The Study IAS

Tag: GS-3

  • Reassessment of FTA Negotiation under BIMSTEC

    Context: The Union Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal called for Re-evaluation of the BIMSTEC Free Trade Agreement Approach Due to Slow Progress.   About BIMSTEC FTA negotiation: The bloc has been negotiating a proposed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) since 2004, with 22 rounds of talks held so far including the last round that was held in…

  • Powering up to Get to the $30-Trillion Economy Point

    Context: India aims to reach a $30-trillion economy by 2047, focusing on rapid economic growth through liberal policies and private sector engagement, despite concerns about income inequality.   Current Economic Achievements: Growth Rate: India’s GDP growth rate of over 7% makes it the fastest-growing large economy, with projections of the 21st century being “India’s century.”…

  • Sub-Zero temperature batteries

    Context: Recently, experts from the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) have developed a battery that functions efficiently in sub-zero temperatures, benefiting both armed forces and civilians in high-altitude areas.   Overview of the Batteries: The battery combines an efficient, durable cathode catalyst with an anti-freezing electrolyte, specifically designed for zinc-air batteries. It is…

  • New Irrigation Canal in Water-Starved Punjab

    Context: Nearly seven decades after the construction of key irrigation canals like the Bhakra Main Line (BML), Sirhind Feeder, and Bist Doab canals, the Punjab government is proposing a new and substantial irrigation initiative.   More on News: The proposed Malwa Canal, spanning approximately 150 km long, in the state’s southwestern corner, at a cost…

  • A Novel Methanotroph: Methylocucumis oryzae

    Context: India has reported its first cultures of indigenous natural methane-mitigating agents from rice fields and wetlands, mainly in Western India. These microorganisms play a crucial role in mitigating the effects of global warming and climate change by targeting methane, a potent greenhouse gas.   About Methylocucumis oryzae: The novel methanotroph, Methylocucumis oryzae, was identified…

  • Continuation of the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme

    Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has announced the continuation of the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for short-term loans availed through the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) for agriculture and allied activities during the financial year 2024-25.   About the extended Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS) for 2024-25: Loan Limits: Up to ₹3 lakh…

  • Exploration of Deep Ocean Habitats by Using Animal-borne Video

    Context: The researchers in Australia identified six benthic habitats spanning 5,000 square km of seabed in southern Australia using video data captured by sea lions.  The data is valuable for both protecting endangered species and surveying other marine species.   More on News: Many underwater habitats in Australia remain unmapped and poorly understood. Traditional seabed…

  • Roofing Highways with Solar Panels

    Context: The study led by a remote sensing scientist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences proposes that solar roofs over highways could generate substantial electricity and protect vehicles from adverse weather.   More on News: New research suggests that it could significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions and road accidents effectively transforming road networks into expansive…

  • Bio-Bitumen Utilisation in Indian Road Infrastructure

    Context: The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has approved two research projects to focus on laboratory evaluation of bio-bitumen and assessing its long-term performance in road pavements.   More on News: Projects are assigned to IIT Roorkee and Central Road Research Institute (CRRI) New Delhi in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP)…

  • India’s Khadi Industry

    Context: National Handloom Day is commemorated annually on August 7. On this occasion, it is pertinent to understand the rich heritage of Khadi textiles in India.   About Khadi:  Khadi, derived from the term “khaddar,” is a hand-spun and hand-woven fabric primarily from India. It is made from natural fibres such as cotton, silk, or…

  • Debate Over Goods and Services Tax (GST) on Health Insurance

    Context: Insurance companies increased premiums for health and life insurance policies this year with some policies experiencing up to a 50% rise.  Combined with 18% GST, this has made insurance less affordable for many people in the country.   More on News:  Insurance companies’ significant premium increases, raised concerns, indicating plans to address the issue…

  • Social Benefits of Stock Market Speculation

    Context: The Government of India, in its Budget, raised taxes on both short-term and long-term capital gains made in the stock market and also raised the securities transaction tax on derivatives transactions.   More in News: The government has proposed a uniform long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax rate of 12.5% across all asset classes, replacing…

  • New Method to Combine Conventional Internet with the Quantum Internet

    Context: A team of researchers from the Institute of Photonics at Leibniz University Hannover have created a novel transmitter-receiver system for sending entangled photons through optical fibres.    Key Highlights: This breakthrough could pave the way for the quantum internet, allowing next-generation telecommunications to be routed through optical fibres. Colour Synchronisation: The researchers can adjust…

  • Genetic Testing in Sports

    Context: The growing use of genetic testing in sports has attracted considerable interest, especially as athletes gear up for the 2024 Paris Olympics, it has sparked debates about the potential advantages and ethical concerns surrounding genetic screening in athletics.   More on the news: Indian table tennis player Sharath Kamal used genetic screening to enhance…

  • Sunscreens and the Marine Environment

    Context: After three years of research, it’s clear that sunscreens can harm the marine environment. Even at low concentrations, they may cause coral bleaching, damage marine life, and affect water quality.       Key Highlights: Research has focused primarily on tropical climates where chemical UV filters have been observed to cause rapid coral bleaching in various oceans, including…

  • New Biomaterial Regrows Damaged Cartilage in Joints

    Context: Recently, Northwestern University scientists have developed a new bioactive material that successfully regenerated high-quality cartilage in the knee joints of a large-animal model.   Study Details: The material was tested in sheep with cartilage defects in the stifle joint, similar to the human knee. Researchers applied the material to damaged cartilage in the animals‘…

  • India’s Steel Trade Deficit Surges

    Context: India’s steel trade deficit increased to ₹6,704 crore in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024-25 (Q1 FY25), due to substantial rise in imports and decline in exports.  This marks a shift from the previous year, where India reported a surplus of ₹3,698 crore in Q1 FY24.   More on News: Finished steel imports…

  • Four-Ringed Butterfly: Ypthima Cantliei

      Context: Recently, a four-ringed butterfly, Ypthima cantliei, has resurfaced in the Namdapha National Park after 61 years.   Overview of Ypthima cantlie: The butterfly was recorded in 2018 at Namdapha National Park, located in Arunachal Pradesh, bordering Myanmar. Arunachal Pradesh is home to over 600 of India’s 1,327 recorded butterfly species. Namdapha National Park…

  • Study of Kindlins Reveals Novel Pathways for Cancer Treatment

    Context: A recent study from the SN Bose National Centre for Basic Sciences in Kolkata, explores the role of Kindlins adapter proteins, crucial for cellular signalling and mechanical homeostasis in cancer.    Key Findings of the Research: Researchers Focus was placed on Kindlins’ role in tumour progression, metastasis, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The research suggests…

  • e-Sankhyiki Portal

    Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) recently unveiled the e-Sankhyiki Portal, a significant step toward improving data accessibility and dissemination of official statistics in India.   What is the e-Sankhyiki Portal? The Portal serves as a definitive source for comprehensive and reliable statistical data.  Objectives: The portal acts as a single point…

  • World Trade Statistical Review 2023

    Context: The World Trade Statistical Review 2023 provides a detailed analysis of recent developments in global trade, against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions, macroeconomic challenges, and technological shifts.   Global Trade Overview: In 2022, Global merchandise trade volume grew by 4.7%, reflecting the resilience of the international trading system amid global challenges. Developed Economies: Growth…