Why in News? Researchers at the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) have developed an advanced diagnostic platform called GQ Topology-Targeted Reliable Conformational Polymorphism (GQ-RCP) for early and accurate detection of HIV. This innovation builds on technology used for SARS-CoV-2 diagnostics, reflecting India’s growing research capabilities. Key Features …

Healthcare Challenges The elderly population often requires extensive healthcare for chronic and geriatric diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and cardiovascular conditions. As per the India Ageing Report 2023, there is an increasing demand for affordable and accessible healthcare services tailored to the needs of senior citizens. Economic Dependency A rising dependency …

Purpose: Organized by the Indian Society of Soil Science (ISSS) in collaboration with the International Union of Soil Sciences (IUSS), the GSC aimed to address critical challenges related to sustainable soil and resource management. Theme: Caring Soils Beyond Food Security: Climate Change Mitigation & Ecosystem Services. Key Focus Areas: Recognition …

Context: The Union Minister launched the Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network (VISION) Portal to empower underprivileged children and bridge the gap between remote areas and India’s mainstream entrepreneurial ecosystem. About the VISION Portal Aim and Objectives: The VISION Portal aims to empower underprivileged children by providing …

Context: On World Fisheries Day, the Indian government unveiled multiple projects aimed at boosting the fisheries sector in India, focusing on sustainability, innovation, and improved management practices. Key Initiatives in the Fisheries Sector Marine Fisheries Census 2025: Digital Implementation: The fifth Marine Fisheries Census will be entirely digital, using mobile …

Context: The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty initiative was launched during the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil to address critical global challenges related to poverty, hunger, and inequalities, with a focus on accelerating progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. The Need for the Alliance …

Context: India’s rapid economic growth has led to a surge in pollution levels, which are now threatening both public health and economic progress. This has led to calls for the creation of an Environmental Health Regulatory Agency (EHRA) to tackle pollution-related health issues and ensure a coordinated approach to environmental …

Context: India’s judiciary is facing a severe pendency crisis, with over 45 million cases pending in the court system, particularly in subordinate courts. These delays undermine the efficiency of the judicial system and hinder access to justice. Issues in the Indian Judicial System Case Pendency and Adjournments: More than 85% …

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Guyana, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 56 years. The visit highlights India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Latin American and Caribbean nations. About Guyana Location: Situated in northeastern South America, Guyana serves as a gateway to the Caribbean Community …

Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Maldives Monetary Authority (MMA) have signed an agreement aimed at promoting the use of local currencies—the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR)—in cross-border transactions. About Cross-Border Payments (CBPs) Cross-border payments involve financial transactions where the payer and the recipient …

Context: The Supreme Court and the Union Government have prioritized the issue of undertrial prisoners, introducing measures like Section 479 of the BNSS, 2023, to address the growing concerns effectively. State of Undertrial Prisoners in India High Proportion of Undertrials: As per NCRB’s Prison Statistics India 2022, 75.8% of incarcerated …

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 …