Context Recently, the Centre has accepted the recommendation of the Central Board of Trustees (CBT) of the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) to increase the interest rate of deposits in Provident Fund (PF) to 8.15%. About the information: The new rate will be applicable Read More …
Month: July 2023
Expansion of Permafrost Thawing: Batagaika Crater
Context: The Batagaika crater, the world’s largest permafrost crater, is expanding at an alarming rate due to the thawing of the permafrost, a phenomenon catalysed by global warming. About Batagaika crater: Location: The crater is located in the Sakha Republic. Sakha is the Read More …
Ludwigia peruviana
Context “Ludwigia peruviana”, an aquatic weed native to countries like Central and South America, is threatening elephant habitats in Valparai, Tamil Nadu which is further reviving the risk of human-elephant conflicts in the region. About the species: Ludwigia peruviana is an aquatic, sometimes deciduous species of flowering plant Read More …
Antiquities and Art Treasure Act
Context: Recently, the United States handed over 105 trafficked antiquities to India. Probable Question: Q. What are the challenges faced by India in preserving and protecting its antiquities and art treasures, and what measures has the country taken to address these Read More …
One Web
Context: Gujarat’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) signed a MoU with One Web India Communications Pvt Ltd to establish India’s first ‘satellite network portal site’ in Mehsana, Gujarat. About One Web: It is a UK-based global communication network powered from space, enabling connectivity Read More …
Bedaquiline
Context: Recently, the primary patent of Janssen Pharmaceuticals, over bedaquiline expired. As a result, Indian manufacturers will now be able to supply generic versions of bedaquiline. About Bedaquiline: Bedaquiline is a medication used in the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB). It is an antibiotic that targets the bacteria responsible Read More …
Patents Act overrides the Competition Act
Context: The Delhi High Court ruled that the Patents Act, will take precedence over the Competition Act concerning the exercise of rights by a patent holder. About the Case: The case involved appeals by agrochemical company Monsanto and telecom company Read More …
G20 Energy Ministers’ Meet
Context: India’s Prime Minister, addressed the G20 Energy Ministers Meet in Goa. On the sideline of the Meeting, a standalone event on Consultations and Recommendations for the Global Biofuels Alliance was organized. Key Outcomes of the Summit: High-Level Voluntary Principles on Hydrogen: The Read More …
Climate Financing
Context: The Summit for a New Global Financing Pact, hosted by France made progress in addressing the contentious issue of climate financing, but several important issues remain unresolved. Probable Question: Q. Discuss the various challenges faced towards climate financing. Suggest the way forward to Read More …
Disaster Risk Reduction
Context: Recently, the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR) was released by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR). Probable Question: Q. Discuss the main findings and recommendations of the Global Assessment Report on Disaster Risk Reduction (GAR) was released Read More …