BharatGPT GROUP UNVEILS HANOOMAN The BharatGPT group, led by IIT Bombay and seven other premier Indian engineering institutes, is set to launch its ChatGPT-like service named 'Hanooman.' Developed in collaboration with Seetha Mahalaxmi Healthcare (SML), the initiative is backed by Reliance Industries Ltd and the Department of Science and Technology. Generative Pre-trained Transformers (GPTs):
RAISINA DIALOGUE 2024 The 9th edition of the Raisina Dialogue, an annual conference on geopolitics and geoeconomics, recently convened in New Delhi, attracting over 2,500 participants from approximately 115 countries. The conference, structured along the lines of the Shangri-La Dialogue, focuses on addressing the world's most challenging issues. Hosted by the Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
ON SURROGACY, INDIAN LAW GOES A STEP FURTHER — BUT NOT FAR ENOUGH The Indian government recently revised the Surrogacy (Regulation) Rules, 2022, allowing married couples to utilize donor gametes in cases of medical conditions. This amendment comes in response to legal challenges and concerns regarding the restriction of biological parenthood through surrogacy. Major Provisions
ARTICLE 371A AND ITS IMPACT ON COAL MINING IN NAGALAND Article 371A of the Indian Constitution presents a significant challenge to regulating coal mining in Nagaland. This provision grants special provisions to Nagaland, protecting Naga customary law and complicating government oversight, particularly concerning recent fatalities in rat-hole mining accidents. Understanding Article 371A Origins and Scope:
SUPREME COURT: MARRIAGE CAN'T BE GROUND TO SACK WOMAN The recent Supreme Court directive mandating the Ministry of Defence to compensate a former permanent commissioned officer in the Military Nursing Service (MNS) highlights broader issues of gender discrimination and equality within the armed forces. This case sheds light on the evolving role of women officers
GROWTH OF SEMICONDUCTOR INDUSTRY IN INDIA India's move towards establishing its first semiconductor fabrication plant marks a significant milestone in its technological advancement. Semiconductor chips form the backbone of modern electronics, and domestic manufacturing holds strategic, economic, and technological importance. What are Semiconductor Chips? Semiconductors Definition: Semiconductors are materials with conductivity levels between conductors (like
RARE DISEASE DAY 2024 Rare Disease Day is observed annually on the last day of February, dedicated to raising awareness of rare diseases and addressing the challenges faced by individuals and families affected by these conditions. What is Rare Disease Day? Global movement advocating for equity in social opportunity, healthcare, and access to diagnosis and
MAJULI’S MASK CRAFT & MANUSCRIPT PAINTINGS GETS GI TAG Geographical Indications (GI) tags are crucial for preserving and promoting traditional crafts, ensuring their cultural significance endures amidst modern challenges. Recently, crafts like Narasapur Crochet Lace, Majuli Masks, and Majuli Manuscript Painting have received GI recognition, underscoring their importance in India's rich heritage. Narasapur Crochet Lace
TEMPLE DISCOVERIES HIGHLIGHT CHALUKYA EXPANSION Archaeologists from PRIHAH have made significant discoveries in Mudimanikyam village, Telangana, unearthing ancient temples and an inscription dating back to the Badami Chalukyan period. These findings shed light on the rich cultural heritage of the Chalukya dynasty and its architectural prowess. Recent Excavation Highlights: Ancient Temples: Dated between 543 AD
CENTRE’S HOUSING SCHEME FOR TRIBAL GROUPS: PM-JANMAN The Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyaan (PM-JANMAN) aims to uplift Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) by improving their socio-economic welfare, including the provision of housing. However, the effective implementation of the housing component faces several challenges that need to be addressed. Let's explore these challenges and
UNION MINISTER PRALHAD JOSHI LAUNCHES "COAL LOGISTICS PLAN AND POLICY" The Coal Logistics Plan and Policy represent a landmark initiative by India to revamp its coal sector, addressing long-standing challenges in transportation and logistics. This comprehensive policy aims to modernize coal transportation, making it more efficient, cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable. What is the Coal
PUNJAB-HIMACHAL DISPUTE OVER THE SHANAN HYDROPOWER PROJECT The Shanan hydropower project has become a focal point of contention between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, each asserting its rightful claim over the project. This dispute has escalated to legal action and intervention by the central government. Historical Background Lease Agreement (1925): Punjab was granted a lease for
INDIA, INDONESIA SIGN PACT TO TRADE IN LOCAL CURRENCIES The recent Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and the Bank Indonesia (BI) marks a significant step towards promoting bilateral transactions in local currencies, particularly the Indian Rupee (INR) and the Indonesian Rupiah (IDR). This move is aimed at fostering economic
AUSTRALIAN SCIENTISTS FIND CORAL BLEACHING IN GREAT BARRIER REEF’S FAR NORTH The recent aerial surveys conducted by Australian authorities have revealed alarming levels of coral bleaching across two-thirds of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), emphasizing the urgent need for action to protect this crucial marine ecosystem. The Great Barrier Reef, located off the coast of
