Context The sacred relics of Saint Francis Xavier are displayed in Goa during a 45-day exposition starting in November, drawing pilgrims and tourists for veneration. This event includes religious ceremonies and underscores his spiritual and historical significance. About Saint Francis Xavier Early Life: Born in 1506 in Javier, Kingdom of …

Context The upcoming Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) session in Busan, South Korea (Nov 25–Dec 1, 2024), focuses on formulating a legally binding treaty to address plastic pollution. The treaty aims for a holistic lifecycle management of plastics, ensuring health, environmental protection, and equity for informal waste workers. The Plastic Crisis: …

Context: India’s female labour force participation rate (FLFPR) remains low at 37% (2022-23), driven by caregiving responsibilities and limited availability of structured part-time employment. Structured part-time work is a potential solution to improve women’s participation in the workforce. Need to Enhance Women’s Workforce Participation Economic Growth: Higher participation can unlock …

Context: The Government of India has announced the launch of Nafithromycin, the country’s first indigenous antibiotic, to combat Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR). Developed in collaboration with the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Department of Biotechnology (DBT), this antibiotic is brought to market by Wockhardt under the trade name …

Context: Researchers have developed an innovative diagnostic platform, GQ-RCP (GQ Topology-Targeted Reliable Conformational Polymorphism), for detecting HIV genome-derived G-Quadruplex (GQ) structures. This advancement offers improved accuracy in HIV diagnostics by minimizing false-positive results compared to conventional methods. Background on HIV and Diagnostic Challenges HIV-1: A retrovirus that causes AIDS, posing …

Context: Indian prisons face challenges balancing their dual roles of punishment and rehabilitation. The introduction of the Model Prisons Act 2023 aims to modernize the prison system and address these persistent issues. Challenges in Indian Prisons Overcrowding: Prisons accommodate over 5.73 lakh inmates against a sanctioned capacity of 4.36 lakh …

Overview: The Surpur Empire, also known as the Shorapur Principality, was located in the present-day Yadgir district of Karnataka. It was ruled by the Nayak Dynasty, with Raja Venkatappa Nayak as its final ruler. Historical Background: The rulers of the Surpur Empire emerged from the Bedar community, whose name means …

Overview: The Ministry of Jal Shakti launched the “Bhu-Neer” portal at the concluding ceremony of India Water Week 2024. It has been developed by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), in partnership with the National Informatics Centre (NIC), with the goal of enhancing groundwater regulation across the country. Key Features …