A study highlights that high-income and upper-middle-income nations bear the greatest economic burden from herpes infections as of 2016. About Herpes Simplex Herpes is a group of viral infections caused by herpes simplex viruses (HSV). The virus resides in nerve cells and cycles between periods of dormancy and activity. Transmission …

The RBI has joined Project Nexus, a multilateral international initiative aimed at enabling instant cross-border retail payments through the interlinking of domestic Fast Payments Systems (FPSs). About Project Nexus Conceptualized by the Innovation Hub of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS). Aims to enhance cross-border payments by connecting multiple domestic …

Odisha has imposed restrictions on cutting existing palm trees and plans to plant approximately 1.9 million such trees to mitigate casualties from lightning strikes. Lightning Lightning is a massive electric discharge in the atmosphere between clouds, air, or the ground. Lightning strikes increase by about 12% for every degree rise …

Despite the efforts initiated by the 11th Finance Commission, financial devolution to urban areas remains inadequate. Municipalities suffer from poor fiscal health, and rapid urbanization without sufficient fiscal measures hinders development. Financial Devolution to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) India allocates only 0.5% of its GDP to ULBs, whereas countries like …

Context: Eco-labels can help consumers make informed choices about eco-friendly products, combat greenwashing, and support sustainable development. What are Eco-Labels? Definition: Eco-labels are certification labels that indicate a product has met specific environmental criteria, helping consumers identify environmentally friendly products. Relevance of Eco-Labels to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) SDG 12: …

Context: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology is organizing the ‘Global India AI Summit’ in New Delhi. Key Highlights of the Global India AI Summit 2024 Objective: The event emphasizes the Indian government’s commitment to the responsible development of AI, encouraging collaboration and knowledge sharing among global AI stakeholders. …

Context: On June 25, India marked fifty years since the imposition of the Emergency. During the 21-month period from 1975 to 1977, civil liberties were suspended, press freedom was curtailed, mass arrests were conducted, elections were cancelled, and rule by decree was enforced. Types of Emergencies in the Indian Constitution …

Context: There is a call to make the bone marrow transplant procedure available at Madurai’s Govt. Rajaji Hospital. Bone Marrow Transplant (BMT) Definition: BMT involves replacing diseased blood-forming cells with healthy ones. Blood-Forming Cells: Also known as blood stem cells, these immature cells are located in the bone marrow and …

Context: Researchers have developed environmentally friendly supercapacitors. Coconut Husk-Derived Activated Carbon: Utilizing coconut husk-derived activated carbon offers promising, eco-friendly solutions for high-performance supercapacitors due to its availability, low cost, and sustainability. Supercapacitor Definition: A supercapacitor, also known as an ultracapacitor, is an advanced energy storage device. Benefits: It provides high …

Context: In Jharkhand, June 30 is celebrated as Hul Diwas, commemorating the 1855 Santal rebellion led by Sido and Kanhu Murmu. Causes of Uprising Revenue Policies: Following the Battle of Plassey in 1757, the East India Company implemented revenue and law-and-order policies to exert control over India. Permanent Settlement (1793): …

Context: India’s Supreme Court, in its landmark judgment in M.K. Ranjitsinh and Ors. Vs. Union of India & Ors., has introduced a significant new dimension to the country’s climate change jurisprudence. SC Verdict The Supreme Court recognized the right to “be free from the adverse effects of climate change” as …

GS-3: Key Environmental Concerns in the Indian Himalayan Region, Recent Supreme Court Judgments Support Environmental Conservation Efforts, The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) is widely recognized as India’s “water tower” and a vital provider of essential ecosystem goods and services. Despite this critical understanding, there remains a significant disconnect between the …