DPN Topics
Scientists say tectonic plate tearing apart under Pacific Ocean from Japan to New Zealand Subject: Geography Section: Geomorphology Context: Scientists have discovered that several rigid tectonic plates beneath the Pacific Ocean are undergoing separation. Details: Earth’s outer shell, the lithosphere, is composed of these plates, which float atop the semi-fluid asthenosphere, with their […]
Brumation: winter is coming for reptiles Subject: Environment Section: Ecosystem Context: An alligator observed lying still underwater with only its snout visible may not necessarily be dead; it could be undergoing brumation. What is brumation? Brumation is a period of dormancy in reptiles, akin to hibernation in mammals, that occurs during colder months […]
The patterns of global warming are more important than its levels Subject: Geography Section: Climatology Rising global temperature: A recent study has reignited debates about whether the Earth’s surface temperature has surpassed the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold above pre-industrial levels. This research, conducted by scientists in Australia and the U.S., utilized palaeo-thermometry […]
Over 3 lakh ASHAs apply for Centre’s health cover Subject: Schemes Section: Health Context: The Indian government has decided to extend the Ayushman Bharat free public health cover scheme to include Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs), as well as Anganwadi workers and helpers. The Health Ministry has already collected Aadhaar details for 23 […]
Rann of Kutch and Dholavira Subject: Geography Section: Mapping Why in news? Till not so long ago in Gujarat, the distance from Bhuj to Dholavira was around 240 km via Rapar and Bhachau. But in the run-up to the G-20 Summit, the Government of India cleared 31.9 km-long Khavda-Khadir road, through the Rann […]
Serum’s HPV vaccine non-inferior to Gardasil: study Subject: Science and tech Section: Health Context: Phase-2/3 trial of Serum Institute of India’s human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine Cervavac conducted at 12 tertiary care hospitals across India in girls and boys aged 9-14 years has found the vaccine to be safe and non-inferior to a comparator […]
CSIR NAL flies test-drone that can double up as ‘pseudo satellite’ Subject: Science and tech Section: Msc Context: National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) successfully tests solar-powered High Altitude Pseudo Satellite (HAPS), a UAV. About HAPS: HAPS are like drones, except that they are expected to be in the stratosphere — well above where commercial […]
What are the changes in the new Water Act? Subject: Environment Section: Biodiversity Context: The Lok Sabha passed the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 2024 to replace the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, of 1974. What is the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act of 1974? The […]
Pollinator-plant interactions disrupted by nitrate radicals Subject: Environment Section: Biodiversity Context: Air pollutants reduce nocturnal hawkmoth pollination of evening primrose flowers by altering the flowers’ appealing scents, as per a study. Details: The findings illustrate the impact of anthropogenic airborne pollutants on an animal’s olfactory ability and suggest that such pollutants may limit […]
Swaminathan, Rao, Singh to get Bharat Ratna Subject: Polity Section: Constitution Bharat Ratna: It is the highest civilian award, Instituted on 2nd January 1954. The first recipients of it were C. Rajagopalachari, Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan; and C. V. Raman, who were honoured in 1954. Till date, 53 individuals, including 18 posthumously. The original statutes did […]