Context: For the first time, scientists have identified a unique black hole triple system in space. This system, featuring the black hole named V404 Cygni, was discovered during an analysis of celestial observations. Location and Mass: V404 Cygni, located in the constellation Cygnus, has a mass approximately nine times that …

Context: The eruption of Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki in Indonesia triggered earthquakes, causing casualties, widespread property damage, and mass evacuations. Twin Peaks: This volcano is part of the Lewotobi twin volcanic system, consisting of Lewotobi Laki-Laki (Male) and Lewotobi Perempuan (Female), both stratovolcanoes. Geological Significance: Located on the “Ring of Fire,” …

Context: The 2024 Ballon d’Or awards were recently announced. About the Award: The Ballon d’Or, established in 1956 by France Football magazine, is an annual award given to the world’s best-performing football player from the previous season. Record Holder: Lionel Messi holds the record for the most Ballon d’Or awards, …

Background: Key issues in India’s pet industry are raising serious concerns regarding animal rights and welfare. Animal Rights and Welfare: Animal Welfare Principles: Focuses on the “Five Freedoms” (Brambell’s framework), which include freedom from hunger, discomfort, pain, and distress, as well as the freedom for animals to express their natural …

Background: The ILO report titled ‘The Impact of Care Responsibilities on Women’s Labour Force Participation (WLP)’ highlights the barriers that caregiving responsibilities pose to Indian women’s participation in the workforce. Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR): Represents the proportion of individuals within a population who are either employed or actively seeking …

The WHO’s 2024 Global TB Report highlights significant trends and data on the global burden of tuberculosis (TB), particularly underscoring India’s position as the country with the highest TB burden in 2023. Global Highlights New Diagnoses: In 2023, a record 8.2 million new TB cases were identified, marking the highest …

The Sixteenth Conference of the Parties (COP-16) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), held in Cali, Colombia, brought together global stakeholders to advance biodiversity conservation, sustainable resource use, and equitable benefit-sharing, originating from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit’s commitments. Highlights of COP-16 Global Ecosystems Atlas (GEA): The first comprehensive …

The Ministry of Culture, in partnership with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), is hosting the First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) on 5th–6th November 2024 in New Delhi. Theme: “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia” Objectives and Highlights Platform for Dialogue: The summit gathers prominent Buddhist ‘Sangha’ leaders, scholars, experts, …

Gross Domestic Product (GDP) represents the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country’s borders over a specified period. While it is widely used as an indicator of economic performance, it has significant limitations in assessing overall well-being and environmental health. Criticisms of GDP as an …

Context (TH): SRT has emerged as a potential treatment option for prostate cancer that has metastasized, or spread, to other areas of the body. About Prostate Cancer: Prostate cancer originates in the prostate, a small, walnut-sized gland in men that plays a role in seminal fluid production. Overview of Stereotactic …

Context (TH): The World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has released its annual Greenhouse Gas Bulletin, published since 2004, which assesses global surface concentrations of greenhouse gases in comparison with the previous year and pre-industrial levels. Key Findings of the Report: Concentration Levels: The globally averaged surface concentrations of CO2, methane (CH4), …

Context (IE): India’s $60 billion biopharma sector, ranked 39th in the Global Innovation Index, requires stronger patent control to prevent monopolistic practices and maintain affordable biosimilar access. What is Patent Evergreening? Patent evergreening involves extending the life of a drug’s patent by making minor alterations, thus delaying the introduction of …

Context (PIB): To commemorate the 200th anniversary of Kittur Vijayotsava, the Department of Posts issued a special stamp celebrating Rani Chennamma’s victory against British forces in 1824. Background: Born in 1778 in Kakati, Karnataka, Rani Chennamma was a courageous figure trained in horseback riding, swordsmanship, and archery. She became the …

Context (IE): In recent years, opposition parties have voiced concerns over the autonomy, integrity, and credibility of India’s constitutional bodies. Constitutional Bodies Definition: These bodies are explicitly outlined in the Indian Constitution and are crucial for ensuring proper governance and checks and balances within the system. Key Characteristics: Created directly …

Context (TH|DDN): The Prime Minister has introduced the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card as part of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY). Coverage: Provides an annual health cover of ₹5 lakh per family specifically targeting elderly individuals aged 70 years and above. If multiple elderly members are …

Context (DDN): The Prime Minister announced the nationwide rollout of the U-WIN portal, a Made-in-India digital platform designed to facilitate free vaccinations for pregnant women and children. Objective: To ensure timely administration of essential vaccines to pregnant women and children (from birth to 16 years) against 12 preventable diseases under …

Context (DTE): The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) released its first Global Tree Assessment, updating the Red List of Threatened Species. Key Findings: High Extinction Risk: 38%—or over 1 in 3—of the world’s tree species are threatened with extinction. Severity of Threat: The number of endangered tree species …

Context (TH | DTE): The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has introduced the “Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTGs)” for livestock and poultry. Development Partners: Created in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and supported by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Objective: To reduce antimicrobial …

Context (PIB): The Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution has introduced the Food Corporation of India-Grievance Redressal System (FCI GRS) mobile application for rice millers. Purpose: This app allows rice millers to efficiently address their grievances with the FCI, offering real-time tracking and updates. Key Features: Automatic Assignment …

Context (TH): The ongoing Ukraine and Gaza conflicts have raised concerns over potential price surges in raw materials essential for manufacturing petroleum-based fertilisers. About Fertilisers: Definition: Fertilisers are chemical substances, either extracted or synthesized, that provide plants with essential nutrients. These nutrients are crucial for agricultural productivity, helping boost crop …