FRENCH LAWMAKERS TO ENSHRINE ABORTION RIGHTS IN FRANCE'S CONSTITUTION The recent approval by French lawmakers to enshrine abortion rights in France's constitution has sparked discussions globally regarding reproductive rights and legal provisions related to abortion. What is Abortion? Abortion is the deliberate termination of a pregnancy, usually within the first 28 weeks of gestation. It
NEW SATELLITE-BASED TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM TO REPLACE OLD SYSTEMS The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in India has unveiled plans to introduce a new highway toll collection system based on the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). This system aims to revolutionize toll collection by leveraging satellite technology for accurate tracking and seamless transactions. New
CREDIT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM FOR JAN AUSHADHI KENDRAS The recent inauguration of a credit assistance program for Jan Aushadhi Kendras (JAK) by the Union Minister for Chemicals & Fertilizers and Health & Family Welfare marks a significant step towards improving access to affordable medicines across India. Jan Aushadhi Kendra Credit Assistance Program: Program Overview: Government of
HUMAN DEVELOPMENT REPORT 2024 The Human Development Report (HDR) is an annual publication by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) that assesses the global state of human development. The 2023-24 HDR, titled 'Breaking the Gridlock: Reimagining Cooperation in a Polarised World,' sheds light on various aspects of human development, offering insights into global inequalities and
PANDAVULA GUTTA DESIGNATED EXCLUSIVE GEO-HERITAGE SITE IN TELANGANA The recognition of Pandavula Gutta in Telangana and Ramgarh Crater in Rajasthan as geo-heritage sites marks a significant milestone in preserving India's geological legacy. These sites offer valuable insights into prehistoric life and geological phenomena, contributing to scientific knowledge and cultural heritage. Key Facts About Pandavula Gutta:
NABARD TO LAUNCH ₹1000-CRORE BLENDED FUND FOR AGRI-STARTUPS The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) has announced plans to introduce a Rs. 1,000-crore fund to support technology-driven agricultural startups and rural enterprises. This initiative highlights the importance of fostering innovation in the agricultural sector to address emerging challenges and enhance efficiency. Agri Startups
MODEL CODE OF CONDUCT COMES INTO FORCE FOR 2024 LOK SABHA ELECTIONS. The Model Code of Conduct (MCC) plays a pivotal role in maintaining the integrity and fairness of elections in India. Recently, with the announcement of voting dates for the Lok Sabha elections 2024 by the Election Commission of India (ECI), the MCC has
INTEGRATED OMBUDSMAN SCHEME(RB-IOS) The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has reported a significant spike of 68.2% in complaints under its Integrated Ombudsman Scheme (RB-IOS) for the financial year 2023, reaching a staggering figure of 703,000. This surge marks a substantial increase compared to previous years, indicating a growing trend in grievances related to financial services.
GLOBAL METHANE TRACKER 2024 The International Energy Agency (IEA) released its Global Methane Tracker 2024, highlighting concerning trends in methane emissions worldwide. Methane emissions from fuel usage reached near-record levels in 2023, underlining the urgency of addressing this potent greenhouse gas. Major Highlights of Global Methane Tracker 2024: Methane Emissions Overview: In 2023, methane emissions
CINEMATOGRAPH (CERTIFICATION) RULES, 2024 The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has introduced the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024, as part of the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023, replacing the outdated regulations from 1983. These rules aim to modernize and streamline the film certification process in India, aligning it with contemporary technological advancements and audience expectations. Key Aspects
MEASLES ACCOUNTED FOR MOST EXCESS DEATHS AS A RESULT OF COVID-19 RELATED VACCINE DISRUPTIONS The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted global immunization efforts, leading to concerns about increased disease burden and outbreak risks. A recent study published in The Lancet Global Health titled "Estimating the Health Effects of COVID-19-Related Immunization Disruptions in 112 Countries During
ON HOLI, A LOOK AT JAIPUR’S TRADITIONAL CELEBRATIONS WITH ‘GULAAL GOTA’ In Jaipur, Rajasthan, the centuries-old tradition of celebrating Holi continues to thrive, featuring the unique practice of "Gulaal Gota," a tradition steeped in history and cultural significance. About Gulaal Gota: History: Gulaal Gota is a small ball made of lac, filled with dry gulaal
NATURE-BASED SOLUTIONS CAN HELP SUNDARBANS SURVIVE The Sundarbans, the world's largest mangrove forest, faces significant environmental challenges threatening its delicate ecosystem. About Sundarbans: The Sundarbans, situated on the delta of the Ganges, Brahmaputra, and Meghna rivers, hosts diverse flora and fauna. It provides habitat to numerous species, including the endangered Royal Bengal Tiger, Gangetic dolphin,
HEPATITIS B IS A PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN IN INDIA Hepatitis, characterized by liver inflammation, poses a significant health concern globally, with various causes including viral infections and lifestyle factors. About Hepatitis: Definition: Hepatitis refers to the inflammation of the liver, which can occur due to viral infections, alcohol consumption, drug abuse, or autoimmune responses. Symptoms:
