Context: The National Green Tribunal has instructed the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB) to investigate chromium contamination in the groundwater of Sukinda Valley, Odisha. Key Details: Location: Sukinda Valley in Odisha is home to 97% of India’s chromite ore deposits. Chromium Characteristics: Chromium is a shiny, hard, brittle metal with …

Context: The Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES) 2022-23 highlights the significant impact of the Public Distribution System (PDS) on household expenditure. Key Points: Food Security Coverage: The PDS covers up to 75% of the rural population and 50% of the urban population under the National Food Security Act, 2013. Resource …

Context: A new pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) drug, Lenacapavir (Len LA), has been found to be 100% effective against HIV infection. Mechanism of Action: Type of Drug: Lenacapavir is a fusion capsid inhibitor, targeting the HIV capsid, a crucial protein shell for the virus’s survival and replication. Functionality: Blocking Viral Entry: …

Context: The Hubble Space Telescope has revealed an intermediate-mass black hole within the Omega Centauri star cluster in the Milky Way galaxy Omega Centauri: Largest and Most Luminous: Omega Centauri (NGC 5139 or Caldwell 80) is the Milky Way’s largest and brightest globular cluster, containing millions of stars within a …

Context: On its 43rd foundation day, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) announced the ‘Agri Fund for Start-Ups & Rural Enterprises’ (AgriSURE) fund AgriSURE Fund: Objective: The initiative aims to establish a Rs 750 crore Category-II Alternative Investment Fund (AIF) to support start-ups and rural enterprises. Funding: …

Context: As the summer tourism rush peaks, the unique animals and environment of Ladakh, particularly the Hanle Valley, are under threat from rapid development and irresponsible tourism Hanle Valley: Location: Eastern Ladakh, near the Indo-China border, at an altitude of around 4,500 meters above sea level. It is part of …

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has permitted resident individuals to open Foreign Currency Accounts at International Financial Services Centres (IFSCs) in GIFT City, Gujarat, under the Liberalised Remittance Scheme (LRS). Details: Authorised Persons: These are entities authorised by the RBI, such as banks and designated FX dealers, to facilitate …

Context: India’s deep-drilling mission in Koyna, Maharashtra, is dedicated to investigating reservoir-triggered earthquakes and broadening our geological understanding. Scientific Deep Drilling: Scientific deep drilling involves strategically drilling boreholes to observe and analyze deeper parts of the Earth’s crust, offering insights into earthquakes, geological history, rock types, energy resources, and more. …

Context: Asian News International (ANI) has filed a case with the Delhi High Court against Wikipedia, alleging that defamatory content on ANI’s Wikipedia page has tarnished its reputation. Reason for the Suit Against Wikipedia: Wikipedia’s Role: Wikipedia, launched in 2001, is a collaborative, open-source, nonprofit platform where users contribute content. …

Context: Nominations for the National Gopal Ratna Award for 2024 are now open. Overview: Since 2021, the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying has awarded the National Gopal Ratna Award annually under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission. This is one of the highest national awards in livestock and dairy, aimed at …

For Mains: Significance, Challenges, and Cooperation Areas in Indo-French Relations At a recent event in Paris, India and France underscored the ‘Partnership for the Planet’ as crucial to the Indo-French Horizon 2047 Roadmap, emphasizing their enhanced cooperation on climate change, biodiversity, health, and environmental issues. The partnership is evolving to …

Context: The Centre has appointed Rajinder Khanna, former RAW chief, as Additional National Security Adviser (ANSA), a newly created post. Key Changes in the Structure of NSCS Restructuring: The Centre has restructured the reporting relationships within the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and between the National Security Advisor (NSA) and …

Context: A norovirus outbreak linked to contaminated kimchi caused thousands of deaths in a South Korean city. Kimchi and Norovirus Kimchi: A traditional Korean side dish made of salted and fermented vegetables, typically consumed raw. This means any norovirus present will not be killed during preparation. Norovirus Description: Norovirus is …

Context: A team from the Progressive River Authority for Water and Harmony (PRAWAH), the central authority for the Mahadayi River, visited Belagavi district in Karnataka. Mahadayi River Dispute River Details: The Mahadayi River, also known as Mandovi or Mhadei, has been the subject of a long-standing dispute between Karnataka and …

Context: The World Bank has elevated Russia from an ‘upper-middle income’ to a ‘high-income’ country, a classification it last held in 2014. Russia’s Economic Resilience Global Rankings: Russia is 72nd in per-capita GNI and 53rd in purchasing power parity worldwide. GDP Growth: In 2023, Russia saw a 3.6% increase in …

Context The Government of India has urged automobile companies to join the unified Right to Repair Portal India. On National Consumer Rights Day 2022, the Department of Consumer Affairs launched the Right to Repair Portal to help consumers easily access information and services for repairing and reusing their products Objectives/Advantages …

Context The Ministry of Culture has launched Project PARI (Public Art of India), an ambitious initiative to showcase the country’s rich artistic legacy. The first phase of Project PARI is taking place in Delhi to uplift the city’s aesthetic and cultural outlook, coinciding with the 46th session of the World …

A stampede occurred during a religious gathering in Uttar Pradesh’s Hathras district. What is a Stampede? A stampede is a “disruption of the orderly movement of crowds leading to injuries and fatalities,” often in response to a perceived danger, loss of physical space, or to attain something seen as gratifying. …