DPN Topics
Taxing Popcorn in India: GST Controversy Sub: Eco Sec: Fiscal Policy Context: The GST Council introduced differential tax rates on popcorn based on its content: Non-branded, salted/spiced popcorn: 5% GST Pre-packaged and branded popcorn: 12% GST Caramel popcorn (sugar confectionery): 18% GST Rationale: Finance Minister Sitharaman explained that products with added sugar are […]
Khel Ratna Award Controversy Sub: Schemes Sec: Awards Why in News Manu Bhaker, a double Olympic medallist in shooting, was reportedly excluded from the list of nominees for the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award, India’s highest sporting honour. This exclusion sparked controversy, leading to clarifications from both Bhaker and the Sports Ministry. […]
Understanding Age-Related Muscle Loss: The Role of Mitochondrial DNA Mutations Sub: Sci Sec: Health Why in News Recent research published in the journal Genome Research by scientists from the University of California Los Angeles and the University of Alberta, Canada, reveals a significant link between mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletion mutations and biological aging. […]
What is quantum computing? Sub: Sci Sec: Computer and IT Quantum Computers: Quantum computers are revolutionary devices that leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to solve complex problems faster than classical computers. Proposed by Richard Feynman in 1982, the idea arose from the realization that classical computers struggle to simulate quantum systems. Basics […]
Riyadh Design Law Treaty Sub : Sci Sec :IPR Why in News The Design Law Treaty (DLT) is a significant development in global intellectual property (IP) law. It aims to harmonize and streamline administrative procedures for industrial designs, providing a uniform framework for protection across member states. With India’s growing emphasis on innovation […]
Centre Scraps ‘No-Detention’ Policy for Classes 5 and 8 Sub : Polity Sec :legislation in news Why in News The Ministry of Education has notified amendments to the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Rules, 2024, officially scrapping the “no-detention” policy for Classes 5 and 8. This move allows schools […]
India’s Dependence on China for Critical Minerals Sub : Geo Sec: Eco geo Why in News India’s increasing dependence on China for critical minerals has come under scrutiny due to its implications for economic development and national security. A recent report by the Ministry of Mines (2023) identified 30 critical minerals essential for […]
How does Google’s GenCast AI, which predicts the weather, work? Sub: Sci Sec: Awareness in IT Context: Google DeepMind introduced GenCast, an advanced AI model designed to improve weather forecasting. According to a paper published in the journal Nature, GenCast outperforms existing models in predicting the weather, offering more accurate forecasts, especially for […]
Modi’s silence on 13A due to lack of pressure from T.N., Sri Lankan Tamil parties Sub: IR Sec: Places in news Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s silence on the 13th Amendment during a press conference with Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake is seen as a result of insufficient pressure from both Sri […]
Philippines set to acquire U.S. Typhon missile system Sub: IR Sec: Places in news Context: The Philippines has announced plans to acquire the U.S. Typhon missile system to enhance its maritime defence, particularly in securing its sovereignty over disputed waters. China labelled the move as provocative and dangerous, warning that it could escalate […]