission is expected to launch in 4 years.
WISE-KIRAN is a program from the Department of Science and Technology (DST). The scheme's goal is to increase women's participation in science and technology (S&T) and achieve gender parity.
The Valparai plateau is situated in the Coimbatore district of Tamil Nadu. It is surrounded on all sides by protected areas Anamalai Tiger Reserve, Parambikulam Tiger Reserve and Eravikulam National Park. Valparai is known for its tea and coffee plantations, around 7-8 national and international companies spread over 54 tea and coffee estates in Valparai.
Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant is the largest nuclear power station with a current installed capacity of 2GW in India. It is situated in Kudankulam, Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. It is a Civilian Nuclear Power Plant, built by India in joint-collaboration with Russia. It is being developed by the Nuclear Power Corporation of India (NPCIL).
Professor Savita Ladage received the Royal Society of Chemistry’s Nyholm Prize recently. It is an annual award from the Royal Society of Chemistry that recognizes achievements in chemical sciences education. The prize honors the life and work of Sir Ronald Nyholm, an Australian-born chemist who served as president of the Royal Society of Chemistry from 1968 to 1970. The prize alternates between being open to international nominations and being open only to nominations
Jasper is a Tropical Cyclone that formed in the north coast of Queensland in Australia.
AKTOCYTE is a nutraceutical developed by the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) and IDRS Labs. The tablets are intended for radiotherapy patients, especially those with pelvic cancer suffering from radiotherapy-induced Cystitis (Blood in urine).
Union Minister of State for Defence flagged in a team of Himalayan Mountaineering Institute, Darjeeling that carried out ‘Mission Antarctica’ in New Delhi Recently. The team hoisted the national flag atop Mt Rhenock in Sikkim Himalayas, recorded in the Asia Book of Records and India Book of Records. During the expedition, the team also displayed the Tri-colour over Mount Vinson Peak, which is the highest peak of the South Pole.
It is an initiative of the Department of Justice, launched in April 2017. It aimed at enhancing "access to justice" for marginalised sections of the society and the state's constitutional obligation of providing "free legal aid" for all. Pro bono is a Latin phrase that means "for the good of the people".
Kamban is a title of the Occhans, to which caste Tamil epic poet Kamban is reputed to have belonged. Uvachar or Occhan is a community in southern districts of Tamil Nadu, a class of temple priests who usually officiate as pujaris at Pidari, Kali and other Amman (Grama Devata) temples. The name Kambar in the southern districts of Tamil Nadu and at Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala identifies them with nagaswaram and thavil. They wear also known by names such as Parisaivar, Vallavaraya
U.S. Food and Drug Administration approved two treatments, Casgevy and Lyfgenia, representing the 1st cell-based gene therapies for the treatment of sickle cell disease (SCD) recently. Lyfgenia is a cell-based gene therapy, uses a lentiviral vector (gene delivery vehicle) for genetic modification. Lyfgenia modifies a patient's blood stem cells to produce a modified version of the HBB gene. It is approved for the treatment of patients 12 years of age and o
Kazhuveli Wetland Birds Sanctuary is situated in the Villupuram district of Tamilnadu. The Kazhuveli wetland is one of the major wetlands on the Coromandel Coast after the Pulicat Lake. The lake is connected to the Bay of Bengal by the Uppukalli Creek and the Yedayanthittu estuary and is visited for nesting by migratory birds on the Central Asian flyway. Listed as one of Tamil Nadu’s 141 prioritised wetlands, Kazhuveli is also a wetland of international significa
Aim - To help people with disabilities, especially women and youth with disabilities, become active participants. Implemented by - The ILO and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), in collaboration with the Women’s Development Corporation in Maharashtra. Through this project, persons with disabilities were trained as Disability Inclusion Facilitators (DIFs). International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) is a United Nations agency th
“SAMUDRA” (Smart Access to Marine Users for ocean Data Resources and Advisories) is a mobile app that provides comprehensive information on all ocean-related services. The app is useful for seafarers and the fishing community. The app was launched by the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS). INCOIS is an autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences located in Hyderabad.
India and 152 other members vote overwhelmingly at U.N. General Assembly (UNGA) to demand a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza recently. The vote in the 193-member world body was 153 in favor, 10 against (includes US and Israel) and 23 abstentions. The resolution is non-binding but it serves as an indicator of global opinion. UNGA is one of the 6 principal organs of the United Nations and the main policy making body of UN that votes on the decision that orga
Argentina recently devalues its currency and cuts subsidies as part of shock economic measures because of its 143% annual inflation. Argentine peso will be devalued by 50% to 800 to the U.S. dollar from 400 pesos to the dollar.
