Plants that have undergone modifications to its DNA using genetic engineering methods are referred to as genetically modified crops. DNA is altered through introduction of specific traits or deletion of undesired traits in such a manner that does not occur naturally. Science behind it Recombinant DNA technology: isolating and cutting …

The country has 18 percent of the world’s population, but only 4 percent of its water resources, making it among the most water-stressed in the world. World Bank report suggests 163 million Indians lack access to safe drinking water while 21% of communicable diseases are linked to unsafe water. Even …

Context: Moroccan earthquakes Shaking of earth caused by release of energy travelling in all directions. The vibration is called seismic waves and are recorded on an instrument called seismograph. Hypocenter: Location below earth’s surface where earthquake starts Epicenter: Location directly above it on the surface of the earth Ritcher scale: …

Context: The ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’ by FAO: 2021 India approx. 74% or 1 billion of the population cannot afford a healthy diet. Food security is when all people at all times have physical and economic access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food to meet …

The Union government has constituted a committee headed by former President to explore the possibility of conducting simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha, the Legislative Assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats. The proposal has been under consideration by the Government of India since 2014. Pros and Cons of One Nation, One Election …

Burning fossil fuels Cutting down forests Farming livestock These are increasingly influencing the climate and the earth’s temperature. This adds enormous amounts of greenhouse gases to those naturally occurring in the atmosphere, increasing the greenhouse effect and global warming. Global warming 2011-2020 was the warmest decade recorded, with global average …

Over the last few months, since onset of monsoon in India, we have been confronted with the news of frequent floods, torrential rains and landslides costing us hundreds of lives and hundreds of thousands of rupees as economic damage to public and private properties. We have witnessed several floods, cloudburst …

Syllabus:  Alternate fuel Context: Japan has started releasing treated radioactive water from the beleaguered Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean. Nuclear energy one of many alternatives to carbon-based power Currently, 10% of the world’s electricity Challenges Storage and disposal of nuclear waste in a safe, controlled manner. Several temporary …

Syllabus:  Agriculture-Exports The story so far In a move to check domestic rice prices and ensure domestic food security, the Indian government has prohibited the export of white rice, levied a 20% export duty on par-boiled rice till October 15, and permitted the export of Basmati rice for contracts with …

Syllabus: Poverty and hunger Context While food prices remain relatively low in India, a healthy diet is unaffordable to nearly three-fourth of the people given their low incomes State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World The report, ‘State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World’ (SOFI) 2023, …