DPN

    What is the current status with respect to spice exports? Sub: Economy Sec: External sector Context: The Indian authorities have initiated several measures to ensure that Indian spices comply with food safety standards of the importing countries. Background of the news: Last month, Hong Kong and Singapore recalled certain spice mix products of […]

    How close is the World Health Organization to agreeing on pandemic response rules? Sub: IR Sec: Int org WHO Health Assembly Negotiations Health officials from the 194 member states of the World Health Organization (WHO) will meet in Geneva from May 27-June 1. Purpose: To finalize negotiations on new rules for responding to […]

    As right as rain – monsoon-inspired marketing ideas Sub: Geography Sec: Indian geography Discovery of Cherrapunji Gin: Cherrapunji Gin, a new product in a colourful metal bottle with graphics inspired by Meghalaya’s forests is found In Shillong’s Police Bazaar. The gin is made using rainwater harvested in Mawsynram, Cherrapunji’s sister town, and local […]

    Portion of Hampi’s Virupaksha temple collapses: What is its history and the threats it faces today? Sub: History Sec: Art and Culture Context: The Virupaksha temple pavilion in Hampi, Karnataka, collapsed on May 21 due to heavy rains. Details: The pavilion (saalu mantap) suffered damage, with allegations of neglect directed at the Archaeological […]

    Brazil and EU urge India for timely notifications on sugar subsidies at WTO Sub:  IR Sec: Int org Context: A group of WTO member countries, including Brazil, Canada and the European Union, have urged India to submit timely notifications on sugar subsidies in the World Trade Organisation. More on news: The issue came […]

    UAPA tribunal upholds MHA ban against seven Meitei extremist organizations Sub:  Polity Sec: Legislation Context: A tribunal under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) has upheld the Centre’s decision to declare seven valley based Meitei extremist organizations as “unlawful associations” for the next five years. More on news: In the past five years, […]

    Why COVID vaccine safety needs scrutiny Sub: Science and tech Sec: Health Context: The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) issued a letter to the researchers of Banaras Hindu University last week, countering their study on the side effects of India’s indigenous vaccine for COVID — Covaxin. What did the BHU study conclude? […]

    Why was Singapore flight turbulence severe? Sub: Science and tech Sec: Msc Context: On May 20-21, a Singapore Airlines flight, SQ321, with 211 passengers and 18 crew, from London’s Heathrow Airport to Singapore encountered severe turbulence while over the Andaman Sea/Bay of Bengal near the Irrawaddy Basin, Myanmar. More on news: The United […]

    LTCG liability to ease on cost inflation reset Sub: Economy Sec: Fiscal Policy Tags: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) liability Context: Long-term capital gains (LTCG) liability on the sale or transfer of any capital asset, such as land, property, trademarks and patents is expected to be lower this year as the Cost Inflation Index […]

    Low-lying Maldives seeks easier funding to battle waves Sub: IR Sec: Int groupings Tags: Small Island Developing States (SIDS): Context: President Mohamed Muizzu demands international funding to combat rising sea levels. Details: Maldives contributes just 0.003% of global emissions but faces severe climate crisis impacts. Wealthier nations have a moral responsibility to support […]