Why in the news: The study of archaea, a domain of ancient microorganisms, has provided scientists with valuable insights into survival strategies that enable microorganisms to adapt to harsh conditions. A specific focus has been on their toxin-antitoxin (TA) systems, Read More …
Category: Current Affairs
National Consumer Day 2024 Theme
National Consumer Day 2024 was celebrated on 24 December with the theme of “Virtual Hearings & Digital Access to Consumer Justice.” The theme reflects the commitment to enhancing consumer welfare through innovative solutions and transparent redressal systems. Key Initiatives Central Read More …
India’s insurance penetration dips, but insurance density improves
The decline in India’s insurance penetration from 4% in 2022-23 to 3.7% in 2023-24, as highlighted in the IRDAI’s Annual Report, underscores ongoing challenges in the insurance sector despite efforts to achieve the “Insurance for All by 2047” vision. Key Read More …
AIM & UNDP unveil Youth Co:Lab 2025
The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), NITI Aayog, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), in partnership with Citi Foundation, have officially launched the seventh edition of the Youth Co:Lab National Innovation Challenge for 2024-2025. About Youth Co:Lab Youth Co:Lab, co-created Read More …
Aerogels
A group of researchers from Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune have developed a novel hybrid aerogel capable of easily extracting gold from electronic waste. Key Uses The aerogel’s unique structural composition was treated with iron nitrate Read More …
EAC-PM releases “400 Million Dreams!”
The recently released paper titled “400 Million Dreams!” by the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister (EAC-PM) sheds light on the state of migration in India, reflecting significant trends and patterns based on contemporary data. Key Highlights of the Read More …
Centre scraps no-detention policy for classes 5 and 8
The Union government scrapped the ‘no-detention policy’ for Classes 5 and 8 in schools governed by it allowing them to fail students who do not clear the year-end exams. Key Highlights of the Policy Change: Historical Context: Legal and Constitutional Read More …
Justice V. Ramasubramanian appointed new NHRC chairperson
Justice V. Ramasubramanian, a retired Supreme Court judge, was appointed as NHRC Chairperson on December 23, 2024. The President also appointed Priyank Kanoongo and retired Justice Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi as the Members of the NHRC-India. Selection Process: About NHRC: NHRC’s Read More …
Veteran Filmmaker Shyam Benegal passes away at 90
Renowned filmmaker Shyam Benegal passed away on 23 December in Mumbai at the age of 90. Shyam Benegal was a towering figure in Indian cinema, celebrated for his profound contributions to storytelling and the art of filmmaking. Early Life and Read More …
US president-elect Trump threatened to retake Panama canal
US President-elect Donald Trump on December 21 accused Panama of charging excessively for letting US ships use the Panama Canal. Trump threatened a US takeover of the canal if Panama did not comply.
Phewa Dialogue
Recently, the Nepal and China governments launched the “Phewa Dialogue” series together as part of a collaborative effort to formulate regional prosperity and peace policies. The two-day initiative held in Pokhara derives its name from the famous lake there. The Read More …
Trump wants to buy Greenland
Donald Trump, the president-elect of the United States, has expressed an interest in buying Greenland. Key Points about Greenland United States’ Largest Land Purchases
USFDA recognizes tea (Camellia sinensis) as healthy beverage
The US Food and Drug Administration has recognised tea from the plant Camellia sinensis as a “healthy” beverage. This recognition aligns with the growing body of scientific evidence supporting the health benefits of tea. Key Highlights This significant development allows Read More …
India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023): Salient Features
The Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, released the India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) on 21 December at the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun. Key Findings of ISFR 2023: Forest and Tree Cover: State-Wise Read More …
Next Generation DNA Sequencing Facility inaugurated at WII Dehradun
Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Shri Bhupender Yadav, inaugurated two state-of-the-art facilities at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun: the Advanced Facility for Pashmina Certification and the Next Generation DNA Sequencing (NGS) Facility. Next-Generation DNA Sequencing Read More …