The 5G RAN technology developed by 2 IITs and the R&D arm of Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology was handed over to Indian tech company for commercial applications. 5G RAN uses 5G radio frequencies to provide wireless connectivity to devices. A radio access network (RAN) is a key component of a mobile telecommunication system that connects devices like smartphones to a network via a radio link.
Pakadwa Vivah is a tradition in Bihar where a boy is kidnapped or coerced and then married to a girl. In this practice, the wishes of the boy and girl are not considered. The practice is illegal and prevalent in several parts of Bihar.
The African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) is an intergovernmental organization that aims to improve rural areas in Asian and African countries. It is an autonomous organization established in 1962, headquartered in New Delhi. It's one of the earliest examples of South-South cooperation in rural development.
The new National Medical Commission logo has an image of god Dhanvantri, and replaces the word 'India' with 'Bharat' recently. The National Medical Commission (NMC) is India's top regulatory body for medical education and practice. It was established in 2020 by the National Medical Commission Act, 2019, replacing the Medical Council of India (MCI). The NMC has 33 members.
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 436 baby Indian Tent turtles from a person illegally transporting them in Lucknow recently. The Indian tent turtle (Pangshura tentoria) is a species of turtle that is native to India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Indian tent turtles are mainly omnivorous and live in freshwater rivers and swamps. Conservation IUCN - Least concern CITES - Appendix II Schedule 1 of Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
It is a strait between Arabia and Africa that connects the Red Sea with the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean. The strait is bordered by Yemen on one side and Djibouti and Eritrea on the other. It is a strategic route for oil and a chokepoint between the Middle East and the Horn of Africa. It's also a vital link in the maritime trade route between the Mediterranean Sea and the Indian Ocean. About 10% of global trade passes through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.
Donald Tusk becomes Poland's Prime Minister recently. Poland is the 9th Largest Country in Europe. It's bordered by the Baltic Sea to the north. The country is bordering Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and Lithuania and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad to the northeast.
5 countries in East and southern Africa are in the middle of outbreaks of the anthrax disease recently. It is a serious infectious disease caused by gram-positive, rod-shaped bacteria known as Bacillus anthracis. It occurs naturally in soil and commonly affects domestic and wild animals around the world. It is a zoonotic disease that can resulting in severe lung problems, difficulty breathing, and shock in humans, usually been found in India’s sout
It is an annual military training exercise conducted alternatively in India and Vietnam. Aim – To foster collaborative partnership, promote inter- operability and share best practices between the two sides. The operation is under Chapter VII of United Nations Charter on Peace Keeping Operations.
It is a top-up program that uses experiential learning to develop employability skills amongst underserved female students pursuing higher education. Introduced by - All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE). This program will be delivered in a blended mode - a) instructor led face to face workshops/ classrooms and project work, and b) self-paced online learning modules.
Researchers at IIT Madras, Columbia University and Colorado State University in the US have developed a technique to merge diverse plastics into strong and recyclable materials. A universal dynamic crosslinker (UDC) is a specially designed crosslinker that can blend plastics that are usually incompatible. UDCs can be used to compatibilize immiscible mixed plastics.
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) - Madras has developed a technology called ‘AMRIT’ (Arsenic and Metal Removal by Indian Technology) for the removal of Arsenic and Metal ions from water. The technology uses nano-scale iron oxy-hydroxide, which selectively removes arsenic when water is passed through it. The technology can also remove other impurities from groundwater, such as Manganese, Uranium, Chromium, Mercury, Fluoride.
The green sea turtle (Chelonia mydas) is the largest hard-shelled sea turtle. Green sea turtles are found in temperate and tropical waters around the world. In India, they can be found on the west and east coasts, Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. Green sea turtles are mainly herbivorous and eat sea grass. Conservation Status IUCN – Endangered Schedule I of the Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act.
Italy withdraws from China's Belt and Road project recently. China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a connectivity project that aims to revive the ancient Silk Road. The BRI was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2013. It aims to connect China with Europe by land and rail, and to Asia and Africa by sea.
