Why in the News ? The suspension of Brazil’s Butantan-DV dengue vaccine after reports of severe adverse events and two deaths has raised concerns about the safety of India’s upcoming DengiAll vaccine, as both are based on similar vaccine technology. This development highlights the importance of the precautionary principle in vaccine deployment. Concerns Over India’s…
Why in the News ? A recent study published in the journal Science has produced the first global map of Arbuscular Mycorrhizal (AM) fungi, revealing their enormous underground networks and highlighting their critical role in carbon sequestration, biodiversity conservation, and climate change mitigation. This comprehensive environmental impact assessment of fungal ecosystems underscores their importance in…
Why in the News ? The 52nd G7 Summit has commenced in France, with India participating as an Outreach Partner Country for the 13th time. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend outreach sessions, highlighting India’s growing role in global governance, environmental democracy, and international diplomacy. India’s Participation and Strategic Significance: ● The 52nd G7 Summit…
Why in the News ? The Union Government has exempted higher ethanol-petrol blends (E22–E30) from central excise duty and proposed rules for E85 and E100 fuels, signaling India’s move beyond E20 fuel to reduce crude oil imports and strengthen energy security while promoting a pollution free environment. India’s Ethanol Roadmap and Strategic Objectives: ● The…
Why in the News ? The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced detailed Codes of Practice for Siddha therapies such as Pugai and Poti Timirtal, mandating patient screening, informed consent, treatment documentation, and adverse-event reporting to improve safety and standardization in traditional healthcare. BIS Introduces New Safety Standards for Siddha: ● BIS has issued…
Why in the News ? The Tripura Government is organizing the Tripura Global Pineapple Festival 2025 in New Delhi to promote the state’s famous Queen Pineapple internationally, strengthen export linkages, and establish it as a global agricultural brand. Tripura’s Push to Globalise Queen Pineapple: ● The state is promoting “Tripura Queen Pineapple” as an…
Why in the News ? The 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum concluded in New Delhi with the adoption of the Urban Ministerial Declaration, reaffirming member countries’ commitment to building inclusive, sustainable, resilient, and liveable cities through enhanced cooperation and people-centric urban development strategies. Key Outcomes of the 13th BRICS Urbanisation Forum ● The forum was organized…
Why in the News ? The IndiaAI Mission has launched Varya, an indigenous video-generation AI model developed by Avtaar. Designed to make advanced video AI more affordable and culturally relevant, Varya marks a significant step in India’s efforts to build self-reliant Artificial Intelligence (AI) capabilities. Varya: India’s New Indigenous Video AI Model ● Varya is…
Why in the News ? A major breakthrough in the excavation phase of the Zojila Tunnel Project has brought India closer to establishing all-weather connectivity between Kashmir Valley and Ladakh, significantly strengthening both civilian access and military logistics in the region. Zojila Tunnel: Key Features and Progress ● The Zojila Tunnel is the world’s longest…
Why in the News ? Recent instances of youth dissatisfaction and unemployment concerns have renewed focus on India’s employment situation. Data on Employment Rate (ER) indicates that despite economic growth, a smaller proportion of the working-age population is employed today compared to a decade ago. Employment Trends Over the Last Decade ● Employment data from…