GENE OF THRONES: HOW RULERS' GENOMES REVEAL THE RISE AND FALL OF EMPIRES TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY– SOURCE: THE HINDU Palaeogenomics, the analysis of ancient DNA from archaeological sites, has revolutionized the understanding of human history. By studying the genetic makeup of ancient rulers and populations, researchers can unravel the complex dynamics that shaped
DE-HYPHENATING RICE AND WHEAT PRODUCTION Policymakers are now advocating for de-hyphenating the production and policy approaches towards rice and wheat. This is due to differences in their production patterns, consumption trends, and challenges posed by climate change. While India enjoys surplus rice production, wheat is facing a deficit due to increasing demand and fluctuating production
BioE3 POLICY The BioE3 Policy has been introduced by the Department of Biotechnology with the aim to foster high-performance biomanufacturing in India. It aligns with national goals such as achieving a 'Net Zero' carbon economy and promoting sustainable development through a circular bioeconomy. This policy is also focused on job creation, especially in tier-II and
DECLARED AS NON-CITIZENS BY FOREIGNERS’ TRIBUNALS, 28 IN ASSAM SENT TO ‘TRANSIT CAMP’ TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE– SOURCE: THE HINDU In Assam’s Barpeta district, 28 individuals were sent to a transit camp in Goalpara district after being declared non-citizens by the Foreigners’ Tribunals (FTs). This incident highlights the ongoing efforts by the Assam government
GOVERNMENT’S EFFORTS FOR LGBTQIA+ INCLUSIVITY The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment (DoSJE) has initiated a public consultation process to enhance inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community. This move follows key actions by the Government of India in response to directives from the Supreme Court (SC) in 2023 to protect queer rights and clarify their entitlements.
OPEC+ DISCUSSING DELAY TO PLANNED OIL OUTPUT HIKE IN OCTOBER The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its alliance OPEC+ play a crucial role in determining global oil production and prices. Recently, OPEC+ nations have announced a reduction in oil output, raising concerns about global oil markets and India’s energy security. As India’s
GENOME MAPPING OF CHANDIPURA VIRUS TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY– SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) recently mapped the genome of the Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV), a virus causing severe encephalitis and brain swelling cases in Gujarat. The mapping provides insights into the virus's behaviour, mutations, and its impact on public health. What
DISASTER MANAGEMENT (AMENDMENT) BILL, 2024 The Indian government recently introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 in the Lok Sabha to make significant changes to the existing Disaster Management Act, 2005. The amendment aims to strengthen disaster response mechanisms, improve coordination, and decentralize disaster management. However, it has sparked debates regarding the increased centralization of
HOUSEHOLD SAVINGS IN INDIA POST-PANDEMIC The Deputy Governor of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), during the Financing 3.0 Summit by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), emphasized the importance of household savings in the post-pandemic recovery phase. With significant changes in saving patterns, especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, household savings are becoming a crucial
THE IMPACT OF THE FOOD SECURITY ACT ON THE PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM (PDS) TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY– SOURCE: THE HINDU The National Food Security Act (NFSA) of 2013 aimed to enhance food security by revamping the Public Distribution System (PDS) in India. The Act addressed widespread issues like high leakage rates and inefficiencies, which were prevalent
INDIAN RAILWAYS - NUCLEAR POWERED TRAINS Indian Railways (IR) is actively exploring alternative energy sources, including nuclear power, as part of its efforts to shift from fossil fuels and reduce its carbon footprint. IR has already been working on solar and wind power projects, and now it aims to explore nuclear-powered trains to meet its
PEACE AGREEMENT BETWEEN GOVERNMENT AND INSURGENT GROUPS IN TRIPURA The Central Government, in collaboration with the state government of Tripura, recently signed a peace agreement with two major insurgent groups—National Liberation Front of Tripura (NLFT) and the All Tripura Tiger Force (ATTF). This agreement aims to end a 35-year-long insurgency, promote stability, and foster development
