Scientific Deep Drilling by Ministry of Earth Science
Context: The Ministry of Earth Science has initiated a scientific deep drilling project of the Earth’s crust to a depth of 6 km, assisted by the Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory (BGRL) in Karad, Maharashtra. The project has already achieved drilling to a depth of 3 km. Relevance: GS I: Geography Dimensions of the Article: What […]
The Toll that Extreme Heat Takes on Women
Context: Extreme heat has become the planet’s norm and is likely to persist for years. The year 2023 was the hottest on record, and temperatures in several parts of India during May-June 2024 were reported to be record-breaking. Women are disproportionately affected by extreme heat due to unequal power dynamics, gender norms, and unequal access to resources. This is […]
The Union Budget as Litmus Test of a Rethink or Stasis
Context: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to present the Union Budget next week, on July 23. The Budget is more than a mere statement of government revenue and expenditure; it reflects the policy and politics of the ruling government. The recent general election focused on ‘bread and butter’ issues, contrasting with the aspirational and […]
About e-FAST India Initiative
Context: Recently, NITI Aayog has announced the launch of the ‘NITI GearShift Challenge’ as part of the e-FAST India initiative. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and Interevntions Dimensions of the Article: e-FAST India Initiative: The e-FAST (Electric Freight Aggregator, Scalable E-mobility and Technology) India Initiative was launched in September 2022 with the primary goal of […]
Plans to Boost Lighthouse Tourism Announced
Context: The Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways has announced plans to boost lighthouse tourism under the Maritime India Vision (MIV) 2030 and Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047. This announcement was made during a stakeholders meeting organized by the Directorate General of Lighthouses and Lightships in Vizhinjam, Kerala. Relevance: GS II: Government Policies and […]
About Indian Flapshell Turtle
Context: The scientists at the Indian Veterinary Research Institute (IVRI) on a mission to save an Indian flapshell turtle, whose shell cracked after an accident. Relevance: GS III: Species in News Dimensions of the Article: Indian flapshell turtle The Indian flapshell turtle (Lissemys punctata) is a fascinating freshwater species native to South Asia. Here are […]
About Rosewood Tree
Context: Recently, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has issued guidelines for its members involved in the sustainable harvest and trade of rosewood specimens. Relevance: GS III: Species in News Dimensions of the Article: About Rosewood Tree: Rosewood is a commercial term that encompasses various tropical hardwoods […]
About SIM Swapping Scam
Context: Google Fi wireless has introduced a security feature called ‘Number Lock’. This new feature empowers users to take control and prevent a growing cybersecurity threat – SIM swapping. Relevance: GS III: Security challenges SIM Swapping Scam The SIM swapping scam is a sophisticated form of fraud that exploits vulnerabilities in the telecom system to […]
Climate Resilient Agriculture
Context: Recently, the Union government is planning to unveil a framework to promote climate-resilient agriculture in 50,000 villages located in climatically-vulnerable districts. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: Climate Resilient Agriculture (CRA): Overview and Practices Definition Impact of Climate Change on Agriculture Impact of Extreme Events Practices to Enhance Climate Resilience Key Challenges Related to Climate […]
Bihar Government’s Request for Makhana MSP
Context: The Bihar government has urged the Centre to declare a Minimum Support Price (MSP) for makhana, an aquatic crop. Additionally, the state has highlighted the lack of manpower at the Darbhanga-based Indian Council of Agricultural Research — National Research Centre (ICAR-NRC) for Makhana. Relevance: GS III: Agriculture Dimensions of the Article: Makhana (Fox Nuts) […]