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RNA editing is promising to go where DNA editing can’t

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7) Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology Context ● A Massachusetts-based biotech company, Wave Life Sciences, has pioneered clinical-level RNA editing to treat genetic disorders, offering a temporary, reversible alternative to DNA editing. ● Unlike DNA edits, RNA modifications do not make permanent changes to…

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SC to consider ‘perpetual ban’ on firecrackers in the national capital

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4) Topic: GS3 – Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation Context ●  The Supreme Court of India has directed the Delhi government to consider a permanent ban on firecrackers due to severe pollution levels during Deepavali. ●  The court noted the lack of enforcement of…

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India’s Green Leap: A Shift from Fossil Fuels to Clean Energy

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressNoteDetails.aspx?NoteId=153385&ModuleId=3&reg=3&lang=1 ) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure – Energy Context ● India is undertaking significant reforms to transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2070. ● The Asian Development Bank’s Asia-Pacific Climate Report highlights India’s successful strategies, including substantial reductions in fossil fuel subsidies and innovative…

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NCST Challenges NTCA’s Village Relocation Advisory, Citing Tribal Rights and Legal Concerns in Tiger Reserves

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Express Network; Page: 07) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice Context: The National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) has raised concerns regarding a recent advisory by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which directs state forest departments to plan relocations of villages from tiger reserves. This action comes after tribal rights groups…

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Why is Delhi’s air quality deteriorating?

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10) Topic: GS3 – Environment – Environmental Pollution And Degradation Context ● As winter approaches, Delhi’s air quality is rapidly declining, with PM 2.5 levels frequently exceeding 300 due to stubble burning in Punjab. ● This seasonal issue has significant implications for public health and…

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New rocket, plus moon and Venus missions, herald new beginnings

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7) Topic: GS3 – Science and Technology Context ● The Indian government has approved various new projects in space exploration, enhancing India’s role in lunar, planetary, and satellite missions. ● These projects include the development of a new rocket, missions to the Moon and Venus,…

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India’s Crude Oil and Natural Gas Import Dependency Rises Amid Stagnant Domestic Production and Growing Demand

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Economy; Page: 13) Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy Context: India’s increasing reliance on imported crude oil and natural gas highlights the challenges of rising energy demand and limited domestic production.  Analysis of News:                             Rising Import Dependency on Crude Oil and Natural Gas India’s import dependency for crude oil and…

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Spain PM Pedro Sanchez Visits India to Boost Bilateral Ties, Inaugurate First Private Military Aircraft Plant in Vadodara

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Cover Page; Page: 01) Topic: GS2 – International Relations Context: Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, on his first official visit to India, will hold crucial talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Vadodara. The visit, the first by a Spanish PM to India in 18 years, seeks to deepen bilateral ties…

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Semaglutide Linked to Reduced Risk of Alzheimer’s Disease in Diabetic Patients

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 19) Topic: GS3 – Science & Technology Context: A recent study published in Alzheimer’s & Dementia reveals that semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist used in diabetes management, may reduce Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk by up to 70% in individuals with type 2 diabetes. This finding positions semaglutide as potentially…

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Guidelines for Dignified End-of-Life Care: Health Ministry Drafts Framework for Withdrawing Life Support in Terminally Ill Patients

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 19) Topic: GS2 – Social Justice GS4 – Ethics Context: In response to the Supreme Court’s 2018 and 2023 rulings, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare introduced draft guidelines for the withdrawal of life support in terminally ill patients. These guidelines aim to standardize the process across states…