Editorials

Context (TH): The Ministry of Education has provided a definition for ‘literacy’ and ‘full literacy’ as part of its efforts to enhance adult literacy through the New India Literacy Programme (NILP). New India Literacy Programme (NILP): A five-year initiative (2022-27) that aims to enroll 1 crore learners over the age …

Context: The President of India recently conferred the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar-2024, an esteemed national award, to outstanding scientists across four categories: Vigyan Ratna, Vigyan Shri, Vigyan Yuva, and Vigyan Team. Award Categories and Recipients: Vigyan Ratna Award: This award is given to scientists who have made significant, lifelong contributions to …

Context: Recently, a two-year-old child from Meghalaya was diagnosed with Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV), prompting renewed concerns about the risks linked to the Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV). What is Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus? Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV) is a rare type of poliovirus that can develop from the weakened virus strain used in the …

Context: Recently, the Supreme Court of India declined a request to remove a Ryles tube from a patient in a vegetative state, even though the 2018 judgment on passive euthanasia permits the withdrawal of life support in terminal cases. Understanding Euthanasia: Euthanasia, also known as mercy killing, refers to intentionally …

Context: Manu Bhaker from Haryana, currently ranked World No. 5, made history as the first Indian athlete in the post-independence era to win multiple medals in a single edition of the Summer Olympics held in Paris. Manu is also the first Indian woman to secure an Olympic medal in shooting. …

Context: According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has facilitated the export of India’s first ready-to-drink fig juice to Poland. The fig juice, made from Purandar figs and produced by Purandar Highlands Farmers Producer Company Ltd., was showcased at SIAL …

Context: The Aravali range is currently experiencing severe environmental degradation due to illegal activities such as mining, encroachments, and deforestation. These actions are leading to significant ecological damage. Recent Findings: Land Use Changes: A study in the journal Earth Science Informatics highlights substantial alterations in land use within the Aravali …

Context: According to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s report titled “Women and Men in India 2023,” there is a notable shortage of women in executive roles. Below are some key insights from the report: Underrepresentation in the Corporate Sector: Disparity in Senior Management: In 2023, only 34,879 women …

Context: Multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, which use blood samples to detect multiple types of cancer, are emerging as a promising tool for cancer screening. Cancer screening involves testing for cancer before symptoms appear, with early detection being key to improving survival rates and reducing treatment costs. In India, only …

Context: Rising moraine-dammed lakes in Himachal Pradesh and Tibet pose significant risks to downstream life and infrastructure. Climate change has accelerated the shrinking of the cryospheric cover in the Himalayas, leading to a rapid reduction in glaciers and an increase in the number of unstable high-altitude glacial lakes. In the …