In News ∙ Judges at the International Court of Justice(ICJ) opened two days of legal arguments in a case filed by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza war. About Issue ∙ South Africa had moved the ICJ, invoking the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, 1948, against Israel, […]
News ∙ The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) recently signed contracts for 10 blocks awarded under Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP). Open Acreage Licensing Policy (OALP) ∙ Launched in June 2017, it empowers companies to carve out exploration blocks of their choice, offering greater flexibility and potential for faster discoveries. Core Principles of
Context: ∙ Recently, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Punjab have released mosquitofish into local water bodies to address a mosquito menace. About Mosquitofish ∙ The biological control of mosquitoes, introducing mosquitofish in freshwater ecosystems to feed on mosquito larvae became a prominent way to control mosquito menace. ∙ It is a prominent alternative to chemical solutions
Context: ∙ Scientists have mapped the largest deep-sea coral reef off the US Atlantic coast. ∙ The Great Barrier Reef in Australia is the biggest tropical coral reef system in the world. More about the News ∙ The reef was found at depths ranging from 200 metres to 1,000 metres where sunlight doesn’t penetrate. ∙
Context ∙ Introduction of Alien Species causes disruption to the coevolutionary balance between plants and ungulates. What are Ungulates? ∙ Ungulates are hoofed mammals that walk on their toes. The word ungulate comes from the Latin word “unguis” , which means nail, claw or hoof. ∙ Ungulates are divided into two classes: even-toed ungulates such
Context: ∙ The 9th edition of the Pakke Paga Hornbill Festival (PPHF) commenced to protect and conserve hornbills. About ∙ The Festival was organised at Seijosa, Pakke Kessang District of Arunachal Pradesh. ∙ It is home to four species of hornbills, namely Wreathed, Great Indian, Oriental Pied and the endangered Rufous-necked. ∙ The area is
Context: ∙ A ‘Vulture Restaurant’ has been established in Koderma of Jharkhand to conserve the declining vulture population. About the Vulture Restaurant ∙ It is an undisturbed area where non-toxic, poison-free meat and carcasses are provided for vultures and other scavengers. ∙ The initiative aims to address the adverse impact of livestock drugs, particularly diclofenac,
Context: ∙ NIA achieved a 94.70% conviction rate in 2023. About National Investigation Agency (NIA) ∙ Institutional Establishment: ∙ The Union government enacted the National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act after the wake of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack in November 2008 and it is presently functioning as the Central Counter Terrorism Law Enforcement Agency in
Context: ∙ The Draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill, 2023 introduced by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting broadens regulation to cover OTT platforms and digital content. Draft Bill of 2023 and OTT Platforms: ∙ The Bill expands regulatory oversight to include OTT Platforms and Digital Content, by proposing mandatory registration, content evaluation committees for self-regulation,
Context: ∙ The Centre has amended the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules of 2021. About the amended rules ∙ Rule 50 of the Central Civil Services (Pension) Rules, 2021 allows the grant of family pension following the death of a government servant or retired government servant. ∙ The amendment was formulated by The Department of
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