DPN
Military leaders of Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso sign mutual defence pact Subject: IR Section: Places in news Introduction Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger signed the Liptako-Gourma Charter, forming the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The goal of the pact is to establish collective defense and mutual assistance, primarily focused on combating terrorism […]
Moonquakes: testament to lunar ordeal Subject: Science and technology Section: Space technology What are Moonquakes? An earthquake is caused when tectonic plates shift. But quakes themselves aren’t restricted to the earth. Small tremors have also been detected on the moon. But they are not because of tectonic plates. Instead, the moon is groaning […]
How Basmati in India is reaping the rewards of research Subject: Science and technology Section: Biotechnology Context: Basmati rice’s annual exports from India have soared, from 0.3-0.35 million tonnes (mt) valued at $200-250 million to 4.5-4.6 mt worth $4.7-4.8 billion, in the past three decades. Much of this has been courtesy of scientists […]
CM is duty bound to reply to governor’s quarry Subject: Polity Section: Executive Context: Punjab governor Banwari lal purohit accused the CM Bhagwat mann of not giving proper responses to his queries about corruption and various anomalies in governance, and warned that he could invoke Article 356, which provides for President’s Rule. Constitutional […]
Cats are killing India’s birds. Are we paying attention? Subject: Environment Section: Species in news Context: The State of Birds in India 2023 report highlighted that the bird population in India is declining. And one of the reasons is a silent bird-killer in urban areas of India- Cat. Landscape of fear: One study […]
Santiniketan makes it to UNESCO World Heritage list Subject: History Section: Arts and culture Context: Santi Niketan, the town in West Bengal, was included in the UNESCO World Heritage list during the 45th Session of the World Heritage Committee in Saudi Arabia. About Shanti Niketan: Established in 1901 by the Nobel Laureate Gurudev […]
G20 Summit: Big push towards achieving net zero Subject: Environment Section: International Conventions In News: G20 summit held under India’s Presidency has been significant for the global fight against climate change. Key Points: The G20 estimated the need for $5.8-5.9 trillion before 2030 to achieve climate goals and an additional $4 trillion per […]
Buy, use, return, and claim a small refund Subject: Environment Section: Pollution Key Points: The Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS), part of the E-Waste Management Rules 2016 never took off. There is now an attempt to resurrect its potential. What is DRS? Deposit Refund Scheme (DRS) and was seen as an effective e-waste management […]
Deposit taking NBFCs down to record low of 34 Subject: Economy Section: Monetary Policy In News: The number of deposit-taking NBFCs has fallen to a record low of 34 in FY23, from 69 in pre-pandemic FY20. Key Points: The number of deposit-taking NBFCs has fallen to a record low of 34 in FY23, […]
NABARD to issue social bonds Subject: Economy Section: Monetary Policy In News: Nabard to list Social Bonds under sustainability bond framework. Key Points: In a first-of-its-kind borrowing instrument, the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD.) has said it will be listing the first of its social bonds on September 29 with […]