DPN Topics
On Monetary Policy and Financial Markets Sub: Eco Sec: Monetary Policy Global Monetary Policy Challenges: Rapid market volatility has exposed the challenges central banks face when implementing monetary policy amid strong financial markets. Central banks, like the Bank of Japan, have made interest rate adjustments (e.g., raising rates) to combat inflation and economic […]
WHO lists over 30 pathogens that could potentially start the next pandemic Sub: Sci Sec: Health Context: WHO updates its list of top pandemic threats, highlighting over 30 dangerous pathogens including Nipah and Mpox. More on the news: In a significant update, the World Health Organization (WHO) has revised its list of priority […]
Scientists find ‘hidden’ hormone keeping mice mothers’ bones healthy Subject: Sci Sec: Health Context: Scientists have suspected that there is another way in which the body strengthens bones, independent of oestrogen. Osteoporosis: Osteoporosis is a condition in which the body’s bones become weak and brittle. There are more than 10 million cases of […]
Beijing, Manila and allies, launch drills near South China Sea flashpoint Subject: IR Sec: Places in news Context: China’s military has launched military drills near disputed waters in the South China Sea. The Southern Theatre Command it had carried out air and sea combat patrols “near Huangyan Island” the Chinese name for the Scarborough […]
Assam group opposes Meghalaya ban on cave worship, threatens road blockade Subject: History Sec: Art and Culture Context: Meghalaya’s Tourism Minister justifies a ban by the local village council as a move against promoting a tourist spot as a religious site. More on News: About 60 km southwest of Meghalaya’s capital Shillong, Mawjymbuin […]
What is a bailey bridge, used during Wayanad rescue ops Sub: Sci Sec: Msc Context: The Indian Army’s Madras Engineer Group last week assembled a Bailey bridge at Chooralmala to reach Mundakkai village, one of the sites worst hit by the landslides in Wayanad. More on the news? The 190-foot bridge built by […]
After artificial intelligence, quantum computing eyes its big breakthrough moment Sub: Sci Sec: Awareness in IT and Computers Context: The founder of Cambridge-based Riverlane, Steve Brierley, predicts that the Quantum technology will have its “Sputnik” breakthrough within years. His company produces the world’s first dedicated quantum decoder chip, which detects and corrects the […]
Lok Sabha Passes Finance Bill, Amends Provision on LTCG Tax Sub: Eco Sec: Fiscal Policy Finance Bill, 2024 Passed: Amendment on LTCG Tax: Relaxation on the proposal for the long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax on real estate. Taxpayers can switch to a new lower tax rate or stick to the old regime with […]
The Debate Over GST on Health Insurance Sub: Eco Sec: Fiscal Policy Context: Opposition leaders are demanding the withdrawal of GST on life and health insurance premiums. The rise in insurance premiums, combined with the 18% GST, has made insurance less affordable for many people. Current GST on Insurance Premiums: GST Rate: Fixed […]