4 soft release centres being set up in Palamu Tiger Reserve (PTR) will be guarded by solar fencing recently. The Palamau Tiger Reserve (PTR) is located in Jharkhand, established in 1973 as part of Project Tiger. It is one of the first 9 tiger reserves created in the country at inception of 'Project Tiger'. It is the only tiger reserve in Jharkhand. It forms part of Betla National Park and Palamau Wildlife Sanctuary.
A first-of-its-kind Eastern Ghats Nature Interpretation Centre in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh has been inaugurated recently. It is a project within the development of the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary. A nature interpretation centre is a museum that aims to educate visitors about the importance of nature conservation.
Uttar Pradesh has made the Gangetic Dolphin as the state’s aquatic animal recently. The dolphin has already recognized as the national aquatic animal. These dolphins are found in rivers like Ganga, Yamuna, Chambal, Ghaghra, Rapti, and Gerua. Conservation Status IUCN - Endangered species. Schedule –I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. Project Dolphin - Launched in 2016 by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
Announced by - Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) with Google Cloud India, Antler in India, Paytm, Protean and Startup India. Aim- To tackle diverse challenges in digital commerce, promoting industry innovation to develop practical solutions in this space.
The Union Minister for Power and New & Renewable Energy has launched 4E Wave Movement recently. It is a Student-Led National Movement for Energy Conservation in Jammu & Kashmir. Aim -To promote sustainable practices and instil a sense of responsibility in individuals and communities to save energy.
YUVAi is a national program that aims to teach AI skills to students in grades 8–12. The program is a collaboration between the National e-Governance Division (NeGD), Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), and Intel.
The Zhuque-2 (ZQ-2) is a Chinese medium-sized, 1st methane-fueled rocket to reach orbit. The rocket can carry a payload of up to 1.5 metric tons into a 500-kilometre-orbit. The rocket is powered by liquid oxygen and liquid methane. It was launched by China-based private space technology firm LandSpace.
Operation Storm Makers II was a global operation by Interpol that targeted human trafficking and migrant smuggling. The operation targeted criminal networks that exploit migrants for cyber fraud. The operation involved law enforcement agencies in 27 countries across Asia and other regions.
A recent study found that electric eels can release enough electricity to genetically modify small fish larvae, which is known as electroporation, a gene delivery technique. Electroporation is a technique that uses an electrical field to increase the permeability of cell membranes. This allows larger molecules, such as DNA, drugs, and chemicals, to enter the cell.
The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) recently raised concerns on the decision of G7 countries to impose a ban on direct imports of Russian-origin rough diamonds from January 1, 2024. The ban also includes diamonds processed by third countries, including India, from March 1,2024. India is home to world’s 90% Diamond cutting and polishing industry.
The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently enhanced the UPI payment limits for healthcare and education from Rs.1 lakh to Rs.5 lakh. The limit on recurring e-payment mandates for credit card and insurance premia payments as well as mutual fund investments to Rs.1 lakh from the current limit of Rs.15,000.
The Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the RBI unanimously decided to keep the repo rate unchanged at 6.5%. The standing deposit facility (SDF) rate remains at 6.25% and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the bank rate at 6.75%.
The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) has signed the Memorandum of Common Purpose (MoCP) with the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative (MRCTI) of USA recently. The signing took place in Dubai during the COP28. The MoCP has signed on behalf of the River Cities Alliance (RCA).
A recent UN resolution to call for a ceasefire in Gaza was blocked by the United States using its veto power. A ceasefire is a temporary suspension of a war where each side agrees to stop aggressive actions. The 5 permanent members who have veto powers in the United Nations Security Council - China, France, Russia, United Kingdom, and United States.
The European Union has reached a deal recently on the world's 1st comprehensive artificial intelligence rules. It paves the way for legal oversight of AI technology.
China starts up world's 1st 4th generation nuclear reactor, Shidaowan recently. It uses a high-temperature gas-cooled nuclear reactor with 1,150MW. 4th generation reactors can operate at higher temperatures than most other reactors, which allows them to generate both electricity and hydrogen.
Asola Bhatti Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area in New Delhi and is a part of the Aravalli Mountain Range. It was established in the year 1986. It is a part of the Sariska-Delhi Wildlife Corridor, which runs from the Sariska Tiger Reserve in Rajasthan to Delhi Ridge.
Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed recently to exchange prisoners of war and work toward signing a peace treaty. As part of the deal, Armenia agreed to lift its objections to Azerbaijan hosting next year's international conference on climate change.
