Context The melting of polar ice caps due to climate change is causing the Earth to spin more slowly, resulting in longer days at an unprecedented rate. Polar Shifts: A 2021 study found that melting glaciers worldwide have redistributed enough water to cause the North and South Poles to move …

Context The Supreme Court has directed the Centre to frame a model policy on menstrual leave for women employees. This directive highlights the need for recognizing menstrual leave, which offers time off for those experiencing period pains, similar to sick leave. Currently, menstrual leave is not covered under standard sick …

Context (IE): The construction of embankments in the Brahmaputra basin to manage changing flood patterns has led to disastrous consequences. Historical Background: Initial Requests: Assam’s request for embankments dates back to 1950, inspired by American and Chinese dykes. Garg Committee: Established in 1951 and headed by G.R. Garg of the …

Context: The Supreme Court declared Md Rahim Ali, an Assam resident, to be a citizen of India, overturning a Foreigners’ Tribunal (FT) decision that had previously declared him a foreigner due to minor discrepancies in his documents (Source: IE). Judgment Significance: Alleviating Anxieties: This judgment is expected to alleviate concerns …

Context: The Supreme Court has requested a comprehensive report from States and High Courts on the establishment and functioning of Gram Nyayalayas Overview: Definition: Gram Nyayalayas are village courts deemed to be Courts of Judicial Magistrate of First Class, having civil and criminal jurisdiction to resolve minor disputes at the …

Context: The National Green Tribunal has instructed the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to investigate chromium contamination in the groundwater of Sukinda Valley, Odisha. Key Details: Location: Sukinda Valley in Odisha is home to 97% of India’s chromite ore deposits. Chromium Characteristics: Chromium is a shiny, hard, brittle metal with …

Context: The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23 highlights the significant impact of the Public Distribution System (PDS) on household expenditure. Key Points: Food Security Coverage: The PDS covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population under the National Food Security Act, 2013. Resource …

Context: A new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug, Lenacapavir (Len LA), has been found to be 100% effective against HIV infection. Mechanism of Action: Type of Drug: Lenacapavir is a fusion capsid inhibitor, targeting the HIV capsid, a crucial protein shell for the virus’s survival and replication. Functionality: Blocking Viral Entry: …

Context: The Hubble Space Telescope has revealed an intermediate-mass black hole within the Omega Centauri star cluster in the Milky Way galaxy Omega Centauri: Largest and Most Luminous: Omega Centauri (NGC 5139 or Caldwell 80) is the Milky Way’s largest and brightest globular cluster, containing millions of stars within a …

Context: On its 43rd foundation day, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) announced the ‘Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (AgriSURE) fund AgriSURE Fund: Objective: The initiative aims to establish a Rs 750 crore Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) to support start-ups and rural enterprises. Funding: …

Context: As the summer tourism rush peaks, the unique animals and environment of Ladakh, particularly the Hanle Valley, are under threat from rapid development and irresponsible tourism Hanle Valley: Location: Eastern Ladakh, near the Indo-China border, at an altitude of around 4,500 meters above sea level. It is part of …

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted resident individuals to open Foreign Currency Accounts at International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in GIFT City, Gujarat, under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). Details: Authorised Persons: These are entities authorised by the RBI, such as banks and designated FX dealers, to facilitate …

Context: India’s deep-drilling mission in Koyna, Maharashtra, is dedicated to investigating reservoir-triggered earthquakes and broadening our geological understanding. Scientific Deep Drilling: Scientific deep drilling involves strategically drilling boreholes to observe and analyze deeper parts of the Earth’s crust, offering insights into earthquakes, geological history, rock types, energy resources, and more. …

Context: Asian News International (ANI) has filed a case with the Delhi High Court against Wikipedia, alleging that defamatory content on ANI’s Wikipedia page has tarnished its reputation. Reason for the Suit Against Wikipedia: Wikipedia’s Role: Wikipedia, launched in 2001, is a collaborative, open-source, nonprofit platform where users contribute content. …

Context: Nominations for the National Gopal Ratna Award for 2024 are now open. Overview: Since 2021, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has awarded the National Gopal Ratna Award annually under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. This is one of the highest national awards in livestock and dairy, aimed at …

For Mains: Significance, Challenges, and Cooperation Areas in Indo-French Relations At a recent event in Paris, India and France underscored the ‘Partnership for the Planet’ as crucial to the Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap, emphasizing their enhanced cooperation on climate change, biodiversity, health, and environmental issues. The partnership is evolving to …

Context: The Centre has appointed Rajinder Khanna, former RAW chief, as Additional National Security Adviser (ANSA), a newly created post. Key Changes in the Structure of NSCS Restructuring: The Centre has restructured the reporting relationships within the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and between the National Security Advisor (NSA) and …