INS Nirdeshak, the second ship of Survey Vessel (large) project, was commissioned into the Indian Navy at Visakhapatnam Naval Dockyard on 18 December, 2024. Key Highlights:
Category: Current Affairs
Russian claims Ukraine repeatedly dropped white phosphorus from drones
Recently, Russia said that Ukraine had repeatedly dropped white phosphorus munitions from drones in September 2024, but Kyiv (Ukraine) denied it had used such weapons and said it was Moscow (Russia) which had used prohibited chemical substances on the battlefield. Read More …
Indian Army launches AI incubation centre in Bengaluru
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi inaugurated the Artificial Intelligence Incubation Centre (IAAIIC) in Bengaluru.
POPs in Orcas’ blubbers
Why in the News? A recent research has found in the North Atlantic Ocean orcas’ blubbers (fat layer under the skin) high levels of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) despite these were far from human habitations. One category of the POPs Read More …
What are Dark Comets?
Astronomers have recently discovered seven new examples of dark comets, a rare type of celestial object that blurs the line between asteroids and traditional comets. About Dark Comets Discovery and Recent Findings : Comets vs. Asteroids Feature Comet Asteroid Composition Read More …
Nano-plastics identified as emerging agents in spread of antibiotic resistance
A recent study highlights a worrying connection between nanoplastics from single-use plastic bottles (SUPBs) and the spread of antibiotic resistance (AR), revealing an emerging public health concern. Published in the journal Nanoscale by scientists at the Institute of Nano Science Read More …
Protected Area Regime (PAR) reimposed in three states
As per the Manipur Government, the Union Home Ministry has reimposed the Protected Area Regime (PAR) in Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram to monitor the movement of foreigners amid growing security concerns arising out of influx from neighbouring countries. Key Points: Read More …
India and France sign MoU for ‘Yuga Yugeen Bharat’ Museum
India and France on December 19 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the new National Museum, on the lines of the Louvre in Paris.
Supreme Court direction on sacred groves
On December 18 (2024), the Supreme Court told the Union government to create a comprehensive policy for the management of sacred groves across the country. The apex also directed the state of Rajasthan to complete the survey and notification of Read More …
QS World University Rankings Sustainability 2025
Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur ranked 2nd in India in the latest QS World University Rankings Sustainability 2025. The institute jumped ahead 147 places in comparison to its 2024 performance to become the 202nd University in the world; 23rd in Read More …
Milkweed fibers
Recently, the Union Textile Ministry has encouraged Uniqlo to extend its research and development efforts into new natural fibers, including milkweed fiber aligning with India’s own initiatives in this critical area. Milkweed fibers, also known as vegetable silk, are single-cell Read More …
Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA)
Capital markets regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has announced setting up of a performance validating agency called Past Risk and Return Verification Agency (PaRRVA). PaRRVA shall carry out the verification of risk-return metrics for Investment Advisors (IAs), Read More …
K. Radhakrishnan committee report
A high-level committee of experts, headed by ISRO’s former chairperson of K. Radhakrishnan, has recommended restructuring of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Key Recommendations: Adoption of a Digi-Exam System Governing Body Restructuring Institutional Linkages with States/Districts Policy Interventions
Varmam therapy
The National Institute of Siddha (NIS) has set a Guinness World Record for providing Varmam therapy to 567 individuals simultaneously. Varmam therapy, a unique and traditional healing modality within the Siddha system of medicine, has long been revered for its Read More …
Mirror Bacteria
Recently, the international group of Nobel laureates and other experts warn that mirror bacteria could become established in the environment and slip past the immune defences of natural organisms, putting humans, animals and plants at risk of lethal infections. Key Read More …