DPN Topics
From restoring forests to river basins, seven conservation initiatives across continents recognised by UN Subject: Environment Section: International Conventions Context: The United Nations has named seven initiatives from Africa, Latin America, the Mediterranean, and Southeast Asia as World Restoration Flagships. These projects aim to revive and preserve ecosystems on the brink of degradation […]
Gupteswar forest in Odisha declared as Bio-Diversity Heritage site Subject: Environment Section: Protected Area Context: The pristine Gupteswar Forest, adjacent to Gupteswar Shiva temple in Odisha’s Koraput district has been declared as the fourth Biodiversity-Heritage Site ( BHS) of the state. Details: The state has now four BHSs. The other three are Mandasaru […]
The role of X chromosome in auto-immune diseases Subject: Science and tech Section: Health Context: A 2023 University of Oxford study shows autoimmune diseases affect about 10% of the population, with a higher incidence in women (13%) than men (7%). Details: The higher susceptibility of women to autoimmune diseases has puzzled researchers for […]
PM announces Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana Subject: Schemes Section: Environment Context: The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi announced the launch of rooftop solar scheme for free electricity – PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana. More on news: The scheme was first announced by finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman during the Interim Budget 2024-25. […]
Why India wants to develop high-altitude pseudo-satellite vehicles, powered by the Sun Subject: Science and tech Section: Space tech Context: The Bengaluru-based National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) successfully flew a prototype of a new-generation unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is being seen as a huge technology breakthrough. More on news: HAPS technology is still […]
State borrowing limits: Ready for dialogue with Kerala, Centre informs SC Subject: Polity Section: Federalism Context: The Union government informed the Supreme Court on Tuesday that it is prepared to engage with the Kerala government on the limits the Centre imposed on the state’s borrowing powers. More on news: This development came after […]
Cutting lianas can boost carbon sequestration in forests, finds study Subject: Environment Section: Species in news Context: A study published in 2023 has shed light on the carbon sequestration and timber production benefits of removing lianas, long-stemmed woody vines, from trees in managed forests. Details of the study: Lianas, which can significantly hinder […]
Migratory species facing peril globally show the report, as CMS COP14 begins in Samarkand Subject: Environment Section: International Conventions Context: A report released at the 14th Conference of Parties (COP14) to the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species (CMS) of Wild Animals in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, on February 12, 2024, highlights the dire […]
Is the Great Indian Bustard on the verge of local extinction? Subject: Environment Section: Species in news Context: The Great Indian Bustard (GIB), a critically endangered bird with a global population of fewer than 140 individuals, faces the threat of local extinction in the Rollapadu Wildlife Sanctuary in Nandyal district of Andhra Pradesh, […]
Scientists plan to build even larger atom-smasher by 2040 Subject: Science and tech Section: Space tech Context: Scientists at CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, are making strides towards initiating a multibillion-euro project for constructing a larger and more potent particle collider, the Future Circular Collider (FCC), aimed at delving deeper into […]