Analysing Local Environmental Footprints
Context: While climate change is a global issue, problems like water scarcity and air pollution are often localized or regional. For instance, excessive water usage in one area may not directly impact water scarcity in another. Therefore, focusing on local environmental issues is vital, emphasizing the importance of understanding household environmental footprints. Relevance: Mains Question: What is the […]
Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting
Context: India is set to play a pivotal role in facilitating the first-ever focused discussions on regulating tourism in Antarctica at the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and 26th Meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP). Relevance: GS II: International Relations Understanding the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM): Understanding the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP): […]
World Telecommunication and Information Society Day
Context: The Department of Telecommunications (DoT), celebrated World Telecommunication and Information Society Day on 17th May 2024, with the theme “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development”. Relevance: Facts for Prelims About World Telecommunication and Information Society Day Historical Significance Key Announcements by DoT Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) Initiatives Telecom Industry in India
First Sea Anemone Bleaching Event Observed in Lakshadweep Islands
Context: Researchers investigating Sea Anemones (Actiniaria) in the Lakshadweep group of islands have documented a significant bleaching event among the anemones off Agatti island. This marks the first observed instance of sea anemone bleaching in the Lakshadweep islands. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Understanding Sea Anemone Bleaching: Definition: Causes: Consequences: Characteristics and Ecological Significance of Sea […]
Understanding Synuclein Alpha (SNCA) Proteins
Context: Many Parkinson’s disease researchers are focused on reducing the prevalence of Synuclein alpha (SNCA) proteins in neurons as a therapeutic measure. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Understanding Synuclein Alpha (SNCA) Proteins: Nature of SNCA: Features of SNCA: Abundance and Location: Structural Characteristics: Aggregation Patterns: SNCA exists in two aggregate forms within cells: Evolution Over Time: […]
Project Astra Overview
Context: Recently, Google at the company’s annual developer conference, presented an early version of Project Astra. Relevance: Facts for Prelims Project Astra Overview: Origin: Functionality: Versatility: Learning and Adaptation: Understanding Multimodal Model AI: Definition: Example: Expanding Generative Capabilities: -Source: The Hindu
RBI Tightens Oversight on Gold Loan Lenders and NBFCs
Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has intensified its scrutiny of Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) and gold loan lenders, urging them to adhere strictly to regulatory norms during lending practices. This move aims to bolster regulatory control and ensure compliance within the sector. The RBI’s recent actions include banning IIFL Finance from issuing fresh […]
UK PM Proposes Changes to Graduate Route Visa Scheme
Context: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is contemplating revisions to the Graduate Route Visa (GRV) scheme, intending to restrict visas to the most outstanding international students. This proposal aims to decrease the overall number of international students in the UK. The changes particularly target education recruitment agents accused of providing misleading information to UK colleges […]
Supreme Court Limits Enforcement Directorate’s Arrest Powers Under PMLA
The Supreme Court has ruled that the Enforcement Directorate (ED) loses its authority to arrest an accused once a special court takes cognisance of a chargesheet filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). This judgment restricts the ED’s power to execute arrests and underscores the importance of protecting personal liberty. Relevance: GS II: […]
UNODC Releases World Wildlife Crime Report 2024
Context: The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has published the third edition of the World Wildlife Crime Report 2024. This report offers a comprehensive analysis of the illegal wildlife trade, covering the period from 2015 to 2021. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Key Highlights of the Report Most […]