BRICS summit and its importance for India Subject: International Relations Section: International Groupings Context: The 15th BRICS Summit will be hosted by South-Africa in Johannesburg. More about 15th BRICS Summit: The 15th BRICS Summit is scheduled to be held in Johannesburg,South-Africa. The theme of the Summit is “BRICS and Africa: Partnership for Mutually […]
INS Vagir Subject: Science and Technology Section: Defence Context: For the first time, the Indian Navy’s INS Vagir, a Scorpene-class submarine, has been deployed to Australia on an extended-range mission. More about INS Vagir: It is a Kalvari-class submarine, which includes vessels, such as the INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela […]
Blood trail from the 1857 war to a flight down South Subject: History Section: Modern India Introduction Uncovering Descendants of 1857 Ajnala Massacre Victims The Ajnala massacre occurred during India’s 1857 first War of Independence. Event led to significant migration of families from northern India to the southern regions. Victims were from the […]
CSIR’s New Lotus Variety ‘Namoh 108’: A Grand Gift to PM Modi Subject: Science and Technology Section: Biotechnology Context Union Science Minister Jitendra Singh unveils the ‘Namoh 108’ lotus variety at CSIR-National Botanical Research Institute, Lucknow. The variety is described as a grand gift to PM Narendra Modi, recognizing his relentless zeal and […]
“Oil-eating” Microbes and Hydrocarbon Biodegradation Subject: Science and Technology Section: Biotechnology Introduction: Alcanivorax borkumensis bacteria have specialized biofilm formation Reshaping oil droplets increases the consumption rate The study investigates the optimization of oil biodegradation and consumption mechanisms Obligate Hydrocarbonoclastic Bacteria (OHCB) and Bioremediation OHCB uniquely consumes hydrocarbons as its sole carbon and energy […]
Observations of Wolf-Rayet Star Indicate Potential Magnetar Formation in Supernova Subject: Science and Technology Section: Space technology Introduction: Observations and stellar evolution models suggest a connection between a Wolf-Rayet star and magnetar production during a supernova. This study offers insights into the formation process of magnetars, which are characterized by extremely powerful magnetic […]
Pipeline Excavation Uncovers Megalithic Site in Kerala Subject: History Section: Ancient India Context Recent salvage excavation by State Archaeology Department at Nagaparamba, Kuttippuram village, near Tirunavaya, Kerala. Discovery of numerous megalithic hat stones, also known as Thoppikkallu, used as lids for burial urns during the megalithic era. Key Findings: The unprotected site reveals […]
RBI circular: ‘Reset of Floating Interest Rate on Equated Monthly Instalments (EMI) based Personal Loans’ Subject: Economy Section: Monetary Policy RBI’s Guidelines on Interest Rate Reset: Lenders must provide borrowers with clear information about how changes in the benchmark interest rate can affect personal loans. Communicate potential changes in EMI and/or tenor during […]
India’s first 3D-printed post office inaugurated in Bengaluru: How does 3D printing work? Subject: Science and Technology Section: Msc Context: India’s first 3D-printed post office was virtually inaugurated by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in Bengaluru’s Cambridge Layout on Friday (August 18). Details: Multinational company Larsen & Toubro Limited built the post office with […]
Bacterial reshaping speeds hydrocarbon breakdown Subject: Science and technology Section: Biotechnology Context: Specialized marine bacteria that bloom following oil spills form unique biofilms that reshape the oil droplets, allowing more bacteria to feed at once. The finding improves scientists’ understanding of the processes that drive biodegradation of spilled oil. Details: The bacterium Alcanivorax […]