Current affairs

Eco-Sensitive Zones, Purpose and Significance of ESZs

Context Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Goa are among the six states where the Centre has proposed eco-sensitive areas (ESA) to protect the Western Ghats. These three states have requested a reduction in the extent of these ESAs to facilitate development projects....

India is World’s Second Largest Emitter of Nitrous Oxide

Context: India is the second largest global source of nitrous oxide (N2O), according to a global assessment published in the journal Earth System Science data. Highlights of the Earth System Science Data for N2O Emissions In 2020, nearly 11% of...

Mercy Petition in India, Making Process, Constitutional Framework

Context: President Droupadi Murmu has rejected the mercy petition of Mohammed Arif, a Pakistani national and member of the Lashkar-e-Taiba. What is Mercy Petition? Definition: A mercy petition is a formal request by an individual sentenced to death or imprisonment,...

Editorial of the Day (13th June): Heatwaves as Disasters

Context: The current spell of extreme heat in various parts of the country has reignited discussions about including heatwaves as a notified disaster under the Disaster Management (DM) Act, 2005. Notified Disasters and the DM Act The Disaster Management (DM)...

Current Affairs 13th June 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

Spacex Starship Context: SpaceX’s Starship rocket achieved its first fully successful test flight. About Starship Rocket Overview: Starship is a two-stage heavy lift-off vehicle designed to transport crew and cargo to Earth orbit, the Moon, Mars, and beyond. It is...

UN Year of Quantum Science and Technology

Context: The United Nations will declare the year 2025 as the ‘International Year of Quantum Science and Technology’. Quantum Technology It utilises principles from Quantum mechanics to understand fundamental particles like atoms and subatomic particles. Exploits unique behaviours such as...

Atomic Clocks in India, Types, Working Mechanism

Context: A recent study published in Nature introduced a portable optical atomic clock using molecular iodine as the frequency standard that can be used onboard ships. What are Atomic Clocks? An atomic clock is a highly precise timekeeping instrument that...

International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS)

Context: The ITLOS took a groundbreaking step by accepting a request from the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS) to identify the obligations of states not party to the COSIS agreement, expanding the scope...

Current Affairs 12th June 2024 for UPSC Prelims Exam

New Alzheimer's Drug Context: Donanemab developed by Eli Lilly represents a potentially significant advancement in Alzheimer's treatment. About Donanemab Donanemab is a monoclonal antibody therapy developed by Eli Lilly that targets amyloid beta protein depositions in the brain, a hallmark...

Global Economic Prospects Report 2024 Key Highlights

Context The World Bank's Global Economic Prospects report projects global growth to hold steady at 2.6% in 2024, with a slight increase to an average of 2.7% in 2025-26. This growth rate remains below the pre-COVID-19 decade's average of 3.1%....