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Context:  A large object found on the shores of western Australia recently has been confirmed to be the debris of an Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) rocket. Key details: Junk from space objects falling to the earth are not unheard of. Most such incidents involve relatively small fragments from rockets that survive the friction …

Context:  Hybrid EVs present a big opportunity for economically developing countries for the transition to becoming net-zero. What is net-zero for a vehicle? Net-zero for a vehicle includes emissions at both the tailpipe of the vehicle and at the power plant. Making vehicles net-zero requires cutting emissions from both new and existing vehicles. Different types of EVs What …

Context: Recently a mobile application for Ullas was launched. Key details: Full Form:  The ULLAS – Understanding Lifelong Learning for All in Society Aim: To promote basic literacy. This is a user-friendly and interactive app which will serve as a digital gateway for learners to engage in diverse learning resources through the DIKSHA portal of NCERT. …

Context:  Recently, OpenAI CEO decided to formally re-introduce Worldcoin, a project of his that was eclipsed by the popularity of ChatGPT. About Worldcoin: Worldcoin is an initiative to create a digital network in which everyone can claim some kind of stake, and join the digital economy. Using a device called “Orb,” Worldcoin volunteers known as …

Context:  Recently, the ICMR Bioethics Unit posted the consensus policy statement for the ethical conduct of controlled human infection studies (CHIS), also known as human challenge studies, in India. Key details: Traditional human clinical trials have been carried out in the country for a very long time. The inclusion of human challenge studies will …

GOBARdhan Initiative Begins Reaping Good Results & Stimulating Investments In Biogas Sector in India About the scheme: The Gobardhan scheme focuses on managing and converting cattle dung and solid waste on farms into compost, biogas, and bio-CNG. In addition to keeping the village clean, it provides additional income for farmers and cattle herders. The GOBARdhan scheme also aims to make farmers …

Why in NEWS The Opposition asked the Union government whether a consensus has been reached on the border dispute (LAC) between India and China. LAC The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the de facto border between India and China. It is a notional demarcation line that separates Indian-controlled territory …

China’s top diplomat Wang Yi on Friday pledged to “firmly defend” China’s sovereignty and security, in his first message after once again assuming charge as Foreign Minister in the wake of the shock removal of his predecessor. On Friday, the website showed Mr. Wang as the new Minister along with …

Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) was recently launched on the sidelines of the fourth G-20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG) and Environment and Climate Ministers’ meeting. Circular Economy Circular Economy aims to eliminate all forms of junk from the market. Junk refers to any inefficient utilization of resources or assets. It is …

Context:  The water levels of Yamuna hit a 60-year-high and waters advanced towards the Taj Mahal for the first time in half a century. What is a floodplain? About the River and its significance: The Yamuna is the second-largest tributary of the Ganges by discharge and the longest tributary in India. It originates in the Yamunotri …

Context:  Minister of Women and Child Development informed the Rajya Sabha about Vatsalya Scheme. About the scheme: Mission Vatsalya Scheme is a roadmap to achieve development and child protection priorities aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It lays emphasis on child rights, advocacy and awareness along with strengthening of the juvenile justice care and protection …

Context: Government has approved Vibrant Villages Programme (VVP) as a Centrally Sponsored Scheme recently for  comprehensive development of the select villages. About the programme: The Vibrant Villages Programme will aid in raising the standard of living for residents of designated border communities and encouraging them to remain there, reversing the outmigration from these villages and enhancing border …

Context:  The 8th India-Australia Defence Policy Talks (DPT) were held recently. Indo-Australia Relations: The historical ties between India and Australia started immediately following European settlement in Australia from 1788. All trade to and fro from the penal colony of New South Wales was controlled by the British East India Company through Kolkata. India and Australia established diplomatic relations in the pre-Independence period, …

Union Minister of Earth Sciences informed the Lok Sabha about Samudrayaan project. Deep Ocean Mission has been launched in 2021 as a Central Sector Scheme of Ministry of Earth Sciences. Samudrayaan is a project under the Deep Ocean Mission. The Samudrayaan mission is India’s first manned ocean mission, with the goal of sending men deep into the ocean in …

Leaders across India’s political spectrum paid their tributes to India’s armed forces and the fallen martyrs on the occasion of the 24th anniversary of the Kargil Vijay Diwas. The Kargil War The Kargil War officially ended on July 26, 1999, with the eviction of the last remaining Pakistani troops and infiltrators from positions …

India has taken the first step to generate digital birth certificates by introducing Registration of Births and Deaths Amendment Bill, 2023. Key details: It will be an all-encompassing document that can be used for: admission to educational institutions, jobs, passports or Aadhaar, voter enrolment, registration of marriage, etc. Significance: This will avoid multiplicity …

Why in NEWS The stage is set for a high-profile clash between the Opposition and the Treasury benches, as Lok Sabha Speaker on Wednesday admitted a no-confidence motion against the Modi government, which was moved by the Congress’s Deputy Leader in the House in a bid to force the Prime …

Why in NEWS Union Home Minister told the Lok Sabha on Monday that the government was ready for a discussion on Manipur on the floor of the House as the country needs to know the “truth about the sensitive situation in the State”. What is happening in Manipur Manipur, a …

If Southeast Asia is the heart of the Indo-Pacific, the 56th Foreign Ministers Meeting (FMM) of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the post-ministerial conferences and other related regional meetings, held in Jakarta, Indonesia in mid-July, 2023, are the best barometer to check on the region’s latest dynamics. An …

A Parliamentary Standing Committee has expressed dismay at the slow pace of documentation of antiquities noting that this was critical in proving ownership and reclaiming stolen heritage items. The government has been intent on securing the repatriation of stolen Indian artefacts from abroad. The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Transport, Tourism …