Month: April 2024
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Hangor Class Submarine
Ref : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/pakistan-hangor-class-submarines-9297350/ Why in the news? Basic Characteristics Comparison with India’s Kalvari class Origin Developed as an export variant of Chinese Type 039A Yuan class. Developed indigenously by India. Name Origin Named after the PNS Hangor, a submarine of the Pakistan Navy. Named after a tiger shark. Propulsion Diesel-electric with an Air Independent Propulsion…
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Phi-3-mini
Ref : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/microsoft-phi-3-mini-ai-model-llm-9290253/ How is Phi-3-mini different from Large language Models? Aspect Phi-3-mini Large Language Models (LLMs) Model Size Small Large Cost-effectiveness Cost-effective for development & operation Expensive Device Compatibility Better performance on smaller devices like laptops & smartphones Typically require high-end hardware Resource Efficiency Efficient in resource-constrained environments like on-device & offline inference Resource-intensive…
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Global Plastic Treaty Talks
Ref : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/global-plastic-pollution-treaty-9292563/ Why in the news? Background United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA): Aspect Description Creation Established in June 2012 by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 67/213 Purpose To serve as the highest-level global environmental decision-making body within the United Nations system Functions – Sets global environmental policies and priorities – Provides guidance…
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Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT)
Why in the news? On Friday, April 26, the Supreme Court of India dismissed the plea for 100% verification of Voter Verified Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) in Indian elections. Ref : https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/supreme-court-rejects-vvpat-elections-case-9291828/ Evolution of voting in India What are Voter Verified Paper Audit Trails (VVPATs)? How does the verification process work? EVM and VVPAT Feature…
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Minimum Support Price (MSP)
Ref: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/watch-what-is-minimum-support-price/article67894764.ece Introduction: Recently, farmer groups have requested a legal assurance for the procurement of crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP). Minimum support price (MSP) was introduced in 1966-67 as part of agricultural reforms by the Central Government. Need for MSP How Does the Government Decide on the MSP? Three Kinds of Production Cost: Legal…
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UK’s Rwanda Plan
Ref : https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/uks-rwanda-bill-why-its-a-solution-that-doesnt-work-9289157/ Why in the news? What is Rwanda (Asylum and Immigration) Bill? Need: Key Elements of the Act: Addressing Legal Challenges: Implications and Controversy: UK Government’s Policy on Rwanda: Criticism of UK’s Rwanda Plan: Intervention: In 2022, the ECHR halted the departure of the first plane destined for Rwanda, raising legal concerns.
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INDIAN OCEAN DIPOLE
Indian Ocean Dipole
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LA NINA
What is La Nina? La Nina is a climate phenomenon characterised by cooler-than-average sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator, which can have significant impacts on weather patterns around the world. LA NINA triggers the following events: Global Impacts Impact on India: In some regions of India, La Nina…
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EL NINO
What is El Nino? El Nino is a complex climate phenomenon characterised by the abnormal warming of Sea Surface Temperature (SST) in the Eastern Pacific Ocean. ENSO Under normal conditions, the tropical south Pacific ocean witnesses high pressure whereas the tropical Indian Ocean undergoes low pressure conditions. Sometimes, these pressure conditions are reversed, resulting in…
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Generic Medicine
Ref : https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/changes-law-medicines-more-expensive-not-better-9279623/ What is Generic Medicine? Generic medicines and vaccines are replicated versions of originally researched drugs. Drugs like Aspirin and Paracetamol, which are generics, are often sold under brand names like Disprin and Crocin. Need in India Steps taken to promote generic medicine in India Generic Medicines are not successful in India –…
Monthly Current Affairs