Astronomical Transients
Context: Recently, the Indian-American astronomer Shrinivas Kulkarni was awarded the Shaw Prize for Astronomy in 2024 for his work on the physics of astronomical transients. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Astronomical Transients Definition: Significance: Examples of Transients: Supernovae: Active Galactic Nucleus (AGN): Fast Radio Bursts (FRB): -Source: The Hindu
Oedocladium Sahyadricum
Context: A group of phycologists from the Department of Botany at Catholicate College in Pathanamthitta has discovered a new algal species in the Western Ghats. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Oedocladium sahyadricum: An Overview Introduction: Features: Dioecious and Terrestrial: Appearance: Practical Applications: Medicine and Agriculture: Ecosystem Role: -Source: The Hindu
About International Solar Alliance
Context: Spain has become the 99th member of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) following Panama, by handing over the Instrument of Ratification. Relevance: GS II: International Relations About International Solar Alliance (ISA) Signatories: -Source: Times of India
New Research Proposes Renaming the Stone Age to the ‘Wood Age’
Context: Recently, research has challenged the conventional understanding of the Stone Age, suggesting it might be better described as the ‘Wood Age’. This new perspective is based on the discovery and analysis of wooden artifacts dating back 300,000 to 400,000 years in Schöningen, Germany. Relevance: GS I: History Dimensions of the Article: Prehistoric Woodworking Skills […]
NASA Launches Climate Satellite to Study Polar Heat Emissions
Context: Recently, NASA launched the first of two climate satellites aimed at studying heat emissions at Earth’s poles. The second satellite is set to be launched in the coming days. This mission, named PREFIRE (Polar Radiant Energy in the Far-InfraRed Experiment), focuses on understanding polar heat emissions. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of […]
Study Highlights Worsening Heat Stress in India’s Megacities
Context: A study by the Delhi-based Centre for Science and Environment reveals that India’s major cities—Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Hyderabad—are facing increasing heat stress. This is attributed to rising relative humidity over the past two decades. Additionally, the study indicates that these cities are experiencing warmer nights due to the urban heat island […]
Reflecting on the 1991 Indian General Elections Amid 2024 Preparations
Context: As India prepares for the 2024 general election, it is crucial to reflect on the pivotal 1991 Indian general elections, which marked a significant turning point in the country’s history. These elections brought about profound political and economic changes, driven by the leadership of PV Narasimha Rao and the impactful electoral reforms led by […]
Current Affairs Quiz 29 May 2024
Current Affairs 29 May 2024
CONTENTS Reflecting on the 1991 Indian General Elections Amid 2024 Preparations Context: As India prepares for the 2024 general election, it is crucial to reflect on the pivotal 1991 Indian general elections, which marked a significant turning point in the country’s history. These elections brought about profound political and economic changes, driven by the leadership […]
General Election 2024 and Inclusion of Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Context: As the 2024 general election in India approaches its conclusion, a notable omission during the Election Commission of India’s announcement in March was the lack of sign language interpreters in the televised and social media broadcast. This omission highlights the everyday exclusion faced by Deaf and Hard of Hearing (DHH) citizens in India. Relevance: GS2- Mains Question: […]