News: India has formally joined over 120 countries—including the US, France, Japan, and Australia—in issuing biometric e-passports. This move aims to enhance national security, ease international travel, and align with ICAO global standards. A nationwide rollout is planned by mid-2025. e-Passports. About e-Passports A biometric e-passport is an upgraded version of the traditional passport. It… Continue reading e-Passports
Tag: 9pm Daily Factly
New Caledonia
News: A crucial mediation effort by French Overseas Minister Manuel Valls to establish a new political agreement for New Caledonia failed on May 8, throwing the French Pacific territory into deep political uncertainty. New Caledonia. About New Caledonia New Caledonia is a French unique collectivity situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, approximately 900 miles (1,500… Continue reading New Caledonia
Presidential Reference
News: In May 2025, President Droupadi Murmu made a reference to the Supreme Court under Article 143, seeking its opinion on 14 specific legal questions. This followed a recent Supreme Court judgment that prescribed timelines for Governors and the President to act on State legislation, and made such decisions subject to judicial review. Presidential Reference.… Continue reading Presidential Reference
GRAIL Mission
News: A new NASA study, using data from the GRAIL mission, has revealed major differences between the two sides of the Moon. The nearside, visible from Earth, is hotter and more geologically active than the farside. This finding could explain the Moon’s uneven surface. GRAIL Mission. About GRAIL Mission GRAIL (Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory)… Continue reading GRAIL Mission
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
News: On May 15, 2025 (IST), the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) clarified that there was no radiation leak from any nuclear facility in Pakistan. The statement responded to social media and media claims following alleged Indian airstrikes during Operation Sindoor. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) About the IAEA The IAEA is the world’s central… Continue reading International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)
Parasnath Hill
News: The Jharkhand High Court has recently directed the state government to increase deployment of home guard constables around the Parasnath Hills (Giridih district) to prevent the sale of non-vegetarian food and ensure the preservation of the sanctity of the area, amid renewed tension between the Jain and Adivasi communities. Parasnath Hill About Parasnath Hill… Continue reading Parasnath Hill
Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve
News: The Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve was recently notified by the Himachal Pradesh government. Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve. About Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve It is located in the remote and high-altitude region of Spiti Valley in Himachal Pradesh. It was officially notified on May 7, 2025, under Section 36A(1) of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972,… Continue reading Tsarap Chu Conservation Reserve
Geotube (Geobag) Technology
News: A recent study has found that the use of geotube technology in the offshore breakwater system along the Poonthura coastal stretch has led to significant improvements in the coastal landscape behind the structure. Geotube (Geobag) Technology About Geotube (Geobag) Technology Geotubes, also referred to as geobags, are large permeable containers used extensively for sludge… Continue reading Geotube (Geobag) Technology
Yak Genomics
News: Scientists from four ICAR institutions have successfully assembled the first chromosome-level genome of the Indian yak (Bos grunniens). Yak Genomics About Yak Genomics Yak Genomics involves sequencing and analyzing the genome of the domestic yak (Bos grunniens) to gain insights into its high-altitude adaptations and to enhance its productivity and overall health. Technology Used:… Continue reading Yak Genomics
Key Facts about Colombia
News: On May 14, 2025, Colombia officially joined China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The agreement was signed during a major regional leaders’ gathering in Beijing. Colombia About Colombia Location: It is situated in the northwestern part of South America, serving as a bridge between South and Central America. Borders: Land: Venezuela and Brazil to… Continue reading Key Facts about Colombia