A new study assessed the circulation of the elephant Endotheliotropic Herpesvirus Subtypes (EEHV) responsible for the recent rise in the disease, as well as its pathogenesis. Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is a double-stranded DNA herpesvirus. It can cause a fatal hemorrhagic disease in young Asian elephants. The disease has a mortality rate of up to 85%.
The Africa Green Industrialisation Initiative (AGII) aims to accelerate and scale up green industries and businesses across Africa. The initiative builds upon the existing $4.5 billion Africa green investment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Africa has 40% of the world’s critical minerals necessary for energy transition and has the world’s largest natural carbon sink.
Geneticists and conservationists have joined forces to re-introduce the Dodo, extinct since the late 17th century. It is an extinct flightless bird that was endemic to the Island of Mauritius. Dodos were large birds, approximately 3-feet tall. Extinction reasons – Climate change and human behaviour.
It is a women only court that address individual cases and also raise awareness about social schemes. Though it does not hold any legal status, has its primary focus on reconciliation, grievance redressal and creating awareness of rights and entitlements. It is an initiative of Ministry of Women and Child Development under the Sambal sub-scheme of Mission Shakti.
Julian Felipe Reef is a reef in the Spratly Islands of the South China Sea. It lies in the Exclusive Economic Zone of Philippines. It's also known as Whitsun Reef, Whitson Reef, and Whitsum Reef. It's the largest reef in the Union Banks.
Operation Jeevan Raksha To protect the lives of passengers, who had accidently fallen while deboarding or boarding. Operation Yatri Suraksha To improve the security of passengers traveling by Indian Railways. Operation NARCOS It is pan-India drive against smuggling of Narcotics through Rail. Operation Uplabdh To curb the illegal sale of railway tickets.
It is also known as Glycogen Storage Disease Type II. It is a rare genetic disorder caused by a deficiency of the enzyme acid alpha-glucosidase (GAA) (crucial for breaking down glycogen into glucose within the lysosomes of cells). Its prevalence estimates range from 1 in 40,000 to 1 in 300,000 births. Currently, there is no cure for Pompe disease and to improve quality of life Enzyme Replacement Therapy (ERT) is a standard treatment.
The Bandipur Tiger Reserve is situated in Karnataka which holds the 2nd highest Tiger population in India. It was established in the year 1974 as a forest tiger reserve under the Project Tiger. It is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve. 3 rivers flow through the main area of the Bandipur Tiger Reserve - Nugu River, Moyar River and Kabini River.
The PC-7 is a low-wing, turbo-prop aircraft on which IAF pilots undergo basic training. It was developed from the piston-powered Pilatus P-3 aircraft and is manufactured by Pilatus Aircraft Ltd, Switzerland. The maximum operating speed of the aircraft is 556 km per hour, while the maximum range of the aircraft is 1,500 km. There are 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II aircraft in service with the IAF.
Baba Saheb Dr. Bhim Rao Ambedkar was born on 14th April, 1891 and died on 6th Dec, 1956 his death anniversary is observed as Mahaparinirvan Diwas across the country. His important works - In 1924 he started All India depressed classes association with Sir Chimanlal Setalvad. The Bahiskrit Bharat, newspaper was started in 1927 to address the cause of the depressed classes in view of the new reform. He was conferred with the Title of Bodhisa
It is an initiative of creating mini forests in urban areas for the afforestation programme. Named after Japanese botanist Akira Miyawaki, this method involves planting 2 to 4 different types of indigenous trees within every square metre. In this method, the trees become self-sustaining don’t require regular manuring and watering and they grow to their full length within 3 years. The methodology was developed in the 1970s, with the basic objec
Operation Nanhe Farishte is a Railway Protection Force (RPF) initiative to reconnect children who have been lost or separated from their families. The operation also rescues children who come into contact with Indian Railways and need care and protection. The children are then handed over to authorities and returned to their families.
Seismogenic liquefaction features like multiple sand dykes and sand sills have been identified by scientists in an active fault in northeastern region (NER), called Kopili fault (KF) zone. The Kopili Fault, a lineament situated in the northeastern region (NER), extends from the western part of Manipur to the tri-junction of Bhutan, Arunachal Pradesh, and Assam. It is one of the active fault that has experienced large earthquakes and falls into the Highest Seismic Hazard Zone V.
PM unveils Statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj at Rajkot Fort, Sindhudurg, Maharashtra recently. Chhatrapati Shivaji (1630-1680) was the founder of the Maratha kingdom of India. Victories - Shivaji’s conflict with the Adil Shahi Sultanate of Bijapur began when he was only 16. Ashta Pradhan - He promoted the use of Marathi and Sanskrit in his courts and created an elaborate administrative system with a council of ministers known as Ashta Pradhan.
