Djibouti Launches Pilot Program with GM Mosquitoes to Combat Malaria
Context: Djibouti, an East African nation, is taking a bold step in the fight against malaria by deploying genetically modified (GM) mosquitoes. This pilot program, launched in May 2024, represents a significant milestone in the battle against this deadly disease. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Why Use Genetically Modified (GM) Mosquitoes for […]
Forest Fires in Brazil’s Amazon Rainforest
Context: Recently, Brazil’s Amazon rainforest has experienced its largest forest fires on record in the first four months of 2024. These fires have been fueled by a record drought in the Amazon region, driven by the El Nino climate phenomenon and global warming, leading to extremely dry conditions. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions […]
India to Resume Wheat Imports and Remove Import Tax
Context: India, the world’s second-largest wheat producer, plans to resume wheat imports after a six-year hiatus to replenish depleted reserves and control rising prices, following three consecutive years of disappointing crops. The country is likely to remove a 40% import tax on wheat, permitting private traders to purchase from countries like Russia, albeit in small […]
Asian Development Bank ADB
Context: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has made a significant commitment of USD 2.6 billion in sovereign lending (important source of financing for countries around the world) to India in 2023, focusing on various development projects and initiatives. Relevance: GS II- Inter Groupings Dimensions of the Article: About Asian Development Bank (ADB): -Source: The Economic Times
Pre-Packaged Insolvency Resolution Process
Context: The Pre-packaged Insolvency Resolution Process (PPIRP) has resulted in the full settlement of operational creditors’ claims in five cases. Relevance: GS III: Indian Economy About Pre-packaged Insolvency Resolution Process: Introduction: Purpose: Process: Initiation: Significance: -Source: The Economic Times
India to Use Food Irradiation to Mitigate Onion Shortages Amid Declining Output
Context: To prevent shortages and price hikes, the Indian government plans to utilize radiation processing (food irradiation) to extend the shelf life of a 100,000 tonne onion buffer stock. This initiative comes as India, a major onion exporter, faces a 16% decline in onion output for the 2023-24 season, reducing production to an estimated 25.47 […]
Recombinant Proteins
Context: Researchers at the Department of Biochemistry, Indian Institute of Science, have developed a novel method for the production of recombinant proteins. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About Recombinant Proteins: Application of Recombinant Proteins: What is Protein? -Source: The Hindu
Indian Peacekeeper to Receive Posthumous Dag Hammarskjold Medal
Context: Indian peacekeeper Naik Dhananjay Kumar Singh, who served with the United Nations Stabilisation Mission in the Democratic Republic of Congo (MONUSCO), will be posthumously awarded the prestigious Dag Hammarskjold medal for his service and sacrifice. Relevance: GS II: International Relations Dimensions of the Article: Service of Naik Dhananjay Kumar Singh and MONUSCO Service and […]
Severe Turbulence Incidents Highlight Growing Concerns
Context: Recent incidents of severe turbulence affecting a Singapore Airlines flight over Myanmar and a Qatar Airways flight over Turkey underscore the increasing impact of rapid air traffic growth and climate change. While turbulence is a common occurrence on flights worldwide, episodes resulting in serious injuries are rare, pointing to emerging challenges in aviation safety […]
Tobacco Epidemic in India
Context: Tobacco is the most widely recognized preventable cause of disease and death globally. India has the world’s second-highest number of tobacco consumers, following China, with nearly 26 crore (260 million) people using tobacco products. Relevance: GS II: Health Dimensions of the Article: Reports on Tobacco Consumption in India Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS): Global […]