WORLD BIOFUEL DAY 2024 World Biofuel Day, observed annually on August 10th, highlights the importance of biofuels as sustainable energy alternatives and celebrates advancements in this field. The day commemorates the successful operation of an engine powered by peanut oil by Sir Rudolf Diesel on August 9, 1893. The focus of World Biofuel Day 2024
DNA PROFILING IN LEGAL CONTEXT DNA profiling, or DNA fingerprinting, plays a crucial role in forensic science by identifying individuals based on their unique genetic makeup. However, recent legal developments, including a Madras High Court decision in July 2024, have reignited debates about the reliability of DNA evidence in criminal cases. About DNA Profiling DNA
DISINFORMATION, AI AND ‘CYBER CHAKRAVYUH’ TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY – SOURCE: THE HINDU The year 2024 has seen a surge in security concerns worldwide, particularly with the increasing threats posed by Artificial Intelligence (AI), disinformation, and cyber-attacks. These developments have raised alarms about the safety of critical events and infrastructure. Emerging Security Threats: AI and Disinformation:
SURAT DIAMOND INDUSTRY CRISIS TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AMD GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: ECONOMIC TIMES Surat, renowned for its diamond industry, is currently experiencing a significant downturn due to various global economic and geopolitical challenges. This crisis has led to widespread layoffs, pay cuts, and financial distress among the workers. Causes of the Crisis Global Economic Slowdown:
NATIONAL INSTITUTIONAL RANKING FRAMEWORK (NIRF) 2024 The National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF), introduced by the Ministry of Education (MoE) in 2015, is a significant initiative aimed at assessing and ranking higher education institutions in India. The NIRF rankings are highly anticipated each year, as they provide a transparent and objective evaluation of institutions based on
MELTING POLAR ICE DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE IS MAKING EARTH’S DAYS LONGER Recent scientific studies have revealed that climate change, particularly the melting of polar ice caps, is not only influencing weather patterns and sea levels but also affecting Earth's rotation. As ice melts and water redistributes, subtle but significant changes are occurring in the
SC STAYS COERCIVE STEPS AGAINST YOUTUBER ‘SAVUKKU’ TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS The Supreme Court of India recently intervened in the legal proceedings against YouTuber 'Savukku' Shankar, who was facing multiple FIRs in Tamil Nadu. The case highlights concern over free speech and the use of preventive detention laws. Supreme Court's
BALLAST WATER MANAGEMENT Ballast water management has recently come under scrutiny due to a case involving the Tamil Nadu Water Resources Department (WRD) demanding ₹160 crore from the Kamarajar Port in Ennore, Tamil Nadu, for ineffective ballast water management. The WRD claims that poor management has led to the proliferation of Mytella strigata, or charru
DISINFORMATION, AI AND ‘CYBER CHAKRAVYUH’ The year 2024 has seen a significant rise in digital threats, with Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly in forms like Generative AI and Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), posing new challenges. The evolving landscape includes risks such as digital attacks, disinformation, and cyber threats, highlighted by a global disruption caused by a
COAL INDIA MANDATED TO PAY PENALTY FOR NON-SUPPLY OF COAL SOLD IN E-AUCTIONS TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: THE HINDU The Indian government has taken a significant step by mandating Coal India Ltd. (CIL) to pay penalties for failing to supply coal procured through e-auctions. This move aims to enhance the ease of doing business, particularly
SUSTAINABLE COFFEE PRODUCTION India is recognized globally as one of the top coffee producers, renowned for its high-quality coffee varieties. However, recent environmental challenges have posed significant threats to coffee production in the country. Unfavourable weather conditions, including high temperatures, excessive rainfall, and landslides, have led to considerable losses in coffee plantations, raising concerns about
NITROGEN USE EFFICIENCY (NUE) Recent advancements in biotechnology have led to the discovery of significant variation in nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) among popular Indian rice varieties. This discovery has paved the way for the development of high-yielding, low-nitrogen varieties, which can help reduce fertilizer costs and mitigate environmental pollution. Additionally, the Prime Minister of India has