Prime Minister recently attended the ‘Navy Day 2023’ celebrations at Maharastra. The Indian Navy celebrates Navy Day on December 4 every year to commemorate "Operation Trident," the Navy's audacious attack on Karachi harbour during the 1971 War.
India Internet Governance Forum IIGF’23 held recently in New Delhi. IIGF is an initiative associated with the UN Internet Governance Forum (UN IGF). IIGF, was created in 2021, and is supported by a 14-member multi-stakeholder Committees. UN IGF is a multi-stakeholder platform bringing together representatives from various groups, considering all to be at par to discuss public policy issues related to the Internet.
The Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) bagged the “ISSA Vision Zero 2023” Award in the recently held 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work in Sydney, Australia. “Vision Zero” is a transformational approach for prevention of accidents at work places integrating the 3 dimensions of safety, health and well-being at all levels of work. International Social Security Association (ISSA) is the principal international institution bring
The 4th edition of the annual ASEAN India Grassroots Innovation Forum (AIGIF) for 2023 took place in Langkawi, Malaysia recently. The AIGIF is an annual program that focuses on strengthening the relationship between India and ASEAN Member States (AMS) in the fields of Science, Technology, and Innovation. 2 grassroots innovators and 1 student innovator from India won prizes in the grassroots innovation and student innovation competition respectively.
India joins Executive Committee of Codex Alimentarius Commission during its 46th meeting being held at Food and Agriculture Organization Headquarters at Rome. CAC is an international body that sets food standards established in 1963 by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and the World Health Organization (WHO). The CAC's goals are to protect consumer health and ensure fair food trade practices. It has 189 members. The CAC is part of the joint FAO/WHO Food S
Mawar and Bolaven - Western Pacific Ocean Hurricanes Jova and Otis - Eastern Pacific Ocean. Hurricane Lee - Atlantic Ocean. Cyclone Mocha - North Indian Ocean. Cyclone Freddy - Southern Indian Ocean.
Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was the name given to the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel. The operation was motivated by Israeli aggression and occupation, and the treatment of Palestinians. The attack was also a response to recent violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.
Scientists of Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) have developed a highly fluorescent material using Phosphorene, Cystine, and Gold-Au (Ph-Cys-Au). It can be used for detecting over dosage of anti-cancer drug Methotrexate (MTX) which will has toxic effect on lungs, stomach, and heart.
Ministry of Panchayati Raj recently launched Geographic Information System application “Gram Manchitra”. Aim - To encourage the Spatial Planning by the Gram Panchayat. It uses the National Informatics Centre's (NIC) Geographic Information System (GIS) platform of Bharat Maps.
India, re-elected to the International Maritime Organisation (IMO) Council recently. The International Maritime Organization (IMO) is a United Nations agency that regulates shipping. HQ- London, England. The IMO was established in 1948 at a UN conference in Geneva. It currently has 174 Member States. The IMO was prompted to take action on marine pollution prevention and response by major oil pollution incidents.
Damascus, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, is the capital and the largest city of Syria. It is located in South-western Syria at the foothills of the Anti-Lebanon mountain range. It is the 4th holiest city in Islam, and was known as the Pearl of the East It recently secures the top spot as the cheapest city to live in.
South Korea has recently launched its 1st spy satellite after North Korea’s recent launch. The satellite is launched using the SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket. It was the first of 5 spy satellites South Korea plans to send into space by 2025 using SpaceX. South Korea had no military reconnaissance satellites of its own in space and has partially resorted to the United States' spy satellites to monitor moves by North Korea.
The Philippines opened a coast guard base on the contested island of Thitu, South China Sea recently. Thitu Island - Thitu Island is a rock located in the Spratly Islands. The Philippines first took possession of the feature in 1974. Subi Reef – It is a low-tide elevation in the Spratly Islands. It is located in the South China Sea and it was possessed by China in 1988.
After introducing the Bharati script V. Srinivasa Chakravarthy, a professor in IIT Madras has developed a script for persons with visual impairment named as Sparsh Bharati. This ‘Indian Braille’ can be used across Indian languages. Bharati is a simple and unified script which can be used to write most major Indian languages. It is designed using simplest shapes, often borrowing simple characters from various Indian languages/scripts and English.
