NASA’s Psyche Spacecraft
Context: NASA’s Psyche Spacecraft, currently journeying over 16 million kilometers away in space, recently achieved a ground breaking feat by successfully firing a laser signal at Earth. Relevance: GS III: Science and Technology Dimensions of the Article: NASA’s Psyche Mission: Objective: Scientific Goals: Scientific Instruments: Significance of Deep Space Optical Communications (DSOC): -Source: Indian Express
International Labour Organization’s Report on Safer and Healthier Working Environments
Context: The ILO has unveiled a report titled ‘A Call for Safer and Healthier Working Environments,’ set to be deliberated at the 23rd World Congress on Safety and Health at Work (WCSHW) in Sydney, Australia. The WCSHW, a prominent global conference since 1955, serves as a major platform for connecting leaders worldwide in the field […]
Halal Certification Ban in Uttar Pradesh
Context: The Uttar Pradesh Government’s Food Security and Drug Administration has imposed an immediate ban on the “manufacture, sale, storage, and distribution of halal-certified products.” Relevance: GS II: Government policies and Interventions Dimensions of the Article: About Halal Certification Ban Halal Definition: Ban Reason: Government Stance: Enforcement Actions: Controversial Implications: Halal Certificate Issuance Process: Certifying […]
Rat-Hole Mining
Context: The rescue operation for 41 workers trapped in the partially-collapsed Silkyara tunnel in Uttarakhand utilized two scientific mining methods, vertical drilling and auger (horizontal drilling), after 17 days of being trapped. The final phase of the rescue involved the use of rat-hole mining, a technique previously employed in Meghalaya. Relevance: GS III: Infrastructure Dimensions […]
Not a Panacea – On Maratha Demand for Reservations
Context: In a clear indication of substantial socioeconomic changes occurring in various regions of India, there have been calls for reservation from communities that are traditionally considered politically influential and are not conventionally categorized as “backward.” The demand for reservation by the Maratha community in Maharashtra is a notable example. Relevance: GS-2 Mains Question: Highlighting the present […]
A Better Model – On the Model Code of Conduct
Context: The Model Code of Conduct (MCC), which sets the guidelines for parties and governments during election campaigns, is well-intentioned but challenging to enforce. Its effectiveness relies heavily on the cooperation of parties and governments and the watchfulness of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Relevance: GS-2 Mains Question: The ECI must act independently as the arbiter of election code breaches. Analyse in the context of recent […]
About The National Cadet Corps
Context: Recently, the National Cadet Corps (NCC) celebrated its 75th Anniversary on November 26, 2023 Relevance: Facts for Prelims About the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Voluntary Recruitment: Training and Preferences: Aims of the National Cadet Corps: Leadership and Headquarters:
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
Context: Recently, experts from research and academia highlighted the need for investment both from the government and industry in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) and the importance of leading experts in the field to work collaboratively towards India’s net zero targets through CCUS. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Carbon Capture, Utilization, […]
Walking Pneumonia
Context: Recently, a mysterious influenza-like illness termed as Walking Pneumonia has gripped school children in China. Relevance: GS II: Health Walking Pneumonia: A Mild Form of Respiratory Infection Prevalence and Transmission: Symptoms: Treatment: -Source: The Hindu
Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve
Context: Researchers have discovered a new plant species in the genus ‘Impatiens’ (Balsaminaceae) in Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve, Tirunelveli. Relevance: GS III: Environment and Ecology Dimensions of the Article: Discovery of ‘Impatiens Karuppusamyi’ in Agasthyamalai Region Impatiens Genus Overview: Key Facts about Kalakkad Mundanthurai Tiger Reserve: -Source: The Times of India