Editorials

Context: The 14th AOMSUC is being hosted by the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences in India. The inaugural conference was held in China, and it has since become an annual event in the Asia-Oceania region. About AOMSUC Purpose: AOMSUC focuses on leveraging meteorological satellite data …

Context: Recent research highlights the potential of the tropical plant Subabul in managing insulin resistance associated with type II diabetes. Key Features of Subabul Habitat: A fast-growing leguminous species found in tropical and subtropical regions. In India, Subabul is native to states such as Assam, Bihar, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and …

Context: The Lok Sabha has passed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aiming to strengthen governance, enhance customer convenience, and improve the stability of the banking sector. Objectives of the Bill Strengthening Governance: Enhances transparency and operational efficiency in banking practices. Improving Customer Convenience: Introduces measures to provide flexibility and …

Context: The Madhya Pradesh government has officially designated the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary as the state’s 8th Tiger Reserve. Key Facts Location: Situated in the Vindhyachal Mountain Ranges of Madhya Pradesh. Evolution of the Reserve: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1976. Expanded in 1983. Received approval from the National Tiger Conservation …

Context: During Diwali, women gig workers held digital strikes to protest against exploitative work conditions and inadequate safety measures, especially regarding gender-based harassment. Challenges in Platform-Based Gig Work Lack of Legal Recognition: Gig workers are not considered employees, excluding them from the POSH Act (Prevention of Sexual Harassment Act, 2013) …

Context: The Sugamya Bharat Abhiyan, launched on December 3, 2015, coinciding with the International Day of Persons with Disabilities, recently marked nine years of progress. The initiative aims to create a barrier-free environment for Divyangjans (Persons with Disabilities) across the country. Implementing Agency: Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities …

Context: While significant progress has been made in education and health for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), the entertainment industry still lags in providing accessible leisure options. PwD Market Potential: The global PwD community holds a staggering $13 trillion in spending power, making accessibility not just an ethical imperative but also …

Context: The Ayush Oushadhi Gunvatta evam Uttpadan Samvardhan Yojana (AOGUSY) has been introduced to regulate Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, and Homeopathy (ASU&H) medicines in India under the framework of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and its associated rules. Implementation: The scheme is managed by the Ministry of Ayush. Objectives of …

Cyclone Fengal recently made landfall near Puducherry. It developed due to a weather disturbance that intensified into a deep depression over the southwest Bay of Bengal. The name “Fengal” is of Arabic origin and was proposed by Saudi Arabia. Cyclone Naming Process The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has divided the …

India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are experiencing heightened political and social tensions, primarily driven by religious nationalism and the entanglement of ideology with state governance. These challenges risk undermining regional stability and democratic values. Issues Rise of Religious Nationalism India: The normalization of majoritarianism is evident through policies, hate speech, and …

The fifth Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-5) meeting in Busan, South Korea, aimed at formulating a global treaty to combat plastic pollution, ended without a conclusive agreement. The lack of a binding treaty has sparked concerns over the effectiveness and inclusivity of the ongoing negotiations. Key Outcomes and Challenges Lack of …

A recent report on Indian prisons highlights the potential of electronic tracking as a strategy to address overcrowding, with jails operating at 131.4% capacity as of December 2022. Notably, 75.8% of inmates were undertrials, underscoring the urgent need for alternative solutions. Benefits of Electronic Tracking Prison Decongestion: By allowing undertrials …

The Harimu Shakti is a bilateral military exercise conducted between the Indian Army’s Mahar Regiment and the Royal Malaysian Regiment of Malaysia. Key Highlights Location and Frequency: The exercise is conducted annually, with hosting duties alternating between India and Malaysia. The recent edition took place in Malaysia. Objective: The primary …

Recent advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) have led to the discovery of hundreds of new Nazca Lines in Peru, expanding our understanding of these enigmatic geoglyphs. What are the Nazca Lines? The Nazca Lines are a collection of massive geoglyphs etched into the arid plains of southern Peru over 2,000 …

The term “Brain Rot” has been officially recognized as the Oxford Word of the Year 2024. It refers to the gradual decline of mental or intellectual abilities caused by excessive consumption of unchallenging or superficial online content. This word captures growing concerns about the impact of digital culture on cognitive …

The Bhopal Gas Tragedy of 1984, triggered by the leakage of Methyl Isocyanate (MIC) from the Union Carbide plant, remains one of the world’s worst industrial disasters. Decades later, survivors continue to face severe health issues, as highlighted in a 2010 study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). …

The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, has come under renewed scrutiny due to ongoing legal disputes such as the Gyanvapi mosque case and incidents like the Sambhal violence. These cases have raised critical questions about the Act’s scope and its impact on communal harmony in India. Key Provisions …

The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare (MoA&FW) has directed states and Union Territories to expedite the issuance of Farmer ID, also known as the Kisan Pehchaan Patra, by organizing special camps. Key Features of the Farmer ID Aadhaar-Linked Digital Identity: The Farmer ID is a unique digital identity linked …

Cyclone Fengal recently made landfall in Puducherry, marking the second cyclone to affect India’s eastern coastline within two months, following Cyclone Dana. What is Landfall? Landfall refers to the moment when a tropical cyclone moves from the sea onto land. According to the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), a cyclone officially …

A recent petition filed in an Ajmer court seeks a survey of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, claiming it was built over the remains of Hindu and Jain temples that were destroyed. Historical Context of Ajmer The city of Ajmer, originally known as Ajaymeru, was founded by Raja Ajay Pal Chauhan. …