Nepal makes history as the 1st Southeast Asian Nation to formally register same-sex marriage after it was legalized by the Supreme Court of Nepal.
World AIDS Day is observed on December 1st each year, is an opportunity to highlight the work of eliminating HIV/AIDS. The theme for World AIDS Day 2023 is "Let Communities Lead". Nagaland tops the list of States India with the highest prevalence (1.61%) of AIDS. At 0.29%, Karnataka’s HIV prevalence rate is higher than the national average of 0.22%.
For the 1st time, Kerala is organizing Transplant Games, a competitive sporting event for organ transplant recipients and donors. It is to showcase the success of organ transplantation in improving the quality of life and spread the message of organ donation. The World Transplant Games Federation (WTGF) is a non-profit organization based in the United Kingdom with representation from more than 70 countries. The WTGF organizes the World Transplant Games (WTG), whic
3 anti-submarine warfare ships for Indian Navy launched at Cochin shipyard recently. The ships will be named INS Mahe, INS Malvan and INS Mangrol. The ships are part of the ASW Shallow Water Craft (CSL) project. The Mahe Class of ships will replace the in-service Abhay class ASW.
It is a Central Sector scheme to provide drones to 15,000 women's Self Help Groups (SHGs), which will be trained to give it on rent for spraying pesticides and fertilisers. Duration - 2024-25 to 2025-2026. Recently PM has renamed it as ‘Namo Drone Didi'.
Global Ayurveda Festival is a platform to celebrate India’s healing wisdom organized at Greenfield International Stadium, Kariavattom Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Focal theme: Emerging Challenges in Healthcare & a Resurgent Ayurveda
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has voted to end its political mission dedicated to ending the civil war in Sudan. The liquidation of UNITAMS will begin on March 1, 2024. The United Nations Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS) was established in June 2020. The mission’s mandate was extended in 2021 and 2022. UNITAMS supports the promotion and protection of human rights.
Ministry of Jal Shakti to Organize ‘Jal Itihas Utsav’ at Shamsi Talab, Jahaz Mahal in Mehrauli, Delhi recently. Aim - To raise public consciousness about safeguarding water heritage sites, creating a sense of ownership among the masses as well as promote tourism and restoration of such heritage structures.
HD 110067 is a star with 6 known sub-Neptune exoplanets. The star is located in the constellation Coma Berenices, which is near Virgo in the northern sky. It is about 100 light-years away from Earth. The 6 planets in HD 110067 orbit the star in a rhythmic pattern. The planets form a "resonant chain" in successive pairs of 3:2, 3:2, 3:2, 4:3, and 4:3. NASA's Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) detected the star's brightness dipping in 2020. This indicat
Exercise Milan is a biennial naval exercise hosted by the Indian Navy. The exercise includes Professional exercises, Seminars, Social events, Sporting fixtures. The Indian Navy 1st held the exercise in 1995, and has since significantly expanded in scope and scale to become the largest exercise held by India. The last edition of Milan, which is held off Visakhapatnam, saw participation from over 40 countries. The exercise was originally conceived in line with India'
India has the biggest burden of deaths due to snakebites in the world, with most of the cases in rural India. Avoidable Deaths Network (ADN) has set up a hub in an Odisha village to look into lifesaving solutions for snakebites. ADN is a global membership network working on avoiding human deaths from natural hazards. In 2015, India ratified the WHO’s Snakebite Envenoming Strategy for Prevention and Control, along with UN’ Sendai Framework for halving the deaths
The Maski rock edict is a minor rock edict of Emperor Ashoka. It was discovered in 1915 by C. Beadon at the archaeological site of Maski in the Raichur district of Karnataka, India. The Maski rock edict is important because it was the 1st edict of Emperor Ashoka to include his name. Earlier edicts referred to him as Devanampiye Piyadasi.
Sri Lanka has recently reached an “agreement in principle” with India and the Paris Club group of creditors including Japan, on a debt treatment plan. The Paris Club is an informal group of creditor nations that work to find sustainable solutions for debtor countries that are unable to repay their bilateral loans. The Paris Club has 22 permanent members which have originated from a 1956 meeting in which Argentina agreed to meet its public creditors in Paris
Copyright 2023 CLT TECHNOLOGIES AND EDU-PUBLISHERS PRIVATE LIMITED. All rights reserved.
24 × 7 Support : 8287714422
Whatsapp : 8010068998
Email Us: query@aspireias.com
