Recently, the Ministry of Jal Shakti expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress in obtaining approvals for Project Dolphin. What is Project Dolphin? Overview: Project Dolphin was given in-principle approval in 2019 during the first meeting of the National Ganga Council (NGC), chaired by the Prime Minister. It is part of …

Why is it in the News? Recently, the Prime Minister of India attended the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan in Maharashtra. This significant event was centered around the empowerment of rural women through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). Key Highlights of the Lakhpati Didi Sammelan: Certificates and Recognitions: The Prime Minister presented certificates and …

Why in News? Recently, the Prime Minister of India launched the ‘Prime Minister (PM) Vishwakarma Scheme’ on the occasion of Vishwakarma Jayanti. What is the PM Vishwakarma Scheme? Overview: The PM Vishwakarma Scheme aims to uplift traditional artisans and craftspeople involved in various trades such as blacksmithing, goldsmithing, pottery, carpentry, …

Why in News? The Union Cabinet has approved the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which aims to provide a guaranteed pension for government employees after retirement. The scheme will take effect on April 1, 2025, with central government employees transitioning from the current National Pension System (NPS) to the UPS. State …

The India-Brazil strategic partnership, established in 2006, has “deepened and diversified” over time, encompassing various domains. Areas of cooperation Develop strategic partnerships in BRICS, IBSA, G4, and G20 to strengthen political cooperation. ❖ Global South Leadership involves promoting South-South cooperation and advocating for large developing countries to influence global rules. …

Context: The Supreme Court has emphasized that in cases of money laundering, the principle of bail being the rule and jail an exception should be upheld. Interpretation of Section 45: The Supreme Court clarified that Section 45 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), which outlines the conditions for …

Background: The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) was launched in 2015 to promote entrepreneurship by providing collateral-free micro-loans up to ₹10 lakh. Recent Changes: The Union Budget 2024 increased the loan ceiling to ₹20 lakh, specifically benefiting those under the Tarun category who had previously accessed MUDRA loans. Impact: The …

Why is it in the news? The Central Government is actively promoting the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF), a financial facility introduced in 2020 to strengthen agricultural infrastructure. What is the AIF Scheme? The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) is a Central Sector Scheme that was approved by the Union Cabinet in …

Overview: Chandipura virus (CHPV) is part of the Rhabdoviridae family, which includes viruses like the lyssavirus responsible for rabies. CHPV is transmitted primarily through vectors such as sandflies, specifically species like Phlebotomine sandflies and Phlebotomus papatasi, as well as certain mosquito species, including Aedes aegypti, which also spreads dengue. The …

Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare published the India TB Report 2024, which reveals a decrease in the mortality rate from Tuberculosis (TB), dropping from 28 per lakh population in 2015 to 23 per lakh in 2022. Key Highlights of the Report Trends in TB Cases and Deaths: …

India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission marks a new chapter in space exploration. The successful soft landing near the Moon’s south pole establishes India as the first country to achieve this feat in such a challenging lunar location. This accomplishment opens new opportunities for India to become a leader in space exploration and …

Context (TH): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) conducted polygraph tests as part of the investigation into the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case. Definition and Function: A polygraph, commonly known as a lie detector test, is a device or procedure that monitors and records physiological responses such as blood pressure, pulse, …

Context (TH): Despite the Finance Minister’s announcement of a five-scheme package to address unemployment, the job crisis in India continues to be deeply rooted and unresolved. Key Initiatives: One of the primary measures involves encouraging corporations to engage 1 crore interns over the next five years. Current Situation: Disputed Job …

Context (TH): The Ministry of Education has provided a definition for ‘literacy’ and ‘full literacy’ as part of its efforts to enhance adult literacy through the New India Literacy Programme (NILP). New India Literacy Programme (NILP): A five-year initiative (2022-27) that aims to enroll 1 crore learners over the age …

Context: The President of India recently conferred the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar-2024, an esteemed national award, to outstanding scientists across four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team. Award Categories and Recipients: Vigyan Ratna Award: This award is given to scientists who have made significant, lifelong contributions to …

Context: Recently, a two-year-old child from Meghalaya was diagnosed with Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV), prompting renewed concerns about the risks linked to the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). What is Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus? Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV) is a rare type of poliovirus that can develop from the weakened virus strain used in the …

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India declined a request to remove a Ryles tube from a patient in a vegetative state, even though the 2018 judgment on passive euthanasia permits the withdrawal of life support in terminal cases. Understanding Euthanasia: Euthanasia, also known as mercy killing, refers to intentionally …

Context (TH): The Supreme Court is considering the establishment of a ‘permanent environmental regulator’ similar to regulatory bodies in the telecom (TRAI) and electricity (CERC) sectors. Advantages of a Permanent Environmental Regulator A permanent environmental regulator would provide a centralized authority to oversee environmental governance. It could streamline and integrate …

Context (TH): A Kalamezhuthu workshop was recently organized by Maharaja’s College in Kerala. Overview Kalamezhuthu is a communal ritualistic art form that is believed to have originated in the 9th century AD. It is traditionally performed to honor and worship deities like Bhadrakaali, Ayyappan, and Vettakkorumakan. The art form is …

Context (IE): Nearly a year following its groundbreaking landing on the Moon, Chandrayaan-3 has provided substantial scientific insights. Key Discoveries Consistent Terrain: The region surrounding the landing site of Chandrayaan-3 is relatively even and consistent. This observation is significant because it contrasts sharply with Earth’s diverse landscape, which is shaped …